What’s going on... November 2008  

Sunday Services

Sunday, November 2 – Rev. Jane Page , " Love and Death”

Rev. Page will explore loving and dying, using stories and ideas of Rev. Forest Church of All Souls Church in Manhattan as he faces his final months of life.

Remember Daylight Savings Time ends early in the morning on November 2.  Reset your clock Saturday night and get to church on time.  …. Fall Back!  

Sunday, November 9 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Questioning the Sacred by Responding to the Holy”

It is always tempting to grant a sacred legitimacy to the customs of a particular society.  The power of the sacred lies in its ability to cultivate a sense of the “taboo” that forbids doubt or questioning, seeing such questioning as sacrileges or unpatriotic.  By contrast, a holy community evokes the capacity to question the way things are and is founded on experiences of openness to the infinite or, more specifically, openness to the stranger.  

Sunday, November 16 – Rev. Fred Howard, “Blessings before Thanksgiving”

What does it mean to be blessed?  The idea is deeply rooted in the Judaeo-Christian tradition in the way the patriarchs blessed their children and in the way God supposedly blesses us.  Are there lessons here for people who approach life and faith from a less paternalistic perspective? 

 During this Sunday Service we will honor all new members.  We invite all current members, both new and not so new, to join in this special event.   After the service we will have a cookout/potluck lunch at the church to welcome these new members to our community.  If you are not a new member, please plan to bring a side dish for the meal.  New members will be our guests so bring a little extra if you are a long-time member.

Sunday, November 23 –Dr. Keith Johnson, “A Brief Survey of the Biblical Canonization Process”

Recently during a discussion after one of Michael Stolzfus’ presentations, Keith made some comments related to the Biblical Canon and several people suggested that this might be an interesting topic itself.  This Sunday he will discuss processing the canon of the Tanak (the Torah, Nebi'im, and Ketubi'im -- the law, the writing, and the prophets) [aka: Old Testament].  The common threads within the community include various traditions such as the Jahwistic, Elohistic, Deuteronomistic and the Levitical or Priestly tradition.  Within the tradition, some books remain questionable given their context and content.  Come join in this discussion, which should further educate us about our Judeo-Christian heritage as it is found in the Old Testament.

Sunday, November 30 – Dr. Betty Derrick, " Guest At Your Table UUSC Service”

Each year at about this time UU churches participate in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) Guest At Your Table Program.  We will discuss the work of the UUSC and our commitment to social justice.  Guest At Your Table donation boxes will be distributed to be collected the first Sunday in January.  We encourage our members, during this Thanksgiving and holiday season of giving, to make daily contributions in their boxes toward the work of the UUSC across the world.  We will also encourage members through their donations to join or renew their membership in the UUSC.  Our congregation over recent years has been recognized for the number of its members who are members of UUSC.  We will talk more during the service about this important work and our own commitment to “the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.”  Betty is our church’s UUSC representative.

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our President, Doug Tanner, or Membership Director, Lars Leader.  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.          Rev. Jane Page also welcomes your questions about UU membership.

 

 

 

Religious Education for Children

                The RE program for children meets at 10:45 AM concurrent with the Sunday morning service.  Volunteers to help in the classroom are needed. 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.  Contact information:

 

 

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Games Night

November 15   7:00 PM

At the church

Bring some finger foods and munchies to share, libations if you’d like, the kids, a friend, a favorite game and let the games begin.  See Sue Bailey for further details.  Come enjoy the fun! 

 Book Discussion and Potluck: The next book discussion is scheduled for December 12 at 6:30 PM at the church.  We’ll make it a combination Christmas potluck and discussion.  Mark your calendar and watch for announcements about what book we choose to read this next month. 

 

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UUValdosta E-Mail List

If you are not already on the church e-mail list and would like to be send an e-mail message to Lars Leader or to the church address:  uuvaldosta@yahoo.com

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MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS

Still Learning- Rev. Jane Page

Yesterday (October 9), I turned 58.  I had small celebrations during the day with family and in the evening with friends.  I counted my blessings, which are infinite.  And I finished my packing; checking and double-checking to make sure I had everything I needed for my long awaited European vacation.

