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| | Florida District Connections
April 9, 2012 |
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 | Notes & Reflections From Our District Executive
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Crossing Boundaries to Stand on the Side of Love
 Our 2012 District Assembly was a resounding success, with a good turnout, a challenging program, a unique service-project opportunity, and exciting worship. We thank host congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville for their gracious hospitality. We were generously received and well-nurtured. I personally nominate them for next year's "above and beyond the call" DA award for their model-setting renovation of their building to make it accessible to all. Considerable expense and devoted labor ensured no one would encounter barriers to their full participation.
The learning-model we put forth has had immediate application as our members were invited to cross a boundary upon learning of the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin in Sanford. The clergy offered a resolution to be distributed to the public and to officials. Then, many of our delegates added their names to a companion resolution as well. Click here to read this resolution. Subsequent to the DA, many Unitarian Universalists went to Sanford to participate in the public rally calling for justice. Several of our congregations also participated in social witness events the following week.
So often, congregational life can be a challenge amidst our many and truly diverse aspirations. However, a tragic moment helps us to focus anew. Young Mr. Martin's death is, sadly, among too many young black men being killed or harmed in our society, still captive as it is to the legacy of slavery and bigotry. There is freedom work for us to do! Remember this the next time you're in worship or helping out with a church committee, teaching the kids or hosting a guest. We are called ever to the public square to work for love and justice!
The church finally has two enduring purposes, ably summarized a few years ago thus: "To nurture the soul and To heal the world."
Reflecting this Good Friday as I write, symbol of ancient oppression, I hear the hymn echoing its refrain, "We begin again ... in love ...!" May it be so.
Rev. Kenn
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| Notes From Our Lifespan Program Consultant
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 Somewhere along the way I got tagged as a "technology maven." So it is that I am often asked by congregations about technology. Some of it is very specific ("what model of LCD projector would you recommend?"), but most of it is much more general.
Those general questions take the form of "what technology would you recommend for congregational growth?" or "what technology can we afford as part of our growth plans?"
Since the asked questions probably are only the tip of the iceberg, let me tell you all what I tell those who ask.
The most important technology you can employ in growing your congregation is free.
The simplest is comprised of a system of intertwined reactive elements powered by a connected internal power source: a smile. Newcomers notice quickly if people already involved in a congregation look happy, pleased to see each other, and welcoming of newcomers into that joy.
The software most recommended is also free, but may need some installation or training: active listening. People coming through our doors want to feel that their questions, their lives, their dreams will have a place in the congregation. They detect this by how well we listen to them.
The best gaming program I have seen in congregations: getting involved. Newcomers don't want to sign up for a year's worth of committees nor be recruited for the next round of grudge rehearsal, but they are usually eager to be part of a team that will put on a dinner, install a playground, plan a social witness event. They want to see where an hour of their time connected with an appreciated use of their energy and insight can make a difference. They want to fit in AND make a contribution.
Without doubt, the most outstanding financial program for congregations: vision. People do not give to need, they give to vision. Newcomers want to understand that what they give to the congregation will help to transform the world.
A visionary, engaging congregation filled with smiles and open hearts, minds, and ears is inviting.
No audio/video package, no podcasts, no social media, no management software can even approach what those simple human technologies can offer.
So smile, listen, invite, and dream . . . and you will see that newcomers will get hooked on those qualities as well, because your congregation will be the kind of place that they . . . and you . . . will want to be.
Rev. Randy |
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Trustee News | | | |
UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS
Joan Lund, April 2012
jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727
As far as I am aware, I am totally of European descent; I have no American Indian heritage. I know the American history I was taught in school was fraught with inaccuracies and I am never able to completely understand the anguish experienced by Indigenous Peoples. I am also a faithful UU who is called to support the appeal of Indigenous Peoples, which means supporting the implementation of the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. I believe when we respond to our Indigenous Peoples' we embrace our UU Principles, exemplifying the words of Theodore Parker: "I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one, my eye reaches but little ways; I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight; I can divine it by conscience. And from what I see I am sure it bends towards justice." (1853)
Two pieces of information you need to know: 1) Delegates to GA 2010 charged the BOT with accountability to partner organizations in Arizona, 2) Those partner organizations asked that we work on the issue of the Doctrine of Discovery. Our partners in Arizona have asked us to learn, bear witness in the Phoenix community, provide assistance through specific service opportunities, worship and grow together. We will leave Arizona ready to partner and work together for human rights in our own communities.
