Florida District Connections

July 15, 2011

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Unitarian Universalists Witness for Women's Rights

Operation Save America, an outgrowth of the former Operation Rescue, will hold a national event in Orlando July 16-23. They are expected to protest and disrupt activities at women's health clinics, GLBTQ organizations, and mosques. Rev. Kathy Schmitz of First Unitarian has met with other leaders in the progressive community. The main goal is to keep organizations functioning smoothly while ensuring the safety of clients, staff, and medical professionals. Additional goals include denying OSA media attention, strengthening our progressive community, and promoting the message that these outsiders do not represent Orlando or Florida. We do not anticipate needing the physical presence outside support. However, please watch for an on-line petition condemning the activities of OSA and supporting reproductive choice, GLBTQ rights, and religious diversity. The numbers on this petition will help our media efforts. Florida is targeted because of the anti-choice legislative climate in which five different and invasive restrictions on women's access to health care have been passed. As an issue of state-wide concern, this would be an appropriate time for letters to the editor of your local papers. Contact Rev. Kathy for additional information: minister@orlandouu.org, (407)898-3621.

Notes & Comments From Our District Executive

RevKennHurto

Notes & Commentary by Our District Executive

The 50th General Assembly of our Association was grand, simply grand! Over 4,100 Unitarian Universalists (nearly 150 from 22 FLD congregations) met in Charlotte to worship, learn, reflect & decide. And perhaps most importantly to challenge ourselves to ask: How do we ensure our future as a vital religious alternative (to orthodoxy and consumerist-secularism)?

You can get a sense of how it went by checking out: http://blogs.uuworld.org/ga/, for a full report, including videos, on the many events and actions.

Among Delegate Decisions:

After 3 years study, approved A Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating.
Approved implementation of off-site delegate voting effective in 2012.
Agreed to reduce the size of the UUA Board to 14 and making all Trustees "at large."
Amended UUA By-Laws to replace the terms "church" and "fellowship" with the more inclusive "congregations."
Affirmed the decision of the former Thomas Jefferson District to name itself Southeast.

For me, the most important part of GA was renewed commitment to "Justice GA" next June in Phoenix. Last year, GA delegates opted not to boycott Arizona and instead to restructure GA to encourage Unitarian Universalist witness for the civil and human rights of migrants there. This decision is not without some controversy. However, as Gini Courter, UUA Moderator noted:

"Unitarian Universalist congregations are going to Phoenix for a Justice GA in 2012. On our borders human[s] are being treated inhumanely.

People are dying. Children are dying. Families are being torn apart. We go to Phoenix because we believe that [we] may be able to help end this tragedy."

I am excited that next year's GA will unite our faith, our theological reflection, our hearts and our actions. It will challenge us in ways more than organizational. Allying oneself with the oppressed stretches one's comfort zone, far more than the heat of Arizona in June. This is good work, good ministry for us to do. I hope you will plan now to be there.

I begin by asking all Florida Unitarian Universalists to commit to standing on the side of love and making GA 2012 among our best attended! I propose some challenges to you:

Can we get 5% of our FLD membership to attend? That would be about 250 people, twice our typical turnout?
Can we ensure 50% (23) of our congregations will send full delegations?
Can we get 50 youth to attend? The FLD will offer matching scholarships for all congregations that pay their youths' registration.
Can we get all of our congregations to participate in a "Justice Sunday" this winter (January 15), with worship, public forums, or educational programs on immigration and migrant rights?
Can we get 5 more congregations to participate in the Building the World We Dream About curriculum - which addresses issues of racial justice and living in a multi-cultural world?
Can our Clusters to devote one of their meetings to migrant justice in Florida?
Can our congregations create intentional partnerships with other organizations devoted to the migrant rights?

Can we? I bet we can. Will we? I long to hear from you. What do you think?

Your FLD Board has approved "Crossing Borders" as the theme for our next District Assembly (Jacksonville, March 23-25). The DA will offer participants educational and experiential learning to prepare those going to Phoenix and to empower our congregations' ministries here in Florida.

GA's closing worship was heart-lifting. The Chalice Lighting that day was presented in song, with this text:

"Que recibamos esta luz y los ricos paisajes que hoy nos brinda. (That we receive this light and the rich landscapes that today offer us.)"

