E-mail UU-Valdosta at uuvaldosta@yahoo.com  

Phone:  229-242-3714 

 

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President's Column	Thank You! Thank You!	Religious Education
Social Events!!	Social Action	UU Activities and Announcements
Board Notes!	Special Note  - Exciting news - Ministerial Search Committee!

What’s going on.…July 2002     

July …….  There are a number of interesting programs planned for this month.  Please be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday services and for several social events.  Note that those of us who wait until the last minute to decide what we are going to do (and then show up late J) need to plan ahead for one of the social events as it is a catered party and the host needs to know how many will attend.  Details are in the newsletter.  We have a visitor from St. Augustine, several of our members, and a professor from VSU, whose programs we have enjoyed in the past, presenting Sunday talks.   We all hope the Ministerial Search Committee will have welcome news for us in the weeks to come.  Clearly our new officers are already at work with ambitious plans.  Enjoy your vacations if you are away.  Come when you can to renew our community with your presence.

Theologian Sheila Harty Speaks July 21

Sheila Harty is a published and award-winning writer with a BA and MA in Theology. Her first book, Hucksters in the Classroom, won the 1980 George Orwell Award for Honesty & Clarity in Public Language. She worked for ten years with Ralph Nader as head of his Center for Study of Responsive Law, for former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, for former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, and as a consultant with the International Organization of Consumers Unions.  She also worked as an editor with the U.S. Congress, the World Bank, and the United Nations University. After 22 years in Washington DC as a public interest advocate, she moved to St Augustine, Florida in 1996 to join her aging parents.

Sheila Harty’s topic for Sunday morning July 21 will be “Intellectuals are Truly the Neglected Sheep.”  She will present a comprehensive indictment of the "dumbing down of faith." Central to her thesis is that dogma is not faith; dogma is a cultural teaching tool for the metaphysical truths behind faith, a metaphorical approach to the mystery. The masses, who accept dogma as the content of their faith, place limitations on God by too much definition. The learned and educated, who can grasp God's abstraction, cannot swallow these dogmatic circumlocutions that are passed down through the ages.  For enlightened believers, the intellect as well as faith are gifts of God. In fact, the Church Fathers held to a "double faith" concept in which the masses were taught one thing and they, the learned, believed another. We are no longer those masses, but no one is shepherding the intellectual.

This service should be an interesting continuation of the philosophical discussions brought to us by Raymond Peace and Ron Barnette last month and Betty Derrick’s discussion of UUA materials on “Building Your Own Theology.”  

Web Ed. note:  Sheila T. Harty, theologian, and our guest speaker on July 21, 2002, has provided a list of books for us.  Click here to see the list!

General Assembly Virginia Branan and Dee Tait attended General Assembly in Quebec City, Canada June 20-24.  Watch for a report of their experiences in the August newsletter!!!

 

 

 

 

Other Visitors and Sunday Programs

Dr. Jane Elza, Professor of Political Science at Valdosta State University, has spoken at our church a number of times through the years.  She will visit us on July 7.  Her topic, on this Sunday just after the 4^th, will be "American Ideology is Unique."      Dr. Elza is a specialist in constitutional law and has been an ardent activist for human rights both at the university and in our community.  She is the President-Elect for the Georgia Conference of the American Association of University Professors.

 

Diane Holliman and Halim Faisal will lead the congregation in an interactive program , “Proclaiming Our Empowering Beliefs," during the service on July 14.  A few months ago they presented a program on Deconstructing Diversity.  In the service this month they will conduct an interactive group with the congregation to illustrate this process.  Through this interactive process Diane says we will claim and proclaim empowering beliefs to use as we live in the world, strive to get along with others, and promote diversity.  Diane is a member of our congregation and  an  Assistant Professor in the Division of Social Work at VSU.  Halim often attends our services and is a professional counselor.

Religious Education

Youth R.E meets the second and fourth Sundays.  Contact Virginia Branan for information.  

Adult R.E. The series led by Hugh Jacobs will continue on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays.  The group is doing exercises from the book “Quantum Psychology” by Robert Anton Wilson.   

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News From the BOARD MEETING 

June 12, 2002

President Diane Holliman and Secretary Sharon McKenzie were the only members able to attend the meeting. They discussed the provision of funds for Dee Tait’s and Virginia Branan's trip to General Assembly.  The bylaw change, passed by the congregation at the May Annual meeting, which changes the “President-Elect” title to “Vice President”, was also discussed.  The new Board will begin its service in July. 

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President’s Column

Diane Holliman 

As Diane leaves office as our president she shares this message from Dick Creswell who is President of the MidSouth District:

 "It takes a special kind of person to be a Unitarian Universalist in Marietta, Mobile, or Muscle Shoals.  Those special traits will also be found in a UU from Panama City, Tupelo, or Douglasville.  What does it take to be a UU in the South?  Courage, conviction, and a certain degree of contrariness, since our beliefs on religious and social issues tend to be outside the mainstream.. . . It takes one more thing if a UU in the South is to be more than a voice in the wilderness.  It also takes community.  A community of faith is essential if one is to do the work of personal growth and social action that are the hallmarks of Unitarian Universalism."

