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| | Florida District Connections
April 20, 2011 |
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PLEASE SHARE THIS EMAIL
WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR CONGREGATION! |
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 | Notes & Comments From Our District Executive
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The annual District Assembly was a remarkable event, entertaining and informative all at once.
First, our BIG thanks to 1U (First Unitarian Church, Orlando) members and leaders for being such gracious hosts. You really demonstrated the meaning of hospitality. This was the second DA in a row for our host minister, the Reverend  Kathy Schmitz (interim in Miami last year). Special thanks to event coordinators, Bev Alig and Amy Fairweather, and to Sandi Gross and Geoffrey Stewart for leading the cuisine team! We are beyond grateful.
152 adults, and 6 youth attended this year's assembly as we explored using music to become a more intentionally anti-racist and multi-cultural faith. Our presenters, Sarah Dan Jones and Janice Marie Johnson interspersed music education, liberation theology, and just plain good singing to illustrate how our faith can support congregations as we face an increasingly diverse world.
 
Our thanks as well to the 11 workshop presenters. And certainly, we thank Jamie Sterrett, Music Director at 1U, the Tuesday Nite Band(1U band) and Jars of Jam (University UU band) for an uplifting evening of entertainment at the Assembly's end.
We also did some business: elected officers, approved a budget, and gave out awards. The Florida District is now interwoven into the Southern Region of the UUA Department of Congregational Life. The Board and I have before us the task of implementing the hopes of a regional approach to District Services. Stay tuned for more to come. By the way, the Orlando Platform guiding this work is posted on our website.
Next year's District Assembly will be at the UU Church of Jacksonville, March 23-25, 2012. Mark your calendar. See you there and then.
Blessings, Rev. Kenn
PS: Our presenters are available to your congregation. Contact them directly at: Janice Marie Johnson at jmjohnson@uua.org or Sarah Dan Jones at sdjones88@hotmail.com. |
 | Notes From Our Lifespan Program Consultant |
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 What to do after District Assembly?
With the excellent District Assembly behind us, what's next?
PLANNING!
This is the time of year for some deep thoughts about what each congregation hopes to achieve in 2011-2012 -- the things we would like to report as successes at District Assembly 2012.
I know, from some of the officers and educators I speak with, too often the life of the congregation is a matter of reaction. Pressing needs take precedence. However, it is amazing what we can achieve if we become creative instead of reactive (did you ever notice how those two words use the same letters, just in a different order?). It takes the same energy to react as it does to create, but the reward of creativity is more energy.
But, sadly, too many of our congregations do not do much planning. Why? For some, it is a matter of not knowing how? For others, it is a matter of thinking it is too complicated. Still others, sensing the possibility of coasting to the end of a board term or a congregational year, put themselves in neutral and just coast. And still others have a feeling of isolation, that they would have to do the planning all alone.
I'm here to say to you that all of these reasons for not planning can be erased!! I can work with any congregation to help get you into a productive planning mode. I share a great big secret -- it is not complicated! I will also challenge you that the greatest service you can give your congregation is not what you have done, but the legacy of planning what will be done after you . . . and it will be what the future will remember most.
And, you don't have to do it alone!!!
I am here, as your Lifespan Program Consultant, to offer my expertise, my listening, my support, and many tools. I can also plan and sponsor training activities to support your plans over the coming year. But I can't do that if I don't know what you will need. (Sadly, I often get calls from people who are wondering about training available on a topic in the next month. Such training opportunities take planning to be of quality.)
To get us started, on May 1st, I will be posting a new video to the web about Congregational Planning: Tips and techniques for making planning fun, not drudge.
Then, at 8pm, Wednesday, May 11, join me for a District Chat (a time to discuss the elements of the video . . . not a webinar) in which we can share ideas, resources, questions, problems, and support.
Watch for the notice of the video coming your way on May 1, with the information needed to join in the discussion on May 11.
Together, let's plan a great future!
Rev. Randy
(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, April 2011
jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727
This is the time of year I hope you are making your plans to attend General Assembly (GA) 2011 in Charlotte, NC, June 22-26. This annual gathering of UUs will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. Our UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) charged an Anniversary Task Force is developing and will implement a plan for this celebration and encouraging UU congregations throughout our faith to become part of the celebration too.
