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President’s Portion

Dee Tait

“The right of conscience and use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large” 

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote it – the fifth of our seven principles.

How important is this principle?  Without its practice, issues might be handled more expediently. We could get on with business without wasting any precious time.  We wouldn’t have to expend as much energy thinking, either.

The down side of that is the end result could find us facing out, away from each other, making it easier and more comfortable to walk in different directions.  I believe it is essential that we turn toward each other as we did in the membership meeting Sunday afternoon, face to face, and each hear the equal voice of the other.

Surely, the fifth principle is part of the glue that holds us together! 

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Sunday Services

Our services this summer will be lay lead services.  Charles Judah has lined up some interesting speakers from our members and the community.  Let him know if you are interested in speaking one Sunday.  July 6^th    Mary Ann Hand on "A Tale of Two Proms."  Four years ago, as a newly hired

special education teacher at Valdosta High School, she was given the task to coordinate the yearly prom.  At that time, the school-sponsored prom was attended almost exclusively by African-American students.  White students went to an invitation-only alternative party.  By her own determined effort over the next three years, Mary Ann transformed the prom into a school-wide event attended by nearly as many white as African-American students.  Mary Ann has been a teacher since 1981 and was Valdosta High’s Teacher of the Year in 2002. On July 13^th    Mike Carmichael, one of our UU members, will speak on “The Universe is Stranger Than You Believe.”  Mike is a 42 Year veteran of South Georgia, twice published, once by “Free Thought Today” once by “Atlanta Free Thought Society.” He is currently living in south Brooks County as a hermit with two dogs and 1.5 cats.  Carol Stiles will be our speaker on July 20^th.  Her topic will be "Check-out Counter Stories," which she describes as a light-hearted look at daily interactions, with some reflections on the importance of diversity and acceptance.  She says come prepared to share your humorous check-out counter interactions!  Carol became a member of our congregation when she joined the biology faculty at VSU a few years back.  She has since moved to Gainesville, FL where she is a member of the University of Florida faculty.  Carol though is still a regular at our services and performs invaluable service for us as our webperson.  Carol has been especially diligent recently forwarding and replying to the numerous e-mail notes sent after the church was vandalized.  We owe her a debt of gratitude for her hard work.  July 27^th      Eleanor Bowman, one of our newer UU members,  will lead a guided discussion, rather than a speech on "When I say I believe in God, what do I mean?"  In the course of this discussion, Eleanor invites us all to explore the function of religion in the shaping of society, including the social implications of characteristics traditionally ascribed to the Judeo-Christian God such as spirit, maleness, oneness, transcendence, omnipotence, omniscience, etc. She says that in the time allotted, we will only scratch  the surface, but, if the topic generates enough interest, it could be picked up and continued at some later date.  Eleanor Bowman moved to Brooks County in June of 2002 and is enjoying the pleasures of a rural life with her 3 dogs and 4 cats – and assorted gopher tortoises, frogs, and lizards.  She spends her time completing the restoration of her 1855 farmhouse (it is now habitable), entertaining gator fans and other courageous souls who are willing to brave the wilds of South Georgia, learning about the care of loblolly, slash, and longleaf pine, reading and writing.  She began attending our church in February, 2003 and is delighted to have found such a congenial group of like-minded seekers in the area. She has been a member of the Society of Friends for many years, but now describes herself as a post-Christian. She has been thinking about religion all her life and has found it to be the greatest  mystery story of all time.

 Due to continuing safety issues in the nursery as a consequence of the vandalism to the church in late May, childcare during services remains unavailable.  Children are welcome though in our services.

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UNIFIED SERVICE AGAINST HATE

"Unified Service Against Hate," sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta, was held Sunday afternoon, June 8, at 3 PM at the church. This public event offered an opportunity for the community to become involved in proclaiming that Valdostans speak out against hate. The UU church was thoroughly ransacked and vandalized in late May.  As the Valdosta Daily Times editor wrote, "Valdosta's leaders must do what's necessary to protect and uphold the values of tolerance and respect for others." The Valdosta Ministerial Association, Valdosta governmental officials, and others took part in this community-wide program. On the afternoon of the service , the church was filled to overflowing.  Members and friends had made the structure presentable with cleaning and new art, but the boarded up windows, which usually so beautifully bring nature into our building were a stark reminder of what had occurred. 

