Domelight Newsletter February 2012

Hello Everyone!
I invite you to join me in practicing ethical eating this month. In the February 26th sermon, I'll share my experiences of trying to follow the guidelines as defined in the Statement of Conscience voted on at the 2011 General Assembly. If you want join me in the effort, check out the website at uua.org/ethical eating, and email me so we can enjoy the camaraderie of knowing that we are both trying to eat ethically. I'm at revsaraz@aol.com. Let me know of your interest and we'll keep each other on track and encourage each other.

I remember when the final vote on this Statement of Conscience was taken at the Charlotte, NC General Assembly, I was not entirely convinced that I should vote for it. I had some doubts that had to do with whether "eating ethically" would be affordable for folks just trying to make ends meet. This month as I experiment with ethical eating, my intention will be to keep a close record of not only what I eat, but also how much it costs. Is it affordable?

Being cost conscious about food (and everything else) probably has something to do with the way I was raised back in the post-Great Depression era. My family did OK economically, eventually, but especially in the early lean years, we ate fruits and vegetables from the garden and a lot of wild game that my father and brothers hunted in the Pennsylvania woods. What we didn't eat immediately we preserved by freezing, canning, storing in the basement, or, in the case of sauerkraut, fermenting, for use in later months.

My mother was a city girl who taught herself how to fry up a rabbit. She could create a delicious squirrel pot pie. We kept a chicken house, enjoyed the eggs, and sacrificed a plump chicken for dinner every Sunday. Sunday dinner was more upsetting than other meals for my sister and me. We knew those hens by name.

By today's UUA Ethical Eating Social Conscience guidelines, would that diet be considered ethical? It was eating as low as you can get on the food chain. It was inexpensive but labor intensive.

It's expensive today to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. I am intending now to investigate this subject. Starting on January 26th, I will try to eat according to the 2011 Statement of Conscience. I encourage others to do the same. Stay tuned, and don't forget the invitation to join me in the effort and keep me posted. Let me know how it's going and if, in your attempt, you are spending more than usual on groceries. I will do the same.

Doing my best this month to eat ethically,

Rev Sara

Journeys
By Roger Grugel

In 2011, I resigned my position as an attorney and moved from Minnesota to Florida to work as a student chaplain at Tampa General Hospital. Since I was moving to a new state and I get lost easily, I bought a voice-activated GPS. I use my GPS so often, and it has become so important to me, that I have given it a name: "Molly."

One day I asked Molly to find a place. After driving a bit, I thought I knew how to get to my destination, so I turned Molly off. Soon, however, I was lost, so I pulled over to the curb and turned her on again. Molly must have been pretty angry with me, because across the bottom of the screen were the words: "You cannot avoid your destination."

We are all on a journey. We may not always know our destination or how to get there, but we are all on a journey. So what exactly are we looking for? How do we get to our destination? And why do we seem to get so easily lost?

Perhaps we end up taking the wrong path and getting lost because we have the wrong directions. Our society puts a high value on outward journeys: money, fame, and social status. However, the most important journeys are inward ones, journeys of the spirit that feed our souls.

I quit being an attorney for many reasons: I was bored, burned-out, and unfulfilled. I was definitely on the wrong path, so I started a new journey of hospital chaplaincy. But you don't have to become a chaplain to go on a spiritual journey. When your journey takes you close to death, you have something to say about life.

I recently visited two patients who had survived life-threatening events. The first patient had reprioritized his life, and the things that used to be necessities no longer were. He was so grateful he had been given more life that he wanted to live a new life: helping the homeless. The other patient, who was holding his wife's hand as they both cried, simply said, "I want to spend more time loving my wife."

We are all on journeys, and the most important journeys are inward. All journeys begin with the first step. If we take this first step we might save the only person we can save: ourselves.

