The Parson's Piece

Rev. Al Boyce

"Everything in Judaism says: "Remember"

                                           - Elie Wiesel

Thanksgiving season is upon us.  While contemplating the very family centered holiday I cannot help but think about the high Jewish holy days of Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  I write this column about mid way between the two holidays.   I believe at this time of year there is much we can glean from these highest of holy days found in the Jewish faith.

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the "ten days of penitence" which culminates with Yom Kippur.  Arriving in the fall of the year, when life is filled with freshness, Rosh Hashanah is a time to remember who we are, where we wish to go and how we plan to get there. 

I am grateful today that we have begun this new phase of the congregation's ministry together.  Like the families that will gather around a table on Thanksgiving day to celebrate their common bonds, we gather weekly as a spiritual community to affirm our bonds, revisit our individual spiritual journeys and commit ourselves to make the world a fair and just place for our children, our selves and the greater world community.  It is here where friendships are nourished.  It is here where individuals no longer feel like just a statistic.  It is here where individuals feel valued and appreciated.  It is here where we honor our past yet, vision for our future. 

I see strength and optimism abounding and it feels good.  It is found in worship on Sunday mornings, in Adult RE classes, in Board Meetings, Pot Lucks and days of cleanup around the congregation. 

If you have not journeyed with us for a while, you are missing an exciting time.  I invite you to come catch the holiday joy with this throng of ordinary people as we collectively do extraordinary things.

 

Sunday Services

Rev. Al Boyce will lead the services on November 10 and 24. His topic on November 10 is “Jonah: The Reluctant Messenger.”  He asks, is there any possibility at all that this children’s fable, found in the Jewish scriptures and the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, could have any relevance for us today?  The sermon will place the story in the time it was written and the social/political environment of its creation.  Perhaps there will be something we can glean for our lives today.  On November 24   the title of his sermon is “What is Family Anyway?” Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. For many it will mean the opportunity to sit around a great feast with family in celebration of the wonderfully accepting bonds of love and caring that have been expressed over the past year.  For others it has potential of being a lonely day fraught with tough reminders of difficult family times.  The sermon will address the concept of family.  On November 3 Theresa Thompson, one of our members will speak on  “ I Was Born A Witch.”     She says, when a man awakes to the spiritual world, we call him "Buddha."  When a woman awakes, we call her "witch."  Some people think witches choose to be witches, and many people can (and do) so choose.  However, historically, witches have been born not made.   She will examine cultural responses to "witches" from ancient times to the present, using her own life as exemplum.  Dr. Thompson is a member of the English Department faculty at Valdosta State University.

Charles Judah, will speak November 17. His presentation is entitled “White Water Times.” Charles is Vice President of the congregation and coordinates the programming at the church.   He is a Valdosta businessman.  

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Religious Education

Youth R.E   A field trip  is planned by our youth for November 23 to the Science Museum in Tallahassee. It is not limited to class members, so contact Lars Leader or Virginia Branan, if you would like to join in the day's outing.

Youth religious education meets on the second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM. Our youth are exploring their creative talents in accord with UU Principles and our Living Tradition. Adult teachers are needed who have craft skills. Some of their interests are friendship bracelets, making ink from natural materials, and special foods. Your suggestions are welcomed, too. Talk with Sean and Kevin Leader.

Contacts: Lars Leader or Virginia Branan.

Adult R.E. Meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. The group is continuing its study using activities in Robert Anton Williams’, "Quantum Psychology". The class is led by Hue Jacobs.

The next adult topic, "Final Health Care Decisions," will be led by Lars Leader, The planning guide and workbook that will be used is free, but will need to be ordered. Please see Lars or phone him to reserve a copy.  This discussion will probably begin in December or January.

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!!!Social Events!!!

Friday, November 1

Social Hour and Potluck

at Betty Derrick’s Home

Happy Hour 5:00-7:00 PM

Potluck after 7:00 PM

Betty is hosting the monthly First Friday Happy Hour for VSU faculty (and friends) on November 1 from 5-7 PM at her house.  UU friends are invited to bring their favorite drink and join the party.  If you would like to stay later for supper, bring along a potluck dish to share.  If you can, bring a little extra in case others decide to stay late.  If the weather cooperates, Betty says this is a wonderful time of year to just visit on her porch after dark.  Park in the field in front of Betty’s house.  You might want to bring a flashlight. Call Betty if you want further information or get lost.