                Now it may seem rather insensitive to take a vacation when the world is in the midst of a financial crisis.  And I did feel a small twinge of guilt.  But everyone said I deserved this vacation.  It has been a life long wish of mine to visit Italy and Greece.   I have worked hard so that I could have the resources to take a trip like this without placing hardships on my family or myself.  And I have worked diligently in my ministry with lots of support from my parishioners for my work and for my need for a vacation.  So as I completed my last minute preparations, I rationalized that I had done things right, and now I could put my feet up and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

                This morning my travel mates, Roxie Remley and Gale Harrison, and I rolled our bags into the Atlanta airport to begin the first leg of our journey.  The excitement mounted as we found our way to kiosks to check in.  Since I had used them before I told Gale, “it’s easy, you just swipe your credit card and it finds your reservation.”  Then I had to swipe my passport.  I’d never done that before and felt rather stupid when I found out from an attendant that I was swiping it upside down.  He tried to help me, but it still wouldn’t work.  He said it probably was too glossy and that he would do it manually for me at the check in counter.  No, that didn’t work either.  Then he said, “Ma’am, did you get an amendment for this passport.  It expired last month.”

                “Oh, no,” I said, “I have another year on it.”

                 “I’m sorry ma’am,” he said, “the date on here is September 08.”  My heart sunk as I looked at the date.  He directed me to the North Terminal to the denied access office.  I cried as I struggled with my bags to find the office.  Roxie and Gale were checking their bags and would catch up with me.  After numerous attempts to find the office, an airport official took pity on me and led me to the small office with a pleasant receptionist who listened to my story.    Maybe, maybe, there was something that could be done.  I had worked so hard.  I had done things right.  Well not really.  My driver’s license expires in 2009 and I somehow thought that I had seen that date on my passport.  A stupid false memory and a simple failure to double-check the date on my passport could cost me this trip.

                Here’s my preferred ending to for this tale.

The receptionist smiles and says, “It will probably take about an hour to process this and you’ll have to pay a fee of $100; but we can certainly have you on that plane in time.”

                But of course that did not happen.  So here I now sit in an airport hotel room where I’ll spend the night, then catch a ride back to Statesboro with Greg when he flies in tomorrow from a meeting in Biloxi.  I turn on the television.  The world is still in a financial crisis, the election chatter is in the gutter, and Oprah has a new hairstyle.  I call my mom.  She tells me “it’ll be all right.”  She tells me in ten years it won’t matter.  I say, “Yes, but I’ll still remember it.”

                I remind myself again of my many blessings.  Indeed, there are many who are having real problems now.  And that does put my missed vacation (and waste of money) in perspective.  But it is not the missed vacation or the wasted money that is making my stomach turn and my eyes well up.  It’s the humiliation of making such a stupid mistake.

                In reality what I’m getting now is a big slice of humble pie.  I generally think of myself as a smart, well-organized person.  I consider myself to be someone who helps other people who "just can’t get it together” as easily as I can.  At least that’s the way I used to think of myself.

                But I sit here now while my plane is taking off at the airport nearby and I see myself more clearly.  I will no longer be so self-assured, so secure, so unflappable, so vane.  

                Or perhaps the preacher in Ecclesiastes is right.  (See Ecclesiastes 1:2-Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanities of vanities; all is vanity.)

                In any case, I’ll see you folks when I come to Valdosta on November 2 with my message on "Love and Death."  In Faith, Hope, and Love, Jane

 

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President’s Corner

Doug Tanner

As we prepare for another month of activities I want to take this time to thank those members who do so much to keep our church moving forward.  Without everyone’s efforts we would not be the congregation that we are today.

                Recently, we have been blessed to have many visitors and several new members to our congregation.  I hope that you will all take the time on November 16th to join us for a ceremony welcoming these new members and take a few minutes each week to get to know anyone who you don’t recognize.  Making newcomers welcome is one of the basic things we can do to build the beloved community that we all want to share.

Whether you are a member, a long time friend of the congregation or an occasional visitor, if you have not been able to join us in a while for a Sunday service, I want to extent a special invitation.  It is always great to see old friends and make new ones.  Come join us when you get a chance.

I will see you in Church.