From the President's Desk

By Russell Kirby

Now that all the excitement of putting up new calendars has died down, it's time to get back to the day-to-day activities involved in being a committed community of seekers on the spiritual path through life. Each of us should ask what we can do to contribute to the growth and enrichment of our church community and what gifts we have to share. In the coming month, we have several opportunities to come together. On Sunday January 29th we have scheduled a workshop with our district executive, Rev. Kenn Hurto, to think about some of the ways our church may change as we grow, and how we can facilitate becoming a larger congregation. And on Saturday, February 11th, we have a "Blues and Barbecue" intergenerational social activity that promises to provide music, food, and good company. I hope as many of us as are able will attend!

Betty Lee Awards Nominations

The Betty Lee distinguished award acknowledges a member of our church for "high standards of diligence and dedication" to the well-being of our church. The Board of Trustees is currently accepting nominations from members of our congregation for this annual award.

Please submit your nomination by Wednesday, April 11, 2012, to president@uutampa.org with the reasons you believe this individual should receive the Betty Lee Award. The final candidate will be presented with the Betty Lee Award at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

Church Council Meeting

Our annual Church Council Meeting is scheduled for February 26th following Conversations with the Board. All Committee Chairs are requested to attend and share updates and exchange ideas. In addition, additional topics on leadership training and committee revitalization are being planned. Anyone who would like to understand how committees function within UUCT is invited to attend. And yes, food will be served.

Submitted by Mary Francis, BOT Vice President

UUA Trustee Tidbits

by Joan Lund

jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727

At this writing, the Board of Trustees has not yet met in January. Because of the Domelight deadline, I will report BOT January deliberations and decisions in the March Domelight issue.

This column continues the January topic of repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples. In September 2011, the Board of Trustees was asked by a partner organization (with whom our UUA is working Arizona) to educate UU congregations about the Doctrine of Discovery and ask the 2012 GA delegates to repudiate it.

Background: In September 2007, the U.N. adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as an annex to its 1948 Declaration of Human Rights. In the 2007 Declaration, 46 articles recognize and promote the rights of indigenous peoples without discrimination. Indigenous peoples around the world are now asking all religious faiths to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery and related documents. They call for the U.S. to implement the U.N. Declaration fully, without qualification.

These 46 articles affirm indigenous peoples' right to exercise self-determination and self-government in their internal and local affairs. They have a right to a nationality, to live in freedom, peace, and security as distinct peoples, and shall not be subjected to any acts of violence, or to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture or their land. This Declaration indicates the States shall seek to enable access and/or repatriation of ceremonial objects and human remains through fair, transparent, and effective mechanisms developed with the peoples concerned.

Article 14 articulates rights in educational systems and institutions, including teaching in their languages, appropriate to their cultural methods. Children, especially, have the right to all levels and forms of education of the State without discrimination. Indigenous peoples can participate in making decisions affecting their rights, through representatives they choose by their own methods, and to maintain and develop indigenous decision-making institutions. Article 26 deals with their legal rights regarding control of lands, territories, and resources traditionally owned, occupied/used, or acquired regarding environmental conservation and protection. This includes not permitting storage or disposal of hazardous materials without informed consent. In addition, the articles specify minimum standards for survival, dignity, and well-being of the world's indigenous peoples.

So much more in this Declaration is worth reading. I commend you to further education: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/en/declaration.html.

Please contact me with your UU thoughts and concerns. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY to each of you. May love of all peoples forever be in our hearts and actions.

Join us on

February 4 @ 7:30 p.m.

Full Moon Celebration will honor the Goddess Bridget and join in our annual baby blessing.

Cirlces in the Woods CUUPS continues with our six-session Wicca 101 classes (yes, you can still join in):

February 5 @ 1 - 3 p.m.

"Wheel of the Year"

As a nature religion, we honor the cycle of life. In this session we will discuss the changes of the moon and sun - times for reflection and celebration.

February 19 @ 1 - 3 p.m.

"Magick and Ethics"

Why magick with a 'k'? And if there is no 'written law' how do you know what is right or wrong? Let's talk about it!

