What’s going on...May 2005  

May…  Participate this month, as you are able.  This will be Rev. Barbara Child’s last time with us.  She will spend her last visit speaking on two Sundays, conducting the last of our “Beloved Community” Wednesday evening series, and meeting with the Board and other groups.  We’ll have a Farewell Potluck at the church on her last Sunday.  This is the month also when we convene for our Annual Congregational Meeting to approve the budget and elect officers for the coming year.  This is our opportunity to practice our 5^th principle: “The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregation and in society at large.”

Everyone please note that the church mailing address has changed.   New address is P.O. Box 2342 , Valdosta , GA   31604

Rev. Child’s May Visit

Our minister, Rev. Barbara Child, will be in Valdosta for two services in May.  These will be her last services with us.  Plan to participate in these services and extend best wishes to our new-found spiritual advisor, who we feel we are only just coming to know, as she leaves us. A special Goodbye Potluck dinner at the church is planned for her last Sunday.

Sunday, May 8– “In Praise of Bringing Forth ”

Mother’s Day here will be a ceremonial day for all of us – those who are mothers and those who have never been, those who have been wonderfully mothered and those for whom this holiday brings more sorrow than joy.  We will have a table ready for you to display a picture of your mother this morning.

Sunday, May 15 – “Going Forth and Letting Go”

This will be my last day with you.  One important thing about saying goodbye is to notice that it is happening.  It’s important not to pretend otherwise, or to stay away.  Not really saying goodbye has a way of inviting ghosts to hang around, and ghosts don’t usually do much good.  So please come.  Let us celebrate the good times we have had this year and what we have accomplished together.  Let us express whatever regrets we have, and our hopes for the future.  And this will be my last chance to express my thanks for your many kindnesses to me. 

Goodbye Potluck

May 15 - at the church, following the service

Bring a potluck dish with some extras for visitors and plan to stay for lunch at the church after today’s service.  Celebrate the time Rev. Barbara Child has spent with us since last September.  This will be her last day with us.  Wish her well as she moves on to assist another church as their minister and say goodbye and thank you for her work with us during this church year.  

May 15 Music:  Doug Fraser, a fine guitarist and former member, will be in town for a short visit this weekend and, if a guitar is available, will provide music at the service.  Molly will not be along this time on his brief visit to Valdosta . 

 Other Sunday Services

May 1 -- Fred Howard, "Salve-ation"

Think salvation is a topic reserved for evangelical Christians only?  Well, it has applicability to us liberal religionists also.  Come hear a discussion of how we UU's stand in need of salvation also.  Dr. Fred Howard is a theology student at Emory University .  He has attended and spoken to our congregation a number of times.

May 22 -- Members of our congregation, "Wresting With the Gods: stories of Our Responses to Difficulties”

 We'll consider the ancient story of Job.  Then members of the congregation will bring us their own stories of how they wrestled with a force that seemed much more powerful than themselves. (See"Tell Us Your Story," elsewhere in this newsletter.)

May 29 -- Dennis Bogyo , "Measuring Evolution"

Dr. Dennis Bogyo is a Professor in the Valdosta State University Biology Department.  He will talk about the connections of some of the current DNA and protein research with evolution.

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Tell Us Your Story - The Sunday Services Strategy Group would like to involve our congregation members in the service on May 22.  A member will begin the presentation by considering the ancient story of Job and his dialog with God about suffering and human dignity.  Then members of the congregation will bring their own stories about dealing with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  We hope to include a number of members’ stories in the presentation.  If you are interested in participating, submit your story, in no more than 500 words.  Consider the following points as a guide .

·         Tell of a time when you wrestled with a force that seemed much more powerful than yourself (and/or that threatened your dignity.)

·         Who won?

·         When you look back on it now, what do you make of what happened and your own behavior?

·         How has that experience influenced how you go about your life?

Send or give your story to Lars Leader or Helen Gerhardt.

Don’t forget to sign up in Service Strategy Group’s notebook on the counter in the vestibule. Please take time each week to check the sign up sheets and volunteer to help make our services meaningful for all. With a congregation as small as ours, we need everyone to volunteer for about one to two jobs per month if at all possible!