Saturday, November 16

Party to Paint Hue’s Auto

Afternoon at Jim Ingram’s Farm

Hue Jacobs has an old Chevy clunker that he'd like to turn into an "art car".  Come to Jim's barn on a Saturday afternoon and paint it and attach items to it with superglue.  Cowboys and Indians, soldiers, circus animals etc.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 28

2:00 PM

at Betty Derrick’s Home

Betty plans to bake a turkey with dressing and gravy.  She’ll provide all the dinnerware and tea and coffee.  Please get in touch with her if you would like to join in the group-effort Thanksgiving Dinner to see what is needed to round out the traditional menu and how many places are needed at the table.  We’ll need a vegetarian main course, vegetables, bread, wine, desserts, and salad.  Come join in the fun and feasting.  Call her for directions, information about the meal and to RSVP.

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Parking: Charles Judah is trying to start a parking movement!  He has been parking at the neighboring school so that our parking places near the church are freed up for newcomers.  There is a promise in the works that the path back to the church will be cleared better in the near future.  Join Charles’ movement.  Several already have!

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President’s Column

Charles Green

“Energy in our midst”.

President’s message

October 15, 2002

I’ve been preparing for the November newsletter and I received inspiration from Rev. Al Boyce’s service today.  The words of inspiration were:

1. Come and share the road with me.
2. Continue your journey toward the truth.
3. Build community.

Rev. Boyce shared his changing road along which he travels toward the truth. He admitted in the last year a renewed commitment and energy to share his training with others. He shared that “Love is the spirit of this church and service is its law.” He shared that this search for the truth is ever changing. This constant change purges the ‘dogma’ that holds so many people in a frustrating rut.

My journey has led me to seek goals and once attained to feel EMPTY. However, in the past few years I have found fulfillment beneath a rock that was previously hidden from me. I passed this rock in life many times but saw no opportunity in seeking what might lie beneath it or in dislodging it. My focus was on relatively mundane goals that caused me to hurry over these treasures.  Under the rock was the message: “Reward is found by volunteering and participating.”

In my experiences with UU of Valdosta Fellowship, I have developed an extended family and discovered satisfaction in helping others. After the service today, we had our first board meeting where Rev. Al Boyce attended. There were five board members and five adult visiting members. There was also a youth member displaying a new project and demonstrating leadership. There was an uncommon energy in the room that I have not felt at one of these board meetings previously. There was an opportunity for all to contribute and Rev. Al demonstrated new leadership, new ideas and solutions to some old issues.

The meeting took almost two hours but much was said and shared. Several motions were made and all carried a majority “Yes” vote. The tone was positive and very uplifting. The energy of Rev. Al’s sermon carried past the ‘pot luck’ meal and into the board meeting. The change was unmistakable. The future is exciting both for our church family and our community. Rev. Al seemed to be an ‘uncanny’ match for us and for our area. He brings such a wealth of love for all, and has leaped into our community, just as he promised.

On Nov. 10 we will meet with our Florida District Director, Rev. Mary Higgins to facilitate a “kick-off” meeting.   We will develop a list of tasks for Rev. Al to achieve in his first year with us. We must raise our hands and volunteer to assist him, as we are willing and able in the coming months. His success with our goals will be largely measured by the assistance we give him, not by how much he accomplishes alone. He has ‘raised the bar’, and we must help him keep it high.

The new energy is there. Please find time to help. Come, give and participate, as you are able.

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Please Note: Special Ministry Meeting

On Sunday, November 10, after the service, the Board and church members will meet with our Florida District Director, Rev. Mary Higgins, to explore expectations for our new minister’s ministry to our community.  This is a rescheduling of the workshop/work session originally scheduled for October.  It is especially important that all Board members attend; however our President, Charles Green, would like as many members of the congregation as possible to also attend.  The process, which Mary Higgins will guide us through, is expected to take about four hours.    This is an important step in defining our expectations for our church and fairly defining our expectations of our new minister.  This is important!  Mark your calendar.

