Domelight Newsletter August 2012

Thomas Bassa, the son of a friend of Randy Gainforth, wrote this article for a Religion Class at USF in July. It is printed here as an interesting view from a student.

Unitarian Universalist Interview

When I first learned of the need to interview someone, I had no idea who I was going to interview. As one who does not actively practice any religion, I did not have any contact with any religious officials worth interviewing- or so I thought. It just so happened that my father had a friend in a member of a lesser-known religious group, the name of which eluded me at the time. Given the open-minded nature of the course, featuring a myriad of unusual religious traditions, I decided to interview Randy Gainforth, the aforementioned friend. Since I did not even know his faith's name, I wanted to interview him to learn about the basics of his organization: its name, its core beliefs, how its membership grows, and so on.

Randy was raised with a traditional Christian upbringing; however, it did not particularly resonate with him. Since he was fifteen years old, he had not been much of a churchgoer. Despite this, Randy did possess a significant interest in the spiritual beliefs that others had, and he had many conversations with people of diverse religious interests. He had also gone to various worship services for many faiths, but he often felt defiant of their commanding natures. Although he did not feel this way about all of the practices he tried, Randy did not settle into any particular faith. Instead, adult life had much in store for him. Moving to Florida, building a career, and developing a family all distracted him from practicing much of any spirituality. Eventually, Randy retired, and his wife encouraged him to seek out religious faith. After some exploration, he was led to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, Florida. He had been there before, back in his college days, and introduced himself as a returning member of sorts from thirty years ago. He greatly enjoyed his time there that day, so he kept going back regularly. The regular members eventually persuaded Randy to become a member himself, and he did. After a period of service to the church, other members recommended Randy to its Board of Trustees, and he was successfully elected to a three-year term that started in September 2011.

The Unitarian Universalists are particularly intent on promoting diversity. This applies not only in a religious sense, but also in most other aspects of their lives. Age, race, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, and other classifications have no bearing on one's ability to become a Unitarian Universalist. Conversely, those who wish to pursue the Unitarian Universalist faith should be accepting of all people. Unitarian Universalists also support the pursuit of knowledge through scientific inquiry, while at the same time encouraging the development of spiritual growth in individuals. As the Unitarian Universalist Church is fundamentally accepting of all religious beliefs, one may wonder how it is able to maintain key beliefs. This concept of diversity is outlined in its seven principles, which one should be able to agree to prior to becoming a member.....

Although the Unitarian Universalists do have their basic principles, they are worthy of being respected by believers of any religious tradition. From there, Unitarian Universalism has no beliefs to thrust upon its members; there is no dogma. No one associated with a Unitarian Universalist church will force one to adopt a specific set of beliefs or take history one may find uncertain as absolute truth. Similarly, Unitarian Universalist services are not devoted to the repetition of such ideas; the discussions are more diverse.

As far as the organizational structure of Unitarian Universalism, it must first be noted that each branch of the Unitarian Universalist church is independently managed. Although every branch must adopt Unitarian Universalist's principles, from there the branch is free to do whatever it pleases. As such, keep in mind that Randy is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, Florida, and the way it is organized and run is not necessarily reflective of all Unitarian Universalist churches.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa's main leadership structure is its board of trustees, the members of which manage the Church.....

Becoming a Unitarian Universalist is simple. There are two major paths to membership, and both involve taking educational courses. The first of these is called UU101, wherein one is taught the basic history of the Unitarian Universalist church, the seven principles, and other information relating to Unitarian Universalism. The alternative course option is called "Building Your Own Theology" which is more of a walkthrough on constructing a personal credo, a set of spiritual beliefs suited to one as he or she takes the class. Upon completing one of these courses, one may become a member of the Unitarian Universalist church. To stay a member, one must make a financial commitment to the church, but the amount to contribute is completely flexible to one's ability to pay. Staying active in the Church's endeavors is another requirement, although there are many committees and volunteering opportunities. Those who seek to become part of the leadership of the Church generally need to take this involvement to another level, attending the vast majority of its services and volunteering frequently.

I went in to this class knowing nothing about Unitarian Universalism, I had no idea it even existed prior to my interview. Given how much I learned from the interview, I would call it a rousing success. Furthermore, I find Unitarian Universalism to be a very intriguing faith given my relative lack of spirituality. I found myself agreeing with Randy as he explained the main reason for his enjoyment of the Unitarian Universalist Church: the lack of dogma.

