Rev. Al Boyce

The old church year will soon be passed and the new, adventure of the second will begin. From the first conference call to me in Maine by the Search Committee from Jim Ingram's office, to the most recent meeting of the Social Action Committee held the eve of this writing, I have felt loved, challenged and a member of this faith family. I thank each of you.

As my mind reviews these past months I recall Bobbie Michelle Dixon inviting me to her home for dinner taking such care to create an atmosphere of acceptance and social interaction. Charles Greene and Charles Judah challenged you again and again to build a bond of teamwork with this new minister who you hardly knew but felt somehow we were a match. You all teamed up to furnish my apartment offered by Dee Tait until the wonderful offering of Betty Derrick to use her wonderful country home became possible. Virginia and John Branan continually supported me in service and sermon appreciation and so many other ways. Joan Cline kept us shipshape with great cooking and organizing. Several times I would arrive at my study to find The Asbury family quietly laboring to keep our wonderful facility ready to worship. Diane Holliman and Halim Faisal kept me smiling and all of us challenged us to compassion. Laurel Hahlen helped me to acclimate to the life of community service. Josette and Jim Ingram more than once invited me to join them to the Symphony so I could discover the wonderful gifts of Valdosta's Classical musical life and those that shared the appreciation. I have so enjoyed Hue Jacobs' Sunday morning Adult RE discussions and at members homes. René Kerr kept me in mail and was always willing to help solve any challenge that popped up. Lars Leader and family shared so much of the passion of justice work with me. Many times I went to the library to find a computer and Sharon Rowe was a willing and ready resource. I have grown to love new members Randy and Betsy Thompson for their widening generosity to take on task after task with so much verve. Theresa Thompson always open to share brought me joy. The Tait Family: Dee, John, Sarah, Charlie and Chris taught me what real family is like and offered me much acceptance. Julie and Jason Halter offered me the blessed opportunity to dedicate my first Memorial Garden in my 30 years of ministry, deep thanks to both. David, Lisa and Emily taught me that a quiet, steady and faithful presence is an abiding gift. Andy Phillips blessed me by showing me life is good no matter what we face. Fran Phillips certainly taught me that laughing is the best medicine, we ministers can forget that all to often. Carol Stiles quiet faithful work for the church reminded me again and again that one can be faithful to a cause they believe in no matter the distance. Ab and Cindy Roesel offered me and to all of us the gift of music which feeds the soul. All of these and so many others who sit in the pews of our church on Sundays makes my heart soar. I know that over the next few months our family will expand to welcome so many more in and we will together share the joys that each brings to our individual selves with shared care and acceptance of each other.

Thanks to each of you for being so kind in welcoming me and for serving this parish with me. I now wave gently good-bye to this church year and turn my face to the horizon of a new and adventurous year of faith with this family of friends as we seek to serve and hold the banner of our liberal faith high. We have served well together my friends.....now onward to a new exciting journey.

With anticipation,

Minister’s Office Hours: Tuesdays, 3:00-7:00PM Rev. Al Boyce can be reached through the church phone number. Rev. Al will not be in Valdosta mid-June to mid-August. Plan ahead if you had hoped to meet with him this summer.

Thank You! Thank You!

For keeping our building clean: Joan Cline and Frank Asbury

For keeping our grounds neat: Jim Ingram

For delivering Break Bread Together meals: Joan Cline and Virginia Branan

For staffing the church nursery: Virginia Branan, Dee Tait, Rosie Asbury, Lisa Hamilton

For planning socials and taking care of coffee at the church: Joan Cline

For plumbing repairs: John Tait

For representing us at the Florida District Meeting: Dee Tait

Sunday Services

Rev. Al Boyce will lead the services the first two Sundays in June. June 1 his topic will be “Which Way To Go.” Rev. Al comments that at this time of year parents, lovers, families of all types are wondering what they will choose to do for entertainment this summer. Today’s sermon will center on the choices we make in a world that offers so much to do. On June 8 Rev. Al’s sermon title is “Letting Go.” His sermon will challenge us to look deep into ourselves as individuals and as a congregation. This will be Al's last talk to us until his first in September. His thoughts today will not remind us to throw caution to the wind and forget church, but prepare for the wonderful adventure of a new church year. Lets give every effort to be in community today.