Additonal dates are: March 4th and 18th. Attendees have the option to assist with the presentation of the April 7th Full Moon Celebration. Note: A donation of $30 is requested to cover materials. Questions? Email gldnpuma1@verizon.net.

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. For more information, contact ohughes@tgh.org .

The Good Book

By Carol Baker

Thanks to all those who contributed to our first column. You made it a success! Now moving on to this month's contributions ...

Roger Grugel has been reading Spiritual Literacy: Reading the Sacred in Everyday Life by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat (Scribner: New York, 1996). This is a collection of readings about the spirituality of nature, animals, service, body, places, and community-an excellent resource for anyone writing a sermon or doing public speaking, or for anyone interested in spirituality.

Diane Gainforth: I thoroughly enjoy the author Tim Dorsey and the perverse, hilarious hi-jinks of his main character, a serial killer named Serge. The first book in the series (you can read any of them without having read previous books) is Florida Roadkill. Serge is a deep well of Florida history and frequently pontificates on our state's past as he travels familiar Florida roads.
Mr. Dorsey was previously a Tampa Tribune writer who knows the streets and haunts familiar to many of us, and they crop up in his novels. I recommend any or all of them to anyone looking for a raucous ride through Florida with a companion that sees the wonderful and wacky, but also wickedly points out the darkness with a bite of sarcasm. Oh, and there is the occasional well-placed murder, not to mention a stoner sidekick. These novels are not for the faint of heart and maybe not for Grandma. I have a feeling he is not popular with the Florida Tourist Bureau either! But if you are looking for a fast read on the beach or a break from that textbook or heavy subject, this may be the book for you. Strap on your seatbelt and don't forget I warned you!

Ed Benedict. I can recommend the last two books I read. The first is the novel The Human Stain by Philip Roth (paperback, Vintage Books, 2000). It is the story of a 70-year-old ex-college professor's affair with a 34-year-old cleaning lady who had been sexually victimized throughout her life and who is now being stalked by her ex-husband, a Vietnam vet suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The second book is the first volume of a biography of Theodore Roosevelt, titled The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt, by Edmund Morris (paperback, Modern Library, 2001). This book covers Teddy's extraordinary life from birth to assuming the Presidency after William McKinney's assassination. Incredibly well written, but long, over 700 pages.

Denise Carrera: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. It was a very interesting book; once I started reading, I got very engrossed in the plot and the intricacies of the story. And I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

We look forward to hearing about more good books for next month's column. If you have a book you've just read or have read previously that you liked, please send me an e-mail at cbanddave1@verizon.net

R.E.flections

By Katie Culbert, Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth

This month the Pre-School class will identify ways in which they feel loved and lovable. The idea that all children are lovable will be reinforced with stories, music, and activities.

The K - 2nd grade class will explore the fourth UU principle, that each person is free to search for what is true and right in life. The lesson will demonstrate the variety of sources of religious belief and practice in Unitarian Universalism and develop appreciation of the diversity of religious belief in our faith.

The 3rd - 5th grade class will explore the fifth UU principle, the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. The lesson will demonstrate how standing up to others, including those in power in order to follow one's conscience, can be an act of faith. Participants will be given inspiration, affirmation, and strategies for standing up for what they think is right in their daily lives.

The youth group will identify cooperation as a quality needed to bring about a more just world. The workshop will demonstrate the strengths and challenges of cooperation and explore the conflict in Israel through a story about people rising above that conflict.

Each month our hard working RE teachers are given two Sundays off to attend worship. This month's Teachers' Days off are February 5th and February 26th.

February 5th will be a fun day of play and crafts - with an opening worship lead by Katie.

February 26th is the last Sunday of the month, which we dedicate to social justice.

Please contact Director of RE, Katie Culbert, if you assist with the children on these teachers' days off.

Our monthly Parents Potluck Picnic (PPP) takes place on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please join us on Sunday, February 19th for this month's PPP. Bring a dish to share. Cake will be provided as we celebrate those who were born in February!

Coming Next Month...Bring a Friend Sunday...March 18!!!