There is terrific programming, and a line-up of excellent speakers. The Ware lecturer this year is award-winning theologian Karen Armstrong, a world leading commentator on religion and a best-selling author. Ms. Armstrong is mainly known for her work on Islam and Fundamentalism, particularly in the U.S. She has spoken before members of the U.S. Congress and Senate, and the United Nations. Also, Feisal Abdul Rauf, and American Sufi-imam, and author/activist will be welcomed. His stated goal is to improve relations between the Muslim world and the west. Being chair of Cordoba Initiative has brought him national attention because of plans to establish an Islamic community only a few blocks from Ground Zero in Manhattan. There will be a UUA Presidents Forum to mark the 50th anniversary which will include five past UUA Presidents and our current President, Rev. Peter Morales. Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, retired UU minister, author, and scholar, best known for researching the history of black UUs.
Of course there will be the wonderful and uplifting worship services, and stimulating, helpful workshops. The local service project is In Our Own Backyards youth summer camp, an interfaith, service-based summer experience designed to "open the eyes" of participants to the ever-present reality of poverty in the area community.
The main social witness actions will include debate and vote on adopting the Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating-Food and Environmental Justice. There will be workshops on Immigration as a Moral Issue. There will be numerous Bylaw changes proposals; one which will change the definition of what is a member congregation. Another proposed Bylaw change modifies the conditions for appointment to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, opening the possibility of more than fourteen members, and eliminates the obligation to have members of the BOT on that Committee. Proposed Bylaw and Rule changes would eliminate Actions of Immediate Witness (AIW) from GA. This change is proposed so that GA Social Justice 2012 may entirely be devoted to the mandate determined by the delegates at GA 2010. Proposed Bylaw and Rule changes would reconstitute AIWs beginning after the 2012 GA and modify the process for submission. The BOT plans to put forth a Bylaw change that would lessen the size of the BOT to about half the size it is now. I will issue more information after the April BOT meeting.
You can find registration/housing and much information about GA by linking to the GA site on the www.uua.org web page. As always I welcome comments and questions about the work of the BOT. I can be reached at jlund@uua.org or by telephone at 813-931-9727. I wish each of you a happy spring season and hope your congregations are thriving with goodness. |
| Florida District & Southland Region - Resources and Events |
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 Videos for Congregational Leaders
Acting Lifespan Program Consultant, the Rev. Randy Becker, has produced two short instructional videos for your use:
 Unitarian Universalism Faces a New Age - Yet Again!
Discussion Panel & Workshop
May 14, 2011 ~ 10:00am to 2:30pm
Hosted by the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach
Event Flyer
Online Event Registration
GA as a Leadership Experience Webinar
Southland Spring Webinar Series (No charge to participate, registration limited to the first 22 registered)
May 19, 2011 ~ 7:00pm ~ 90 minutes
Webinar Series Flyer
Online Webinar Registration
More Than Money, But Money Matters Workshop A Workshop on Healthy Congregational Stewardship
May 28, 2011 ~ 10:00am to 3:00pm
Hosted by the UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale
Event Flyer
Online Event Registration |
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General Assembly 2011 |
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 A Reminder
Delegate credentials are mailed to certified congregations in late February. Credentials are mailed in bright pink 9x12" envelopes. If your certified congregation did not receive its credentials by mid-March, contact the General Assembly Office at generalassembly@uua.org or (617) 948-4209.
Off-site Delegate Participation Trial
We are seeking delegates to participate in the off-site participation trial for GA 2011. Off-site delegates can watch General Assembly business sessions from their home, office, or congregation; watch live streaming video of Plenary Sessions; and queue up to speak and vote.
The GA 2011 off-site trial provides an alternative way for delegates to participate in GA when they cannot attend physically. The trial will include lay, ministerial, and religious educator delegates to reflect the whole potential delegate pool, with special care to include those who have historically been unable to attend in person, or who might not be able to attend GA 2012 in Phoenix.
The project will provide a full "dress rehearsal" for off-site participation in the business of the Association, in preparation for full operation in GA 2012.
Applications for Off-site Delegate status can be submitted online starting on March 1, 2011, and will close on April 15, 2011. Off-site delegates will need to verify their delegate status, check technical requirements using an online video, participate in training and a test run prior to GA, and pay a nominal registration fee.
For information about requirements, the application process, and selection criteria, visit http://www.uua.org/offsitega.