From the BOT (Board of Trustees)
The Board members that you elected at the May Congregational meeting will take office effective September 1st. Welcome Pat Benedict, Bill Blymiller and Lee Bonta as new members to the BOT!

2012-2013 UUCT Board of Trustees

And don't forget to express your appreciation to the departing Board members Nicole Drellas, Russ Kirby, and Elise Richardson for their service to UUCT.

R.E.flections

I always love the change of seasons, even if it doesn't mean a change in the weather! It's a time to switch gears, recharge and make a fresh, new start!

The start of our Religious Exploration classes is September 16th. I'm excited to get started with my first year as your Director of Religious Exploration. Many things will be the same, but I have some ideas for new things, too! The one thing that is always the same is the need for volunteers. Leading our children and youth is a big job, but it's made light by many hands. It's also a fun and rewarding way to give back to your church community!

Our UU kids and youth are so awesome! A new idea I have is having a quarterly RE Family outing. I'm thinking about trips to theme parks, the beach, movies, skating rinks, you name it! Many of our families come from all over Tampa and I want to give us more opportunities to have fun together!

Lastly, a big THANK YOU to everyone for the very warm welcome and show of support. It's so uplifting to feel the love and support of my church community as I grow into my new position!

Peace and Love,
Erin Powers, DRE

UUA Trustee Tidbits

by Joan Lund
jlund@uua.org or 813-931-9727

Welcome to a "new" season in many congregations. In some of our congregations September begins with a "Water Communion" which is an expected and welcome rite. There is also something new for us at the national level. The UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) is an endeavor of the exciting collaboration between our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). This new College has been a part of a UUSC strategic plan dating back approximately two years.

The UUSC, founded in 1940, is a nonsectarian organization that works to advance human rights and social justice worldwide. Partnering with grassroots organizations and advocating for changes in public policy, the UUSC helps people in needed areas such as organizing workers and relief in the wake of a disaster. Without writing too much about our UUA, established in 1961 as the result of a merger of the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association, let it be said our UUA helps UU congregations thrive and promotes the values of Unitarian Universalism. Both institutions share the mission of becoming true allies of oppressed people, and acting as catalysts for justice.

The UUCSJ is directed by newly appointed Rev. Kathleen McTigue who will lead the organization in offering current leaders and future activists of any age a broad and effective portfolio of service-learning and justice-education experiences. There will be no funding from the operating budgets of our UUA or UUSC because the UUCSJ is being funded by designated gifts from donors. At General Assembly (GA) it was announced there has already been a $1million gift. In approximately one year the UUCSJ plans to provide programs at the congregation level to help them determine justice priorities and develop local social justice alliances and partnerships.

I venture to say all of us have been challenged to make a difference in our world. The various social justice experiences/trips the UUCSJ offers are a way to personal transformation. Recently a group of 60 UUs traveled to Haiti to assist in the continued re-build there. Another recent trip involved a group of youth/young adults who journeyed to Tuskegee, Birmingham, Selma, and Montgomery to learn about the history of the civil-rights movement. They returned with reports of being overcome with emotion upon learning about Bloody Sunday, and the use of tear-gas and brutal beatings, including the death of one man, during the ultimately successful march to Montgomery.

If you would like more information about the UUCSJ and/or upcoming social justice trips contact uucsj.org or contact me at jlund@uua.org. I look forward to hearing from you. May your upcoming congregational year be spiritually enriching and rewarding in all of your endeavors.

SABBATICAL COMMITTEE UPDATE

Early this month you should receive a brochure which includes information on the services planned during Rev. Doc. Sara Zimmerman's sabbatical, which began on the first of this month and continues until February 28, 2013. For its part, the Sabbatical Committee continues to work with the Worship Committee to fill in more details about the services planned during the sabbatical period.

If you have any questions about information in the brochure or matters relating to Rev. Doc. Zimmerman's sabbatical, please contact a member of the Sabbatical Committee. Its members are: Pat Benedict (Co-Chair), Bill Blymiller (Co-Chair), Ara Rogers (member) and Ed Benedict (member) and may be contacted at sabbatical@uutampa.org.

HOPE Happenings

Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality

By Carol Partington, JusticeMinistryNetwork@uutampa.org

Thanks to everyone who invested in our justice ministry work so far. Our congregation has $6,752 from 42 investor units so far. With your help, I know we will be able to reach our congregation's 2012 goal of $8,000. Your investment of $50 or more will be recognized in HOPE's November 12 Convention Program Booklet, yet investments in the justice work of HOPE are welcome throughout the year.