CREATING A BELOVED COMMUNITY RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW May 11 – UU 105 potluck supper at 5:30 followed by reflection, personal sharing, and discussion Looking Ahead, or “Is the Future Safe with Us?” What are people saying about the future of organized religion in general and Unitarian Universalism in particular?  What do our congregations and our faith need to thrive?  Are they worth investing in?  what is our vision for the future here?  Quick now, what does the congregation’s missions statement say?  Does it express a purpose that we put into action together?  Rev. Child will be sharing information from the exciting District workshop she and Carol stiles attended in Gainesville on "Deep Caring and Risk Management," which included a check-list survey on quite a variety of issues related to risks churches take, either intentionally (to live out our principles) or unconsciously (and with potential drastic consequences).  Part of the activity at this event will be to complete that checklist for our congregation.

 

CHILD’S  PLAY

Rev. Barbara Child        

Even though I sit down to write this column mid-April, I am mightily aware that this one for the May newsletter will be my last here.  The last of anything, any ending, brings a powerful mix of emotions along with the reminder that all of our positions are in some way interim, all of our conditions terminal.  And so it’s no wonder the lengths some people go to duck out on goodbyes.  They leave the party early.  They sneak out the back door.  They say, “We’ll keep in touch,” when they know full well they won’t.  They may, or may not, leave a note on the fridge, or the pillow. 

                And all of this has taught me how very important it is to acknowledge endings, express whatever thanks and regrets are genuine, and show up to say goodbye – and also to be fully present until you’re not.   We have one more week together in May.  We will begin it on May 8 with a Sunday service on the many meanings of motherhood in our lives.

Wednesday evening of that week, May 11, will be the last in our “Beloved Community” series.  That evening we will look together at how things will proceed here after I’m gone.  The plans for the evening include what Carol Stiles and I learned at the workshop on “Risk Management and Deep Caring,” put on by our District Executive, Rev. Mary Higgins.

The subject of Risk Management covers a good deal more than you might think.  It’s not just about the risk of somebody breaking a leg on church property.  It’s about everything from people driving others on church events to the paint stored in the hall closet.  Everything from selecting both paid and volunteer staff to renting out the church.  Everything from security of the building to first aid.  Everything from disruptive behavior to protecting children and other vulnerable people from abuse.  Ultimately Risk Management is about having a church where people can feel safe to practice our faith and be their authentic selves – and not having a church so fixated on safety that putting our faith into practice takes a back seat to it.  In short, questions about Risk Management are complicated indeed!  The title for our program May 11 – “Is the Future Safe With Us?”

My last day with you will be Sunday, May 15.  My title for the Sunday service that day is “Going Forth and Letting Go.”  Yes, it will be partly about me, but it will be about you too.  I will have much to thank you for and I will be applauding some significant accomplishments you have made this year.  I will express my regrets about some things that did not turn out as I had hoped, and I will say a bit about some different paths that you might choose for your future. 

                Then, with my car packed up and my attention turning to the congregation elsewhere that I will be serving next year as interim minister, I will say goodbye.  Not “Let’s get together soon” or “Let’s keep in touch” because we now have a notable opportunity to practice an authentic, real “goodbye.”  Let’s do it well.   

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Florida District Assembly:   Our delegates were Dee Tait, Laurel Hahlen, and Bobbie Dixon.  Rev. Child, who also attended, is very proud of Valdosta for having its full complement of delegates.  It was a fine Assembly with UUA President Bill Sinkford as keynote speaker.  We can be very proud of Dee as a newly elected member of the District Board.  Rev. Child says, “my big surprise and thrill was that I won the Clarence Skinner Sermon Award.”  Thanks to all who attended on our behalf and congratulations to the winners!  

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Nominating Committee: At the printing of the May newsletter the committee has been successful in filling several positions and has several people who are thinking about positions, but have not yet committed to serving.  The committee plans to have a full slate of committed individuals by the time of the Annual Congregational Meeting.  The committee composed of Virginia Branan, Chair, Betty Derrick, and John Tait believe the future of this congregation depends on a committed Board.  Thank you to those who, when asked, have and will commit to this important service.