 

 

 

What it Means to be a UU Church Member

Lars Leader, Director of Membership

What does it mean to be a member of the UU Church of Valdosta?  In some ways, the answer to this question is a very personal one.  Each member of our church has become a member for his or her own reasons, and each one of us brings our own talents and energy to make a contribution to our "beloved community".  Another way to answer the question of what membership means is to simply refer to our congregational bylaws.  I've excerpted the section that deals with membership:

Article III

Membership

1.                   Any person, regardless of ethnicity, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or nationality, who is in sympathy with the purpose of this congregation, may become a member of the congregation by signing the Membership Book.

2.                   Before signing the Membership Book, prospective members shall consult with the minister or, in the absence of a minister, the President of the congregation to insure that the prospective member understands the history and current situation of the congregation and of the Unitarian Universalist Association. 

3.                   Members are obligated to contribute to the financial needs of the congregation through an annual pledge and, at minimum, an annual monetary contribution of record.

4.                   Members are expected to participate in the services and programs of the congregation and in its governance and operation as they are able.

5.                   Any member, who is at least seventeen years old, who has been a member for a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the vote and has made an annual monetary contribution of record to the congregation, is eligible to vote.

6.                   A member may be removed from the rolls of the congregation upon the member’s written request to the Board of Directors or, if the member has died, moved away, or cannot be located, by direct action of the Board of Directors.

In some ways, becoming a member is very easy.   Simply signing the Membership Book makes one a member.  But with that signing comes obligations.  Members are expected to contribute to the congregation, both with participation in the church's activities and with financial support.  We are a diverse group in many ways, including financial status.  The annual pledge does not have to be a specific amount, though our treasurer can provide guidelines on amounts that are commonly given.  Members' contributions help pay for many important aspects of our congregational life, including our regular speakers and visiting ministers.  We also annually send $72 for every member to our district and national UU organizations, from which we receive many benefits.   When considering how much to contribute, what is most important is the act of financial support, whatever the amount.

                If you are thinking about becoming a member, or just want more information on what is involved in membership, please feel free to talk with me or any other board member.

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ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Keep in your thoughts...

vMembers and friends who have lost loved ones or are dealing with health concerns..... 

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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 Betty Derrick if you would like to help.

Habitat for Humanity Project: As the newsletter went to press no information was available about this project other than that mentioned in the Board’s minutes.  Watch for announcements.

Economic Justice Proposals: The Annual Meeting of our District congregations takes place next March 20 - 22 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. Dr. Charlie Clements, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, is our Keynote Presenter.  This Assembly's theme is economic justice. You are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation or workshop on this theme. Here is how you do it. Complete the following and email your proposal to the District Office no later than 15 January, 2009. Preference will be given to those who emphasize the practical application of ideas and practices within the congregation. Cluster and/or joint-congregational presentations are encouraged.

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Newsletter Editor:  Betty Derrick  Website:  Carol Stiles Local Publicity: Dee Tait November 15: Deadline for the December newsletter.

UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors

October 15, 2008

Attendance: Doug Tanner, Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Sue Bailey, Valerie Webster and Kari Wells

Old Business: 

·         Jim Ingram will continue to look for a more reasonable estimate on the roof repair.

·         R.E. table has been fixed and is working great!

·         Lars Leader will be ordering New Member gift sets that include a DVD and also more pamphlets that we can have available for visitors who would like to know more about a Unitarian Universalist.

·         Board members now have an updated contact list of church members.

·         Discussed using the Church for Weddings and what fees are appropriate.  They will be determined on a case by case situation depending on what part of the church will be used and how long it will be needed.  Right now we have 2 possible weddings.

·         Revisited the idea about making UU T-shirts for our members to wear at community functions.  Would like to have them done for the Habitat for Humanity event.

 

New Business:

·         Treasurer report: Rosie informed the Board that National member dues will be going up from $21 to $23.

·         Programs:  Everything is scheduled through November and 3 weeks are planned for December.  Reminder that new people are always welcome to lay lead. If you are interested, talk to Valerie or Bill Webster.

·         RE:  Still working on Secret project.  There was a setback due to some boxes for the project being thrown away.  Next, the class will be learning about World religion. Please keep in mind that both men and women are encouraged to volunteer in the RE class.  Talk to Sue Bailey if you are interested.

·         New Members Ceremony and Potluck.  There will be a short Ceremony to honor the new members on Nov. 16^th during the regular services.  Information on the lunch will follow.

