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| Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa | December 2011 |
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Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman, Minister
Roger Grugel, 2011 - 2012 Ministerial Intern |
Katie Culbert, DRE |
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Coming to UUCT 
Kenn Hurto (District Executive for the Florida District of the UUA)
January 29th to present the service and a workshop. Watch for details in the January Domelight |
Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day, December 10th, 9-11 a.m. |
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Parent Potluck Picnic
"PPP"
Every 3rd Sunday for families with our
RE children.
AT EACH PICNIC WE
WILL CELEBRATE
THAT MONTH'S BIRTHDAY
BOYS AND GIRLS! |
Our congregation is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association an organization of more than 1,000 congregations in the U.S. and Canada. Our national headquarters is in Boston, Massachusetts. |
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Editorial Board
Ron Hammerle
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Publication Guidelines
Calibri font 12
300-350 words
Monthly deadline: 17th
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Board of Trustees
Effective on September 1, 2011 |
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Click here:
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 Minister's Musings
First good news: A One-Stop Shopping Opportunity: On Sunday, December 4, before and after the 11 AM service, pick up holiday gifts for everyone on your list at the Second Annual Holiday UU Book Fair! Pat Benedict is in charge. Credit cards welcomed. Volunteers also welcomed! Contact Pat at your earliest convenience. This is a UUCT fundraiser.
Second good news: Our application for a grant to support the creation of a "Medical Science and Religion" curriculum was approved by the UU Funding Program. It seemed a very long time between the application deadline of September 15 and the good news in late November. I happily received a phone call from UUFP saying that we are to receive $5,000.00 towards the project.
In this plan, I will create the "Medical Science and Religion" curriculum during the first six weeks of my earned sabbatical, beginning in September of 2012. (My six-month sabbatical will occur September 2012 through February 2013.) During October, November, and December 2012, the curriculum will be field tested and revised. Along the way, the curriculum will be advertised to other religiously liberal churches, and hopefully by 2013, other churches will be using it in their Adult Education classes.
An important group of UUCT advisors signed the grant application with me. I welcome this opportunity to thank them for their support: Bill Blymiller, Adult Religious Education chair; Russell Kirby, UUCT Board Chair and USF professor who holds an endowed chair in the department of Community and Family Health; and Nan Sook Park, USF Hartford Faculty Scholar and associate professor in the College of Behavioral & Community Science. Nan worked in close, supportive partnership with me to develop the curriculum plan. Ralph Lehman, retired brain surgeon, offers his support. Thanks also to the UUCT Board who have been very supportive during the application process.
One clarification: The "Medical Science and Religion" curriculum will not include bioethics as a topic. My colleague, the Rev. Wayne Arnanson, co-minister of the West Shore (Cleveland) UU Congregation, has previously written and published "Faithful Choices" (a curriculum on bioethics choices in family life-1995).
Joyful Holidays, Everyone!
Rev Sara |
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 Come Ye, Come Ye to the Congregational Meeting on December 11th
Its time again to pay attention to UUCT finances and approve a budget for 2012. To support the democratic process, all members should plan on attending. At lot of members have already put in countless hours to get ready for this meeting and the Board of Trustees wants to thank every one of them for the work they do on behalf of the congregation.
These are exciting times at UUCT so don't you be left out. Be informed and be present to vote! The meeting will start at 12:30 in the Large Dome. Lots of refreshments will be provided during coffee half hour to boost our spirits and keep our minds sharp. Agendas will be arriving soon by email and by post.
Elise Richardson, Secretary Board of Trustrees |
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 President's Desk
Thanks to all who participated in our highly successful stewardship campaign - the organizers, the volunteers, and all the members of our church community who stepped up to support our congregation during the coming year. The church board will be finalizing the budget in the coming weeks, and we look forward to your participation in our congregational meeting on Sunday, December 11, 2011 after the service.
As we move into the fall season, as you a few moments to reflect on the natural transitions of this time of year, also reflect on how you'd like to be involved in the transformation of our community as we begin new programs and activities that take advantage of our wonderful expanded facilities. Our church is like many of the best things in life - the more you participate, and the more you give, the more you get out of it. So what are we waiting for - join in now!