June 15^th --Charles Judah will lead us in “A Celebration of Fathers Day.” The service will include brief stories of our fathers related by members of the congregation. Members that are willing and able to share their stories should contact Charles Judah. Readings from "Hugs for Fathers," will fill out the morning of homage to our male forbearers.

On June 22--Dr. Michael Stoltzfus will speak on "Evil, Sin, and Public Discourse." Many will remember Mike as a speaker for us in the past on such diverse topics as Buddhism (2000), the Mennonite Faith (2001), and Religion and Terrorism (2003). Dr. Stoltzfus is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Valdosta State University and specializes in courses in religion and ethics.

John and Virginia Branan will present a very special program entitled, "Penny for Your Thoughts" on June 29. John has recently written a book by this title, which celebrates the life of their daughter Penny who died in 1992. To quote one reviewer, "The luminosity of Penny's portrait is enhanced in highlights provided by her own poetry and prose...This book joyfully affirms life and points to the promise beyond it." The service will also be enhanced with special guest musicians and friends of Penny who will be sharing short selections from the book. Those who attend will be given the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of the book with the wish that Penny will touch and inspire them. Plan to join the Branans in this celebration of a lovely and talented young woman many of us remember fondly.

Summer Music

We need a pianist for the summer! Ming Lin, who has been playing for us this year will not be available until August because he will be attending honors programs all summer. If you play or know someone who will help us out, please contact Virginia Branan. (Volunteers are always welcome; however the Board is prepared to pay a small stipend.)

GHP Students

In recent summers we have enjoyed hosting students from the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program at VSU at our Sunday services. We have found that UU students from elsewhere in the State 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. The students will be able to attend our services June 22 - July 20. 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.

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

Saturday, June 28

6:30 PM

Home of John and Virginia Branan

John and Virginia Branan will host this month’s Last Saturday dinner. This is a special social event to acclimate our visitors for the month to our congregation in a social setting. Plan to come and bring a dish to share. Contact the Branans for directions

Congratulations to

Valdosta High School honor graduate Andre' Asbury. He plans to attend Cal Tech or Georgia Tech this fall.

Rene Kerr and Jerry Jones - and a big welcome to little Madison!!

President’s Portion

FROM OUR INCOMING PRESIDENT Dee Tait

“If I had to describe something as divine it would be what happens between people when they really get it together. There is a kind of spark that makes it all worthwhile. When you feel that spark, you get a good feeling deep in your gut.” June L. Tapp

I’ve felt that spark, haven’t you? I’ve had that gut feeling that we could do what we set out to do. Now, we have just 10 more months with our interim minister to guide us as we continue to work toward our goals we set for the two-year period during his ministry here. That time will be here before we know it!

We’ve looked at the “big picture” of where we want to be at the end of the two years. Maybe what we could do now is to look at it in a one-day-at-a-time sort of way. That way, we make every day count. I invite each of us to think of ways that we can personally help to accomplish our goals.

Most of all, let’s keep that spark!

Annual Meeting

Congratulations to Our New Officers who were elected last month at the Annual meeting. They begin their terms July 1.

President-------Dee Tait

Vice Pres.------Charles Judah

Secretary-------Rosie Asbury

Treasurer-------Randy Thompson

Religious Education---Lars Leader

Building. & Grounds ---John Tait

Thank you for agreeing to serve our congregation in this way.

The following budget for the 2004 church year, which begins July 1, 2003, was adopted at the annual meeting in May.

