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| | Florida District Connections
January 8, 2011 |
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PLEASE SHARE THIS EMAIL
WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR CONGREGATION! |
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 | Annual Florida District Assembly |
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 April 8 - 10, 2011
Hosted by the First Unitarian Church of Orlando
"Where Do We Come From? Who Are We? Where Are We Going?"
Making Music, Making Justice -- The Future of the Free Church
With Special Guest Presenters:
The Reverend Janice Marie Johnson, UUA Multicultural Growth Director
Ms. Sarah Dan Jones, Unitarian Universalist Musician & Instructor
We hope to see you there! |
 | Notes & Comments From Our District Executive
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"There is no finish line. See you tomorrow!" says the banner over the exit door at my gym.
Now and then I tramp out tiredly and moan at that sign. Yet, it is true. Life just continues; it is not a defined race with a finish line.
Here we begin a new year. But there was no line that finished off last year. The calendar notwithstanding, 2011 carries the weight of last year's hopes and disappointments. Still, pausing to do a life inventory and make new plans is a good thing.
Have you considered your religious life similarly?
In workshops, I often ask: "If you were to grow religiously as a Unitarian Universalist over the next year, what would change?" Faith development is a daily practice, a discipline, now and then a work-out. It also has no finish line. We have to work at it all the time.
May your resolutions this winter include going beyond UU101. Reach more broadly, go for greater depth into our heritage. Put theological reflection into your daily meditations. Commit to live your spiritual and moral values more openly and with greater dedication. Become a better Unitarian Universalist in 2011.
All blessings, this new year and always. Rev. Kenn |
| Notes From Our Lifespan Program Consultant |
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In the past several months I shared with you some thoughts about the Acting and the Lifespan portion of my position title.
There are still two words to go . . . and the next step reminds me of a story out of my family. My father worked for the New York Central Railroads for decades, and at one point his job title as "Chief of Field and Surveying Party." On the railroad passes that we received for the family the title was reduced to "Chief of Party." You can imagine the comments we received in using those passes on trains. The vagueness held so much potential.
I am the Acting Lifespan Program Consultant. So, what is "program?"
Is it just another way of saying "Religious Education?"
No, but Religious Education is one form of program.
But, there is so much more.
Peel away the issues of governance and institutional organization, and almost everything else our congregations engage is program.
So, instead of wondering if your concern is about program, get in touch. In talking about your situation, I will help you assess and discern the qualities of your concern. Sometimes it is as simple as what it appears to be, and other times what appears simple is part of a more complex concern. Let's talk about it.
Out of that conversation will come a mutual understanding if the best resource for dealing with your situation is me, or Kenn, or some other Unitarian Universalist resource in our wider geographic region, or beyond.
And here's a challenge - how about we not just talk together about issues with what we already know is program but dream together about what might be PROGRAM in the vibrant, dynamic, engaging congregation that I know lives in our hopes.
Randy Becker, Your Acting Lifespan Program Consultant
(Got a question for Rev Randy? Send it along to him at rbecker@uua.org ) |
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Trustee News | | | |
 UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS
Joan Lund, January 2011
Here we are in the New Year. Hopefully it will be a good one for all of us. In early December the Southland Region districts (Florida, Mid-South, Thomas Jefferson, and the Southwestern Conference) met in Orlando to talk about change in governance structure and service provision. This meeting was historically the first of its kind considering the geography of the four districts. As you know the services the Districts and our UUA provide are different from governance. The UUA Board of Trustees is involved in governance. However the UUA Trustees from the four districts attended the meeting at the behest of the district presidents to observe and provide information. The column will cover some of what happened at the meeting.
The objectives of the meeting included discussing how districts can best serve Unitarian Universalism, the congregations, and Unitarian Universalists, both present and future with structure, governance, service, and language. In addition the objectives asked how do districts stay in relationship with each other, with our congregations and staff, and with UUs? The meeting focused on building a working relationship among the boards of the four districts in building a sense of religious purpose in their work. Also, the purpose was to develop a common sense of issues and opportunities facing UU leadership regarding organization, governance, and service delivery throughout the system; and to identify possible changes in organization, governance, and/or service delivery necessary to best support our congregations in their mission. Finally, a goal was to determine the next steps to make those changes.
Much of the conversation during the weekend focused on what are the governance roles of the district boards and the equity/inequity of service delivery throughout the districts nation-wide. Linkage with congregations within districts was also an important part of the weekend conversation. Underlying all of the discussions were questions relating to the values that guide district and UUA work: how will changes advance our values? What changes would best support congregations in their mission of saving lives, saving the world? Who stands to be impacted by any change?