Russell Kirby, BoT President
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 R.E.flections One main goal of the 2011/2012 Religious Exploration program is to facilitate the internalization of Unitarian Universalism within the minds, hearts, and spirits of our children and youth. The RE Committee set this goal during its summer retreat and is focused on creating a program that helps the children and youth get to know the seven UU principles better. We are also focused on helping parents connect with their children on a spiritual level and encouraging parents to engage in sacred experiences at home. We invite you to participate in Chalica as a way of bringing Unitarian Universalism into the home this December. Chalica was originally conceived by Daylene Marshall of Vancouver, BC as a way to celebrate and put into intentional practice the Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist tradition - one a night, for seven nights. The celebration begins on the first Monday of December, and is marked by the lighting of a chalice each day (or evening). Gifts that reflect the particular day's Principle may be given, but the focus tends to be more on mindfulness and action. ( www.chalica.blogspot.com)
Please use this suggested outline to celebrate Chalica with your family this year. (Outline contributed by Daylene Marshall.)
Monday, December 5: We light our chalice for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Give gift(s) to honor those you do not understand / agree with / like. Example: Words of forgiveness / apology or a peace offering such as inviting someone to dinner.
Tuesday, December 6: We light our chalice for justice, equity and compassion in human relations. Give gift(s) to honor those in your local community that are less fortunate. Example: Donate clothes or toys to a worthy organization or display kindness and care to those around you.
Wednesday, December 7: We light our chalice for acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. Give gift(s) to honor fellow Unitarians and their spiritual journey. Example: A chalice / book / hymnal or offer / take part in a UUCT event. Thursday, December 8: We light our chalice for a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Give gift(s) to honor another tradition, to honor education. Example: Offer to/ take part in an event that celebrates another religion / tradition or teach someone something you know and love. Friday, December 9: We light our chalice for the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Give gift(s) to honor democracy. Example: Write your government or help a committee at church. Saturday, December 10: We light our chalice for the goal of world peace, liberty and justice for all. Give gift(s) to honor our global community. Example: Write a letter for Amnesty International, donate to a cause such as UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, etc. Sunday, December 11: We light our chalice for respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Give gift(s) to our earth and/or its creatures. Example: Start composting or recycle bottles and cans and donate the money to an animal aid society. On Sunday, December 11th we will hold a Chalica worship for all ages at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to participate in this worship please contact me: KatieCulbert@verizon.net or 813-951-5680.
Please note there will be no RE classes held on Sunday, December 25th. Children and youth are invited to join their families in worship.
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 UUA Trustee Tidbits by Joan Lund jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727 In October the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) met in Boston, one of four meetings per year, to conduct the business of our UUA, which includes Justice GA 2012. I am committed to writing my monthly column on the justice issues of oppression in which we will be involved next June. In the October report written following the BOT meeting I devoted a major portion to the plans for GA and will use much of that information in this column. The report can be found at the District website and was sent out electronically in the District E-news. As readers of Trustee Tidbits know, my goal is to have more Florida UUs, percentage-wise, in attendance at GA 2012 than any of the other districts. During the BOT meeting in Charlotte prior to the start of GA, the Board passed Policy 3.10 on GA Relations. This policy called for the BOT to convene a task force to facilitate regular communication and issue resolution among the BOT, Administration, General Assembly Planning Committee (GAPC, and the GA 2012 Accountability Group. To that goal a GA 2012 Design Meeting was held in September, 2011 which included the Arizona Immigration Ministry (AZIM). The expected outcomes from the Design Meeting were: to determine a common definition of "justice" in the context of the work that will occur at GA 2012 in Phoenix, determine the desired outcomes for GA 2012, and establish criteria and a timetable for GA 1012 programming, public witness, worship, and plenary. Plenary time will be decreased by 40% and not all will be unopposed time. It will be important for GA attendees to gather together in one body at least once daily to foster community and communication. Worship will be offered multiple times daily, and be infused into all that is done at GA. Saturday will be designated a National Day of Witness and Service and may include voter registration and a citizenship fair. Congregations will be encouraged to imagine how they might participate in this event in their own communities, involving congregants who are not able to attend GA.