Great Courses Discussion Group

The Great Courses Discussion Group resumed in January with its regular schedule, the first and third Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building. We usually watch two of the 30-minute DVD lectures during our 2 hours together. Here is an approximate schedule of topics in the near future:

Feb. 2 Plato's Republic - Man Writ Large

Hippocrates and the Science of Life

Feb. 16 Aristotle on the Knowable

Aristotle on Friendship

Everyone is welcome, occasionally or regularly. If you have questions, contact Jeannette Manning at 813-857-0468 or manningjea@yahoo.com.

INTERWEAVE
Genuine "Welcome!"
By M.T Jaureguizar

Nowadays you can't open a newspaper without reading something related to a GLBT issue. Sometimes, I can keep the article and its relevance to the issue at hand and not take it personally; but often it is personal, and I just accept that for the moment I may experience sadness, aloneness, anger, or frustration. I usually vent my feelings to my partner, then quiet down, and remind myself that there are those--only some, not all--who judge me based on sexual orientation. Their judgments have little to do with me and are usually a reflection of their own ignorance and misguided fears.

For a GLBT individual, it is freeing to belong to a church that embraces diversity of all walks of life including those of an "alternative" sexual orientation. I do not define myself solely on my sexual orientation and appreciate that my church does not either. There are days when I see all the discrimination in society and I feel like giving up the fight for equality; but then I go to church and see all the "straight" people who welcome me and realize that giving up is not an option.

A "welcoming church" means that UUCT members completed a curriculum and signed a document proclaiming that our doors are open to all sexual orientations; but to a GLBT person it also means that people of the congregation have open hearts and minds. The impact that a welcoming church has on its GLBT participants is much greater than a curriculum or signed document--it is a refuge of safety and compassion.

We all walk through the doors at UUCT, no matter our race, our sexual orientation, or our spiritual path; what matters is that we all are included. We are also ALL included when we leave the sanctuary and our UUCT brothers and sisters are discriminated against for race, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. As we welcome everyone into our church, let us welcome their adversity into our hearts, and after we leave the church, let us stand up for one another.

HOPE Happenings
Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality

By Carol Partington

In the quest for justice and equality, HOPE is currently engaged in the Research to Action phase of our yearly cycle-ongoing research meetings with people who can help clarify problems and identify solutions. This year we are working on two approaches to tackle unemployment/joblessness. First, we are working with Hillsborough Community College to develop at least three fast-track, job-training certificate programs, as promised in 2011. A second work group is conducting research to select and develop another approach to tackle the same problem. There is plenty of meaningful work to do, and HOPE always needs members to attend these meetings, ask thoughtful questions, and do follow-up research. If you are interested helping, call me (813-985-9109) or Sharon Streater (813-325-0455).

We also seek personal, individual stories to document our community's employment needs. If you or someone you know has had a recent experience with unemployment, the employment services, and/or training programs in Hillsborough County, we want to hear your stories. Please share the specifics with me (yellowcap9@yahoo.com) or Sharon Streater (hopeinc@fdn.com).

Your UUCT Justice Team-Diane Gainforth, Judy Lane, Carol Partington, and Christine Smith-are building the UUCT Justice Network toward a goal of 80 UUCT attendees at the April 23rd Nehemiah Action. We need at least 20 Network Members, each bringing at least 3 others to reach our goal. Those interested in our Justice Network will meet Sunday, February 12th, after the service, for issue updates and planning for the 4/23 Nehemiah Action.
If you have at least 3 friends, co-workers and/or family members you can bring to one event in the year, you would make a great Network Member! This small commitment of your time can put our UU principles into practice and make a huge difference in our community!

Please mark your calendars for these HOPE meetings with other congregations:
March 26th - Monday, 6:30 p.m., HOPE Rally for Network Members
April 23rd - Monday, 6:30 p.m., HOPE Nehemiah Action for everyone! (Goal: 1200 attendees).

Letters to the Editor, or The Editor's Dirty Laundry

"Where is the HOPE article that Christine and I submitted [to the JanuaryDomelight]?"