As we move into our fall Listening Process, we invite you to participate in a House Meeting to help identify pressing concerns in our community, as we strengthen relationships with each other. Your input is extremely important! During this process, besides learning personal stories related to community concerns, we will work to strengthen our UUCT Justice Ministry Network so that we, along with other congregations, have the power needed to achieve justice. Our justice ministry will be more effective with all of us being involved. With each of us doing a small part, we can accomplish a lot!

House meetings will be held between Sept. 18 and Oct. 21st. Dates and locations will be announced soon. Leaders from HOPE member congregations will report the problems surfaced in these meetings at HOPE's Oct. 22nd Team Assembly and make preliminary decisions on what to bring to the November 12 Convention to be prioritized for action in 2013.

Are you available on Sept. 20th? The Tampa City Council Workshop on the HOPE proposal for a First Source and Fair Hiring Ordinance brought forward at our Nehemiah Action will be held at 10:30 am on September 20th. We want to have at least five members of our congregation present with other HOPE congregations. Let us know if you can be there! If possible, please wear a blue shirt or blouse so they can see who is there in support of HOPE.

Please mark your calendars for these important upcoming HOPE events:

* Sept. 20, 10:30 am - City Council Workshop on First Source and Fair Hiring Ordinance

* Nov. 12 - HOPE Annual Convention, 6:30 pm, Team and Network Members.

* Dec. 10 - HOPE local Research to Action Training, 6:30 pm, all interested parties.

If you have questions about our justice ministry and/or HOPE, please contact members of the UUCT Justice Team: Carol Partington, Judy Lane, Diane Gainforth, Christine Smith, Marta Pearson, or Sharon Streater at HOPE at 813-221-4673.

Read a Good Book!

By Carol Baker

Welcome back, I hope you've had time for your summer reading, all those guilty pleasures. Here are the contributions for this month. Enjoy!
Jeffrey Austin: "Wish You Were Here" is a brand new novel by Graham Swift, winner of the Booker Prize for "Last Orders" in 1996. Just in time for a Londoner's late summer vacation, "Wish You Were Here" is set on the Isle of Wight one rain-soaked day in the recent past. With an eye ahead to our marking Veterans Day 2012, this fine, evocative novel gives real meaning to Remembrance Day in the UK (also observed on November 11th), as the body of Jack Luxton's only brother - Tom, a British soldier killed near Basra in Iraq - is repatriated. But, there's more than one hero in this touching and other-worldly story, not the least of them Jack's wife, Ellie. To say any more, however, would be (as characters often put it in the pub in "Last Orders") "that would be telling, then!"

From Ann and Earl Harvey: The book, "The Fund" by H.T. Narea, is about a fund which has been set up by terrorists to destroy the financial market of the world and to replace it with one of their own. It also portrays speculators who are aware of the fund and wish to make one more big profit and then everything falls apart. It is a must read and is absolutely excellent for his first book.

"The Diamond Conspiracy" by Nicolas Kublicki is another good book by a first time author. It portrays organizations that control the diamond market. The last thing Department of Justice attorney Patrick Carlton wants is a minor lawsuit over an obscure diamond mine in Arkansas. Ordered to settle, he instead uncovers a vast conspiracy that starts in 1920 in the state of Arkansas and leads all the way to present day Africa, Siberia, the Vatican and the White House. A conspiracy revolving around a single obsession - diamonds

Nicole Drelles: For historical fiction that are quick and excellent reads, try "The Red Scarf" and "The Russian Concubine," both by Kate Furnivall. "The Red Scarf" is set in a 1930's Siberian labor camp - a story about hope, love and friendship. "The Russian Concubine," set in 1920's China, is a story about survival and star-crossed love.

For longer reads but intense page turners, consider Ken Follet's "The Pillars of the Earth" and the sequel "The World Without End." These are set in the12th century and revolve around building the greatest Gothic church. His "Fall of Giants" set in the 20th century is the first in an upcoming triology. The story, told with excellent historical accuracy. follows the fate of five families at the beginning of WWI.