·         Habitat for Humanity- We are going to be helping them the week of Nov. 15-22.  The church is going to organize a lunch for them during that week and we are going to also make a monetary donation.  If you would like to volunteer some of your time, they are always in need of extra manpower (both skilled and unskilled, there is a job for everyone) More information to follow.

November meeting will be November 5^th at 6:00 PM.  

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

If we were living in any other locale we might be able to feel the cool, crisp fall weather. Not so, Floridians, but none-the-less here’s hoping your congregation is in full swing for the year. As this is being written I am preparing to go to Boston for the October UUA Trustee meeting. In the report written by the team of the Advocacy and Witness Programs much interesting information is to be found, both nationally and internationally. 

                The Advocacy and Witness team is made up of the UUA staff, located in Washington, D.C., whose main responsibility is to take our UU values out into the wider world. They work to make certain UU perspectives are part of public debates on the issues of the day through media advocacy, working in partnerships with other religious and secular organizations with the same viewpoints as ours, and by empowering local congregations to be equally involved.

                The mission of the Advocacy and Witness team is to support and enhance the social justice endeavors and programs of UU congregations and to assist in increasing the collective UU and interfaith voice in public policy. UU and interfaith social justice campaigns and actions are promoted through a variety of resources to the congregational social action committee members through list serves, the UUA website, workshops, meetings, and consultation. The Advocacy and Witness team supports UUA public witness positions, the                 Journey Toward Wholeness program, and socially responsible investing initiatives. The team develops, provides, and promotes resources that help with effective process and “how to” information, issue-oriented educational information, campaign and action alerts, community organization, congregational best practices information, and UUA news and updates. Also the team solicits feedback that enables them to continually gather congregational stories and news for internal and external media, improve and update resources, and strengthen social justice efforts.

                Meg Riley is the Director of the Advocacy and Witness Programs and can be reached at mriley@uua.org . I look forward to hearing from you at jlund@uua.org. May each one of you enjoy the blessings of Thanksgiving and the days beyond.  

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Treasurer's Report

Rosie Asbury

September 2008

Receipts                 September           July -present

  Plate                     $  106.00                 $   378.00

  Pledge                    1495.00                    3080.00

  Rent                          280.00                      520.00

  Memorial donation    0.00                 10000.00

  Interest Income          0.00                          0.00

Total Receipts     $ 1881.00              $13978.00

Disbursements  

  Mortgage            $    00.00                 $ 9507.00               

  Speakers’ Fees     1100.00                    2900.00

  Repairs & Maint.       0.00                       362.00

  Newsletter                   0.00                      212.28

  Postage                        0.00                        25.49

  Supplies                       0.00                        35.50

  Utilities                    310.21                      790.53

  UU Dues                      0.00                          0.00

  UU Conference         0.00                    1232.78

  Advertising                0.00                                        145.80

  Others                       0.00                                            70.00

Total  Disbursements:                  

                           $  1410.21                                    $ 15281.38

Net Receipt      $    470.79                                    $ - 1303.38

 

Greetings Florida District Friends and Leaders

Kenn Hurto, Florida District Director

"Is It Time to Panic --- Yet?" No!

                Thank you Florida District! I have not seen such a broad and involving witness for our faith as you have shown in recent weeks regarding saying "No on 2," the so-called Marriage Protection amendment to the Florida constitution. Nearly every congregation reports some effort on this question. Your services, letters to the editor and rallies are just amazing! In just a few weeks, the people of Florida will have opportunity to affirm the dignity of loving commitment and all freely chosen commitments. Keep up the good work in these closing days.

                Of course, our attention is additionally focused on the national elections as we all participate the great legacy of our own congregational polity: that people ought to have a say in choosing their leaders. The democratic process is deeply embedded in our core theology, our heritage, and our practice. As you cast your ballot, I hope you will feel a tinge of pride that this secular rite derives directly from the emergence of the Free Church.

                And, of course, we're all anxious regarding the ups and downs of the financial system. We have, sadly, a front-row seat to witness the shadow side of the "web of existence" as credit liquidity has collapsed world-wide.  It is true, we're all connected for good and for ill. Perhaps Unitarian Universalists, still subscribing in part to James Freeman Clarke's confident assertion of our faith "onward and upward forever" and a "theology of abundance," are less well equipped to know how faith addresses lean times and scarcity.

