What’s going on...May 2006

Sunday Services

 

May 7 Rev. George Bennett “Safe and Affordable Housing For All.”

Rev. George Bennett is the Chairman of the Board of Better Neighborhood Housing Corporation that builds low income housing in Valdosta .  Relying on the thought of Buckminster Fuller and Millard Fuller, he will address the central role that safe and affordable habitat has on answering the human needs of our day He will also honor the work of Karen Armstrong in her documentation of the Axial Age 3000 years ago and will attempt to set our current crisis in the context of what he believes to be another Axial age. 

Reverend George Bennett was ordained in the United Christ of Christ and has served both Disciples of Christ and UCC congregations over the past forty years.  The son of Lee Bennett, local artist and professor at VSU, and Harold Bennett, retired business person and active community leader, George grew up in Valdosta , attended VSU, and is a graduate of FSU and BU.  Married to Martha McElroy from Quitman, they have three children and seven grandchildren.  Both George and Martha are currently students at VSU in Spanish and Art.

May 14: Reverend Rose: “Searching For Understanding In A World of Fear.” 

We fear those whom we don’t understand, and fight those whom we fear.  We fear each other because we don’t understand each other. We don’t understand each other because we don’t communicate with each other. We don’t communicate with each other because we don’t know each other. We don’t know each other because we don’t associate with each other.  We don’t associate with each other because we fear each other.  And we fear each other only because we don’t understand each other.

Civil and human rights activist Reverend Floyd Rose has served as minister of the Pine Hill Church . Born in Valdosta , Georgia , Reverend Floyd Rose served as president of the local office of the NAACP in Toledo , Ohio and returned to his hometown to become minister of the Pine Hill Church and to lead various efforts against racial injustices. “The People’s Tribunal” was created and is headed by Reverend Rose.  He says of himself, “I am simply a disciple of Jesus, and would be pleased to be introduced as such.”

 May 21: Dr. Michael Stoltzfus:  “Islam:  A Vision of Peace and Unity”

We will investigate Islam through its self understanding as continuity with Judaism and Christianity.  We will also highlight key events in the Islamic calendar and explore core religious teachings regarding God, the Koran, and human freedom.  Perhaps no major world religion is more misunderstood in the West today and we will confront some of the false stereotypes regarding Islam.

            Dr. Stoltzfus is a member of the Philosophy and Religion faculty at Valdosta State University .  His presentation on Islam continues the series on world religions which he has been presenting on a monthly basis this year.

May 28: Sadhvi Vrndaji Chaitanya: “Discovering Compassion”

In this talk, Sadhvi Vrndaji Chaitanya will discuss compassion as a force for personal and social transformation. The talk will be followed by a brief guided meditation

Acharya Sadhvi Sri Vrndaji Chaitanya is a Vedic Monk, and the disciple of Pujya Sri Dayananda Saraswati Swamiji, a world-renown teacher of Vedanta and Sanskrit.  Vrndaji has taught Vedanta at several institutions of higher education including the University of California , Berkeley , University of Oregon , and Valdosta State University . Vrndaji has participated in several UN and international NGO initiatives for world peace and social justice, and is the convener of the Global Diversity Coalition, an international non-profit organization that is engaged in organizing inter-religious dialogues between indigenous spiritual traditions and mainstream religions.  The Global Diversity Coalition also strives to preserve religious and bio-diversity by supporting the practitioners of indigenous cultures, and traditional ways of being that are endangered by globalization.

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

Volunteers Needed:  There are several Sunday service jobs including lay leader, flowers, greeting guests, greet and meet host after the service, and music director.  In addition we do our own cleaning inside and out of our facility.  See the sign-up book in the foyer and volunteer.

 

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Accepting Difference Project & JUUST Change Consultant Visit

Thank you to all who participated in the visit of Sue Lacy, our JUUST Change Consultant, April 10, 11.  During both days Sue talked with members of our congregation and twelve members of the Valdosta community in one to one conversations about out Accepting Difference Project.  On Tuesday evening April 11 she participated in a potluck at the church and shared with those present her experiences and her advice to the congregation..  

Sue Lacy’s consultancy support is made possible through a UUA program.   She shared with us that we were one of about 13 UU congregations awarded a JUUST Change Grant. This has already proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our congregation to build relationships with other groups and individuals in the community who are working in anti-oppression efforts.  If you are interested in learning more about this UUA sponsored effort, Carol Stiles has posted some new information on our home page at http://www.oocities.org/uuvaldosta/  including a link to the JUUST Change Consultancy page on the UUA website. 

Betty Derrick, Chair, Lars Leader and Helen Gerhardt are serving as a Social Concerns Committee coordinating this project.  Either Betty or Lars were able to sit in on Sue Lacy’s conversations with the community leaders the committee had identified prior to Sue’s visit.   At Tuesday’s discussion with the congregation it was obvious that Sue Lacy as well as the committee were excited and encouraged by these interviews.  Our consultant is quite talented at placing people at ease and encouraging them to speak with her.  Her long time experience in social justice organizing served her well in guiding these conversations.  Although the various people she spoke with did not necessarily agree with each other about strategies and tactics, they did agree with each other about the need for change in Valdosta .  These conversations argue that the need for our project is great and that there is a real possibility for us to work cooperatively with others in the community. 