John Burrill from the Tallahassee UU church wrote, in part:  “I drove up to Valdosta, Georgia last Sunday to attend a special service at the UU Church there. About a week before, their physical presence had been mightily vandalized.  All windows smashed-out, things smashed and strewn-about, vicious stuff spray-painted on the walls.  Speaking were priests, rabbis, UUs, fundamentalists - and a philosophy professor from Valdosta State, who gave one of the most eloquent little  histories of hate crimes I've ever heard - actually uplifting - he pointed-out that there have  been a lot of victims of such crimes - but they're still around (one Mississippi church, he singled-out, had been burned down 5 times - and it's still going strong)….”

The church has received numerous e-mails in the weeks following the vandalism.  Carol Stiles and Virginia Branan have been responding to them and Carol has forwarded many uplifting messages to the congregation.  They come from all over the US as well as friends in other countries.  As one of these messages puts it, “We UUs must stick together in a world that often scorns tolerance.  Our principles are stronger than hate, more precious than buildings, and more important than ever!”  A message from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson says, “Just when we begin to believe that these types of terrible things no longer happen, we are violently reminded that there are those who are so afraid of questioning that they must strike out at those who do.”

Dave Gibson has updated the webpage with photos from the "Unified Service Against Hate" Many thanks to Dave for taking the pictures and  posting them. They can be found via a link on our UU Valdosta main page: http://www.oocities.org/uuvaldosta/  The page is available directly at http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dgibson/Home/uu/4-s/index.htm.  Jim Ingram prepared two poster collages of photographs at the time of the vandalism one of the destruction (Hate)  and the other (Love) of the many members and friends from the community on Friday when the clean-up began.  Some of these pictures will be used in an article to be published about the Valdosta incident in a forthcoming issue of the UU World.

During the service the following letter dated June 5, 2003 from Rev. William Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association was read.

“To our Dear Friends at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Valdosta, Georgia,

“We here at the UUA are deeply shocked by the senseless attack upon your church.  Your congregation has suffered a violation that goes far beyond the physical destruction of property, and strikes at the heart of our faith community.  Please know that there are many Unitarian Universalists here and across the continent who are holding you in their thoughts and prayers as you begin to heal and reclaim your sacred space during the long days ahead.

“The persistence of hate crimes such as this one serves as a painful reminder that there is an urgent need for liberal religious communities like ours.  May you find love and support from your congregation and from the wider community.  May your commitment to rebuilding serve as a beacon, shining the light upon the value of religious freedom, the importance of faith, and the promise of a better, safer, and more just world.  May your spiritual convictions grow as you meet this challenge with strength and courage.  May you always know that we stand united with you as you move forward.

“Thank you for your hopeful presence and enduring commitment, and for your service to Unitarian Universalism.  It is felt and appreciated in Valdosta, here in Boston, and across the country.

In faith,  Rev. William G. Sinkford “ 

 GHP Students

Georgia Governor’s Honors Program students who are at VSU June 22- July 20 are attending our summer services again this year. UU students from elsewhere in the State come themselves and often invite their new friends to visit our congregation.  They have been a wonderful addition to our summer services.  Many of these students have learned for the first time what a liberal religious community and UU congregations in particular have to offer.  John Branan has agreed to coordinate transportation for the students.  In past summers several of us have picked students up from the dormitories on the VSU campus before our service and returned then after the service.  Contact John if you can help out with transportation.

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Keep in Your Thoughts****

Our members and friends experiencing health concerns and the loss of loved ones.

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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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Religious Education Program

Youth R.E   Youth religious education meets on the second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM. June was spent in clean-up and organization after the church vandalism.  July will feature a cooking class and upkeep of the Meditation trail. As church related projects, Kevin and Sean Leader are helping with meal deliveries and Sarah and Charles Tait are serving as Sunday morning greeters. Also, the youth will plan a bowling party and possibly a pool party or field trip during the summer. Contacts: Lars Leader, Virginia Branan

Adult R.E.   ŸAdult religious education meets on the second and fourth Sunday at 9:30 AM.  The curriculum, “Vision and Values in a Post-9/11 World,” prepared by the UUA’s Washington Office for Advocacy to provide an opportunity to reflect historically and ethically about civil liberties in the U.S., patriotism, and the U.S. role abroad will continue into July.  For further information, contact Lars Leader.