Please study the 2012 Justice General Assembly UUA materials when they arrive in your congregation. There will be over 100 workshops, lectures, panel presentations, film screenings, and worship services. The UUA website states, "These programs will educate and prepare participants to build the capacity of UUs to stand in opposition to systemic racism and to witness on immigration, racial and economic justice." In addition National Public Radio's Maria Hinojosa, Mexican/American broadcast journalist will deliver the Ware lecture; and Rev. Karen Tse, human rights defender, international human rights attorney, and UU minister will deliver the Service of the Living Tradition sermon.
According to my colleague Rev. Michael Tino, we need to, "Answer the call of accountability to people whose history, color and first language dehumanize and silence them in our nation". We need to answer the call to BE the faith response to the symptom in a national illness of racism that needs to be countered with faith and love. I look forward to joining my Florida UU colleagues in Phoenix. As I said after GA 2011, I hope more Florida UUs will be part GA 2012 than ever before in the history of our District. |
| A Prayer for Trayvon Martin |
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by the Reverend Naomi King, Florida District Minister
Standing on the Side of Love blog, March 24, 2012
 Trayvon Martin's death and the subsequent challenges to have a transparent process for justice and to bring hope and healing to Sanford, Florida-and everywhere that suspicion of our neighbors and strangers permits racism, inequity and violence-is a call to us as people of faith. Out of the brokenness of these events, out of the brokenness of losing another young person of great promise, out of the brokenness we live with every day we are called with love's transforming power to faith and faithful action.
I wrote the prayer below in hopes that this weekend, those of us who find ourselves in congregation of any form-be it a rally, vigil, or worship service-might read these words, or be inspired to write your own heartfelt words to honor Trayvon and the power of this moment, which calls for dialogue on the many manifestations of racism in our country, and the need for education on the societal institutions in place that feed this racism.
Most Merciful and Most Compassionate we are called to live boldly in compassion, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to not fear but to welcome the stranger. Yet we have failed and are struggling again, losing another child to violence and fear, losing ground living with love. For love flourishes in the safety of accountability, in the safety of each of us bearing responsibility, in the safety of mercy and restraint.
Out of grief we raise our hearts and our voices, out of grief for our children, our friends, our loved ones, our neighbors. Out of grief for Trayvon Martin we raise our hearts and our voices.
Out of fear we raise our hearts and our voices, out of fear for our children, our friends, our loved ones, our neighbors. Out of fear we raise our hearts and our voices, that hate and fear continue to roam our hearts and the land, spurring more violence.
Out of love we turn again with you and with each other seeking to not let fear and violence have the last word, seeking to remember the ones we have lost, seeking a restoration of accountability and responsibility for loving more boldly than we fear, more living more mercifully than we hate.
Comfort those of us who mourn and are afraid and especially bring us to comfort the grieving family and friends of Trayvon Martin. Strengthen us in bearing witness to the power of love to triumph over the power of fear, to lay down unjust laws. Guide our hearts, our words, and our deeds in creating true safe communities, where all are cherished, where strangers are made kin, where violence is put to rest by our becoming people of peace, people of the way of love.
You have given us the power to be the ones who end this violence, who answer our sorrow and our fear, who respond to the loss of another child by creating another way where love rules, where all of us are responsible to and for one another, where we are bold in turning away the demons of fear and welcoming the holy presence of mercy, peace, and steadfast love.
Amen. |
| Florida District Packet & UUA Congregational Bulletin |
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The April 2012 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/2012/04/FLD-April-2012-Packet.pdf (1.4 MB, 12 pages)
New/updated items are noted in bold text. 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
- GA is for Everyone, page 2
- 2012 General Assembly Brochure, page 3-4
- Witness for Justice Fund letter, pages 5-6
- UU Religious Education Pep Rally, page 7
- Peter Mayer Concert Flyer, page 8
- Florida UU Women's Retreat flyer & registration, pages 9-10
- UU-United Nations Office Intergenerational Spring Seminar flyer, page 11
- Mountain Camps Flyer, page 12
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.
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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).
Follow this link to view the April 2012 UUA Congregational Bulletin:
http://www.uua.org/communications/bulletin/198701.shtml
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| Florida District News and Events |
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Upcoming Events
April 14 - UU Religious Education Pep Rally, UUs of Clearwater
Led by Rev. Randy Becker. Learn more
April 12-14, 2013 - Florida District Assembly, UU Church of Ft. Myers
Witness for Justice Fund
We continue to accept contributions for the Florida District Witness for Justice Scholarship Fund. This fund was created to assist youth, young adults and traditionally marginalized members with funding to attend General Assembly (and the recently held District Assembly). A flyer is included in the packet and also available online. (Click here to donate now.)
