News from Florida District Unitarian Universalist Association

Florida District Connections

October 1, 2012

Please share this newsletter with members of your congregation!

Notes on District & Regional Changes

Kenn Hurto, Executive Lead for the Southern Region and

Connie Goodbread, Congregational Life Consultant

We know it is not news to you that changes are happening within our Association and Districts. After several years of planning, Florida, Mid-South, Southeast, & Southwest Districts have begun initiating steps toward unifying our identity and working as the "UUA Southern Region." Our four governing Boards have reduced their size, approved cost and income sharing, and authorized staff to work as a team across District boundaries. With the 2013-14 fiscal year, we will begin a new funding structure that will replace the way congregations now pay our UUA "Annual Program Fund" and District Fair Share. We will be changing from the per member assessment to a single "Ask" based on a percentage of congregational budgets (more detail on that in weeks to come).

CGoodbread photo 2009 In keeping with these changes, with this issue, we close our individual District newsletters. Our plan is to launch a Regional newsletter on October 15th. This will be sent to all who are interested, in each of our 232 congregations across our 13 states. Over the last few years, our editorial goal has been to bring news to congregational leaders about area events and resources to further their leadership and ministry. We will continue to do that in our expanded focus as well.

Other changes: We've reduced four administrative offices into two. The Regional Office is in Orlando, staffed by Jessica Curren. The second office is in Charlotte, NC staffed by the Rev. Glenn Johnson. In addition Kathy Charles, who lives in Houston, is our logistics expert and we have hired a company to unify our bookkeeping throughout the Region.

The UUA field staff are now referred to as "Congregational Life Consultants," doing away with the old "District Executive" and "Program Consultant" distinctions. Connie is one of our Congregational Life Consultants. We have four staff portfolios; Faith and Leadership Development, Connie Goodbread and Jennifer Nichols, Administration and Stewardship, Rev. Susan Smith, Transitions, Rev. Kenn Hurto and Evangelism/Growth, Rev. Sue Sinnamon. Coincidentally, our colleague, Annette Marquis of the Southeast District, is moving to a new position as the "LGBTQ & Multi-cultural Ministries Program Manager" for our UUA. This change prompted a review of our staffing plan; the good news is that we have found opportunity to increase from 6.5 full-time staff to 8, beginning January 1st. This is made possible with a bit of an additional financial stretch by our UUA. We are delighted to have this additional staff to better serve our congregations. (We are now in the midst of seeking two talented people for those positions; see uua.org/careers if you are interested.)

In addition to providing direct service to our congregations as before, Kenn's duties now include working as the "Lead Executive" for the four Boards and directing the work of our staff group, affectionally known by our nickname, the "HallelUUjah" team. Kenn is also the "go to" person for congregations in the midst of professional leadership transitions.

A brochure describing these changes will be in the mail to our congregations in the next few weeks. We are mindful that change is often disruptive. However, our goal is to make these transitions go smoothly with no disruption of support to our congregations. Of course, congregational leaders may continue to call upon Kenn and Connie as well as any of the Southern Regional staff. Please feel free to call or write if we can address any concern you may have.

Trustee Tidbits

Joan Lund, October, 2012

jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727

Joan Lund 1-2011

It is widely known that I am a Unitarian Universalist "institutionalist", which to me means it is important to think, listen, discuss, and be active with other UUs beyond individual congregation walls. There is so much we can be and do when we learn from other UUs and "share the load". If your congregation does not have a Denominational Affairs Committee (DAC) or perhaps more aptly named Denominational Connections Committee (DCC), maybe it is time to take on responsibilities that might fall to other committees by establishing one.

The primary responsibility of the DAC/DCC is to provide a liaison between the congregation and both our UUA and the district. This committee would meet to discuss issues of denominational concerns and promote education on GA social justice statements in collaboration with other committees. Its job is to foster understanding of, and commitment to, what it means to be a responsible member of our UUA of Congregations. Having a thriving DAC/DCC can increase the congregation's sense of being connected to a larger faith, even for the majority of UUs who never attend a GA or district meeting. It makes a difference to know a congregation participates in the larger structure, and that our UU values are lived within a wider context.

There are various endeavors a DAC/DCC might undertake such as selecting delegates to attend General Assembly, then after GA organize a "taking home" Sunday service to share some of what happened at our annual assembly. A DAC/DCC could publicize district and continental denominational events, lead a Sunday service or develop short educational promos for Sunday services, and organize adult education courses each year on study/action issues to be considered at GA. The DAC/DC can keep track of UUA programs and services and then write articles for the congregation newsletter. The infusion of denominational awareness in the congregation is important if as a faith we are to grow and thrive and can be the responsibility of the DAC/DCC.