May it be so. Blessings, Rev. Kenn

P.S. Congregation Presidents: A Reminder

Be sure to plan now to attend, with your Vice-President and one "emerging leader" this year's Annual Leadership Roundtable, to be held September 17th (in Boca Raton) and again September 24th (in Lakeland). This year's focus: "What makes for a Healthy & Vital Congregation?"

Notes From Our Lifespan Program Consultant

Rev.RandyBecker2010

We all seem so focused on differences. "I'm not that!" "That's not what we believe."

Let me tell you about an wonderful event I attended this summer. Well over 4000 people filled the convention center, all there with a single purpose in mind, to celebrate and proclaim a deep and abiding faith. The music was more amazing than any single congregation could create. The pronouncements of faith were stunning, bringing people to their feet over and over again. We hugged, danced, clapped, sang, and were silent together. Old friends found, many new friends made. Day after day, a crescendo of shared feeling and meaning. Old friends found, many new friends made.

Now, don't jump to the assumption that I am talking about the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly! I am talking about the 97th Hampton Ministers' Conference, a thoroughly black-church, proudly Christian gathering, held in early June.

But, yes, I could also have been talking about General Assembly.

Here's the challenge I faced, which I also believe our religious movement faces: do I focus on the differences that might seem to make me unique or do I focus on the connections by which I am tied into a larger, more inclusive understanding?

Do I listen only to dismiss theology different from my own or do I hear the common threads of human yearning for meaning?

Do I resist unfamiliar hymnology or do I sing out in the shared voice of humanity seeking liberation and equality?

Do I set myself apart or reach out to include myself in?

We Unitarian Universalists are so obsessed (yes, I will use that word) with staking and defending our identity that we often miss the opportunities by which our visions for the future could be realized.

We dream of a world which is trans-racial and inclusive, yet we often deny (and even degrade) the value of any tradition other than our own.

We dream of a world which is multi-cultural, yet we often avoid enshrine cultural differences.

We dream of a world which is bound in common community, yet we often sub-divide into the smallest units imaginable.

As a Religious Educator, I see this in our many programs for children, youth, and adults, often created and designed specifically to instill one's identity as a Unitarian Universalist. Is that really our goal, our vision, our dream? Or is it to use the insights of our faith tradition to help move us to a transcendent future?

Are we mistaking one set of roots of a more inclusive future for the flowers of the only tree of understanding?

We are, I think, if we insist on focusing on differences.

And the alternative? To focus on connections! To see our Unitarian Universalist path as one of many paths which will, in the end, produce a fabric of faith sustaining greater inclusivity, equality, community.

To know ourselves as Unitarian Universalists at all stage and ages so that we can look beyond Unitarian Universalism to that "something more" in which our deepest dreams become realities.

Rev. Randy Becker

Trustee News

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS

Joan Lund, July 2011

jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727

Over the past two years since Rev. Peter Morales was elected UUA President and the financial challenges of our economy continue to be pressing, several changes at the Association's staff level were made to focus on three areas: growth of our movement, prophetic social action, and the creation of a new ministry for the new century

Structural changes include the creation of the position, Vice President for Ministries and Congregational Life, with responsibility for the congregational program areas. The mission of the Congregational Life staff is to foster the spiritual and institutional health of Unitarian Universalism by serving as leaders, consultants, advocates, and educators in the community of congregations. Rev. Harlan Limpert is in this position. A staff group, Multicultural Growth and Witness, has been created to assume many of the responsibilities handled by the Identity-Based Ministries and Advocacy and Witness staff groups. The office of Electronic Communications has moved to the Information Technology services staff group and the International Resources now reports to President Peter Morales. Kay Montgomery has continued as Executive Vice President, with the responsibility for operating areas of the Association's life.

The evolution towards regionalization of services and support of congregations continues with increased sharing of district staff members within a region of three or four districts. The support of congregations through the effective use of technology continues to increase monthly. Virtual meetings, videoconferencing, and web technologies enable collaboration and training to occur in constantly evolving ways. Webinars continue to expand in frequency and variety of topics with monthly webinars on leadership development, congregational systems stewardship, risk management faith development, meeting management, and other topics relevant congregational leaders. They are led by nearly every district with notable frequency and are available to anyone, anywhere.