	FY 2003	FY 2004
Receipts:
Ministerial Pledge	0	20,000
Regular Pledges	12,000	15,000
Plate	1,250	1,500
Rent	3,130	3,360
Fundraisers	278	1,000
Withdraw from Savings	0	7,747
Total Receipts	16,658	48,607

Disbursements:
Denominational:
Fl Dist	345	578
UUA Annual	1,058	1,564
LAMP	100	100
UU Serv Com	50	50
Sec. Of State	15	15
Total Denominational	1,568	2,307

Membership:
Advertising	600	600
Campus Min.	100	0
Postage	600	600
Visitor	50	50
Total Membership	1,350	1,250

Ministerial:
Salary	0	30,000
Ed & Travel	300	300
Honorarium	2,500	0
Music	350	1,750
Programs	200	200
Total Ministerial	3,350	32,250

Religious Education:
Salaries	0	1,950
Other	300	300
Total R.E.	300	2,250

Operations:
Insurance	1,000	1,000
Repair & Maint.	300	300
Mortgage	6,240	6,000
Utilities	2,000	2,400
Bank Fees	50	50
Supplies	200	200
Miscellaneous	300	300
Total Operations	10,090	10,250

Total Disbursements:	16,958	48,607

Religious Education

Youth R.E Youth religious education meets on the second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM. The young people are continuing to emphasize service to the congregation and application of UU principles. They have been role playing to understand what church greeters do each Sunday, and Sarah and Chris Tait have already served as greeters. Thanks, Kevin Leader, for expertly taking care of blowing off the sidewalk and entry on RE Sundays. All of the class participates in helping the lay leader set up for the service on second and third Sundays. We appreciate our young people. 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 June. For further information, contact Lars Leader.

ŸBeginning June 4, Hue Jacobs will lead 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.

Social Action Activities

South Georgia Coalition for Peace: An Update

The South Georgia Coalition for Peace is continuing to work to bring public awareness of the dangers and consequences of war in Iraq and elsewhere. On May 22, the coalition met to discuss and plan future activities in light of events in the Middle East and at home. Information about that meeting can be found at the coalition website: www.valdostapeace.org.

Speakers sponsored by a number of departments at VSU and the South Georgia Coalition for Peace are continuing a series on “Rebuilding Iraq: Issues at Home and Abroad” at Valdosta State University. The series will be held in the auditorium of the Biology chemistry Building at VSU. The public is welcome. On Tuesday, May 27, Rev. Floyd Rose will present “How Do We Win the Peace”, a discussion of American politics after the war, with practical advice for the future. Tuesday, June 3, James LaPlant presents “Changes in American Domestic and Foreign Policy after 9-11”, about how the political strategies in U.S. leadership have changed in response to the tragedy of 9-11. On Tuesday, June 10, Linda Bennett Elder will speak on the “United Religions Initiative”, an interfaith project with a principal focus on the cessation of religiously motivated violence. Another speaker will present on a topic to be determined, Tuesday, June 17. On Tuesday, June 24, Frank Barnas presents “Media Accountability and Literacy”, concerning how the coverage of the War in Iraq has highlighted issues of media integrity and the connections between corporate news organizations and the military-industrial complex.

Social Action Committee

The newly reorganized Social Action Committee of our church led a program, "Social Action Initiatives: A Discussion for Congregational Involvement", during the Sunday service on May 4. The congregation was asked for their input about possible social action by our UU church. The enthusiastic response resulted in a short list of initiatives that the congregation is willing to support. These include: establishing a Caring Committee to provide member assistance contact and coordination; establishing a Contingency Fund for short-term needs of members; emphasizing quality speakers and programs at our church; keeping in contact and informed about UUA Social Justice Committee activities; becoming more involved in LAMP. Over the summer, the Social Action Committee will be planning events for the upcoming year, to include monthly community social action activities for the entire congregation. So,…stay tuned! Members of the committee include: Lars Leader, Hue Jacobs, Anna Hall, and Laurel Hahlen.

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.

From the Board

§The Board will next meet on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE CHURCH. The current officers as well as the newly elected officers are expected to attend. Interested members are welcome.

§MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2003 MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES, UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF VALDOSTA

1. Charles Green, President, called the meeting to order and welcomed Board members, Charles Judah, Lars Leader and Randy Thompson, also Rev. Al Boyce and guests, Virginia Branan and Dee Tait.

2. President Green thanked Virginia Branan for chairing the Nominating Committee for officers for the upcoming church year. Virginia reported that serving on the committee with her are Betty Derrick and Jim Ingram. She reported that the committee had agreed to nominate the following slate of officers: President: Dee Tait; Vice President (Program Chair): Charles Judah; Treasurer: Randy Thompson; Secretary: Rosie Asbury; Director of Religious Education: Lars Leader; and Chair for Building and Grounds: John Tait. The Board approved the Committee’s nominees to be presented at the Congregational Meeting May 11, 2003.