Southern Region Team Hosts Suite at General Assembly
Our four districts (Florida, Thomas Jefferson, MidSouth & Southwest) offer a suite at the Omni Hotel to delegates for meetings, social events, even small dinners. If your delegate team needs a place to caucus, you can reserve the the suite by completing the request form at: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFp3Zjl6Ujc3NWJsbnlQcGp2djFSQmc6MQ. If you have additional questions, contact TJ Administrator Glenn Johnson: gjohnson@uua.org. |
| District Assembly Wrap-up |
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Florida District Awards were presented to:
Unsung Unitarian Universalist Award
Phil Reitz, UU Fellowship of Gainesville
Lifetime Achievement Award
Kathy Anderson, University UU Society
Clarence R. Skinner Award
Reverend Dr. James Culver, UU Church of St. Petersburg for
Are We Black and White and Red All Over?
Jim and June Barrett Social Justice Award
Migrant Ministry, UU Church of St. Petersburg
Excellence in Religious Education
Diane Lade, River of Grass UU Congregations
Excellence in Music
Handbell Choir, UU Church of St. Petersburg
Newsletter - Honorable Mention Awards
New Outlook, Di Allen-Thompson, UU Fellowship of Charlotte County
and
Connection, Communications Committee, UU Congregation of Venice
Website
www.uunaples.org, Joyce Ricci, UU Congregation of Greater Naples
Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations this year.
District Assembly Photo Album, courtesy of 1U member John Hartgering, is available at this link: http://gallery.me.com/jjhartgering#100447 .
District Assembly Assessment
If you attended our Assembly this year we would like your feedback. If you haven't already done so, please take a minute and complete a brief assessment available at the following link: http://www.floridadistrict.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DA-11-Assembly-assessment.doc |
| April 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 April 2011 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/2011/03/FLD-April-2011-Packet.pdf (1 MB, 7 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
· District Assembly preview and registration, page 2 & 3
· Unitarian Universalist Faces a New Age-Yet Again!, page 4
· More Than Money, But Money Matters! Stewardship Workshop flyer, page 5
· Media Reform Tour flyer, page 6
· Change the World Kids Donation Challenge, page 7
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. District Calendar, page 1
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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 April 2011 UUA Congregational Bulletin |
| Around the Florida District - News and Events to Note |
| Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World |
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 Green Faith Fellowship Program
Unitarian Universalist Leaders Join GreenFaith Fellowship Program. Click here for information on GreenFaith and other stories of faith in action.
Universalist Convocation 2011
 The Universalist Convocation 2011 will meet at the Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Newberry, South Carolina May 20-22, 2011. This is a very historic Universalist Church and town. Keynote Speaker: Rev. Naomi King. Learn more
New Tapestry of Faith Curriculum
Faith Like a River: Themes from Unitarian Universalist History is now available online as part of Tapestry of Faith.
 This 16-workshop adult program, written by Rev. Jackie Clement and Rev. Alison Cornish, explores the dynamic course of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history-the people, ideas, and movements that have shaped our faith heritage. It invites participants to place themselves into our history and consider its legacies. What lessons do the stories of our history teach that can help us live more faithfully in the present? What lessons do they offer to be lived into the future? Themes include orthodoxy and heresy, reason, reform, martyrs, tolerance, freedom, polity, idealism, multiculturalism, globalization, evangelism, and Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism.
You can help make UU history by serving as a field-testing congregation. Apply to the Resource Development Office of the Ministries and Faith Development staff group at
fieldtest@uua.org or call Alicia LeBlanc at 617-948-4371.
Mountain Camp 2011
 For more than 30 years, The Mountain has provided enriching youth summer camp programs filled with recreation, adventure, education and creativity. The Mountain places a strong emphasis on being an inclusive, non-competitive environment where youth can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and form lifelong friendships. Campers learn to communicate needs and resolve conflicts - skills they will use the rest of their lives.
Camping sessions are offered for first-12th graders. Some of the exciting activities and workshops campers experience while at MountainCamp include: arts and crafts, drama, music, campfires, outdoor survival skills, international field games, low and high challenge courses, whitewater rafting, swimming, canoeing and hiking. Learn more
Ferry Beach Programs
 Ferry Beach is a Unitarian Universalist camp and conference center on the coast of Southern Maine. Since 1901, families and individuals have come to Ferry Beach to participate in educational, spiritual, and vacation oriented programs, to relax on the beach, or to put their feet up and read a book. It is a welcoming community that supports your spiritual growth and connects you with a larger community that is spreading its liberal religious wings. Come to Ferry Beach and enjoy a conference or vacation that doesn't compromise your values. Learn more
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