In this past year, I have been honored to serve this community.  Thank you!

I look forward to seeing our community grow and flourish.  (DH)

And we thank you, Diane, for serving!  (Valdosta UUs) 

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Social Action Activities

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Virginia Branan.

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Wednesday Support Group

In the near future a Wednesday Support Group  will begin meeting on  Wednesday night at 8 PM.  The group will be open to everyone, members as well as non-members. The paradigm of the group will be established in a 12-step format with emphasis on accepting and loving. The group’s mission will be to build a community of acceptance and love.   Contact person: Charles Judah

 

Ministerial Search Committee

The committee has prepared an advertisement for the position (click here to go to announcement below), which has been distributed through UUA channels.  Virginia Branan and Dee Tait plan to attend General Assembly where they will distribute flyers about our position.  Florida District Director Mary Higgins, who is helping the committee contact potential candidates, will facilitate their efforts at GA.  The committee has also prepared materials about our church and the Valdosta community for potential candidates.  (This announcement and links to other materials are available on our website by clicking here!)

Contact a member of the committee if you have questions or suggestions:  Jim Ingram (Chair), Rosie Asbury, Virginia Branan, Betty Derrick, René Kerr, and Dee Tait. 

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News from the Florida District:

Mary Higgins, our District Director writes that this is an exciting time to be in our District.  We have re-organized and the fruit of that reorganization is beginning to be felt as we look at how to fulfill the largest, most expansive vision of our congregational life between us.  If your congregation is not yet involved with the rest of those in our district, you are missing a great source of support, energy, and hope.  Please make a resolution for the new church year to join in training and gatherings that have members of your congregation sharing their joys and struggles with other UUs  It will not drain your energy, but increase it. 

                              

Programming Plans

 Charles Judah, our new Vice President in charge of programming has already been busy!  Here are some future plans you need to know about because you need to do something to make them happen---collect water as you travel, think of your favorite music, or maybe just come to a party.  Here is some of what Charles is planning:

Water Communion service

The Water Communion service, which is quickly becoming a tradition for our congregation, is planned for September.   Collect some water from a place that you visit this summer (or from your own backyard).  Save it to bring to the Water Communion service where we will pool our samples to symbolize a reconnecting of community this fall.  You will have the opportunity to share the intellectual, moral, spiritual or other story that makes the water special for you.  (Instead of throwing that plastic film container away, use it to collect your water sample!)

Musical Communion Service

 A Musical Communion service is in the planning stages for later in the year. You will be asked to bring your favorite song, along with the story about why it is your favorite, to the service.  See Charles Judah to get your song on the program.  Charles says: “No, you don't have to sing it, just bring it on CD or tape.” (No 8 tracks or 78”s though as the church sound system can’t handle those.  Can we do 45’s?)

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!!!Social Events!!!

The program committee will be coordinating social events, that are accepting and loving to us and this community, as part of its goal to participate in the promotion of the growth of this congregation. The committee plans two  events each month to help unite us as a community and be an attraction for others who are seeking intellectual, moral, and spiritual enlightenment. One event will be a sit down dinner planned and hosted by one of our members and the other will be a book discussion or reading. Everyone will be invited to the book discussion or reading events.; however, seating will be limited for the dinners.  The host will be asked to reserve space for 2-4 non-members at the dinners with the total limited by the host.  As our congregation grows we will plan more than one dinner a month.  Larger congregations use these dinners, often referred to as dinners for eight, as a way to build community.  They offer an opportunity for closer interaction among members and a chance to get to know newcomers on a more personal level.  To host one of these events please see Charles Judah.  

For more information about already planned social events, read on!

Invitations!

Pool party

July 6th, 6 PM

Dee Tait's home 

Bring watermelon and finger food for a post 4th of July party. Bring a non-member to the party.

Catered Dinner (RSVP)

July 20, 7 PM

Fran Phillips’ Home

Before Fran Phillips moves to Langdale Place and he has invited us to a catered dinner at his home.  You are invited to bring yourself as well as an interested non-member. Because this will be a catered dinner, it is important that you sign up on the list at the church, if you plan to attend.  Please let Fran know if your plans change after you sign up. Casual dress will be fine.  Plan to enjoy a fun evening and help Fran say goodbye to his house as he moves his home to a new location.

Wedding Plans

Lea and William Atkinson’s son Robert will be married in our church in August. Members and friends are invited to help them celebrate, please contact Lea and William for more information.

Book Discussion Planned

Add “Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks to your summer reading.  There are some handouts about the book available at the church.  It is a New York Times/Washington Post notable book.  A copy is being passed around.  Speak to Charles Judah if you would like to borrow that copy.  A book discussion will be announced later for the fall.