If you know of youth, young adults and/or traditionally marginalized members in need of funding please direct them to the online application available here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LPD6BZZ . Applications for assistance will be accepted until May 15th.
District Assembly Delegates Elect New Officers and Revise By-Laws
In a record for such meetings, Delegates approved the adoption of new by-laws that reduces the District Board to 5 people, in keeping with a pattern emerging throughout the Southern Region of our UUA. A budget of $143,000 was affirmed. Click here to read the FLD 2012 Annual Report.
The following Board and leadership Development Committee (LDC) members were elected:
President, Ila Klion
Vice-President, Harvey Heckes (Ft Myers)
Treasurer, Al Tweedy (Gainesville)
Secretary, Marjie Manning (St. Petersburg)
Trustee, Rachel Christensen (University,Orlando)
LDC, Reverend Robin Gray (Tallahassee)
LDC, Judy Lehman (Tampa)
LDC, Helen Leddy (Ft. Myers)
LDC, Diane Ovida (University, Orlando)
LDC, Harry Lee (Tampa)
LDC, Dani Slader (Buckman Bridge, Jacksonville)
Thanks and appreciation to our departing Board and Nominating Committee members:
 Roger Brown (Naples)
Ginger Abraham (Port Charlotte)
Rev. Brock Leach (Sarasota)
Betty Brantley (Ft. Lauderdale)
Afesa Adams (Jacksonville)
Joan Burnett (Nature Coast, Citrus Springs)
Abi Kirby (University, Orlando)
Spaulding Basham (River of Grass, Davie)
Reverend Mary Louise DeWolf (Nature Coast, Citrus Springs)
William Bode (Boca Raton)
Charlie Barcelo (Community, New Smyrna Beach)
2012 Award Recipients
 FLD Unsung UU Award
Jean Nuttall, UU Congregation of Venice
FLD Lifetime Acheivement Awards
Delores Benjamin/Honorable mention, UU Congregation ofVenice
Alice Lingswiler, UU Congregation of Miami
Pat McGivern, UUs of Clearwater and UU Church of St. Petersburg
FLD Clarence R. Skinner (Sermon) Awards
Tracie Barrett for Diversity, Not Divisiveness, UU Congregation of Lakeland
Rev. Don Beaudreault for 50 Years of Being a UU: Stewardship Sunday, UU Congregation of Venice
FLD Jim and June Barrett (Social Justice)
UUs of Clearwater Social Justice Council
FLD John DeWolf Hurt (Levity)
Careena Cornette, UU Church of St. Petersburg
FLD Excellence in Music
UU Congregation of Lakeland Music Program
FLD Outstanding Media - Newsletter Award
Jeff Anderson, Octagram, UUs of Clearwater
FLD Outstanding Media - Website
Karen Griffin & Nan Kritzler, UU Congregation of Venice
Congratulation to all award nominees and thanks to all who submitted nominations! Thanks also to our wonderful judging team!
And a few photos from District Assembly
Thanks to David Morris, Sue Taylor and AJ Wolff for sharing these photos!
Click here for an online DA photo album posted by David Morris |
| Around the Florida District - News and Events to Note |
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Peter Mayer Concert
 Presented by All Souls UU Congregation (Palatka), Saturday, May 12th, 7:30pm, Tickets $20
Downtown Blues Bar and Grille, 714 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Florida
Opening Music by Hana Maris. Proceeds benefit the Putnam County School District literacy programs. Advance tickets are available. Learn more
The Ride to Beat Hunger
Rev. Scott W. Alexander, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach and avid cyclist, is going to undertake a demanding month-long, 3,300, 115 mile-a-day bike ride across America to beat hunger. Beginning on Sunday April 22nd , 2012 (by dipping his rear wheel in the waters of the Pacific Ocean at Costa Mesa, California) and ending in Vero Beach on Tuesday May 22, 2012 (by dipping his front wheel in the Atlantic) Rev. Alexander will ride all 3,300 miles, challenging organizations and individuals of the Vero Beach Community to donate money per mile to help beat hunger -- both locally and globally. Friends and supporters of Rev. Alexander will join him for the last four days of the ride (350 miles) "bringing him home" from Savannah, Georgia, to Vero Beach. The goal is to raise $25,000 for "Stop Hunger Now." Learn more
April Fool's Fun
Flashmob at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville: Sing and Rejoice Flash Mob at UUCJ
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| News from our UU Legislative Ministry Florida |
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Educational presentations offered on Health Care Act
The League of Women Voters of Florida is offering educational presentations on the federal health care reform law. The League has been in existence for 91 years and has a reputation for credibility and civility. It is strictly nonpartisan, and their well-trained speakers are skilled at maintaining a productive tone while discussing important civic issues.