                The good news, if we don't panic, is that this, too, will pass. Humanly created events, unlike divine interventions, can be altered. The world's financial leaders are stepping forward to restore confidence and set in place fixes to the problems of markets and regulation. For now, the spiritual counsel of "when in doubt, don't just do something, stand there" is worth considering. As LaoTse asked long ago, "Who has the patience to wait until the mud settles?"

                It is usually true, panic does not help at all. Reasoned response is a discipline of Unitarian Universalist faith in all matters: from the nature of the divine to creating economic justice. This is what we should be doing: responding creatively and rationally rather than reacting anxiously.

                The other good news is that, on average, churches tend to hold their own during economic contractions. Faith is central to people's lives. If our ministries are serving well and addressing our members' spiritual needs, our people will support our work.

                Meanwhile, we can support each other. I'll contact your leadership directly, but let me announce here that the District will host a conference call conversation on "Leadership in Financially Anxious Times" on Thursday, November 6th at 7:30pm. I hope we can discuss how our congregations are doing, what adjustments you are making in your leadership, and ways we might directly support each other with the new challenges before us.

                Meanwhile, keep the faith, breathe slow and deep, and lean on one another.    All blessings, Rev. Kenn  

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From Advocacy News, A Newsletter of the UUA's Advocacy & Witness Staff Group

November Action of the Month: HIV/AIDS

                On December 1st, World AIDS Day, the entire world pauses to honor those impacted by HIV/AIDS. For our November Action of the Month, we invite you to prepare for World AIDS Day by pursuing and/or strengthening partnerships with organizations, particularly those in your community, working with people impacted by HIV/AIDS.

                We will be highlighting many ways to build and strengthen partnerships. But we start with the suggestion that you invite one of these groups to come to the congregation to speak at a special meeting or forum. Consider holding a World AIDS Day service and invite an expert or an affected person to the pulpit. The UU United Nations Office maintains an excellent World AIDS Day Worship/Resource Packet. The packet contains background information, worship materials, and religious education materials. Now is a good time to start planning a World AIDS Day service and it is always a good time to be thinking about building partnerships. Tell us about your partnerships on HIV/AIDS by emailing Adam Gerhardstein at agerhardstein@uua.org.  

Ethical Eating Resource Guide:  The "Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice" Core Team will publish the Resource Guide for our new Congregational Study/Action Issue (CSAI) on November 1, 2008. This Resource Guide goes beyond its predecessor Guides in several respects. It includes resources to maximize congregational involvement, such as a worship supplement to launch the program from the pulpit. The guide's attractive graphic design will help draw leaders of all experience levels into the CSAI process, while its extensive content will provide flexibility to seasoned activists. In addition to an annotated bibliography of books, articles, DVDs, and websites congregations can use for study, the Guide also provides tools that help identify the human and organizational resources available in readers' local communities. The Guide will help UUs explore how our personal and congregational food choices relate to Environmental Stewardship, Climate Change, Global Hunger, Domestic Labor, Cultural Imperialism/Neo-Colonialism, and Animal Welfare. It will also deepen our understanding of the ethics involved in trends like organics, fair trade, plant-based diets, going local, and slow food. We will be announcing the Guide's release through this list, or you can find it at uua.org on November 1st.     

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At the Church-in-the-Woods  

New Hope International Christian Community Church - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.   www.newhopeiccc.org

 Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: Continuing Class: 5:30-7:00 PM; Beginners Class:7-8:00 PM  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Luana Goodwin.  

PFLAG Meeting – Tuesday, October 21 7:00PM   Click here for more information.

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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 8- President's Round Table,  University UU Society, Orlando, FL

• Congregational Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and

Emerging Leaders are invited. This program, "It's NOT About You; It's ALL About You --- the Place of Integrity in Congregational Leadership" is led by our District's professionals, Ms. Connie Goodbread [Lifespan Educational Program Consultant] & the Reverend Kenn Hurto [District Executive]. The focus is how leader's actions and values shape for good or ill the congregation's direction. In addition to theoretical & theological reflection, each congregation will have opportunity to present a case study for review and learning.  Congregational Presidents will receive direct invitations this month. Registration deadline is November 3rd. Cost: $65/congregation [$50 for carpools of 3 or more] plus $10/person for lunch. See www.floridadistrict.org for details.