3. The Board approved and President Green signed a mid-year assessment, completed by Dee Tait and Virginia Branan, of Rev. Al Boyce’s performance since his contract with the Church began Oct. 1, 2002.

4. Rev. Al brought the following comments to the board meeting:

a. His counseling/office hours are increasing.

b. He represented the church at Rev. Carol York’s installation last week.

c. He is talking to three churches concerning next year and asked that the Board complete the contract for the remainder of his time here before he leaves for the summer.

d. He reported that he and Dee Tait had completed the request for an approximate $9,000 grant from the UUA for bulk mailing to every residence in Lowndes County, and possibly into surrounding counties.

e. He asked that Board Members take turns presenting the announcements during each Sunday service so that members of the congregation and visitors recognize the Board Members.

f. He will be presenting to the Valdosta Area Ministerial Association the opportunity for humanitarian relief effort for war victims and asked that the Board affirm this effort. Deadline for the effort is 30 April.

g. Rev Al said the church will be implementing the Phase II for Growth with a zealous Religious Education program with possibilities of hiring people for childcare and RE teaching, and to begin a mid-week adult program. He said many come to church for their children and that we need to prepare for outreach. He said Lisa Hamilton has expressed interest in helping Lars Leader with RE. He said if the bulk mailing grant comes through, that will help. He mentioned an Open House to implement this outreach. He said we can draw from volunteers but need other efforts. He also said we still need the two Visitor Parking signs.

5. President Green suggested that we need to safeguard against lawsuits involving childcare and Rev. Al suggested that Mary Higgins, Fla. District Director, would be able to offer information in that regard. Board members agreed that ideally, two people would work together in childcare each Sunday.

6. Treasurer Randy Thompson presented the FY 2004 Budget, along with a letter to each Church Member and Friend. He pointed out increases in areas such as music, RE and childcare. The Board accepted the budget and the letter. The Board also approved a resolution as follows: “The Minister is empowered to spend up to $50 per month for items which, in his discretion furthers the mission of the church, without seeking further approval of the Board of Trustees.”

7. Religious Education Director Lars Leader commented that Quakers are working with Red Cross on the humanitarian relief for war victims. Reporting on the RE program, he said David Hill began the “9-11, Civil Liberties” topic last Sunday with good discussion and will continue through May. Virginia said the youth will continue with arts and crafts.

8. Charles Judah said the Worship Service programs are all set for May. He suggested that names of visitors should be brought to the board so their names will be familiar so that Board members can make a point to speak to them when they return. Charles Green suggested putting names of visitors in the newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report

April Report

Liquid NonOperating Assets:
Savings Account			$5,089

Outstanding Debts:
Mortgage			$33,136
			$33,136

Receipts and Disbursements:

Receipts:
Pledge			$1,660
Plate			$1,660
Rent			$1,660
Ministerial			$1,660
TOTAL RECEIPTS			$1,660

Disbursements:
UUA dues			$114
Mortgage			500
Insurance			760
Utilities			196
Minister			2,500
Pianist			85
Programs			86
Supplies			79
Repair and Maintenance			4
Postage			30
Other			115
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS			$4,469

Balance	-	$2,809

The budget for the year July 2003 through June 2004 was approved by the membership at the Annual Meeting on May 11th. The budget is balanced and reflects a source of funds for all proposed spending for the coming year. I would like to point out that we are projecting utilizing $7,767 of our church’s savings to meet budgeted expenses for next year. The ministerial pledges for the current year have exceeded the ministerial expenses for this year, thus providing us with some savings to meet next year's expenses.

Please remember that the ministerial pledges were a one-time pledge and we cannot expect that source of funds for years after 2003/2004. Our challenge is to grow the revenue base of our church in the coming year so that we can continue to provide the same level of services in coming years. We can do that by providing services and programs that attract new members next year, as well as having all members work to get the message out that our church exits. Growth of our church is critical to continue to provide the fiscal resources to fund a part-time minister.