I look forward to receiving your comments, questions, and concerns: jlund@uua.org or 813-380-5020. I wish the best to each of our Florida District congregations, and am available to speak at your Sunday service about our UUA.

Around the District ~ News & Events

Florida District Event

calendar clip art November 3 - Diversity & Harmony Workshop with Rev. Kenn Hurto, hosted by UU Fellowship of Marion County.

Event Flyer

Event Registration

Cluster & Congregation Events

October 6 - Art Auction, hosted by UU Church of Brevard, learn more

October 25 - Florida Humanities Speaker Series featuring Robert Carr, hosted by UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, learn more

October 27 - Southeast Cluster Annual Meeting, hosted by River of Grass UU Congregation, Learn more

November 10 - UUs Witnessing for Farm Worker Justice & Southwest Cluster Meeting, hosted by UU Fellowship of Charlotte County, Event Flyer & Registration Information

Congratulations to

Buckman Bridge UU Church Young Adults/Campus Ministry group for being one of two congregations awarded Anchor Congregation status in 2012! From Kayla Parker, as posted on the UUA Blue Boat blog:

The only adjective that I can find to properly describe Buckman Bridge Unitarian Universalist Church's young adult movement is swarming. Now for some reason that word has some negative associations. Probably because bees can be scary. But I'm not talking about a scary swarm here. I'm talking about an amazing swarm that swiftly created a highly functioning hive of its own and is now busy going to its neighbors and helping them build.

You also might notice that I called them a young adult movement, not a group. I totally put that definition on them, but to me they do really seem to be a movement, not just a group. They are constantly growing within their congregation, district, and the association on a national level.

PS: Jeremy Ritzmann is recruiting members for a District Young Adult/Campus Ministry Steering Committee. If you are interested in serving please contact Jeremy directly at jeremyritzmann@gmail.com.

Our recently recognized Welcoming Congregations!

Mosaic Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg

Learn more about the Welcoming Congregation program here

Healthcare Information Resource Available to

Florida District Congregations

The National Physicians Alliance is working with health care justice allies across the country to provide accurate information about the health care law some call "Obamacare." Although, the law was recently upheld by the Supreme Court many Americans still do not understand the range of consumer protections and new benefits made available by the new law.

To reduce confusion and misunderstandings about the law and to help people access already available and upcoming benefits the NPA is offering copies of the guide "The Affordable Care Act: What you and your family need to know" to UU congregations in Florida. This full-color, easy to understand, 6-page guide was designed by Consumers Union (publishers of Consumer Reports) to provide factual, non-partisan information about the benefits and protections in the Affordable Care Act. The NPA is able to mail bundles of 50 or 100, while supplies last, to Florida UU congregations at no cost or obligation.

To place an order for your congregation please contact Becky Martin, NPA Project Manager at becky.martin@npalliance.net or cell: 941/518-7051 (please include your shipping address and phone number).

Individuals may download a free copy of the guide at this link.
To learn more about the ACA watch - NPA President Dr. Valerie Arkoosh discussing the Affordable Care Act on the Martha Stewart Show or visit NPA Health Reform Resources

Additionally, the NPA is available to work with UU congregations who are interested in local advocacy efforts, including arranging: local speakers, roundtable discussions with physicians and faith leaders, assistance with letters to the editor of local newspapers or to local, state, or national policy makers.

(The National Physicians Alliance is a non-partisan, 501(c)3 organization working to promote health and foster active engagement of physicians with their communities to achieve high quality, affordable health care for all. Learn more at www.npalliance.org.)

Update from Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry Florida

uulmf logo art Our new website www.uulmf.org will be up shortly and will highlight these and other key issues and actions:

Take Love to the Polls

The Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Florida, in conjunction with the UU State Advocacy Networks, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, and the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign, urges everyone to VOTE, help others register to vote, and work with your congregation and community partners as persons of faith to make sure all voices are heard.

To quote the Standing on the Side of Love campaign:

"We all know how much is at stake in the upcoming election at the national, state, and local levels. Regressive policies and corporate control oppress people on the margins and disenfranchise the vulnerable among us. Nevertheless, you can use your voice to lift up the issues that affect our communities.

"Religious groups play a prophetic role in public life by calling attention to oppression, demanding change, and holding leaders and institutions accountable for their actions and policies.... (It is critical that all eligible voters turn out to vote) to help level the political playing field this election season."

UULMF speaks out on Amendment 6 and 8

The Florida 2012 Ballot will ask you to vote on twelve Amendments to the Florida Constitution on November 6. As you might know from past Amendment votes, these Amendments are very difficult to remove once passed.

