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Florida District Connections
October 6, 2009 | |
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Notes From Our District Executive
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 The 1648 Cambridge Platform is the founding document for our congregational governance. It is also the pre-cursor to an articulated democracy when our nation was founded.
Most Unitarian Universalists have not heard of, let alone, read it. Yet, it remains a fount of wisdom for church life. In particular, it argues that the two primary offices of congregational leadership are those of the Elders and the Deacons.
Elders [inclusive of the Minister] are those wise, experienced church folk who are the teachers of Unitarian Universalism, the conveyors of the congregation's values and heritage, and the guardians of its integrity. They are the ones responsible for transmitting the essence of our faith to the young and the newly joining.
Deacons are entrusted with the "worldly affairs" of the congregation. Put simply, they are the administrator managers. They worry about the nuts and bolts.
Most Unitarian Universalists are more comfortable with sociological, psychological, and political metaphors to describe our work together. This had led to a diminishment of the ideal of the Elder with more of our energy focused on institutional maintenance. That's too bad, for much of what matters to us as a community has very little to do with nuts and bolts. We need members who are articulate about values, heritage, and the ideals of the Free Church. We need Elders.
The Deacon's role is essential, no doubt. My appreciation and thanks to all who devote countless hours to ensuring our progams and properties are well managed. But I want to lift up the broad membership responsibility to be leaders, Elders.
So, think on it, please. Who is an Elder in your congregation and why do they merit that recognition? Then ask: am I fulling my role as an Elder as well.
All blessings on your ministries. Rev. Kenn |
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Notes from our Lifespan Program Consultant
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 District Wide Congregational Teacher Training was August 29, 2009
Thank you Lakeland for hosting The Florida District Teacher Training. Kelly Belanger Harris and I did this training/workshop. It was a great success with 40 teaching elders participating. This workshop focuses on the Foundations of Unitarian Universalism.
Our philosophy being:
Faith Development we do.
Unitarian Universalism is all we teach.
The congregation is the curriculum.
It was developed by the Florida District Faith Development Council and will be put on by the Council annually.
Faith Development Council - We have a new addition to the Faith Development Council.
Vada Mossavat, was recently named the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Boca Raton. She served first as a volunteer teacher; she then became Religious Education Youth Coordinator at UUFBR. Vada has also worked as Director of Religious Education for the Treasure Coast UU Fellowship; and she is a trained "Our Whole Lives" facilitator.
Believing that love can be stronger than hate and that deep understanding is what will tip the scales towards love, she spent a decade in journalism. Writing and photographing stories on everything from local gang violence to prescribing trends in medication for youth with mental illness, she tried to help people understand their community.
Being a dual-citizen, she was naturally interested in international work. She's been detained while reporting from Cuba, done aid-work in Kosovo and dodged Hizbollah in Iran after being reported to the Religious Police.
Since leaving journalism in 2008, she has started her own company, Hourglass Productions, which does videos for non-profits.
Vada earned her degree in the Great Books from St. John's College in Annapolis, MD and is extraordinarily proud to be a Unitarian Universalist.
Up Coming Events - Mark your calendars
This is the district calendar link:
http://www.floridadistrict.org/?page_id=87
Please pay close attention to the wonderful programs that are being offered by
your Florida District UUA.
Thursday November 5th - Faith Development Webinar - Foundations of Faith Development - for every size congregation - we will begin at 7:00 and end at 8:00.
When children come to our congregations they and their parents need to feel welcomed into the community. What are the simple things we can do to make sure that happens? What are the next steps we must take to make sure everyone finds something?
Plan now to join us for next year's Southland Unitarian Universalist Leadership Experience
Now is the time to budget for Southland Unitarian Universalist Leadership Experience. This is an opportunity for current and future leaders to deepen their understanding of congregational leadership and to develop their abilities with other Unitarian Universalist leaders. This five-day program will be held August 8-12, 2010, at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers. The Thomas Jefferson, Mid-South, Florida Districts and Southwestern Conference a District of the UUA organize this experience. SUULE offers participants an opportunity to combine practical leadership tools with spiritual and
theological grounding to maximize their congregational leadership potential. We are asking that congregations send teams of leaders who will learn and develop together. If your congregation is small please develop a relationship with other Unitarian Universalist congregations in your cluster so that you can still send a team. This team approach helps individuals to deepen their experience, get support and advice from other leaders who have a same knowledge and helps them to keep their focus on the reality that this is
congregational leadership. For more information visit http://www.uusouthland.org/
Connie Goodbread |
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Trustee Tidbits |
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 Perhaps you are feeling cooler, crisper weather where you are in our beloved District but it remains mighty hot in humid in Tampa. Luckily, as this column is being written we have been experiencing a quiet "h" season. Let it continue to be so. Many of you realize there have been some major transitions in our ministry to youth and young adults, following the 2007 Summit on Youth Ministry and the Consultation on Ministry to and with Youth. Both of these events can be found by linking to them on our UUA web site. The re-organization at our UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult ministries, the topic of this month's writing.