You will be learning much more as the months go by about this meeting. But two of the relationship building "next steps" of the meeting include: an effort to get congregations to link with one another and to continue the work that was started and involve congregations is this work.
Two of my favorite words are "stay tuned". Changes in how we do our faith are on the horizon. Contact me if you wish: jlund@uua.org or by phone at 813-931-9727. Happy New Year one and all. |
| Tipping the Balance Toward Better Practices |
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Digital Communications
E-mail! How ever did we live without it. It is a boon to our communications ... and a source of far too much tumult, often escalating issues into hurtful conflict.
Ian Evison, Congregational Services Director for our UUA Central Midwest District, has an excellent essay on "Netiquette" on the Alban Institute website (http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=3048) in which he names five "casualties" of digital communication, among them nastiness, miscommunication, and congregational "outreach" being seen as "spam."
Says Evison, "How might congregations avoid these casualties? In a way the answers are simple. Part of the problems with digital communication arise because people allow themselves to use the new media as an occasion for forgetting old rules-"do onto others how you would have others do unto you" pretty much covers problems with flame-outs."
Our tip (after reading his essay): Add e-mail etiquette as a category in your right relations covenants (oh, you say, you don't have one? Call your FLD office; we'll help you craft one!) |
| January District Packet & UUA Congregational Bulletin |
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 The Florida District (FLD) Monthly Packet contains flyers for district, cluster and congregation events. Information on non-FLD events of widespread interest are also included.
The January 2010 district 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/2010/12/FLD-UUA-January-2011-Packet.pdf (2.1 MB, 30 pages)
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, page 1
· UUA Certification Information, page 2
· District Award Nominations flyer, page 3-4
· Empowering Lay Ministry flyer, page 5 (Online registration will be available later this week)
· Unitarian Universalism Faces a New Age save the date, page 6
· Florida District Assembly save the date, page 7
· SWIM flyer, page 8
· A Weekend with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell flyer, page 9-10
· MLK Weekend at the Mountain flyer, page 11-13
· The Art of Sage-ing Workshop flyer, page 14 (NOTE: Registration for this event has been extended to January 8)
· Creating Connections, NE Cluster Women's Retreat flyer, page 15-16
· Interfaith Symposium save the date, page 17
· East Coast Regional Gathering of UU people of Color flyer, page 18
· Choral Festival flyer, page 19-21
· Allies for Racial Equity 2011 Conference information, page 22
· UU Fellowship of Charlotte County Peace Initiative Speaker Series, page 23
· CIW Workers Museum Van in Port Charlotte, page 24
· CIW Victory, page 25-26
· Florida Humanities Series flyer, The Emerson Center/UUFVB, page 27
· Unitarian Universalist Funding Program flyer, page 28
· UU History and Heritage Prizes flyer, page 29
Looking for a single event flyer? District event flyers are linked to the "Events Calendar" page on the District website (see http://www.floridadistrict.org/?page_id=1419). 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 events 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 large document/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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 The UUA Monthly Bulletin for Congregations is a collection of announcements and updates from the staff groups and committees of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) of Congregations, and from the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF).
Click here to view the January 2011 UUA Congregational Bulletin |
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Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry Florida |
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 A big thank you to all UUs who helped pass Amendments 5 and 6 for Fair Districts in Florida! That success was a bright spot in the November, 2010 elections.
Thank you also to the six UU Congregations who hosted former Presidential candidate David Cobb in his speaking tour of Florida on MovetoAmend September 12th-19th: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, N. Palm Beach, Melbourne, Ormond Beach, and Sarasota.
Timely efforts like this can make a huge difference in legislative and Congressional efforts on key issues. To stay involved, please encourage your congregation to join the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Florida (UULMF) by budgeting $1 per member per year. Please send the check for your congregational membership to UULMF, Florida District UUA, 1901 E. Robinson Street, Ste. 18, Orlando, FL 32803 with a note "UULMF annual congregational membership" in the memo line. Individuals can join the Social Justice email list (for free) by emailing Rev. Meredith Garmon at mgarmon@uuma.org, and providing your name, phone number, and congregation.
What are the benefits of joining UULMF as a congregation?
- Your congregation, Adult Education Committee, or Social Justice Committee can participate in some of the most important issues of our time, working with other UUs in a coordinated fashion. UULMF is part of the State Action Networks (SANS) of UU legislative ministries nationwide. Our UULMF core issues for 2010-2011 focus on Renewing American Democracy: Election Reform/Campaign Finance Reform/Media Reform; Immigration as a Moral Issue; and Climate Change.
- You will be provided information and resources to assist you.
- You may attract new members to your Social Justice Committee.
- You may gain visibility in the community because of forums and talks on these issues.