The Congregational Life staff continues to identify and lift up congregations that are doing certain things particularly well and encourage them to become partners in growth and learning by providing opportunities for them to share what they have learned with others. The focus of the Congregational Life staff also continues to be the enhancement of support to congregations by partnering every more closely with the other program staff groups of our UUA.

It was good to be with many of you at another successful General Assembly. Enjoy the summer.

*************************

UUA TRUSTEE REFLECTIONS

Joan Lund

June, 2011, General Assembly, Charlotte, North Carolina

It has taken me longer than I had hoped to write this GA report. Following a fast-paced, activity-filled week in warm, hospitable Charlotte I flew to Santa Fe, NM for a family reunion, returning during the 4^th of July weekend. As always there were many excellent workshops, mini-assemblies, events, worships, and lectures...and I had no time for many workshops I had hoped to attend. As with many/most attendees and delegates I spent most of the time in a state of satisfying exhaustion, never getting quite enough sleep or having time to be with friends I only see once a year. Even though I always wore or had a jacket with me, the "frigid" temperature(s) in various rooms of the convention center, plus catching a pesky cold, prevented me from being present for entire Plenaries and workshops (I had to go outside to warm-up). But for sure it was an exciting week with over 4,000 UUs in Charlotte and UU guests from Europe and other areas of our world. Although there are many events and activities on which I could report, my themes for reporting this year will include changes on the horizon, the 50^th Anniversary of our Unitarian Universalist merger, and information relating to GA 2012 in Phoenix (not necessarily in order of occurrence or priority). Continue Reading

District Board Notes

Rachel Christensen Your Florida District Board has been discussing how to explore and engage the issue of immigration in Florida. Our interest is in helping our congregations build an understanding and connection with this issue and its effect on our economy, our culture, our communities, on families, education, politics and life in Florida. How can we best engage with this issue that is so entwined with our state, in a way that recalls the humanity and value of those involved? Where is the pathway through this issue that honors the contribution of those who live and work in Florida, and are caught up in the emotions and tensions and disparate treatment around immigration?

In June 2012, our Unitarian Universalist Association will meet in Phoenix for our General assembly, to work on immigration issues in Arizona. Many of us will go to Arizona, but many more will not. We have our own flavor of these same issues here in Florida, where much of our economy is served by immigrant labor. Undocumented immigrants have lived and worked here for years, raised families and paid taxes, and are now being vilified in our state. Let us, as Unitarian Universalists, serve on the side of the worth and dignity of all people in Florida. Let us educate ourselves as to these issues, and engage with our communities in understanding the hurt, the dangers, the fear and the opportunities for all Floridians. Let us become a powerful voice in shaping the work here in Florida.

Rachel Christensen

President, Florida District UUA Board of Trustees

Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry Florida

uulmf logo art The historic 50^th Anniversary UUA GA was a landmark event for the UU Legislative Ministry of Florida. First, the UULMF proposed Action of Immediate Witness to "Oppose Citizens United-Support Free Speech for People" passed! For details, see http://www.uua.org/justice/statements/statements/185343.shtml. Videos of the AIW discussions in Plenaries IV and VI are at http://www.uua.org/ga/2011/business/index.shtml. Second, the UULMF grant application to the UU Funding Program for "Capacity Building for Florida" was partially funded! This is enough to help our UULMF Steering Committee work to serve all our Florida congregations, encourage social justice minded Unitarian Universalists to support our common legislative efforts at the state and national level, and encourage all the Florida congregations to join our growing state legislative ministry officially as congregational members.

The AIW success was the most exciting series of events for UULMF at General Assembly. It was truly a team effort, with support from Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington State as we gathered the needed petition signatures, and with supporters from Indiana and Oklahoma making timely amendments to the final document in the Mini-Assembly on Saturday. The AIW passed on Sunday with a positive vote of over the 2/3 majority of delegates nationwide.

The goal now is to implement the suggested actions in the AIW and raise the issue of the damaging Citizens United Supreme Court decision of January 21, 2010 to national importance via the 2012 Presidential debates. To quote the last sentence in the Action of Immediate Witness, "Working together with other groups and other faith traditions we can make a significant impact in 2011-2012 to restore the effective voice of "we the people" and help to heal our democracy."