President:   Lars Leader

Vice-President:   Helen Gerhardt

Treasurer:   Doug Tanner

Secretary:  An individual is considering this position

Director of Building and Grounds:   An individual is considering this position

Director of Membership (If the amended bylaws are adopted this position will be a Board position.):       Laurel Hahlen

Director of Religious Education: An individual is considering this position.  

 

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our minister Rev. Barbara Child.  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.

 

Annual Congregational Meeting

May 22-Following Sunday Service

The Annual Congregation Meeting will be Sunday, May 22.  Included in the business of the meeting will be: 

1.  Election of Officers for next year

2.  Approval of next year’s Budget attached

3. Adoption of amended Church Bylaws included for members

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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 Dee Tait.

Social Action Committee

UU Valdosta participated in Darfur Sunday on April 10.  Nine members, friends, and visitors sent faxes and the chalice lighting, meditation, and informational talk from UU-UNO materials were used as part of our service.  We had a wonderful turnout due to a guest speaker so we were able to get the word out about the situation in Darfur to about 25 people.

At this time no social action activity is planned for May.  However, please join the UU Valdosta Social Action email list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUValdostaSAC/ for social action planning and discussion, and watch your orders of service for announcements of future actions.  Contact: Anna Mitchell Hall.

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Be A Chalice Lighter of the Florida District:  A Chalice Lighter is a person who pledges to respond with a $10.00 contribution whenever the call comes to “light a chalice” within the Florida District.  The requests come no more than three times a year.  Our church received a generous sum of money through this program when we were building our new church building.  Some of us have been Chalice Lighters for a number of years.  Consider participating in this District-wide effort to support UU churches.  You’ll find a bright yellow brochure at the church, which describes the program and contains an enrollment form.  All you need do is fill out the form and then respond when the call comes.

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About Our Members and Friends

Keep in you thoughts our members and friends with health concerns or other difficulties...

Congratulations are in order....

v      Rev. Barbara Child – Congratulations on winning the Clarence Skinner Sermon Award at the Florida District Annual meeting in April.  The winning sermon, In Honor of Heroes: What We Live For, What We Die For,” was delivered to our congregation on November 7, 2004.  A copy is on our website, if you would like to see which one won (click here to go directly to the sermon).

v      Diane Holliman - Congratulations on being named 2005 Social Worker of the Year by the South Georgia Unit of the National Association of Social Workers.  Dianne is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Social Work at VSU.

v      Betty Derrick - Betty has just been reelected to the Council of the American Association of University Professors.  She will resume the position, after a year’s absence, as one of three Councilors for District V, which encompasses much of the southeast.  The AAUP is a professional organization for university and college professors.  The organization’s major focus is the protection of academic freedom and faculty rights and the development of models of excellence for university governance.

v      Dee Tait- Congratulations on being elected to the Florida District Board.

v      Congratulations to Ming Lin, Jr. who was honored in April as the District and State Star Student.   Many of you will recall that Ming was our regular pianist a short while back.

v      Congratulations to Sean and his Lowndes High School Technology Student Association team, which in April placed second in the Georgia competition in Perry and will be competing in the national competition in Chicago .

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:  Carol Stiles

May 15: deadline for the June newsletter

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Treasurer's Report

Randy Thompson

FUND BALANCES at March 31, 2005

General Fund (See Note)			$24,093.11
Restoration Fund			18,015.64
Total (Cash in Bank Accounts)			$42,108.75
OUTSTANDING DEBT
Mortgage			$25,880.08
				YTD
OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:			March	Nine Months
Receipts:
Plate			59.00	868.20
Pledge			2,685.00	14,065.00
Rent			240.00	2,210.00
Interest Income				524.01
TOTAL RECEIPTS			2,984.00	17,667.21
Disbursements:
Minister Expense			2,222.22	15,555.00
Mortgage			500.00	4,500.00
Speaker's Fees & Expenses				873.68
Repairs and Maintenance				586.01
Child care expense				510.00
Ministerial Music				50.00
Insurance & Termite Bond			514.90	514.90
Postage				352.72
Supplies				678.62
RE Programming				480.00
Membership Programming			59.95	167.95
UUA dues				2,208.00
Utilities			215.74	1,609.24
Advertising			115.00	397.50
Other				334.90
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS			3,627.81	28,818.52
NET RECEIPT (DISBURSEMENT)			($643.81)	($11,151.31)

*It is anticipated the church will incur deficits each month during the remainder of the minister’s term, but this expense has been pre-funded and the funds are in the General Fund.  