Carol [Partington, via e-mail to Harriet]

"Uh-oh!" The editor's heart flip-flops and then drops. Eventually, I offer to send the HOPE article out on the Yahoo listserv and Carol writes back, saying:

Thanks for the offer, Harriet. That would be better than nothing, but I know it will miss some folks who don't subscribe to the Yahoo group.

I would like to see a policy instated that a checklist is made of regular columns, and if they have not been found when the person is ready to assemble the Domelight, the person involved would be contacted. This could help prevent an oversight of this kind.

I have submitted a monthly HOPE column for years now and each of the times I have missed, a column was prepared but never got to "print." One time I had it ready, but went out of town and forgot to send it in. If I had been reminded, I would have sent it. I take responsibility for that not getting in.

This time a lot of effort was put into preparing the column by Christine, myself, and Sharon S[treater], and it was in on time, but it was lost. We felt the information was important to share and timely. It would be nice if it could get to all who receive the email

Domelight.

Editor's mea culpa: During the editing process last month, I thought, "I guess Carol's not submitting this month." But no, I simply managed to overlook the HOPE article. Since we had some trouble with e-mail service, my first thought--and answer to Carol after looking through my e-mail--was that it never came from her. Well, it didn't. Christine sent it. Ugh, how ickily human of me.

I do make a list of submissions-as they arrive-to make sure they are edited and sent to Mary Francis, who's doing the Constant Contact inputting of the submissions. The Domelight deadline, which is the 17th of every month, is published in the Domelight itself every month. Ron Hammerle has sent out some reminders to the "regulars," and now there will be a reminder on the yellow sheet of announcements in the Sunday Order of Service, and a reminder will be sent on the 17th of each month via the Yahoo listserv (with Diana Stevenson's help).

Adult Religious Education
BIBLE STUDY??? HERE???

By Bill Blymiller

A course based on John A. Buehrens's book Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals will be offered from January 24th through March 20th. The 9-week program will be offered on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will be held in the Multi-Purpose Building, Room 4. This will be a very interesting program designed to offer insights into the Bible and its usage in modern society.

Regardless of your theology, the Bible is a part of western culture and permeates our literature, art, and everyday activities. It will not go away, and not being conversant with it not only means you miss much in western culture, but more importantly, you leave the interpretation and valuation of it to others who have an interest you may not share.

The book for the course is available from the UUA Bookstore and from Amazon (remember to log on to Amazon through our church Web site). Kindle and iPad versions are available. The course will be led by members of the Adult Religious Education Committee and other interested parties. Sign up in the lobby or e-mail AdultRE@uutampa.org.

Interested in attending the "Justice GA" in Phoenix?

The UU Legislative Ministry is encouraging UUs in Florida to attend the UUA General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona, June 20-24, 2012, and will offer partial scholarships to needy UUs who want to attend.

This will be an historic GA, a gathering of UUs nationwide with multiple ways of engaging in justice work for people of all ages. "Joining with the people of Arizona, we will worship, witness, learn and work together. We will leave General Assembly grounded in our faith, energized for justice, and with resources to bring this work home to our congregations." See

http://www.uua.org/ga/2012/index.shtml

Registration and housing reservations start March 1. Act quickly. The GA Housing Reservation System opens on March 1. Expect that inexpensive rooms, especially inexpensive rooms that are close to the convention center, will sell out.

Please contact UULMF Co-Chairs Steve Segner

steve_segner@uulmf.org

386-788-3039), or Kindra Muntz

kindra_muntz@uulmf.org

941-497-1764) for more information.

Concerned about voter suppression in Florida?

Join us February 22nd for LEGISLATIVE DAY in Tallahassee with the UU Legislative Ministry of Florida partnering with the League of Women Voters.