Signatures for AIW by UU World GA 2011

General Assembly 2011 Off-Site Delegate Experience

By Rev. Randy Becker

It 's Wednesday, June 22, about 6:30pm. I made sure to have dinner early so I would not be late for the banner parade and opening Plenary of GA 2011. I double check I have everything I will need: my delegate credentials, my program booklet, my worship materials, . . . and my computer connection, my Bluetooth headset, my cell phone, and my password. Yes, all set.

At a little after 7pm that night, I join a cadre of about four dozen other Unitarian Universalist delegates from around our movement in the first Plenary of Ga 2011, but I'm not in Charlotte, North Carolina, as were about 4000 other Unitarian Universalist but at my computer as one of the first fully-participatory off-site delegates.

What was the off-site experience like? It was intense. While we had the same images sent to us as projected on the large screens in Plenary Hall, the vastness of the hall was compressed down to my little work space.

I participated alone, but others would gather in viewing groups, with one or more off-site delegates joined by other members of their congregations. Reports of hearty discussions of the issues in such viewing groups became common, and the off-site delegates said their votes were certainly more informed by their fellow members.

Why was I an off-site delegate? One reason was that I had been part of the Off-site Delegate Task Force working on this project for over a year. Another was that I was professionally obligated in a number of conflicting ways in June this year. Of course, as for many others, the cost of General Assembly (registration, travel, housing, food) would have had to come primarily out-of-pocket, a not-so-deep pocket.

On Friday, I had a chance to try to speak in the new delegate mode. Following the detailed instructions which we had all been provided by the technical support team, I was already listening to the proceedings on a special audio bridge (that's like a giant conference call) that was close to real time . . . did you know that the streaming images of General Assembly can be as much as 30 seconds or more delayed from what is happening on the floor of a Plenary?

I then raised my hand (the equivalent of going to one of the floor microphones in person) by pressing "1" on my phone call, and a virtual teller determined that I was at the right "microphone" just as the floor tellers do at the microphones in Plenary Hall. I was placed in a virtual queue for that microphone, a list which was visible to Moderator Gini Courter. Fulfilling the mandate of the new rules of the Assembly for equitable recognition from the various real and virtual microphones, in due course I heard Gini say, "I now call on the delegate at the off-site Pro microphone." That was my cue - my phone had been un-muted by the technical staff and fed into the sound system in Plenary Hall. There I was, introducing myself as a slide showing my congregation's location (Key West, in the Conch Republic) appeared on the large screens. I made my "Pro" presentation in favor looking beyond the District realities that were the product of issues at consolidation and building structures that are more visionary than defensive. I was done at about 1 minute, 50 seconds, and finally took a deep breath. WOW! Sitting hundreds of miles away I had shared my point of view with all of the delegates at General Assembly. The motion I was supporting, after more debate, passed. It was a good day.

Now, lest anyone think that being an off-site delegate is just sitting around, taking it easy, let me assure you it was as engaging (maybe more so) as being there in person. I had to pay attention. I had fewer visual cues of the process and the mood of the hall. Sometimes Gini would refer to something happening in the hall, but without an ability to turn around and look, I lost out. But, all in all, it was very much like being there.

It was Sunday afternoon that I spoke again to the Plenary, urging adoption of the bylaw amendment which would, at future General Assemblies, make the votes of off-site delegates count. (This year our votes were collected, tallied, and shared, but not counted.)

As the final gavel came down on GA 2011, I felt like our religious movement

had made it into the 21^stcentury. Multiple barriers to General Assembly participation had fallen, among them barriers of age, class, distance, health, wealth, and even technical proficiency.

It took the understanding and support of our Moderator, Gini Courter, to make all of this work. Her willing work with the Off-site Task Force in the run-up to General Assembly, and her evident support in integrating off-site delegates into the Plenary and mini-assembly process were crucial to the success of my participation.

Now, did everything go as planned. Yes and no. If one compared the off-site process to the on-site process, off-site delegates experienced no more problems than those who physically attended General Assembly. Different problems, yes, but more problems, no.