Contribution to Westside Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Worth , TX : Our church collected $301 from members, which, as the congregation voted, was matched, using the Restoration Fund, by the church plus an additional $500.   In total we sent the Westside Church $1,102.  

Thank you letter from the UU Service Committee received for this congregation's collected individual contributions to the Guest at Your Table program -- $341.37.  The letter has been posted on the bulletin board in the RE Building.  

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Discussion on Sunday mornings after the sermon?   The Sunday Services Strategy Group decided to try the following "Best Practices Guidelines" for facilitating discussions after each Sunday service. We agreed that we would try these guidelines for six months, after which feedback is encouraged before revision of the facilitation process.

o        The discussion facilitator will not necessarily be the lay leader or speaker, although all three roles may at times be carried out by the same person. Roles will be decided on among the lay service participants and the program coordinator in advance of the service.

o        The discussion facilitator will formally call the discussion, using the chimes or other recognizable signal.

o        A brief synopsis of the best practice guidelines for discussions will be briefly announced by the discussion facilitator before beginning.

o        A definite length for the discussion will be set.

o        Persons who raise their hand will have their name written down by the facilitator and will be prompted when it is their turn to speak.

o    After the fifteen minutes, the facilitator will formally bring the discussion to a close, using chimes or other agreed upon signal.

All those who are interested in lay leading or discussion facilitating are encouraged to attend the Sunday Services Strategy Committee, which meets once a month. Please contact Lars Leader or Helen Gerhardt at for more information.

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News from the Board: Information from the March meeting was too late for the April newsletter. The Board of Trustees met on March 24 at 6 PM.  The board reviewed the proposed 2005-2006 budget and proposed additions and changes.  The proposal for amended bylaws from the Bylaws Committee was also discuss.  Several possible changes and corrections were suggested.  Both the Budget and Bylaws will be voted on by the congregation at the Annual Congregational Meeting, scheduled for May 22 after the Sunday service.  The board selected Dee Tait, Laurel Hahlen, and Bobbie Dixon to be our congregational delegates to the Annual Florida District Assembly and approved funding assistance for their registration, room and board, and travel.  The board approved a free ad to be placed in informational packets in hotel rooms in Moultrie and decided not to renew our Chamber of Commerce membership.  The board decided to explore becoming a shelter for those displaced in hurricane evacuations by registering for an informational meeting in order to receive more information. The board decided to request a detailed plan for Hue Jacob’s proposal to have a yard sale at the church.   

Information from the April 21 meeting of the Board appears in the newsletter in various items.

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Religious Leaders Speak Out on Schiavo Case In a statement released on March 26, 2005 through the Center for American Progress, a group of interfaith religious leaders asked our nation's elected officials to end "selective morality" in Washington as witnessed through the emergency legislation passed in the Terri Schiavo case. The statement, signed by the Rev. William G. Sinkford, UUA President, says, in part, "We, the undersigned religious leaders, hold that compassion and respect for a family's private decision making, respect for the rule of law, and respect for medical expertise are things of great value [and] are in fact moral goods that we jettison only at our peril."    The full statement is available at:  http://www.uua.org/news/2005/050326_schiavostmt  .   

Our minister, Rev. Barbara Child, is a signatory to the statement.

 

 

UU Activities and Announcements

Further information is posted on the bulletin board in the R.E. wing at the church.

May 11-13 and May 13-15 – UU Womenspirit: “Sacred Balance, Healing Peace”, at The Mountain, Highlands , NC

www.UUWomenspirit.org

May 27-29 – Florida UU Fest “Root Hold Us Close” An All-age Florida Fest will convene UUs for the Memorial Day weekend at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, FL

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund

Greetings in the month of May. At the time of this writing I am preparing for the District Annual meeting where, hopefully, I will be greeting many of you. The weekend following this meeting I will be in Boston for the Board of Trustees meeting. Thus, the column is being written earlier than usual. The theme of this month’s column concerns youth, and “right relationship” with our youth.