Because health care reform is such a vital topic, and because there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the issue, the League has put together an educational - not persuasive - presentation designed to give citizens a better understanding of how the health care reform act may affect them. The presentation is approximately 45 minutes long, but can be shortened or lengthened to meet your group's needs. The League is offering this as a community service, and no speaker's fee is expected.
They would like to schedule as many of these "community conversations" as possible between now and the end of the year. Please contact Anna Sheffield at LWVFintern@gmail.com or (850) 224-2545 in order to make arrangements for a LWVF speaker to come and address your group.
Partial Scholarships to Phoenix General Assembly
GA in Phoenix, June 20-24 will be an historic event, the first "Justice GA" of its kind. Early registration is March 1-April 30th. UULMF is offering partial scholarships to interested attendees. Young people especially encouraged to apply. Contact Kindra or Steve at kindra_muntz@uulmf.org 941-497-1764, or steve_segner@uulmf.org 386-788-3039.
Community radio opportunity
UUs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a community radio station license when the FCC awards the last available low power broadcast spectrum in late 2012/early 2013. License applications due in 2012, date pending, possibly October. Partnerships of local groups work together to share tasks, costs and benefits. 2-3 years timeframe for completion. Benefits? Increase UU outreach and community connections, strengthen congregations, provide opportunities for local talent, offer spin-free local and national news. Engineering help available at low cost. See details under "Start a Radio Station" atwww.prometheusradio.org, sign up for webinars and training at http://prometheusradio.org/want_to_start_a_station and contact Kindra at 941-497-1764,kindra_muntz@uulmf.orgto get on the list of Florida possibilities. |
| Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World |
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Screen "Lost in Detention" for your Congregation
 The UUA has received permission from Frontline for Unitarian Universalist Congregations to show "Lost in Detention," provided no admission is charged. The documentary examines current US immigration policy and the enforcement system, including stories of hidden abuse in detention centers. The documentary's correspondent is Maria Hinojosa, who will deliver this year's Ware Lecture at General Assembly in Phoenix. See: Cooking Together: Recipes for Immigration Justice Work.
Partner with the UUA Bookstore for Justice in Phoenix
 The UUA Bookstore is committed to the social justice mission of this year's GA in Phoenix, Arizona, and we need your help!
If you make any purchase from the UUA Bookstore - like Margaret Regan's powerful book The Death of Josseline: Immigration Stories from the Arizona Borderlands - and enter the code "PhoenixGA" at checkout - we'll donate 5% of your purchase to Service Project Recipient Organizations on the ground in Phoenix. These organizations provide vital services and have been approved by the General Assembly Planning Committee.
What's more, if sales using this code exceed $100,000 we will make a donation of 10% of each additional sale - up to a total contribution of $15,000!
Thank you for shopping at the UUA Bookstore, and for supporting the UUA in our justice work.
UUA Offers New Discussion Guide on Doctrine of Discovery
 At the January meeting of the UUA Board of Trustees, the Trustees voted to place a responsive resolution to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery on the business agenda for the 2012 Justice General Assembly. What is the Doctrine of Discovery? Why have our partner organizations in Arizona called for its repudiation? How are we as Unitarian Universalist people of faith called to respond? Download a new three-session discussion guide suitable for in-person and online conversations, individual reflection, and journaling.
Top Ten Ways to Help Youth Prepare for Justice General Assembly
Does your congregation have youth going to Phoenix? Are you a youth advisor or sponsor for one or more youth at Justice GA? This is for you and for your youth! Click here to learn more.
Introducing the UU College of Social Justice
 The Unitarian Universalist Association announces the appointment of the Rev. Kathleen McTigue as the inaugural Director of College of Social Justice, a joint project of our Association and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Its mission is to increase the capacity of Unitarian Universalists to catalyze justice. Building on several years of successful UUA-UUSC partnership, especially in the area of disaster response, the College will combine resources of both organizations to offer current leaders and future activists of any age a broader and more effective portfolio of service learning and justice education experiences. Learn more
UU Ministry for Earth - Earth Day 2012 Materials Now Available
 Earth Day, Sunday, April 22nd, is just two months away! To help you plan worship services and other activities for your congregations, UU Ministry for Earth has produced the 2012 Earth Day materials collection.