With off-site delegates a reality, and with congregations supporting off-site delegates by providing computers, high-speed broadband internet, and a phone connection for those who cannot afford those personally, there will be no reason for any chosen delegate not to participate in General Assembly. Delegates could be more chosen on the basis of being representative of one's congregation rather than who is available and able to afford to be there. We could soon have a General Assembly at which nearly 100% of the potential delegates participate, as opposed to the approximately 60% who do normally. That would really be a step toward democracy in action.

GA 2011 Off-Site Tech Support (UU World)

Around the Florida District - News and Events to Note

UPCOMING EVENTS

Florida District Annual Leadership Roundtable Events:

September 17 - Hosted by UU Fellowship of Boca Raton

September 24 - Hosted by UU Congregation of Lakeland

Facilitated by Rev. Kenn Hurto for Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Emerging Leaders. Registration information will be included in the August District Packet.

Beacon Adviser Training - August 26, 27, 28 - UU Fellowship of Gainesville

Youth and Adults are invited to spend an enlightening weekend with exciting people learning about BEACON, youth ministry & youth empowerment. Bring your sleeping bag, air mattress, and your open mind, creativity, and enthusiasm for youth ministry. Make sure to bring with you something from your youthful years (or something that reminds you of that time...) and bring something to add to the GORP. Flyer & Registration

Northeast Cluster Fall Gathering - September 10 - University UU Society (Orlando)

CPR for Unitarian Universalism with Rev. Susanne Nazian

It's no secret that the number of members of Unitarian Universalist Congregations nationwide are declining. Rather than look at the usual suspects, let's explore what's happening and where we might want to put our attention.

Includes additional options for afternoon workshops - Religious Education and Website Design and Maintenance. Flyer & Registration

10^th Annual Ericksen Lecture - September 24 - UU Fellowship of Gainesville

Dr. William Schulz - Do Human Rights Have a Future?

This lecture series presents topics of social justice in memory of the late Stan Ericksen and his work for liberal causes. Past lecture topics have included the death penalty, stem cell research, civil liberties, gay marriage, the U.S. role in torture, racism and politics, the politics of gender, and social media. Learn more

Restorative Circles Conflict Transformation Workshop - September 30, October 1, 2 - Rising Tide International, Sarasota

Unitarian Universalists will have special gatherings at the event to share experiences, ground this learning in our faith and relationships, and plan action steps. Learn more

Florida UU Women's Retreat - April 27 to 29, 2012 - Ellenton, FL

Bringing UU women together in a setting which offers opportunities for conversation, laughter, and music, add nature trails, rocking chairs, screened porches, drumming, more laughter, and conversation and good food and you create a memorable experience! Flyer & Registration

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Several Florida District congregations were mentioned in Reverend Peter Morales' Going Green Beyond Belief: The UUA President's Report in Response to "The Green Revolution in Religion Business Resolution." Click here to read report (and see pages 20-21 for FLD congregations mentioned).

The UU United Fellowship Youth Group, recent recipients of the Mary-Ella Holst Youth Activist Award. This award recognizes and honors the achievements of an individual or group of youth who is/are advancing human rights and social justice through activism and leadership in collaboration with UUSC. Learn more about the United Fellowship youths work with Hope in Crops .

Recently Ordained Clergy in Florida:

Reverend Jan Taddeo, called to serve the UU Congregation of Gwinnett, GA
Reverend Jay Wolin, called to serve the UU Congregation of the Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa
Reverend Brock Leach, serving as the Vice President for Mission, Strategy, and Innovation for the UU Service Committee (and FLD Board Treasurer)
Reverend Janet Onnie, soon to be serving as the Consulting Minister for the UU Fellowship of Marion County, FL

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The UU Fellowship of St. Augustine is seeking a part-time Religious Education Teacher. Click here to learn more.

Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World

UUA President Applauds New York Marriage Equality Vote

SSL logo Following New York's historic vote in favor of marriage equality, President Morales said in a statement, "I enthusiastically applaud the actions of the New York Legislature and the leadership of Gov. Andrew Cuomo in establishing marriage equality in that state. With this action, New York has demonstrated its commitment to the American ideal that all citizens are entitled to equal protections and rights under the law." Read the full statement .