Some months ago the UUA Board directed a consultation on our ministry to, and with youth be convened. The first step in this process occurred in February with Bill Sinkford and Megan Dowdell, youth trustee at large, serving as co-conveners. Thirty youth and adults from a broad spectrum of our Association met to outline a process that would help UUism re-define and re-commit to youth ministry. During two days of meetings, with an outside facilitator, the group identified five priorities to be addressed. These are: 1) Youth ministry needs to be served at a more robust, flexible, diverse level than YRUU currently offers. 2) Denominational youth work needs to serve local congregations and their youth ministry. 3) YRUU and UUA administration need to define an authority structure the role of youth and adult leadership, at the same time that it supports the growth and empowerment of all UU youth. 4) Anti-racism/Anti-oppression work is an important part of youth ministry and needs to be moved ahead; there is not just one way of doing this work, and the “right” way is dependent on individual identities. 5) There needs to be more and better communication among continental, district, and local levels, and within congregations.

Working together the gathered group developed preliminary ideas as to how these five issues should be addressed and who might be involved in addressing them. A smaller group was assigned the task of synthesizing the ideas into a coherent plan. This group met in late April to create a draft plan. Key stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to respond to the proposal before finalization. The goal is to have a viable process finalized by August of 2005; implementing the process is expected to take one to two years. The Board of Trustees will be provided information about each stage of the process as the work moves forward.

Let me remind you this is just the beginning. Perhaps after the April Board meeting I will be able to write more of the progress and process in my report. Please stay in communication with me. I continue to receive interesting comments and inquiries and so far, have been able to respond to each one. I can be reached by email at jlund@uua.org. Enjoy the springtime.

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Roots Hold Us Close:

What’s at the core of Unitarian Universalism today? Come and explore this question and be part of the answer!   Join us in spirit, and in body, for this first-time ever weekend gathering in Florida . For families and for singles, for young and for the mature, “Roots” offers the chance for connection and for meaning all in an amazing natural environment. Canterbury is replete with trails, tall shadowy trees, a shimmering lake and much more.
A series of workshops in the morning and afternoon will explore our faith traditions, beliefs and practices;Live entertainment, “the Irthlingz,” and keynote speaker in the evening; Dramatizations of famous UUs, yoga and more. Program includes structured activities for children and free time for play and fun.   All meals and lodging ( Canterbury rooms are hotel style) are included in the fee. Early-bird rates apply, so register NOW. Registration: www.floridadistrict.org and 407-894-2119.  For information regarding “Roots,” contact Michael Malone, UU Miami, uukids@aol.com. 

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UU WINE COUNTRY EXCURSIONS  The UUs of Napa, California invite you to a unique opportunity to enjoy two of America ’s most scenic valleys, Napa and Sonoma .  We will help you choose from over 600 wineries and hundreds of world class restaurants, COPIA (the American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts), Jack London’s home, Francis Ford Coppola’s winery and movie museum, art galleries, miles of trails with breathtaking views and more.  Locally savvy UU guides will drive you to selected wineries, historic sites and mountain trails with breathtaking views.  You will stay in UU homes for good conversation, good breakfasts and warm hospitality.  Our offer is limited to June, July and August.  Plan three nights with two days of touring.  Our fees are well below market rate for similar services. All proceeds benefit our Fellowship.  We have limited openings, so contact us now for details: Tom Wilson , twilson9@sbcglobal.net.

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UU NIAGARA EXPERIENCE   July 17-20, 2005  If you have ever wanted to visit Niagara Falls or if it is already one of your favorite places, this is a chance to experience the wonder of Niagara Falls including some great educational opportunities while in the company of UUs from around the country.  The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective, even safely riding beneath a tethered balloon.  Spend four days with us exploring the rich history and natural wonders around the Falls.  For information visit our web site: http://www.uunex.net/                         Email: info@uunex.net

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings: Continuing Class 6:00-7:30 PM; a new Beginner’s Class will begin in mid-August.   Contact Dennis Bogyo. 

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

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Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta Proposed Budget Fiscal 2006