The GAPC meeting included the participation of Moderator Gini Courter who was asked how the BOT might assist if there is a gap in funding for AZIM/GA for local partner scholarships, partner exhibitors, etc. These issues will be handled by the Administration and BOT. Gini also indicated the BOT will be responsible for the business agenda and plenary time. The AZIM requested the BOT consider a resolution calling on President Obama to adopt the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People. The BOT has checked protocol of a resolution related to the Doctrine of Discovery on the agenda for GA. Congregation must be informed about this before coming to Phoenix; resolution will need to be published in the tentative GA agenda along with related mini-assembly.
Hopefully at times the columns I write engender questions/concerns. It is well known that I appreciate hearing from Florida UUs, regarding the work of the BOT. The holiday time of year reminds me to pause and give thanks for the many blessings I am afforded throughout the year. Among them are my numerous UU acquaintances and friends. Thank you for your love and support. May each of you enjoy a peaceful and blessed holiday season.
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Circles in the Woods CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) is a committee and Earth-centered spirituality group within the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa.
This month:
December 4 @ 1:00 p.m. Circles in the Woods CUUPS meeting followed by a workshop on creating staffs and wands. This is a 'working' event so for a small contribution, you can leave with a wand or staff.
December 10 @ 7:30 p.m. Full Moon Celebration - the wheel turns and Yule/Winter Solstice approaches with the renewal of the sun.
For more information, go to Circles in the Woods CUUPS. |
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 Standing on the Side of Love for Social Justice
We are happy to report that the Standing on the Side of Love t-shirts and tote bags you ordered in October and November have arrived. You may pick them up after the Sunday service. Thanks to Pat Benedict and Diane Gainforth for helping with this project!
Joan Lund has organized Unitarian Universalist participation at Occupy Tampa on Thursdays at noon.
Carol Partington, Roberta Buckle, Joan Lund, Lee Bonta and Gene Pizzo have attended. Let's try to increase our numbers at these demonstrations. Remember to wear your gold Standing on the Side of Love shirt.
We have reserved a table at the annual Human Rights breakfast, which will be held on December 9. This year's theme is Freedom Riders: Then and Now.. If you would like to attend but haven't made a reservation, please call Tempie Taudte at 813-931-1817.
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 Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality
We had an exciting HOPE 23rd Annual Convention - "HOPE For Justice"! Some of the 263 present were our UUCT Justice Network Members: Gwen Anderson, Lee Bonta, Diane Gainforth, Judy Lane, Marla Frazer, Claudia Martin, Christine Smith and Carol Partington.
It was great welcoming Allen Temple AME Church into HOPE membership! The problem area of unemployment/jobs was overwhelmingly chosen for our research to action focus in 2012. It will take all of us working together to determine another local solution to part of this serious problem area and to build the power to achieve it!
On Wednesday, six leaders from five HOPE member congregations met with four executive staff of Hillsborough Community College, including President Dr. Ken Atwater. The discussion should move us toward the commitment for Fast Track 6-8 week Training Certificate Programs helping people get jobs.
Our four Team Members, Judy Lane, Diane Gainforth, Christine Smith and are working to build our UUCT Justice Ministry Network. To reach our goal of 80 UUers helping reach the overall goal of 1200 at HOPE's Nehemiah Action April 23, 2012, we'll need at least 20 Network Members each bringing three people.
To make a difference attend HOPE's Research to Action Training, Monday, December 12, at 6:30 pm, and consider joining the Jobs Committee to help determine what our next "bite" will be into the Unemployment/Jobs problem.
Thanks for your efforts to ensure there's "HOPE for Justice" in our community! |
 SWIM (Southeast Winter Institute in Miami)
is an intergenerational gathering that takes place from December 26th through January 1st each year at Camp Owiassa Bauer, a Nature park in Homestead, Florida.
From around the USA and Canada, 125 to 250 UUs gather for workshops, worship, campfires, and Everglades adventures for all ages.
You may download a full brochure and decide on your program choices. Later when registration opens, register at http://www.swimuu.org
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WhaleCoast Alaska 2012Have you always dreamed of visiting Alaska? Are you curious about the lifestyles of Alaskan UUs? Do you enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2012 is for you! Four Alaskan UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program this summer as we celebrate our 15th year! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bear, whales, bald eagles, seals, and caribou. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. Enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. Programs led by Dave Frey, member of the farthest north UU congregation. To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you! Dave Frey, Co-director WhaleCoast Alaska |
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Coming in January
Carol Baker To Edit 'Good Book' Column
Carol Baker has been named editor of 'The Good Book' (According to UUs), a new column about favorite books you are reading. After December 1, she will be receiving submissions for inclusion in the January issue of Domelight.