Betty, Helen, and Lars met after lunch on Sunday, April 16 to discuss future plans for the project.  If you look at this month’s programming for Sunday morning you will note that Helen has already made a start on the next step.  Sue Lacy had encouraged us to continue the dialogue which we have begun.  We will initially do this by inviting each of our community contacts as Sunday speakers over the coming months.  Three of these, Karen Costlow-Nolan, Floyd Rose, and Vrndaji Chaitanya will speak this month.  Watch for George Bennett, Christine James, Mary Ann Hand, Jerry Hardee, Leigh Touchton, Susan Wehling, Louie Schmier, Viki Soady, and Stan White over the coming months. The committee, after considerable discussion, narrowed a much longer list to these people (Sue Lacy had asked for 8-10 names) who represent justice action in several different areas including racial and migrant issues, economic issues, religious difference, community assistance,  political justice, gender and gender identification issues, and interest in and sensitivity to aspects of difference in our community.  At some point it will be important that we convene a meeting of these initial contacts for further dialogue together.  The committee anticipates that this might happen in the fall.  If possible we would like for Sue Lacy to facilitate that discussion.  

It is important that the congregation be involved in the dialogue also.  Please think about what you think our community needs and how we as a congregation could facilitate change.  Listen to these community speakers and think about what they have to say.  Speak to members of our committee.  Also please be aware that before the congregation commits itself to a specific program in our community or a decision is made on a use for the remainder of our Restoration Fund, there will  be discussion and a vote by the congregation.  The committee thinks that we need more dialogue with the community participants and amongst ourselves before we are ready to make such decisions.

 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does.             

-- Margaret Mead 

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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.

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Annual Meeting

Sunday, May 21

Following the discussion after the Service

The Board will be announcing the slate of officers and next year’s proposed budget after its next Board meeting on May 7.   The Board  will notify members about items for the meeting agenda via e-mail, just after the May Board meeting.  Members and friends of the congregation should have received a pledge letter from the treasurer.  The Board will make its budget proposal to the members based on those pledges.

            This meeting is an annual obligation and privilege of membership in this democratic congregation.  Those eligible to vote must be members and must have made a contribution of record earlier this calendar year to the congregation.  If you have any questions about this, speak to our President Lars Leader .

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Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Website:  Carol Stiles

May 15: deadline for the June newsletter (Please note that the newsletter will have to be completed and printed within two days of this deadline.  Your editor will appreciate everyone noting this and being on time with their copy.)

   

About Our Members and Friends

Keep in your thoughts … 

v   Our members and friends in difficult health situations.  

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 UU Board News:   The Board of Directors met April 9, 2006.  In attendance were Lars Leader , Helen Gerhardt, Doug Tanner, Jim Ingram and Rosie Asbury.  Two very important issues were discussed during the board meeting: first, is the next year’s slate of officers; and second, the next year’s budget. Lars will be asking some members if they would consider serving on the Board for next year, or if any member is interested and willing to serve on the Board, he or she can talk to Lars. Doug drafted a letter about next year’s fund raising campaign, which he will be mailing to the members in the next few weeks. The members’ responses will determine the next year’s budget, which will be approved during the annual congregational meeting scheduled for May 21, 2006.  There was also a brief discussion on whether our church needs another part-time minister or not.  The next board meeting will be on May 7, 2006 at 9:30 A.M.  

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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 6:30-8:00 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo. 

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

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UU Activities and Announcements

Further information is posted on the bulletin board in the R.E. wing at the church.  Also check your Sunday Order of Service for announcements. 

May 17 – 21 UU Womenspirit Spring Institute and Gathering,

The Mountain  ( Unitarian Universalist Retreat Center near Highlands , N.C.)   Women Only Spiritual Retreat.  Through workshops, worship, and community connect with the Feminine Divine.  This Spring's theme is Many Faces, One Goddess -"She's all the same, we call her by a different name. Unmask many faces of the Goddess. Awaken her ancient wisdom; hear the many voices with  which she speaks. Discover how to birth her wisdom into your life and into our world."   See UUWomenspirit.org for more details.

May 24 West Central Cluster - Third Annual All Cluster UU Renewal Service with Rev. William Sinkford, Clearwater

May 27-29 The Leading Edge: Leadership Intensive for Experienced and emergin UU Congregational Leaders, Deadline for Registration is May 15, 2006 to Florida UUA District Office, Canterbury Retreat Center, Oviedo  

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Florida Women and Religion:   our website has been updated with all the details of our upcoming retreat, "Pele: Goddess of Destruction, Goddess of Creation"

http://www.floridawomenandreligion.org/index.html  

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SWIM - Sacred Space: Plan now to attend SWIM (Southeast UU Winter Institute Miami) 2006 at the beautiful Everglades Youth Conservation Camp on the grounds of the J. W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in West Palm Beach. We will gather there from December 26 to January 1. Since we’ll be a little more centrally located, this year it’s a good opportunity for more Floridians to check us out. For more information visit our website at http://www.swimuu.org .