           ŸWednesday night discussions at the church.  Hue Jacobs is leading an adult R.E. group in discussing the book Theory of Everything by Ken Wilber.  Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, the group will discuss a chapter from this book.  Please bring a copy of the book with you to the discussion.  For further information, contact Hue.

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Healing With Art

In place of our “water communion service” in the fall, a suggestion has been made that as you are on vacation, you may see some pottery or ceramic or piece of art that you would like to bring back and present to the church in a special service next fall.  At this service in the fall at the beginning of the new church year we have traditionally rejoined in a commitment to our special community after many have been away during the summer.  What a wonderful way to replace the beautiful pottery, ceramics, and paintings which were  recently destroyed.

  

End of the Month Bring-A-Dish Visitor’s Dinner

Saturday, July 26, 6:30 PM

Home of Charles Judah

Give Charles a call to let him know if you will be coming and to get directions if you need them.

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At the Church-in-the-Woods 

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings. Beginner’s class 5:30- 6:30 PM.  Continuing class 6:30-7:30 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo if you are interested or need further information.

New Hope Christian Fellowship - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.

South Georgia Coalition for Peace  The Board has given this grassroots community group permission to use our building for its meetings as needed.

From the Board

Ø      The July Board meeting will be Monday, July 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the church office.  Our new President Dee Tait feels that it is essential, given the many issues currently under consideration by the Board, to have all Board members present. 

 Ø      June 11 Board meeting: Charles Green called the meeting to order. Present: current members of the Board, Charles Green, Lars Leader, Charles Judah, Randy Thompson, Frank Asbury, Sharon Rowe, Rev. Al Boyce; newly elected officers: Dee Tait, John Tait, Rosie Asbury; and visitors, Jim Ingram, Betsy Thompson. Minutes from the previous Board meeting were approved.  Rev. Al Boyce gave his minister's report. Charles Judah reported that programs were set for July and indicated his appreciation for all the contributions to programs last year. Membership Committee work was reported by Betsy Thompson who said there had been few visitors lately. The committee is sending out visitor letters still. Randy Thompson gave the Treasurer's Report.  A separate Restoration Fund has been established for donations to the church as a result of the vandalism. Building/Grounds: Jim Ingram has been talking to the insurance adjustor and contractor.  He reported that this is in process but slow. Carpet has to be replaced because of the  uncertainty about whether all of the glass can be removed. This is especially a concern in the nursery.  Windows are going to be most difficult repair task. He reported that repairs may be completed by the end of June. Frank Asbury reported information on several alarm system companies. He reported that several matters of old business had been handled including lights in breezeway, the sign light, and the roof leak.  Still to be done are visitor parking and signs.  At this point in the meeting the Board went into executive session, after which Charles Green adjourned the meeting.  Respectfully submitted by Sharon Rowe

Ø      June 22, 2003 Call meeting of the Congregation:

In accordance with Article XI of the bylaws of the Unitarian Fellowship of Valdosta, Inc., the Board of Trustees notified congregational members of a special meeting to consider the minister’s letter of resignation.  After discussion at the meeting on June 22, the congregation voted to accept the resignation and offer a celebration in appreciation of the minister’s service to the congregation during the past year.

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Virginia Branan

Website:  Carol Stiles

July 13: deadline for the August newsletter (Please note the early deadline this month.)

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Treasurer’s Report

May Report

                Outstanding Debts:                                                                 

                 Mortgage       $32,840    

                                       $32,840    

                                                                                               

                Receipts and Disbursements for May 2003:                          

                                                                                               

                Receipts:                                                                                 

                  Pledge                  $1,240     

                  Plate                            90            

                  Rent                           280          

                  Ministerial                3,000       

                  TOTAL RECEIPT  $4,610     

                                                                                               

                Disbursements:                                                                       

                  LAMP contribution    $100        

                  Mortgage                    500          

                  Utilities                        355          

                  Minister                    2,500       

                  Pianist                         105          

                  Supplies                        24            

                  Postage                         32            

                  TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS  $3,616       

                                                                                               

                NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)  $994 

RESTORATION FUND (as of June 19, 2003)                  $7465.65                                     

                                                                                        $7465.65         

As detailed in the above report, contributions to the church exceeded expenditures by $994.00 in May.