Congratulations To   ·        High School Graduates: v     Jennifer Soady, Viki Soady’s daughter ·        Receiving tenure at VSU: v     Theresa Thompson v     Frances Paterson

 

Other News

Memorial “Garden”: Charles Judah initiated an e-mail discussion some weeks ago about the possibility of establishing memorials at the church.  The discussion was along the lines of a meditation spot or perhaps a garden.  An informal committee of Virginia Branan, Carol Stiles, and Sharon McKenzie, and Charles is discussing the possibility of establishing something in time for the fifth anniversary this fall of the move to the new building.  If you are interested in knowing more about these plans contact Charles Judah.

New arrivals:  We reach people in a variety of ways.  Carol Stiles, who is our WebPerson, has been communicating in recent months with Lisa Hamilton whose family will soon be moving to Valdosta.  Keep an eye out for Lisa and family to arrive in Valdosta in the next month or so and welcome them!

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New Officers For July 1, 2002-June 30, 2003

Congratulations to our newly elected officers: 

President: Charles Green

Vice President: Charles Judah

Secretary: Sharon McKenzie

Treasurer: René Kerr

Coordinator for Buildings and Grounds: Frank Asbury

Coordinator for Religious Education: Lars Leader   

 

Thank you for your willingness to serve in these leadership positions in our congregation in this exciting time for growth for our UU community. 

 

Thank you too to last year’s Board for their work during the past year.

 

Treasurer’s Report

June

Outstanding Debts

   Mortgage:                   $36000.00

   UUA:                                 $0.00

                                     $36000.00

Savings:                           $3069.19

Income:

   Pledge:                         $2485.00

   Plate:                                $96.00

   Rent:                              $276.85

   Fundraiser:                           $.25

                                       $2858.10

Expenses:

   Mortgage:                       $497.32

   Utilities:                          $104.59

   LAMP:                           $100.00

   Music:                              $75.00

   Speakers:                       $495.00

                                       $1271.91

 

Your Treasurer, René Kerr

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Sharon McKenzie, Charles Green

Website:  Carol Stiles

July 15: deadline for the August newsletter edition (Please be aware that the deadline for the September newsletter will be much earlier than usual because the editor will be traveling in August.)

 

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UU Activities and Announcements

 Further information is posted on the bulletin board at the church.

 

June 30-July5 Family Camp, The Mountain

June 30 deadline for registration for September 21-27 FL District Leadership School. Some scholarship funding available from the district.

July 14-19 MountainScape Appalachian Paddling and Hiking Adventure, The Mountain

July 21-27 District Office will be closed for one week

July 27-August 2 Leadership School for Social Justice (9th-12th graders) ”Art and Revolution”

August 16-18 YRUU Con for University UU, East Orlando

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings.  Beginner’s group-5:30 PM; Continuing group-6:30 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo.

 

Metropolitan Community Church - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM

 

Women’s Group The group will take a vacation during June and July and resume its regular gatherings in August. Contact René Kerr.

Congratulations To   ·        High School Graduates: v     Jennifer Soady, Viki Soady’s daughter ·        Receiving tenure at VSU: v     Theresa Thompson v     Frances Paterson

Notable News: The Newsletter of the Notable American Unitarians Project

(Carol Stiles forwarded this information for a website you might want to visit).

The Diverse Legacies of Unitarian Women
Do you know what the astrophysicist who discovered the chemical composition of the universe, the singer / songwriter who pursued social justice with a guitar and a melody, the advocate for immigrant workers who won a Nobel Peace Prize, and a founder of the NAACP all have in common?

These remarkable personalities are only a small part of the group of Unitarian women who made significant and lasting contributions to our science and culture in the quarter-century 1936-1961.  The list of such women featured in the Notable American Unitarians Project includes:

Blanche Ames Ames: Artist & Women's Rights Activist
Emily Greene Balch: Nobel Peace Laureate
Mary Blanshard: Fighter for Social Justice
Ida M. Cannon: Pioneer Medical Social Worker
Bernice Brown Cronkhite: Radcliffe College Graduate Dean
Emily Taft Douglas: US Representative, Illinois
Abigail Adams Eliot: Nursery School Movement Pioneer
Martha May Eliot: Social Pediatrician, Children's Bureau Chief
Sophia Lyon Fahs: Liberal Religious Educator
Cecila Payne-Gaposchkin: Astronomer and Astrophysicist
Clara Cook Helvie: Unitarian Ministry Pioneer
Margaret Laurence: The First Lady of Canadian Literature
Dorothea Livesay: Canadian Creator of Literary Culture
Maurine Neuberger: US Senator from Oregon
Aurelia Henry Reinhardt: Mills College President
Malvina Reynolds: Songwriter / Singer / Activist
Lillian Steichen Sandburg: Woman of a Million Names
May Sarton: A Poet
Martha Sharp Cogan:  Unitarian Service Committee Pioneer
Caroline Veatch: Philanthropist

Their photo-illustrated biographies, along with those of more than 70 other exemplars of the Unitarian Renaissance of the twentieth century, are available at http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/unitarians .

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