The UULMF steering committee decided at our Annual meeting in September that, while we agree overall with the League of Women Voters assessment of the amendments www.thefloridavoter.org/resources/issues/2012-constitutional-amendments , it is important for us to express our reasoning behind our recommendation of a NO vote on Amendments 6 and 8. These two Amendments are potentially restrictive to some groups of people and violate our UU principles.
Regarding Amendment 6: UULMF steering committee members believe that our UU faith can support Vote NO on Amendment 6 because this Amendment would impose the beliefs of one group on the beliefs of another group of people. This position is consistent with many of our UU principles: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice equity and compassion in human relations, a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, and the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large.
Regarding Amendment 8: The same principles compel us to encourage Unitarian Universalists to Vote NO on Amendment 8. This amendment would remove the prohibition in Florida's Constitution that prevents religious institutions from receiving taxpayer funding. It is believed that passing this may impose the beliefs of one group on the beliefs of another group regarding personal decisions. Federal Funds can go to religious institutions at this time, but the receiving institutions must agree not to teach or require clients, users, participants to follow the religion's teaching. Amendment 8 would put no restrictions on the receiving institutions.

Things to Know in Our Extended Unitarian Universalist World

Eboo Patel Named 2013 General Assembly Ware Lecturer

UUA President Peter Morales and the General Assembly Planning Committee are delighted to announce that Beacon Press author Eboo Patel has been named the 2013 Ware Lecturer for the UUA General Assembly in Louisville, KY, June 19-23. Learn more.

Dr. Patel is founder and Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core, an international nonprofit building the interfaith youth movement. He was appointed by President Obama to the Advisory Council of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and serves on the Religious Advisory Committee of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the author of Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice and the Promise of America, and Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation, which was the 2011-2012 UUA Common Read and 2010 winner of the prestigious Louisville Grawemeyer award in religion.

2012-2013 UUA Common Read Announced

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness has been selected as the 2012-13 UUA Common Read. In this remarkable book, civil rights advocate and litigator Michelle Alexander asserts that crime-fighting policies and systems in the U.S., such as the "war on drugs" and the incarceration system disproportionately and intentionally affect Americans of color. She describes multifaceted, lifelong discrimination and disenfranchisement that affect people who are branded "felon."

The UUA Bookstore is pleased to offer a discount of 10% on purchases of single copies. As always, we offer a discount of 20% on purchases of ten or more copies.

The UUA Common Read invites participants to read and discuss the same book in a given period of time. A Common Read can build community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared experience, shared language, and a basis for deep, meaningful conversations. A discussion guide to The New Jim Crow will be available online in October, 2012, to help Unitarian Universalist (UU) groups reflect on the book and consider together what steps they are called to take, as people of faith, in response to Alexander's call for awareness and action.

From Our UUA IT Department - New Online Resources for Congregations

Web Conferencing Resources

A description of the web conferencing service ("AnyMeeting") used by the UUA and available to congregations and Districts is available at http://www.uua.org/communications/188546.shtml.

Computer and Data Security Resources

Guidelines for congregations concerned about computer and data security have been posted on the web at http://www.uua.org/office/277231.shtml

UU World for Individuals with Visual and Learning Impairments

We are pleased to announce that starting with the Fall 2012 UU World issue there will be recordings available for online listening or downloading for a selection of articles in UUA.org

The link is: http://www.uua.org/publications/uuworld/audio/220067.shtml

New Resource from The Religious Institute and UUA: Assessing Sexual Health

Assessing Sexual Health: An Online Guide for Unitarian Universalist Association Congregations

Is your congregation sexually healthy and responsible? Rev. Debra W. Haffner, President of Religious Institute, Inc. and an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, has created an assessment guide for congregations on their sexual health policies and procedures.

Designed for clergy and lay leaders, the guide consists of 9 check lists known as building blocks. A church could use all or part of the building blocks depending on their size and capabilities and where they are in the Safe Congregation Process.

Please go to UUA.org/ safe for more information on this and other resources available through UUA.org.

New Youth Resource

Bridging: A Handbook for Congregations by Gail Forsyth-Vail and Jessica York

The Bridging ceremony is an important milestone, not only in the life of an individual but also in the life of a family and a faith community. Bridging: A Handbook for Congregations is a blueprint for a year-long program marking the transition from youth to young adulthood, and for the ceremony commemorating this transition.

Forsyth-Vail and York offer congregations meaningful advice on supporting youth on the cusp of young adulthood. This handbook from the UUA's Resource Development Office will help you create a spiritually fulfilling community event for your entire congregation.

http://www.uuabookstore.org/