What’s going on... November 2006

Sunday Services

 

November 5 – Dr. Susan Wehling, "What I Can Learn from the Life of a Migrant Child" 

Dr. Susan Wehling is one of our community contacts for the JUUST Change Grant.  She participated in discussions with our consultant, Sue Lacy this past April.   She will discuss her work with migrant workers in our community as part of our on-going discussions about addressing difference in our community.    Dr. Wehling is Director of Foreign Language Education and Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Valdosta State University .  Susan holds a PhD in Latin American Literature and an MA in Spanish Civilization and Culture from the University of Cincinnati .  Her Bachelors degree is in Sociology from Arizona State University .  She received a Georgia Humanities Council grant for, “Hispanic Heritage Month: Focus on Farm Workers,” in  2003, serves on the Georgia Farm workers Clinic Board of Directors, as an AMIGOS of South Georgia Committee Member, and as a Community Liaison for Migrant families.  Dr. Wehling served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Costa Rica and Ecuador 1982‑84. 

November 12- Rev. Jane Page,  “Can You Say God?”

“God-talk” has received a lot of attention in Unitarian Universalist congregations since President Bill Sinkford first encouraged Unitarian Universalists to consider an expanded use of a language of reverence.  In this sermon, Jane explores the word “God” and the perceptions of her congregation and others to the use of that central word as well as other “god-talk” in worship services.

November 19 – Dr.  Michael Stoltzfus, “The Radical Reformation:  Mennonites and Peace”

I grew up in a wonderful Mennonite community in the Midwest and am still closely tied to Mennonite groups and organizations and their efforts to resist violence and promote peace.  We will critically engage Mennonite theology, culture, history, and articulate the strengths and weaknesses evident in their ways of thinking and living. 

November 26 -  Rev. George Bennett, “Relinquishing Judgment”      Matthew 5:17-48

When we forgo opinions and judgments  we escape the trap of self righteousness. We learn to trust in the love, forgiveness and infinite wisdom, and compassion of Divinity that sees through our human error, limitation and fallibility.  Like the Sun, the love of God shines equally on all. 

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.

 

 

 

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Meditation Group

The Meditation Group is meeting regularly in the sanctuary every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM.  You are welcome to participate.  If you would like to know more about the group speak with Dee Tait.

Religious Education for Our Children

The RE program for children meets at 9:30 AM each Sunday morning.  Please bring your child and let those with children who might be interested know that we have restarted this important program at our church.  Volunteers are needed to be sure that two adults are present for each session.  You can volunteer as a helper or as a teacher. Contacts:  Mya Storey; Susan Bailey.

 

Rev. Jane A. Page, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro, serves our congregation in Valdosta each month.  She is available for conferences and special services when she is in Valdosta .  (Please contact a church leader for her contact information.)

 

 

 

 

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 Frank Asbury.

JUUST Change Grant Project

Lars will be planning a session for November with our congregation to discuss the information we have learned from our Sunday speakers over the last several months.  We hope through such a session to fully engage the congregation in planning a truly meaningful social justice thrust for our community.  Watch for further information and plan to be a part of this project.  It is clear to the committee that we are still learning together about the needs of our community as well as how our small group can best affect change where change is needed.  

Sue Lacy will be returning to Valdosta in January, to facilitate a meeting with our community contacts.  We’ll be letting you know about our progress and how you can participate.

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40^th Anniversary Celebration

About 40 people attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the UU Church of Valdosta .  Rev. Mary Louise DeWolf, one of the founders of the church, provided the message, “Coming Home” during the service.  Delicious food was provided by Jim and Josette Ingram who prepared a low-country boil, and by other attendees who brought various side dishes.  Members and friends shared many memories of people and events during the service and afterwards during the dinner.  Out-of-town guests included Linda and Larry Hoppock of Thomasville .  Messages were read from Sue (Strong) Vial, of Rogersville, AL, from Molly Scholz and Doug Fraser, of Portland, OR, and from Lorena(Holland) Barrios of Augusta, GA.  René Kerr sent a photo of MaKayla (currently at Shands Hospital in Gainesville ) to share with the congregation.  Doug Tanner prepared a wonderful slide show of photographs of people and past events of the congregation.   Prelude, offertory, and postlude music was provided by Karin Addis, viola.  Rhett Watson ( New Hope Church ) played the piano and a vocal solo was given by Bob Campbell (husband of Rev. Mary Louise DeWolf). 