In his new book, “Nothing Is Impossible,” Christopher Reeve discusses his long spiritual journey to becoming a Unitarian Universalist. He quotes the minister, Thomas Starr King (1800) as follows: "Universalists believe that God is too good to damn people, and the Unitarians believe that people are too good to be damned by God....Universalists believe in a God who embraces everyone, and this is central to their belief that lasting truth is found in all religions, and that dignity and worth is innate to all people regardless of sex, color, race or class."

 

 

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.

VSU Diversity Week

Diane Holliman has been participating in the planning for Diversity Week at Valdosta State University scheduled for November 3-7.  The Diversity Fair is Thursday, Nov. 7 from 1 - 4 PM on Palms Quadrangle.  The UU church has had a booth there before and Diane has reserved a place for us again.  Let Diane know if you can help staff the booth during that time.

7th annual VSU Diversity Week Calendar:  "Diversity: Celebrating our Differences."  You are invited to attend.

·        Sunday, November 3, 3 - 5 PM 

University Center Magnolia Room

Edgar Dorantes Latin Jazz Band  

·        Monday, November 4

A conversation about Hate Crimes:  Rev Al Boyce and Rabbi Mosha Elbaz will be leading this discussion. Time and place to be announced  

·        Tuesday, November 5, Time 6-7 PM

Sawyer Theatre, Fine Arts Building

Sabor Latino (Latin Dance Group)  

·        Wednesday, November 6, 5  - 7 PM

University Center Food Court Stage

An Evening of Creative Expressions:  An Open Microphone Night  

·        Thursday, November 7, 1  - 4 PM

Palms Quad 7th Annual Diversity Fair. (UU Valdosta will be represented.  

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Transportation Assistance Coordinator needed:  We have had a need in recent months for transportation assistance for our members.  Is there someone who could volunteer to coordinate this effort?

Members Special Needs Ministry was discussed by the Board and Rev. Al Boyce.   Members with special needs can contact the minister confidentially.  The congregation may wish to consider a special line item in the budget as a discretionary fund for the minister to use for this type of assistance.

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Volunteer Work Days

Jason Halter, as his Eagle Scout Project, has developed a plan for a Meditation And Memorial Garden at the church.  This is a project, which has been discussed ever since we moved into our building.  Jason presented his plan at the October 13 Board meeting.  The first workday to help Jason with clearing of vines and under brush for the paths and mediation areas will be the first Saturday in November.  There will probably be another day or two for work in November and December.  Watch for further announcements.  If you can help, come about 9 AM and bring some tools with you for clearing of trails and building benches.  

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New Member Orientation

Rev. Al Boyce with the help of members of the congregation will be leading a new member orientation over the next several months.  The first of three sessions will meet immediately after the service in the R. E. wing on November 24.  The other two sessions are scheduled for December 22 and January 26.  Each session will be about one hour.  If you have recently joined the congregation or are thinking about joining you are encouraged to attend these sessions.  They will help you understand the history of Unitarian Universalism as well as the history of the Valdosta church and give you some insight into what it means to be a member of a UU congregation.

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Treasurer’s Report

September

Outstanding Debts

   Mortgage:               $34958.88

   UUA:                            $940.00

                                                $35898.88

 

Savings:                       $3079.54

 

Income:

            Pledge:                           $840.00

            Plate:                              $113.25

            Rent:                               $287.00

            Moving Exp:                   $105.00

                                                  $1345.25

Expenses:

            Mortgage:                    $500.00

            Utilities:                        $236.64

            Speakers:                    $261.63

            Supplies:                        $46.89

            Music:                             $35.00

            UUA:                            $118.00

            Moving Exp:               $1500.00

                                                $2698.16

 

Your Treasurer, René Kerr  

Minister’s Moving Expenses: Please contribute, beyond your pledge, as you are willing and able, toward the minister’s moving expenses.  There is a basket at the front of the church for this purpose.  If you take a look at the budget you’ll notice the expense and the contributions so far to this expense.  