Also, I am encouraged by the generous pledges of support that were received from current members. We must all live up to our pledges (or do better) to meet the source of funds required for next year.

Thanks to everyone that pledged their support for our church. Let's work together to ensure a successful year of programming, services, and community outreach.

Interim-Treasurer, Randy Thompson

News from Gainesville sent by Carol Stiles

Rev. Jack Donovan is stepping down as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (UUF) of Gainesville after 17 years. His last service is Sunday, May 25, then he will serve as chaplain for the Chiefland Office of Hospice of North Central Florida. An article in the Gainesville Sun, May 17, 2003, described him as a "strong advocate for the homeless," and involved in many social justice projects. One UUF member also added that "he has set a remarkable example of tolerance and respect." Rev. Donovan last visited us as a guest minister in December, 2000.

Newsletter Staff

Editor: Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing: Virginia Branan, Charles Green

Website: Carol Stiles

June 15: deadline for the June newsletter

UU Activities and Announcements

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

June 1 Ordination of Rebekah Beldon, Boca Raton, FL

June 13-15 OWL Leader Training for Grades 7-9, Weston, FL

June 25-30 General Assembly The annual UUA meeting of delegates from UU churches meets in Boston, the headquarters city for the UUA

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

Check the church bulletin board for activities this summer at The Mountain.

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. www.valdostapeace.org

'A Chill Wind is Blowing in This Nation...' Transcript of the speech given by actor Tim Robbins to the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. April 15, 2003.