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About Our Members and Friends

Meet Chuck, new member:  I was born and raised in Waukesha , Wisconsin , about 20 miles due west of Milwaukee . My parents were active in the Lutheran church, so I was baptized into that faith. I followed the normal path of Sunday School and catechism classes, and was confirmed in that faith. I sang in the choir, was an acolyte, and eventually taught Sunday school. Looking back at it, I was not sure how much religious education I imparted, but we all had a good time each Sunday. Although I continued to attend services during high school, I had already "checked out" of the faith.

After spending the first 24 years of my life in Wisconsin , I then moved 90 miles south to the Northwest suburbs of Chicago for the better weather - and a job. I had just graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a B.S. in Engineering. I spent the next 25 years doing cellular telephone network software development and testing, with brief (mis)adventures into management. I still keep a poster of Mickey as the sorcerers apprentice from Fantasia as a reminder not to try management again.

After that I joined with a friend, and started a business doing aircraft restoration and making parts for other restorations. When it became obvious that the business would only support one person, I sold out my half, accepted a position with Brooks Aviation, and moved to Douglas , Georgia in April of 2006. I am currently restoring WWII era aircraft.

While in Illinois , I was not a member of any organized religion, but was trying to simply lead a life according to the moral values that I was raised with. I became interested in the UU church through a reference on one of the Usenet groups, and a seed was planted. There was a church only 2 miles from my house, but somehow I always had something else to do on Sunday mornings.

When I was planning the relocation to Georgia , a web search turned up UU-Valdosta, and I finally made the personal commitment to attend. I found that I was missing that sense of acceptance and community that is found in UU churches.

The path I'm following in my life has evolved through the years. I am currently using the Toltec knowledge to live my life, using "the Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz as a guide. I am starting to grow into the person I was meant to be.  

Keep in your thoughts …

v   Our members and friends experiencing health concerns or the loss of a loved one…  

In Memory of MaKayla… Rest in peace, little one…..

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UU Board News for October 2006

In attendance were Lars Leader , Dee Tait, and Doug Tanner.

Doug reported on the particulars of renting a bench sign.  The standard rental fee is $350 per year.  This is for rental of one of the new synthetic benches.  To add a new message, such as the last one approved by the congregation, is an additional $75.  Doug will find out the particulars of renting a bench at the same location with the new message.  Dee presented the program report.  Hiring of a pianist for $35 per week for 3 or 4 weeks was discussed.  Dee will contact the New Hope church pianist, who has expressed interest in playing for our services.

Lars mentioned the Guest At Your Table campaign.  Lars asked about obtaining congregational letterhead for a letter of appreciation addressed to the VSU art professor who created the design for a new congregational banner.  A Florida District questionnaire sent to all presidents of the district congregations was discussed.  All officers present offered possible responses.  The next Board meeting was tentatively set for November 13, 2006.

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Treasurer's Report

Doug Tanner

FUND BALANCES at September 30, 2006                      

General Fund                                        $22,699.23             

Restoration Fund                                 $11,715.64             

Total (Cash in Bank Accounts)         $34,414.87         

                    

OUTSTANDING DEBT                                     

Mortgage                                              $19,797.20 

OPERATING RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS:                                                       

                                    September             YTD

Receipts:                                                                                     

  Plate                                        191.00    497.00

  Pledge                                  1,380.00 3,450.00

  Rent                                         240.00    720.00

  TOTAL RECEIPTS            1,811.00 4,667.00 

Disbursements:                                                   

  Mortgage                               500.00 1,500.00

  Speaker's Fees & Exp.          750.00 1,025.00

  Repairs and Maint.                   0.00      99.00

  Newsletter                              228.20    228.20

  Supplies                                      0.00      19.63

  UUA dues                                  0.00 1,960.00

  Utilities                                   211.17     564.85

  Other                                         15.00       45.00 

TOTAL DISBURSE.            1,704.37 5,441.68

NET RECPT. (DISBUR.)        $106.63                 ($774.68)

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Newsletter

Editor:  Betty Derrick   

Website:  Carol Stiles

November 15: Deadline for the December newsletter.  If possible it would be good to include the first Sunday in January on the calendar in this newsletter.