An important new fund was established by the Board of Trustees in June. At their meeting on June 4, 2003 the Board established a Restoration Fund.  Contributions to the fund are to be used for repair and restoration of our church and other purposes as decided by the Board of Trustees.  Through June 12, 2003 we have received $4,710 designated for this fund.  I expect contributions will continue to come in for the fund for several more months, and beginning with the June Treasurer's report, receipts and disbursements from this fund will be separately disclosed.  Contributions to the Fund can be sent to my attention at the Church's address.

During the special service held Sunday, June 8th, donations were also collected for the Valdosta Area Ministerial Association. This money was in addition to the Restoration Fund contributions mentioned above. Total donations received were $433.05 and these funds will be sent to VAMA.

I look forward to beginning my full-year term on July 1 and I'm excited about the prospects for our church in the coming year.   Respectfully Submitted,  Randy Thompson Interim Treasurer

Special Thanks to all of our Restoration Fund Contributors:

Carol Stiles (contribution and replacement of book that was damaged), Albert E. & Amy D. Slone, William R. & Ellen W. Dempsey, Pauline M. Masterton, DeLos F. & Frances L. DeTar, Elinor A. Elfner, Carolyn R. Pardue, Joseph P & Jean C. Chulak, Neil B. & Margaret C. Mooney, Dr. Sita Patricia Marks, Dr. Dennis W. Marks, William Adkins III, Lee & Barbara H. Bradley, Douglas K. Sawyer, Martha A. Leake, Norman F. Conant Jr., Barbara B. Conant, Peggy Cleveland, A. L. McKenzie, John Burrrill, Mary Lou Erickson, Francis A. Flaherty, Kathleen S. Lowney, Kenneth C. & Susan C. Klanicki, New Hope Christian Fellowship, Robert I. & Elise N. Gray, C. June Bryant, High Street UU Church (Macon GA),Perry & Helene A. Johnson, Fred L Adair & Joan G. Sprigle Adair, Janice L Hervieux, Jacqueline & Richard Portman, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Emerald Coast (Valparaiso, FL), Deborah Baker, Alexandra Bolton, Dan & LYS Burden, Hal C. Reed, Rev. Susanne S. Nazian(UU Church of St. Petersburg, FL), Sharon J. S. Stepler (and music CD "Here In This Place" that Sharon Stepler wrote), W. T. Stepler, Christohper R. Myers, Lamar Inc. (Lamar Golivesky), RE/MAX Realty of Valdosta, Gerlyn Lech, Alfred S. Lech, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship(Mobile, AL), Christine A. Rice, St. Paul's Episcopal Church(Fayetteville, AR), Jane Romeyn, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship(Vero Beach, FL), Melissa Mefford, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship(Clarksville, TN), James W. & Cynthia Fitch, William W. Irby, Charles A. Reynolds, John Deming III, Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation(Atlanta, GA ), Louise L Hornor, Our Home Universalist Church(Laurel, MS), Paul W. Gann, Elizabeth B. Carter,Robert B. and Marion E. Wyckoff, Gerald W. and Carol Jacob, Odean C and Catherine M. Erickson, Virginia Maxine Barritt, Reverend Polly Leland-Mayer and the UU Church of Venice(Venice, FL), Erene Rallis,  Rev. Angie Theisen and the UU Congregation of Gwinett (Atlanta, GA)

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UU Activities and Announcements

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

July 3-6 Old Fashioned Family Fourth at The Mountain

July 13-18 Family Mountain Camp, The Mountain

July 20-26 SUUSI 2003 “Simple Gifts” Blacksburg, VA  on the campus of Virginia Tech.  This is an intentional community of UU's and others.  It's a great family experience with workshops, nature trips, music and spirit and other activities that build relationships with new and old friends.  www.suusi.org

August 17-23 UU Week at The Mountain