Thank you. And thanks for the invitation. I had originally been asked here to talk about the war and our current political situation, but I have instead chosen to hijack this opportunity and talk about baseball and show business. (Laughter.) Just kidding. Sort of. I can't tell you how moved I have been at the overwhelming support I have received from newspapers throughout the country in these past few days. I hold no illusions that all of these journalists agree with me on my views against the war. While the journalists' outrage at the cancellation of our appearance in Cooperstown is not about my views, it is about my right to express these views. I am extremely grateful that there are those of you out there still with a fierce belief in constitutionally guaranteed rights. We need you, the press, now more than ever. This is a crucial moment for all of us. For all of the ugliness and tragedy of 9-11, there was a brief period afterward where I held a great hope, in the midst of the tears and shocked faces of New Yorkers, in the midst of the lethal air we breathed as we worked at Ground Zero, in the midst of my children's terror at being so close to this crime against humanity, in the midst of all this, I held on to a glimmer of hope in the naive assumption that something good could come out of it. I imagined our leaders seizing upon this moment of unity in America, this moment when no one wanted to talk about Democrat versus Republican, white versus black, or any of the other ridiculous divisions that dominate our public discourse. I imagined our leaders going on television telling the citizens that although we all want to be at Ground Zero, we can't, but there is work that is needed to be done all over America. Our help is needed at community centers to tutor children, to teach them to read. Our work is needed at old-age homes to visit the lonely and infirmed; in gutted neighborhoods to rebuild housing and clean up parks, and convert abandoned lots to baseball fields. I imagined leadership that would take this incredible energy, this generosity of spirit and create a new unity in America born out of the chaos and tragedy of 9/11, a new unity that would send a message to terrorists everywhere: If you attack us, we will become stronger, cleaner, better educated, and more unified. You will strengthen our commitment to justice and democracy by your inhumane attacks on us. Like a Phoenix out of the fire, we will be reborn. And then came the speech: You are either with us or against us. And the bombing began. And the old paradigm was restored as our leader encouraged us to show our patriotism by shopping and by volunteering to join groups that would turn in their neighbor for any suspicious behavior. In the 19 months since 9-11, we have seen our democracy compromised by fear and hatred. Basic inalienable rights, due process, the sanctity of the home have been quickly compromised in a climate of fear. A unified American public has grown bitterly divided, and a world population that had profound sympathy and support for us has grown contemptuous and distrustful, viewing us as we once viewed the Soviet Union, as a rogue state. This past weekend, Susan and I and the three kids went to Florida for a family reunion of sorts. Amidst the alcohol and the dancing, sugar-rushing children, there was, of course, talk of the war. And the most frightening thing about the weekend was the amount of times we were thanked for speaking out against the war because that individual speaking thought it unsafe to do so in their own community, in their own life. Keep talking, they said; I haven't been able to open my mouth. A relative tells me that a history teacher tells his 11-year-old son, my nephew, that Susan Sarandon is endangering the troops by her opposition to the war. Another teacher in a different school asks our niece if we are coming to the school play. They're not welcome here, said the molder of young minds. Another relative tells me of a school board decision to cancel a civics event that was proposing to have a moment of silence for those who have died in the war because the students were including dead Iraqi civilians in their silent prayer. A teacher in another nephew's school is fired for wearing a T- shirt with a peace sign on it. And a friend of the family tells of listening to the radio down South as the talk radio host calls for the murder of a prominent anti-war activist. Death threats have appeared on other prominent anti-war activists' doorsteps for their views. Relatives of ours have received threatening e-mails and phone calls. And my 13-year-old boy, who has done nothing to anybody, has recently been embarrassed and humiliated by a sadistic creep who writes -- or, rather, scratches his column with his fingernails in dirt. Susan and I have been listed as traitors, as supporters of Saddam, and various other epithets by the Aussie gossip rags masquerading as newspapers, and by their fair and balanced electronic media cousins, 19th Century Fox. (Laughter.) Apologies to Gore Vidal. (Applause.) Two weeks ago, the United Way canceled Susan's appearance at a conference on women's leadership. And both of us last week were told that both we and the First Amendment were not welcome at the Baseball Hall of Fame. A famous middle-aged rock-and-roller called me last week to thank me for speaking out against the war, only to go on to tell me that he could not speak himself because he fears repercussions from Clear Channel. "They promote our concert appearances," he said. "They own most of the stations that play our music. I can't come out against this war." And here in Washington, Helen Thomas finds herself banished to the back of the room and uncalled on after asking Ari Fleischer whether our showing prisoners of war at Guantanamo Bay on television violated the Geneva Convention. A chill wind is blowing in this nation. A message is being sent through the White House and its allies in talk radio and Clear Channel and Cooperstown. If you oppose this administration, there can and will be ramifications. Every day, the air waves are filled with warnings, veiled and unveiled threats, spewed invective and hatred directed at any voice of dissent. And the public, like so many relatives and friends that I saw this weekend, sit in mute opposition and fear. I am sick of hearing about Hollywood being against this war. Hollywood's heavy hitters, the real power brokers and cover-of-the- magazine stars, have been largely silent on this issue. But Hollywood, the concept, has always been a popular target. I remember when the Columbine High School shootings happened. President Clinton criticized Hollywood for contributing to this terrible tragedy -- this, as we were dropping bombs over Kosovo. Could the violent actions of our leaders contribute somewhat to the violent fantasies of our teenagers? Or is it all just Hollywood and rock and roll? I remember reading at the time that one of the shooters had tried to enlist to fight the real war a week before he acted out his war in real life at Columbine. I talked about this in the press at the time. And curiously, no one accused me of being unpatriotic for criticizing Clinton. In fact, the same radio patriots that call us traitors today engaged in daily personal attacks on their president during the war in Kosovo. Today, prominent politicians who have decried violence in movies -- the "Blame Hollywooders," if you will -- recently voted to give our current president the power to unleash real violence in our current war. They want us to stop the fictional violence but are okay with the real kind. And these same people that tolerate the real violence of war don't want to see the result of it on the nightly news. Unlike the rest of the world, our news coverage of this war remains sanitized, without a glimpse of the blood and gore inflicted upon our soldiers or the women and children in Iraq. Violence as a concept, an abstraction -- it's very strange. As we applaud the hard-edged realism of the opening battle scene of "Saving Private Ryan," we cringe at the thought of seeing the same on the nightly news. We are told it would be pornographic. We want no part of reality in real life. We demand that war be painstakingly realized on the screen, but that war remains imagined and conceptualized in real life. And in the midst of all this madness, where is the political opposition? Where have all the Democrats gone? Long time passing, long time ago. (Applause.) With apologies to Robert Byrd, I have to say it is pretty embarrassing to live in a country where a five-foot- one comedian has more guts than most politicians. (Applause.) We need leaders, not pragmatists that cower before the spin zones of former entertainment journalists. We need leaders who can understand the Constitution, congressman who don't in a moment of fear abdicate their most important power, the right to declare war to the executive branch. And, please, can we please stop the congressional sing-a- longs? (Laughter.) In this time when a citizenry applauds the liberation of a country as it lives in fear of its own freedom, when an administration official releases an attack ad questioning the patriotism of a legless Vietnam veteran running for Congress, when people all over the country fear reprisal if they use their right to free speech, it is time to get angry. It is time to get fierce. And it doesn't take much to shift the tide. My 11-year-old nephew, mentioned earlier, a shy kid who never talks in class, stood up to his history teacher who was questioning Susan's patriotism. "That's my aunt you're talking about. Stop it." And the stunned teacher backtracks and began stammering compliments in embarrassment. Sportswriters across the country reacted with such overwhelming fury at the Hall of Fame that the president of the Hall admitted he made a mistake and Major League Baseball disavowed any connection to the actions of the Hall's president. A bully can be stopped, and so can a mob. It takes one person with the courage and a resolute voice. The journalists in this country can battle back at those who would rewrite our Constitution in Patriot Act II, or "Patriot, The Sequel," as we would call it in Hollywood. We are counting on you to star in that movie. Journalists can insist that they not be used as publicists by this administration. (Applause.) The next White House Correspondent to be called on by Ari Fleischer should defer their question to the back of the room, to the banished journalist du jour. (Applause.)And any instance of intimidation to free speech should be battled against. Any acquiescence or intimidation at this point will only lead to more intimidation. You have, whether you like it or not, an awesome responsibility and an awesome power: the fate of discourse, the health of this republic is in your hands, whether you write on the left or the right. This is your time, and the destiny you have chosen. We lay the continuance of our democracy on your desks, and count on your pens to be mightier. Millions are watching and waiting in mute frustration and hope - hoping for someone to defend the spirit and letter of our Constitution, and to defy the intimidation that is visited upon us daily in the name of national security and warped notions of patriotism. Our ability to disagree, and our inherent right to question our leaders and criticize their actions define who we are. To allow those rights to be taken away out of fear, to punish people for their beliefs, to limit access in the news media to differing opinions is to acknowledge our democracy's defeat. These are challenging times. There is a wave of hate that seeks to divide us -- right and left, pro-war and anti-war. In the name of my 11-year-old nephew, and all the other unreported victims of this hostile and unproductive environment of fear, let us try to find our common ground as a nation. Let us celebrate this grand and glorious experiment that has survived for 227 years. To do so we must honor and fight vigilantly for the things that unite us -- like freedom, the First Amendment and, yes, baseball. (Applause.)