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WINE COUNTRY EXCURSIONS: UU’s of Napa , California , announce the second season of our UU Wine Country Excursions, a delightful way to tour the scenic Napa and Sonoma Valleys .  These small tours are customized to your interests, e.g. wine tasting, art, history, gourmet dining, or exploring the beauty of our hills and valleys.  The tour includes private room/bath and breakfast in the homes of congregation members.  Special places include COPIA (the American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts),  Jack London’s home, the Francis Ford Coppola winery and movie museum, fine restaurants, many museums and galleries, miles of bicycling and hiking trails, etc.  We offer Excursions from April through October.  Plan for two days of touring and two or three overnight stays.  Home hospitality without tours is available.  All proceeds benefit our small fellowship.  We have limited openings, so contact us now for details.  Tom Wilson at UU Napa , California ..

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS 

Joan Lund

As I sit at the computer writing the May column, windows open, sunshine, and breezes coming my way I am reminded how fortunate we are to live in Florida at this time of year. Early in April I attended the District Annual meeting and enjoyed meeting many fine Florida District UUs. Thank you for being there.

In my brief spoken report I mentioned an important upcoming pre-General Assembly event that I wish to encourage you to attend: “UU University”. This is a new program which was suggested by the Congregational Presidents convening at GA last year. It is intended to be presented every other year in synch with GA, to help new and continuing congregational leaders gain the knowledge needed to be effective in their congregations. For a day and a half preceding GA “UU University” will offer specialized training designed primarily for current and future congregational presidents, financial and membership leaders, and all leaders involved in congregational leadership.

The Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke will be keynote speaker for congregational presidents and he will discuss congregations as emotional systems and leadership in emotional systems. Rev. Steinke’s insights and skill will provide leaders with the inspiration and critical skills needed for the demanding work done by them in their congregations  

All of the presentations in “UU University” will be led by dynamic leaders. Financial leaders will learn about the language of generosity, gain a solid understanding of effective stewardship, and build knowledge about managing your congregation’s money both in a presentation and workshop.

Membership leaders will learn how to “repel” fewer visitors and close the invisible “revolving door” in their congregations, while exploring effective means of moving visitors to enthusiastic membership. This tract will be led by a congregation well-known for its success in welcoming, assimilating, and retaining its ever-growing congregation.

Registration for “UU University”, June 20 and 21, 2006, is $95 per person, and is separate from GA registration. For more information and registration, including a downloadable flyer and sign-up form go to www.uua.org, type UU University in the search box, or contact me at jlund@uua.org. Registration ends May 31^st…so don’t delay. I anticipate “UU University” will be a very worthwhile experience. You know you can also contact me with your Trustee concerns and questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

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JustWorks camps: In partnership with Gulf Coast relief colleague organizations, UUSC recently held two JustWorks camps. The Katrina Relief, Louisiana camp was a cleanup and rehabilitation camp to assist Hurricane Katrina survivors who remain in or want to return to New Orleans . At the Katrina Relief, Mississippi camp, volunteers worked with community-based partners assisting returning Hurricane Katrina survivors to clean up and repair homes.  Check out our other JustWorks camps at our website, www.uusc.org/justworks .

Rallies April 30 to stop genocide: Join UUSC and Save Darfur Coalition at rallies to stop genocide! With the genocide continuing in Darfur , UUSC and other human rights organizations are organizing major events to raise public awareness of what the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. During the weekend of April 28-May 1, 2006, major rallies to end genocide in Darfur will be held in Washington , D.C. , San Francisco , Chicago and other communities across the country. Visit www.uusc.org to learn more.  UUSC President Charlie Clements will be a featured speaker at the San Francisco Day of Conscience for Darfur on Sunday, April 30.  Upon assuming office, President Bush wrote in the margins of a briefing memo on the Rwandan genocide, "Not on my watch." We mean to hold him accountable to that promise. One million postcards, phone calls and electronic signatures will demand a stronger and more effective U.S. response to the violence and atrocities plaguing the region. UUSC, The Save Darfur Coalition and its partners will collect one million signed postcards urging President Bush to take action. We will deliver America 's messages to the White House and Capitol Hill, using the campaign to garner national and local media attention for the crisis in Darfur and our shared commitment to taking the action necessary to end the crisis.  To request a bulk order of the Million Voices for Darfur postcard for distribution in your congregation or organization, please send an e-mail with your address and the number of postcards required to savedarfur@uusc.org or contact Claire.  

Immigrant Rights: Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford on Immigration Reform: "People of many faiths have been moved by the current debate over the immigration and labor policies that present a profound dilemma for our nation. We are seeing that our willingness to ignore the injustices that maintain our economic system weakens the moral fabric of our society. We know that illegal immigration is driven by two factors: the prospect of economic opportunity for the newcomers, and the voracious need of American businesses for cheap labor." The complete statement can be found here: www.uua.org/president/060413_immigration.html

 More information about the UUA's support of immigration rights can be found here: http://www.uua.org/news/immigration/