This year, the UUMFE materials explore the links between Environmental Justice and Immigration, aligning with the UUA focus on immigration at the upcoming Justice GA and the current 'Immigration as a Moral Issue' CSAI. The materials include four broad areas: health issues; climate change issues; border and migration issues; and population and scapegoating issues. Online materials include resources, worship material downloads, a call to action with sample actions, congregational stories, and more.
If your current environmental focus is elsewhere, we encourage you to use the materials for prior Earth Days, especially Earth Day 2010: Food and Environmental Justice or Earth Day 2011: Sacred Waters. The 2010 and 2011 tables of Earth Day activities from registered congregations contain hundreds of inspirational ideas for you to try.
Whatever your congregational Earth Day plans, be sure to use the online registration feature to share your planned activities for Earth Day with others.
You are also encouraged to plan now to honor a congregational Eco-Hero and send the nomination on for our national Guardian of the Future Award.
Your support of the ideals and work of UU Ministry for Earth is greatly appreciated.
UU Youth and Young Adults of Color Multicultural Leadership School
Friday, July 27, 2012-Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The Multicultural Leadership School (MLS) is training designed specifically for Unitarian Universalist (UU) Youth and Young Adults (age 15-30) of Color sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The goal of the training is to equip participants to be leaders in their UU congregation, district or continental committee. The three and a half day school will feature experienced facilitators who will be intentional in providing participants with experiences that will foster relationship building, leadership skills, racial/ethnic identity development, inter-cultural collaboration and deepening of faith identity. At the conclusion of the training, participants will have a new community of peers, stronger and more confident leadership abilities and a stable foundation for sustainable leadership in Unitarian Universalist congregations and other Unitarian Universalist communities and organizations. Learn more
Mountain Camp - Online Registration Now Open
 You can now register your children for MountainCamp on-line! Simply go to The Mountain's homepage and click on camp registration. Register by March 30 and receive a $100 discount. On-line registration will soon be available for all Mountain programs and retreats. Click here to learn more
Universalist Heritage Foundation Tour
New England in Autumn, Exploring Universalist Sites Past, Present, and Future
September 24 - September 30, 2012
For a full week, travel through areas of New England that are rich with Universalist history. At most sites informative guides will be on hand to share their expertise and to engage participants in lively discussions of the significance of our history to our lived Universalism today. Learn more
Two Stewardship Books for Youth
from the Congregational Stewardship blog, 3/28/12
As adults, we can fully engage young children in the process of understanding and learning about money. Engaging youth in this process is a helpful way to guide and support them in hopes that their understanding of the concepts of stewardship strengthen over time. We can supplement these stewardship and money management conversations with our children by picking up texts that also discuss these topics. There are many books that can help you with these conversations, two of which are discussed here. Click here to read the entire post.
UU History Comes to Life on DVD!
 We're very excited to announce that the third installment of Long Strange Trip: The UU History Film Series has just arrived on DVD! You can watch a trailer of this third installment on the UUA Bookstore website.
This disc will take you on a fascinating journey through UU history, covering American Unitarianism between 1620 and 1860. It's full of information on the Transcendentalists, including Margaret Fuller, Theodore Parker, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, and also explores the Joseph Priestly's emigration to America from England.
We also have Long Strange Trip Part 1 and Long Strange Trip Part 2, which cover the origins of our faith through the year 1620. These films are perfect for religious educators or anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Unitarian Universalism.
Thank you for shopping at the UUA Bookstore. Your purchase supports the work of the Association on behalf of our congregations.
Friends of the UUA - Triple your Gift!
 Exciting news! Leaders within our faith movement have issued a challenge to our generous donors: for a limited time only, your donation to the Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) will be tripled!
Both the grant makers at the UU Veatch Program at Shelter Rock and the members of the President's Council are putting their faith into action by giving a dollar each for every dollar you give! This challenge lasts from now until June 30, 2012, so please give generously today.
Your contribution will ensure that we reach the $100,000 goal-raising a total of $300,000. You can make a difference!
Just imagine what we will be able to accomplish...
You can learn more about this match on our website. These challenge funds will only be available for a limited time, so please join us in working toward this goal. Thank you! |
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