 

Book of Jane Page Sermons:  ThanksLiving and Other "Pre-Ordained" Sermons containing 12 of the sermons Jane Page preached prior to her ordination on September 24 has been published by the UU Fellowship of Statesboro, GA.   It also includes a paper entitled, "Same-Sex Unions:  A Journey from our Early Christian Roots to Sarah's and Suzie's  Wedding at the Unitarian  Universalist Fellowship of Statesboro."  (This paper won the History Award at Meadville Lombard.)  The book is available for a  $12 donation to UUFS. 

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                            Joan Lund

For the first time, because I believe the issue of Accessibility is so important. I am writing about it again (see Trustee Tidbits, March, 2004). I have come to know that Accessibility is just one of the many forms of oppression permeating our society. In the U.S. , people with physical, mental, developmental, emotional, psychological, and learning disabilities have experienced marginalization in employment, accommodation, education, and public life. Many of us without disabilities may regard ourselves as allies to people who experience marginalization and oppression in a number of areas, including abilities. The concept, “linked oppressions”, means that information about what it means to be an effective ally is transferable, so things we know about being an ally to people in the area of racism or other oppressions are also applicable to ableism.

There are some guidelines dealing with oppression, adapted from Paul Kivel’s book, Uprooting Racism, I believe we must be considering in both our personal and congregational life as we live as opponents to all forms of oppression. It is important that we learn something of the history of those who have struggled against oppression and injustice, while we are fighting against these wrongs. Oppression is everywhere, every day. People with privilege do not have to deal with oppression on a daily basis. It’s up to people who have privilege to learn to observe the effects of oppression. Be aware of who the center of attention is, and who the center of power is. Privilege works by directing blame toward people who experience oppression, while consolidating power in the hands of those with privilege. Notice how oppression is denied, minimized, and justified. Understand and learn from the history of privilege. Notice how all areas of oppression, including ableism, change, and morph over time, and how strategies of oppression help to subvert and resist challenge.

All of us must take a position against injustice. Take risks. Intervene in situations in which oppression is being demonstrated. Be strategic and decide what’s important to challenge, and what can be overlooked or ignored. Find and deal with the source of power. Recognize that behind particular incidents and interactions are larger patterns because oppression is flexible and adaptable. We must use critical thinking to make good decisions about whom to support in leadership areas regarding oppression, and when.

The work of being an opponent against  ableism or any other form of oppression cannot be done alone. No one can end oppression by her/himself. We must work together by building wide bases of support, establishing and strengthening networks, and working with established groups, particularly those with oppressed communities.

You are urged to become instrumental in your congregation and community by playing a positive critical role as an ally in our work towards equality for all. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org. Blessed Thanksgiving holidays to you all. 

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

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

Taoist Tai Chi – Beginners Class: 5:30-6:30 PM ( Dennis Bogyo , instructor); 7:00-8:00 PM, ( Luana Goodwin , instructor)  Continuing Class: 6:30-7:00 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. 

November  4 Northeast Cluster gathering, UU Society of Dayton Beach Area, FL

“Religious Challenges To our Constitution” with Rev. Richard “Bud” Murphy, Minister at hosting Ormond Beach UU & “Everything you need To know Scientifical” with Michigan University System retired Biology Prof. Jim Strayer

Nov. 11 Fall Leadership Conference with Rev. Kenneth Hurto, Oviedo

Dec. 26-Jan.1  Southeast UU winter Institute (SWIM)  

SWIM - Due to major renovations, the Southeast UU Winter Institute in Miami (SWIM) will actually be held in the historic West Palm Beach area.  SWIM's annual intergenerational retreat for UUs and like-minded people of all ages happens every year from December 26th through Jan 1st.  SWIM offers South Florida sunshine, outdoor adventures (including tours, hikes, paddling), workshops (including spirituality and personal growth), programs for families, singles, youth, teens, and young adults, fantastic food, and a new community of friends from across the continent.  Play, laugh, sing, and celebrate New Year's Eve at SWIM! Join UUs from all over North America for a week of fun in the sun! It's a beautiful time of year to be in South Florida .  This year's theme: Sacred Space.  See more online at http://www.swimuu.org