- You may attract visitors and members to your congregation because of your legislative social justice efforts.
- And of course, this work falls within the IRS guidelines of nonpartisan issue advocacy per "The Real Rules" at uua.org
As the UUA of which we are a part reminds us, "We heal the world and grow our souls when we join hands and take action."
Please feel free to contact UULMF Chair Steve Segner at spsegner1@aol.com, phone 386-788-3039, and check our website www.uulmf.org, in process of being updated. |
| Planning Ahead - Florida District Sponsored Events |
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 Florida District Board Meeting
January 21-22, Parrish
Empowering Lay Ministry - Flyer Link
January 13, 7:30pm, Webinar - Online Registration (this one is free, limited to the first 24 registered)
March 5, 10am, River of Grass Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Online Registration
March 12, 10am, Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota - Online Registration
In Honor of our UUA's 50th Anniversary:
"Unitarian Universalists Face a New Age - Yet Again"
Two panels exploring what we have learned and the opportunities ahead.
February 26 (with co-sponsor, Southwest Cluster), Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte County
May 14, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach
Event flyer will be available soon
District Annual Assembly - Announcement Link
April 8-10, First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Event flyer and registration will be available in February
Annual Conference Allies for Racial Equity
March 25-27, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers
Details: http://www.uuallies.org/
Other important dates to note:
February 1 - Deadline for your congregation's UUA Certification of Membership
March 1 - Deadline for District Awards Nominations |
| Around the Florida District - News and Events to Note |
| Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World |
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Klamath Falls Unitarian Universalist Church Burns
We're saddened to learn of the tragic news for our good people in Oregon. Details of the January 4th fire and ways you can help will be found at the Pacific NW District's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/UUA-Pacific-NW/116193491768474.
National Gathering of UUs for Jewish Awareness to be held Feb.18-20th at UU Congregation of Atlanta
 San Diego California. Wilmington, Delaware. Chicago, Illinois. San Antonio Texas.
We are now getting registrations from all over the country for the upcoming Let us Be Counted, to be held Feb.18-20, 2011 at UUCA, the first national gathering of Unitarian Universalists for Jewish Awareness in more than 20 years! Program plans are being finalized and publicity is escalating for this exciting, engaging, and hopefully enjoyable weekend of presentations, workshops, worship, including a Shabbat service and Oneg, small groups ( Havurah), and shared meals. We will also be entertained by the Atlanta-based Afro-Klezmer Band in an open concert.
Speakers and workshops will address Jewish identity and concerns within UU congregations, every day Jewish practices for UUs, the history of Judaism and Jewish culture within Unitarian Universalism, how to talk about current Israeli issues within our congregation in an inclusive way, how to sing the Jewish songs from our hymnals,and more.
Please spread the word. This is open to Jewish UUs and others interested in the Jewish theology, values, and culture that are sources of our UU living tradition.
Registration fees are sliding scale, according to ability to pay, and there will be the option to pay a one day only registration on Saturday. Early registration discounts have been extended.
For more information and registration instructions, go to www.uuja.org.
Martin Luther King Weekend at The Mountain
January 14-16, 2011. With author Dr. Dan Carter (The Politics of Rage), Tami Moss of the Center for Participatory Change and Rev. Carole Ann Cole of the UUA Social Justice Empowerment Program as leaders. Learn more
Green Sanctuary News
 Check out the latest Green Sanctuary blog posting which features the Spirit of Life UUs in Odessa, FL and their efforts to provide a sustainable church at
http://greensanctuary.blogs.uua.org/2011/01/04/repair-and-better-maintain-our-existing-structure-odessa-fl/
Standing on the Side of Love Event
 On National Standing on the Side of Love Day 2011, we re-imagine Valentine's Day as a holiday of love and acceptance for everyone. This year, we take the opportunity to recognize courageous love and those whose words and deeds exemplify the values of inclusion, diversity, community, and equality.
Join us on and around Feb. 14th to honor the unsung stories of courageous love all around us with an event in your community, congregation, or at a Sunday service.
If you are planning an event to celebrate courageous love, please tell us about it to include it in our national event listing and map (click here).
After telling us about your event below, you will be given a unique webpage that will allow you to invite guests, send messages to attendees, and where people can RSVP for your event.
If you have any questions or need assistance don't hesitate to contact us at love@uua.org. We've also put together some materials to help you in organizing your event on our resources page.
And, after your event, please be sure to share pictures, videos, and a recap with us so that we can continue to inspire others to get involved.
You can also use the search page find an event near you.
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Quick Links
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The Florida District Awards Committee is now accepting nominations to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to their congregations and communities. 
University Unitarian Universalist Society