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                      ARTISTS/POETS/THINKERS

Our Bench Advertisement (Near Pier One Imports) is coming up for renewal in December. The Board would like your ideas for a new slogan. The slogan that is on the bench now is:

                     Unitarian Universalist Church

              A Community of Acceptance and Love

                          1951 E Park Ave.  

It is that time of year again!  We would like to have a contest. If you would like to submit a new slogan to compete with the old one, give it to René and she will post it on the Sanctuary’s bulletin board - in the middle section. The congregation will vote during the next few months for the slogan we want put on the bench when we renew it. THE CATCH!: It will take $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$’s to vote (bet you can't guess who's idea this was). The vote will be tallied on the basis 1 vote = 1 cent. The money will go toward paying for the bench itself and if we have extra, the treasurer will pay a few bills with it. There will be containers under the bulletin board or just designate a check for a certain slogan and give it to René. May the best slogan win!

Fund Raising: You’ll be hearing more soon about fund raising to pay down our mortgage and to fully fund our minister’s position.  Our Treasurer suggests that you keep in mind that the end of the year is approaching.  If you have some extra funds to contribute the timing may be right for you for an end of the year tax deduction.

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Sharon McKenzie, Charles Green

Website:  Carol Stiles

November 15: deadline for the December newsletter.

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Holocaust Display:  The American Legion Post 13 and Georgia Commission on the Holocaust are hosting the Anne Frank Exhibit at Temple Israel. The exhibit will be in Valdosta for several weeks beginning October 21.  

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Meet Our Members

Betsy Thompson who has recently signed our membership book shares something about herself and her family in this note.  She says, I'm originally from Thomasville. After living away in Athens, Atlanta and New Orleans for 20 years, I moved back home in the mid-80's. I have two wonderful daughters. Allison is 28 and lives in Malmo, Sweden, and Emily, 25 lives in Atlanta.

Although I'm currently on sabbatical, I am a clinical social worker (MSW from FSU) who worked with adults and older adults at Archbold Northside Center for Behavioral and Psychiatric Care in Thomasville for 9 years.

I met Randy a little over two years ago and we were married about this time last year (Oct.20). I love living in Valdosta. It feels like my second home since my grandmother and many aunts, uncles and cousins were here when I was growing up. Having the university here has allowed me to come in contact with a much more diverse group of people than I would have otherwise.

Randy and I have been very busy care giving this year... for my mother (who died last February), his father (who is now settled in assisted living in Atlanta) and his handicapped sister (who is settled in her own apartment in Atlanta with 24/7 caregivers). Even with such a busy care-giving schedule, we've managed to take several fantastic trips... to Sweden and London, cruising the Caribbean, and next week we're on our way to Las Vegas to celebrate our first anniversary.

I was raised in the Methodist church and continued to attend when I returned to Thomasville because I loved ringing hand bells... and there was no alternative in such a small town. However, my belief system is very different from traditional Christianity and Methodism, and I've really enjoyed coming to UU of Valdosta and meeting people with such interesting personalities and beliefs. We're looking forward to participating more actively now that our lives and schedules are calming down significantly.

 Editor’s Note: If you are a new member, or an old member who would like to share something of your life with the rest of us, please send me an e-mail.  This is a good way for us to get to know each other, especially if we grow like we would like to grow now that Rev. Al is with us,  

Molly Scholz and Doug Fraser, much beloved members and friends and our much missed musicians on Sunday mornings, have written recently and enclosed a picture of Carol Stiles and Pat Miller on their visit this summer.  Their full letter is posted on the bulletin board along with addresses and e-mail.  Molly and Doug are living in Oregon and have been gone about a year.  They are excited that we have a minister.  Molly is singing in the select choir at the downtown Portland UU church.  Doug has been doing studio work as a guitarist.  Both Doug and Molly are working in real estate in Portland.  They would love to have you visit and enjoy keeping up with us through the newsletter.

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

[Given our lovely wooded surroundings we have come to think of ourselves as “The Church In the Woods!”  These groups from the community meet in our building.]

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings.  6:00 PM.  Beginner’s Group taught by Eric Nielsen Saturday, 10-12 AM.   Contact Dennis Bogyo.

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

 UU Activities and Announcements

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

Nov. 1-3 “Go With the Flow Workshop,” The Mountain

Nov. 7-8  UUA Florida District Training Workshop for Committees on the Ministry, Orlando UU Church

Dec. 26-Jan. 1  S.W.I.M., the Unitarian Universalist Southeast Winter Institute in Miami, an annual UU Retreat and Family Camp for UUs and like-minded people of all ages For more information: http://www.swimuu.org