You are invited to send the title, author, date of publication and a one line description of your favorite current book to Carol at cbanddave1@verizon.net. Submissions are due by the 17th of each month. We will publish as many as possible the following month and determine a "top 5" when we find multiple readers for the same title.
In the subject line, please enter "Good Book" and your name, since some email addresses don't match the sender by name.
Here is a sample submission.
Bill Smith is reading Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base, by Annie Jacobsen. Little, Brown and Company; 2011. I'm neither a conspiracy theorist nor believer in UFOs, but this "work of nonfiction" is changing my mind about both.
Once each quarter, Carol will report on "what's hot." Toward the end of next year, in time for Christmas 2012, she will select a "Reader of The Year," and we will give the winner a $30 gift certificate, redeemable at Amazon via the church Web site.
Carol has been a member of UUCT for three years. She retired after coordinating an evaluation clinic at USF for the last 26 years. Her time is now devoted to her family (including two grandchildren), reading, nature, travel and art quilting.
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Catholic bishops stay mum on economic turmoil
By David Gibson
Religion News Service
BALTIMORE (RNS) Twenty-five years ago, as the U.S. faced an economic crisis and a fierce debate over cutting taxes for the wealthy and limiting benefits for the poor, Catholic bishops issued a landmark statement on social justice that became the touchstone for religious opposition to "trickle down" economics.
This week, as America faces even worse economic circumstances and engages in the same fierce debate over budget priorities, the bishops gathered here for their annual meeting focused on a handful of internal matters and geared up for fights against gay marriage and abortion.
The bishops did not take note of the document's anniversary-or its core teachings. That shift has dismayed those who believe that this is a moment for the hierarchy to announce the church's views on the economy with the same vigor that it promotes other causes.
"I fear the church's revered social justice witness is being crowded out by divisive culture-war battles at a time when Americans need a stronger moral message about the dignity of work and economic justice for all," wrote Francis X. Doyle, a former top staff official at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a Nov. 14 op-ed in The Baltimore Sun.
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Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
Services begin at 11 a.m.
December 4
The 2011 Clock is Running Down. Time is Running Out! Oh Wait, there's no such thing as Time
What do Buddhists, Christian mystics such as Meister Eckhart, and quantum physicists have in common? All three assert that time is an illusion. Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman will explore the points where the Buddha, Meister Eckhart, and 21st century popular physicist Brian Greene converge and diverge on the matter of time and this moment.
December 11
CHALICA! An Exploration of the Seven UU Principles
Christians have Christmas and Advent; Pagans, the Winter Solstice; Jews, Hanukah. Often during December we Unitarian Universalists highlight the many winter holidays celebrated by the religions of the world. This year, we celebrate our own UU winter holiday: Chalica! Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Exploration, along with the RE Committee and the children, youth and families of the UUCT will present this multigenerational worship for all ages. A special Chalica song will be performed by UUCT member Bill Blymiller.
December 18
Celebrate the Season
As the days grow shorter, many will gather to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the birth of the sun, while Christians gather to celebrate the nativity and birth of Christ. Today we will find common ground and share the message of hope for peace and celebrate this season together. Shared potluck items are welcome! Ollis Hughes, Circles in the Woods CUUPS Chair, will lead the service. Special music by the Hillsborough Camerata.
Saturday, December 24:
Traditional Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 PM Special music by Diane Gainforth, Peggy McNair, Jacob Kirchheimer, and others. Service leader: Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman. Refreshments to follow.
December 25:
Counting our Year-end Blessings: Gratitude. An Interactive Service for All Ages
What are you grateful for at the end of 2011? What are you feeling especially appreciative of in your personal life? Work life? In your daily life with family and friends? Or while at UUCT? Or, to put it another way, is there a particular moment when you experienced the joy of being in this community? At this second annual year-end interactive service, Rev. Dr. Zimmerman will provide an opportunity for writing brief (anonymous OK) reflections. Then, in the sermon, she will share your reflections in a collective poem of year-end gratitude. What or who made you feel blessed in 2011? Come and share this holiday with the congregation and contribute meaning to the group poem. |
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. - Hamilton Wright Mabie |
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