APF Quarterly Newsletter

The spring issue of the APF Quarterly Newsletter is now available online at: http://www.uua.org/documents/stew-dev/apf/1106_newsletter.pdf .

Features include:

Congregations with Cultures of Generosity-budgeting, stewardship, and practices
Ideas for Engaging Children & Youth in Stewardship Activities
Our Whole Lives (OWL) for young prisoners-an inspiring story by Susan Freudenthal about making a difference

Be sure to check out the excellent article The Needy Church: A Story Inspired by Gandhi's Teachings, and the recently announced new resource, Handbook for UU Treasurers, Stewardship, and Finance Leaders.

Reminder: Association Sunday 2011, October 2nd

Association Sunday logo Please sign up for Association Sunday 2011, which this year is designed to lift up the role of all our religions professionals! Sign up between now and August 15 and enter to win an Association Sunday service with UUA President Peter Morales or the Rev. Don Southworth, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. Worship Resources are available online ! This year's resources include contributions from ministers, musicians, and religious education professionals to encourage collaborative and dynamic worship.

Unitarian Universalist Rebuilding New Orleans Video

Our UUA has just released the 18th video in the exciting series, "A Religion for Our Time." This episode shows how three Unitarian Universalist congregations in New Orleans, like the city itself, were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. However that devastation became an inspiration, not an obstacle, to the members of all three churches. Their resilience and determination have been in evidence every day of the last five years as they rebuild not only their churches, but the city of New Orleans itself. Watch: "UUs Rebuilding New Orleans."

Serve Our Larger Faith

UUA Logo Every two years, the UUA Board's Committee on Committees recruits and brings recommendations to the Board for appointments to Board-appointed committees. This year, the Board will be appointing members to the two-year term beginning January 1, 2012. UUA Bylaws allow for three re-appointments, or up to eight years of service for most committees.

All members of UUA committees must be able to demonstrate functional competency in anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism. Travel and other meeting expenses are covered. For further information, click here . To apply, use the Committee on Committees application form, found here .

The deadline is August 1, 2011

UUA Reissues Meditation Manuals

The UUA Bookstore has reissued out-of-print meditation manuals as eBooks - both from the Google eBookstore and from the Amazon Kindle Store, including Elizabeth Tarbox's Evening Tide and Victoria Safford's Walking Toward Morning .

Tapestry of Faith clip Adult Tapestry of Faith Resources

Tapestry of Faith offers two online resources that provide workshop plans and guidance for congregations that have experienced local, national or global trauma or disaster.

Together in Faith: Finding Home in Times of Trauma or Disaster by Dr. Tracey L. Hurd uses storytelling/listening, crafts, and guided reflection to help children, families, and multigenerational groups move toward wholeness when life has been significantly disrupted.

Making Meaning After Disaster by Rev. Sarah Gibb Millspaugh, engages adult and older youth in ritual, reflection and action to help heal after a natural disaster or other traumatic event. Participants acknowledge the disruptions they have experienced in life and in their sense of life's meaning, and learn ways they can carry their theological questions into a healing future.

Both resources, although created in response to Hurricane Katrina, are generic plans applicable for use in any traumatic situation.

RE Week at The Mountain - Brand New Ministry with Youth Renaissance Module!

And in addition to the newly revised module, the Rev. Dr. Monica Cummings will lead workshops on supporting youth of color and GLBTQ youth each afternoon.
There are only 13 spaces left for the Ministry with Youth Renaissance module being offered at RE Week at The Mountain July 24-29. Sign up now:

http://mountaincenters.org/media/PDFs/2011-REWeek-RegForm.pdf

Hikes, campfire, beautiful scenery, great food and more.....

Small Group Ministry Institute 2011 - August 30 to September 2 - Angelus Oaks, CA

We are offering new focuses this year, in addition to the ongoing basic and evolving Small Group Ministry workshop and group sessions and facilitator training:

Field Testing of modules on many aspects of Small Group Ministry programming that can be taken back to congregations or used in clusters and regions.
Consideration of Small Group Ministry With All Ages, including using the new publication by that same name from the Network.
Discussion of what is needed in Small Group Ministry to enhance the Justice GA planned for Phoenix 2012.

Learn more