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The Parson's Piece	Thank You! Thank You!	Religious Education
President's Portion	Social Action	UU Activities and Announcements
Social Events!!	Board Notes
Sunday Services	Special Note! - New Officers for 2003-2004

Sun	June 1	10:45 AM	Service – “Which Way To Go,” Rev. Al Boyce
Wed	June 4	6:30 PM 7:30 PM	Board meeting at the church: All new and old officers. Adult R. E. discussion at the church
Sun	June 8	9:30 AM 10:45 AM 12:15 PM	Youth and Adult R.E.: Service – “Letting Go,” Rev. Al Boyce Second Sunday Potluck
Mon	June 9	11:00 AM	Break Bread delivery
Wed	June11	7:30 PM	Adult R. E. discussion at the church
Sun	June 15	10:45 AM	Service – “A Celebration of Father’s Day,” Charles Judah with congregational participation
Wed	June 18	7:30 PM	Adult R. E. discussion at the church
Sat	June 21		Summer Solstice
Sun	June 22	9:30 AM 10:45 AM	Youth and Adult R.E. Service – "Evil, Sin, and Public Discourse," Dr. Michael Stoltzfus
Wed	June 25	7:30 PM	Adult R. E. discussion at the church
Sat	June 28	6:30 PM	Last Saturday Dinner at John and Virginia Branan’s Home
Sun	June 29	10:45 PM	Service – “Penny For Your Thoughts,” John and Virginia Branan