The UUA Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries exists to support all UU youth and young adults. It is a part of the Lifespan Faith Development staff group, and helps support the development of curricula and resources for lay and professional religious educators. One of the more prominent resources is Our Whole Lives, the sexuality education curriculum. The Youth Ministries Office also supports multi-faceted ministry through the Chrysalis Training Program, General Assembly Youth Caucus, advocacy for the needs of youth in our faith, and consultation on youth programming.
Part of the mission of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is to advocate, educate, train, and develop resources for those involved in campus ministry. Often young adults face educational and career choices, relationship and family issues, and sometimes just the struggle of living life independently. The Office wants to support and help these young adults to feel at home within our young adult movement and help build a vibrant, sustainable, and accountable community. If your congregation is near a higher learning institution please consider developing a campus ministry initiative there.
As a faith it will be difficult for us to survive if we do not grow and nurture our children, youth, and young adults. For further information and assistance you can contact Erik B. Kesting, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at ekesting@uua.org, Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings, Program Associate for Ministry to Youth and Young Adults of Color at mcummings@uua.org, or Nancy DiGiovanni, Bridging and campus Ministry and Associate at ndigiovanni@uua.org. Of course you may always contact me at jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727 with your UUA thoughts and concerns. Happy Halloween, one and all.
Joan Lund |
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October District Packet |
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 The October 2009 monthly packet has been posted to the District website and may be viewed at the following link:
http://www.floridadistrict.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/fld-october-2009-packet.pdf
Please share the information contained in the monthly packet with individuals in your congregation. This edition of the District packet contains the following items:
· District Calendar, page1
· The Smart Church by Connie Goodbread, page 2
· Third Tuesday Webinar series flyer, page 3
· University UUS upcoming events, page 4
· Southeast Cluster Workshop and Annual Meeting flyer and registration, pages 5 & 6
· Association Sunday 2009 information, pages 7 & 8
· West Central Cluster Picnic flyer, pages 9 & 10
· Universal Music Day Concert flyer, page 11
· CON of the Dead flyer, page 12
· Faith in Action Workshop flyer, page 13
· Southwest Cluster Workshop and Meeting flyer, page 14
· Jubilee Workshop flyer, pages 15 & 16
· OWL Teacher Training flyer, page 17
· Choral Festival Flyer, page 18
Looking for a single event flyer? District event flyers are linked to the calendar page on the District website (see http://www.floridadistrict.org/?page_id=87). Simply click the event listed on the calendar and the flyer will open. UUA, Congregation, Cluster, and Affiliated Organization event listings are linked to those entities websites whenever possible.
The complete packet is also linked to the website calendar (go to the calendar link at www.floridadistrict.org and click the "entire monthly packet" notation above the calendar). Please note this is a multi-page download and may take a few minutes to open if you are working with a dial-up connection and/or older computer. |
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New Webinar Opportunity |
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The Challenge of Assessment Part 1 - Clergy
An On-Line Presentation/Webinar
Thursday, Oct. 22
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Experience has shown that both ministers and congregations benefit when regular assessments are conducted and done well. Useful, relevant and timely feedback is essential for learning and growth of congregations and individual clergy. There are many ways to perform assessments and no one model can serve all of our varied congregations and ministries. There are also many things to avoid in assessment -- unfortunate practices that block learning and may even be destructive.
Rev. Kenn Hurto (District Executive, Florida District) and Rev. Joan Van Becelaere (District Executive, Ohio-Meadville) will explore the Who, What, Why, When, and How of assessment in a 2-part webinar series. The first webinar will look at clergy assessment. The second webinar, scheduled for later this winter, will look at assessment of the congregation as a whole. We will look at some assessment models that might be helpful tools to create collaborative approaches to gather feedback that incorporates observed patterns, affirms strengths and encourages continual growth - both for the minister and the ministry of the whole congregation.
Who should attend: clergy, Committee on Ministry members, board members and others interested in congregational health.
Space is limited to 25 computer connections. You are urged to participate as a group with other members of your congregations and/or committees. Please register at the Ohio-Meadville website: www.ohiomeadville.org.
For more information contact Joan Van Becelaere: jvanbecelaere@uua.org or Kenn Hurto: khurto@uua.org. |
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Around the Florida District - News and Events to Note |
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Upcoming Florida District Events - Save these Dates
District Board Meeting - November 20-21 - Canterbury Retreat Center, Oviedo
Cluster, Congregation & Affiliated Organization Events
University UUS - Women's Group Events - October 24, October 30 - contact the congregation office for additional information
Creating a Jubilee World Workshop - November 13-15 - UUF Gainesville . This workshop is designed to help Unitarian Universalist congregations dismantle racism by guiding participants to examine both personal and institutional racism, and by empowering them to develop a realistic plan that can move their congregations forward in working for racial justice. Early-bird registration rate available until October 15
S.W.I.M. (Southeast Winter Institute Miami) - Dec. 26-Jan. 1 - Miami
 Help Raise Funds to Train Afgahan Teachers on Human Rights for Women and ChildrenRegional Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Coordinator Jeff Harper is encouraging all Florida District Religious Educators to have their congregations participate. See the flyer in the September Packet (pages 17-19) or contact Jeff Harper for more information.