UUs will be carpooling from all over Florida to Tallahassee Tuesday, February 21, have a catered dinner at the Tallahassee UU Church at 5:00 PM, briefings with a representative from the State League of Women Voters that evening, stay in a nearby motel, meet with legislators Wednesday morning, and participate in an important meeting sponsored by the League with key legislators and staff in the Governor's Cabinet room from 12:00-4:00 PM Wednesday afternoon, February 22nd, before returning home.

Dinner and motel expenses for Tuesday, Feb 21st will be paid by UULMF.

Assistance with transportation costs may be available if needed, but ask ahead of time. Carpooling is encouraged. Please let Steve or Kindra, Co-Chairs of UULMF, know if you can join us, so we can confirm Tuesday dinner and motel reservations by FEBRUARY 10th. Contact

steve_segner@uulmf.org

386-788-3039, or

kindra_muntz@uulmf.org

941.497.1764. This should be a significant educational experience that might even benefit Florida voters!

Steve Segner and Kindra Muntz, Co-Chairs, UU Legislative Ministry of Florida,

www.uulmf.org.

PEW FORUM IN THE NEWS

A growing, changing religious lobby in D.C.

A Scripps Howard News Service article highlights the November 2011 Pew Forum report Lobbying for the Faithful: Religious Advocacy Groups in Washington, D.C. Journalist Terry Mattingly interviews the report's lead researcher, Allen D. Hertzke, and cites report data showing nearly one in five (19%) religious advocacy groups with offices in Washington, D.C., have a Roman Catholic perspective, while 18% promote an evangelical Protestant outlook, 12% of groups advocate for Judaism and 8% are mainline Protestant.

Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services begin at 11 a.m.

February 5: Understanding the Bible...for Skeptics   Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman Since 2002, religious liberals have had at hand the wisdom of a book with this title: Understanding the Bible: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals. Its author is the Reverend John A. Buehrens, former president of the UUA who is currently serving the First Parish in Needham, Massachusetts. The book's message-especially the skeptics part -- will be addressed on this day by our minister, Rev. Zimmerman. Note: In conjunction with this sermon, our Adult Religious Education committee is offering a nine-week class with the same title. It is meeting on Tuesday evenings, 7 to 9 PM,    beginning January 24. There is a sign-up sheet in the church lobby or email AdultRE@uutampa.org.

February 12: Accepting Individual Moral Responsibility    Prof. William A. Felice In a November 2011 interview in the St. Pete Times, Eckerd College professor William F. Felice said that ethics is not an issue of personal tastes, "like choosing chocolate over vanilla ice cream." He said that we could declare ourselves Christian, Muslim, secular humanist or Buddhist, but we need to realize that there is no one Christian or Buddhist position on ethical issues. The Worship Committee is pleased that Professor Felice has accepted our invitation to deliver today's sermon at UUCT. He is the author of many books, including The Global New Deal: Economic and Social Human Rights in World Politics; How Do I Save My Honor?: War, Moral Integrity, and Principled Resignation; and Taking Suffering Seriously: The Importance of Collective Human Rights.

February 19:   Volunteer Recognition Sunday:   Why Volunteer? A Theological Answer We are blessed with many volunteers who make our church thrive. On this Sunday we will strive to recognize all of our volunteers who gave of their skills, energy and time in 2011. Come and be recognized! The sermon will explore volunteerism from the theological viewpoint of James Luther Adams.   Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman

February 26: Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice     Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman Last June, delegates at the UU General Assembly in Charlotte, NC, approved Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice as a 2011 Statement of Conscience. What does that mean for us as individuals and for our congregation? To help Unitarian Universalist congregations and individuals live into our Statement of Conscience, a UUA President's Advisory Committee on Ethical Eating was formed.   During a month prior to this sermon, Rev. Zimmerman will follow the guidelines and then she will share her experience during the sermon. What was that like?

Conversations With The Board - Members of the Board of Trustees will be present for conversation after church on the 4th Sunday of the month from 12:15 to 12:45 PM. The purpose of these conversations will be to open communication and share ideas. Come with questions and ideas, but always with an open mind.

Following Conversations With the Board there will be a Church Council Meeting - see above article.

If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? ~Stephen Levine

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188