Join Unitarian Universalists in Santa Fe, New Mexico March 10 -18, 2007:   Pause, reflect, and meditate in the land famous for the light, art, food, museums, galleries, crafts, and the Native Indian and Spanish cultural heritage.  Being in historic Santa Fe is a surefire remedy for today’s stressful lifestyle. Visit the two most important Indian sites in New Mexico : Anasazi cliff dwellers (1100s), Chaco Canyon , major center of ancestral Puebloan culture (850 - 1250).   See the landscape that inspired artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and do an experiential art project. Walk a labyrinth at Ghost Ranch. Experience a Native Sweat Lodge. Soak in the waters at Ojo Caliente.  Meditate at sunrise on a mesa or at sunset in the desert.  Led by Rev. Wayne Walder (leads and teaches meditation) and Beverly Carr of Neighbourhood UU Congregation in Toronto .  See www.nuuc.ca for details.  

UUSC Holiday Cards:  Support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) while sharing the spirit of the season. Your purchase of unique UUSC holiday cards will help us advance human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.  We are proud to announce this year's contest winner is: "Be the Light" by Alex  Leaver of First Parish Church in Plymouth , Mass.   To view this year's cards and to order, go to http://www.uusc.org/holidaycards. You can also call 617-868-6600.

Illustrated Biographies of Harvard’s Unitarian Presidents
The untold story of Harvard’s Unitarian presidents is now available online via Harvard Square Library. For 123 years, from 1810 to 1933, the world’s now most highly esteemed university was headed by Unitarians. Our illustrated biographies illuminate the lives of these nine pivotal figures, from John Thornton Kirkland and Josiah Quincy to Charles W. Eliot and Abbot Lawrence Lowell.  The too often unnoticed strength of liberal religion is pervasively evident in American civilization as a consequence of the contributions made by Unitarians to higher education. You can view this story on our website, www.harvardsquarelibrary.org, now providing information to viewers in 100 countries on six continents.

UUSC is excited to announce our 2007 camp and social action opportunities for people of all ages. Join us for one of these meaningful social justice experiences, and help us spread the word about these exciting programs.

Katrina Relief (intergenerational 16 and over), fee $400 New Orleans , Louisiana February 3-10, 2007 Participants will work with a partner organization to repair and rebuild homes and neighborhoods. All skill levels welcome.

Katrina Relief (intergenerational 16 and over), fee $400 Biloxi , Mississippi March 3-10, 2007; March 10-17, 2007 Participants will work with a partner organization to repair and rebuild homes. All skill levels welcome. Skills such as plumbing, electrical, and data entry are particularly desirable.

UUSC and Return to Earth Camp (18 and over), fee $400 Clinton , Oklahoma March 18-24, 2007 Participants will prepare burial sites for unidentified Native American ancestral remains. Projects include planting, building fences, small structures, trails, painting and data-entry.

General Assembly one-day teen camp (16 and over) Portland , Oregon June 23, 2007 UUSC invites teens from across the country to participate in this one-day opportunity during the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association in Portland . Local  transportation and lunch provided.

Freedom Summer 2007: A Civil Right Journey (intergenerational 14 and over), fee $500 Atlanta, Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery Join the Service Committee on the 4th annual Civil Rights Journey to Atlanta, Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham. During this intergenerational trip, we will travel together by bus to visit historical sites that were significant to people who worked to register new voters during Freedom Summer 1964. Participants will also hear the inspirational stories of people who were there. This trip will conclude with electoral-related skills training that will equip participants to return to their communities and campuses as activists.

D.C. Teen Leadership Camp, $400 August 5-10, 2007 Washington , D.C.   Teens from across the country will learn about human rights and how they can be a part of change in their own communities and around the world. Participants will participate in trainings, skills-building activities and hear from youths who are making changes in their communities. 

To apply for a Just Works camp, you can download an application here: http://www.uusc.org/news/Workcamp03pdfs/workcampapp03.pdf. You may read more about Just Works camps here: http://www.uusc.org/info/workcamps.html