Florida District welcomes
Serve Our District - As the District Compensation Consultant
An important service of our District and our UUA is to provide objective advice to congregations regarding fair and just compensation for all in our employ. Joan Patterson [Tallahassee] has served nobly in this role, but the time has come for her to fully retire. With our deep thanks and appreciation, we now look for Joan's successor.
This is a volunteer position with annual training, membership in the UUA's compensation consultant's group, and reimbursement for all expenses. The requirements are an ability to comfortably talk numbers and dollars, to work well with congregational volunteers, and provide leadership among the FLD congregations regarding our employment practices as a people of faith.
Please let District Executive Kenn Hurto know directly of your interest: khurto@uua.org or 321.422.4625.
Request for Proposals - 1
Each year, the Florida District is allocated two UUA General Assembly workshops. If you think you'd like to have one of those and are planning to attend GA in Minneapolis next June, please send me a 50 word precis no later than 15 October. Apply directly to the District Executive: khurto@uua.org.
Request for Proposals - 2
The annual District Assembly is in Miami April 9-11, 2010. UUA Moderator Gini Courter is our guest presenter on the theme of "What next for Unitarian Universalism." You are invited to submit a no more than 50 word summary of a presentation you might like to offer at the DA's workshops. Topics broadly relevant to Unitarian Universalists, of course, are welcome. Most welcome are those that give congregational leaders practical tools for strengthening our ministries. Apply by January 5, 2010, directly to the District Executive: khurto@uua.org. |
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Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World |
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Reverend Forrest Church Tribute The Unitarian Church of All Souls (New York City) has posted a web page in tribute to Rev. Dr. Forrest Church; all are invited to view photos, post remembrances, and more. See http://www.allsoulsnyc.org/rememberingforrest/inmemoriam.htm . Should you wish to honor Dr. Church's life and ministry, we invite you to do so by donating to the Forrest Church Fund for the Advancement of Liberal Religion. See http://tinyurl.com/ForrestChurch for further information. UUA Organization Changes AnnouncedIn September UUA President Rev. Peter Morales announced organization changes at the UUA. District Services is now called Congregational Life and will now be part of Ministries and Congregational Support. Complete details of the reorganization are available at this link: http://www.uua.org/leaders/announcements/149716.shtml UU CHILDREN'S CHOIR IN 2010
The UU Children's Choir is holding auditions for next summer at GA in Minneapolis. This is a 5-day choir camp that only happens every 3-4 years. This one will be held in St. Paul at Macalester College. The children will have intense rehearsals, fun workshops, sing for thousands at GA and bond with UUs from all over the country. Past participants speak of it being a life-changing experience! By now, each congregation has gotten an information packet in the mail. There is some financial assistance available. For more information and downloadable forms, go to www.uucc2010.com. Deadline for applying and auditioning is October 20. Jan Chamberlin, Program Director, UUCC2010 janchamberlin@me.com  Standing on the Side of Love Friday Conference Call Webcasts
Standing on the Side of Love campaign now offers weekly 45 min. webcast conference calls on Fridays at 1pm. EDT. We will share best practices, highlight resources, and discuss major initiatives. Calls will feature different presenters. You do not have to have web access to join the calls. To get more information and to register for the calls simply follow the link below for the day(s) you wish to attend, go to: http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/fridaycalls  2010 Dana McLean Greeley CompetitionAll Unitarian Universalistsare invited to submit a sermon (or address) to the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) in annual competition fo the Dana McLean Greeley Award. The purpose of this annual award program is to encourage and to recognize Unitarian Universalists' principles, thought and action on a wide range of global issues as well as the role of the United Nations and our own Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office. While all submissions will be considered, those highlighting the work of the United Nations and the UU-UNO will be given priority consideration. For more information please see http://uu-uno.org/dana-mclean-greeley-address-competition/dana-mclean-greeley-address.html?Itemid=164 UUA Posts Public Health Resources for Congregations
The H1N1 virus is prompting a growing number of public institutions to close or dramatically change their daily routines. Church groups feel a special responsibility to protect their members and to offer support during times of crisis, but this mission is challenged during an epidemic when public gatherings pose a potential health risk. In times like these, congregations must decide how best to minimize the risk while continuing to provide pastoral care and practical assistance to their members and communities. To read more and view UUA resources please see http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/crisisplanning/index.shtml T-UU-ls & N-UU-ws You Can Use as UUs
Our Unitarian Universalist Association provides a veritable free library of resources to help your congregation. From "how to's" to curricula, www.uua.org is a treasure trove! Looking for someone else sharing your concern? Join one of the 350 e-mail lists. Need to find a particular person or program: just type the name in the embedded "google" search box, and you'll be given the key to knowledge! Need clip art? Help with your web page? Program ideas? Check out www.uua.org. Or: Do you have a great program to share? You can add it to the UUA event list by sending the details to: http://www.uua.org/events/submitevent/index.shtml. You can also promote your events and materials through the UUA Facebook page and the RSS feed. Need direct help with that? Contact: Deborah J. Weiner, Director of Electronic Communication at dweiner@uua.org. |
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