November 15-Northeast Cluster Meeting and Covenant Groups Workshop, UU Fellowship of Marion County Summerfield, FL

• Covenant Group Workshop will include details on:

                        Robert’s Rules of Order, How to Conduct Meetings

                        How to Make Committee Meetings Fun for Everyone

                        Materials Available for Covenant Groups

                        Proper Usage of Volunteers and Paid Persons for

                        Covenant Groups

 

• Business Meeting details include:

                        Appointing new officers for President, Vice President and Secretary; Setting up a nominating committee

November 20 - 3rd Thursday Leadership Seminar

Fourteen congregations have participated in this new offering from the Florida District. For just over an hour each month, congregational leaders join a conference call and web-based presentation on issues facing our leaders. Thus far, leaders have explored Creating an Effective Mission Statement and Goal Setting. Parts of these presentations may be found at the Church Tools section of www.floridadistrict.org. The November 20th topic is The Art of & Need For Delegation. Congregational Presidents are invited to register a representative from your leadership by contacting the District Office by November 10th. Cost is $10/session.

November 26–30 - Annual Thanksgiving at The Mountain, Highlands, NC

The inaugural event for our Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration, The Mountain Community gathers to rejoice in the abundant reasons for gratitude in this special season, in this special place. Come to The Mountain, share old memories and create new ones!

December  5–7 - In The Midst of Violence & War . . .a song of peace with Stefan Andre Waligur, The Mountain, Highlands, NC

We’ll sing new songs for peace and justice, share stories, learn of some well known and some lesser known peacemakers who are inspiring us today. Through music, nature, laughter, silence and thought provoking conversational engagement, we will expand our own circle of awareness and peaceful influence.  No musical experience is required to participate — if you play an instrument, you are encouraged to bring it along!  

Interfaith dialogue with Islamic communities: As the US Presidential election is drawing to the close, rancor and hatred toward the Muslim community has been brought to the forefront as a political tool. Throughout the United States, especially in battleground swing states (such as Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania), a DVD entitled "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" has been distributed to over 28 million homes. And Sen. Barack Obama's heritage has been put under scrutiny as people have incorrectly labeled him as an "Arab" or a "Muslim". It is necessary for people to stand as accountable allies to the American Islamic Communities. UUs have an excellent opportunity to be these allies.

                The UUA Advocacy and Witness team now offers a resource guide on interfaith dialogue with Islamic communities. Learn how UU congregations have successfully reached out to Muslims and made productive and accountable relationships based on shared worship space, social justice, or religious discussion.

                The guide includes an introduction to interfaith dialogue, a set of resources on how to acquaint your community to the faith and practices of Islam, and a reading guide on the history and theology of Islam. This guide is based off on real world experiences from UUs and best practices from UU congregations.  

Congregational Growth Grant Awards Announced: Last year's Association Sunday appeal has given the Florida District the opportunity to fund two creative congregational growth projects totaling $16,000. These are matching grants to the congregations' additional direct funding for the projects.

                The River of Grass [Plantation], Boca Raton, and Fort Myers congregations have joined together in a project entitled, Reaching Into Our Future. This project is designed to develop a network of South Florida congregations engaged in young adult ministry. Its goal is to help participating congregations become more inclusive of the young adult and college age generation and to grow the breadth of the congregations' ministries and the numbers of members. Looking toward the future of Unitarian Universalism, the project hopes to create the conditions that will give young adults a sense of welcome belonging in our congregations as they grow their faith and witness in the world.

                Our congregations in Gainesville and Tallahassee are joining together in a year-long project, Growing the Heart of North Florida. Each congregation will hire growth coordinators to direct specific outreach and inclusion activities. Additionally, the congregations will host marketing training programs for themselves and other northerly Unitarian Universalist congregations. Already, the Gainesville congregation has hosted a Mini-General Assembly for several congregations from the Tampa Bay up to Jacksonville. The congregations plan to offer a workshop on their learnings at the March 2009 District Assembly in Sarasota.

                The core criteria for funding these projects was at least two congregations involvement, innovative programming, clarity of focus, plans to broadly involve the congregations' members, matching funds, and measurable results. We'll let you know how it goes.