Carol Baker: While on vacation, my husband and I listened to Bill Bryson's "The Thunderbolt Kid." For anyone who fondly reminisces about the 'good ole days,' this is a book for you to consider. Bill has a wonderful way of capturing the innocence of youth, growing up in a time of a slower pace, fewer complications, and choices in childhood. From talking about his comic book heroes to becoming a superhero himself (thus the title "Thunderbolt Kid"), he is able to call up memories familiar to a lot of us who grew up in the Midwest. Be careful! The possibility of daydreaming about your youth is certainly a risk after reading/hearing this.

Also on vacation, we visited Warm Springs, a vacation home location for President FDR in an attempt to "cure" his polio, I saw a book in the gift shop by Doris Kearns Goodwin, "No Ordinary Time." It chronicles the political career of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but more importantly to me, focuses on the relationship between him and Eleanor, their powerful partnership, and those around them. I found it a fascinating lens into another time. It gave me a look into the demands made on the first couple and their staff in order to do the business of governing.

That wraps it up for another month. I hope you've enjoyed reading about these recommendations and perhaps you'll find some new directions to take in your upcoming reading from them. See you next month!

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

Yo ho, yo ho, it's a pirate's life for me! Argggg mateys, join Sacred Oaks Circle in Blue Moon silliness on September 1st at 7:30 p.m.

And mark your calendar for another Full Moon Celebration on September 29th at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the harvest season with WitchCrafters.

There is no meeting in September but plan on joining our mask making workshop on October 7th. It will be messy but creative! All are welcome but children need to be with an adult.

CIRCLES IN THE WOODS is a CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Pagans) chapter affiliated with UUCT, Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa. More information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS email cuups@uutampa.org.

NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY INFORMATION

By Pat Benedict
Membership committee members Judy Lehman and Pat Benedict are gathering information and photographs for a picture directory of UUCT members and friends to be published in early fall.

Some members' photos are on hand already. However, if you have a favorite picture of yourself that you prefer to be in the directory, please send it to Pat at ptbenedict@gmail.com or bring it to her at church. It will be used if possible. Original photographs will be returned to you.

If you've made any changes to your contact information since the last membership list was published, please let Pat know at the above address.

The Worship Planning Committee is seeking.....

* UUCT folks who identify now or in the past as UU Christians and will attend our Christmas Eve Service, to help plan this event.

* UUCT folks who fondly remember a special or meaningful tradition from their personal history and would be willing to share a short rendition at the Christmas Eve Service.

Please call Joan Lund (813-931-9727) or email lundjb@verizon.net, chair of the WPC if you are interested in either of these volunteer requests.

Charity Committee Delivers Pack Backs

The charity committee had twelve backpacks filled with school supplies for the migrant worker basket - thanks to Bill Blout and others. Bill donated the backpacks, and with the assistance of donations from Pat Fearn, Ericka Campbell, Chantel King and others, the backpacks were stuffed with supplies. Ollis Hughes and Mary Francis delivered the backpacks to San Jose Mission for distribution to the students who need them the most. Thanks to all who helped with this effort!

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME

PRESENTS:

FAYE TURKE with The Ron Delp Trio

WHEN: Sunday, September 9, 2012

TIME: 3 pm

COST: $10 advance. $12 at the door. (advance tickets available on-line at the church website)

The lovely, talented, vivacious FAYE TURKE will be featured in concert at the UU Dome on Sept 9th. Faye is a professional singer, pianist, entertainer. She, with Ron Delp's accompanyment, will be presenting a great afternoon of jazz for our listening pleasure.

A Tampa native, Faye began singing solos at church at age 3, taking piano lessons at age 7, and taking singing lessons as a young teenager. She performed in the Hillsborough High School chorus and received a vocal scholarship to the Performing Arts Center at Hillsborough Community College in Ybor City. She later formed her own band and for nine years was the lead vocalist and keyboardist. The band performed top 40 hits of the 1950s, 60s, 70s. She currently performs in Tampa at various venues, including the Straz Center and the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Check them out at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiSwOjk5AR0&

;feature=plcp (Night & Day)

https://www.facebook.com/faye.turke

http://www.rondmusic.com/whatido.html

LMN TRIO
(JOHN LAMB, DENISE MOORE, NATE NAJAR)

A Tribute to Joe Pass & Ella Fitzgerald

WHEN: Sun Sept 30, 2012

TIME: Concert: 3 pm

COST: $10 advance. $12 at the door.

LMN TRIO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5iF9qTjxME Gee Baby; May 2012; @ The Independent in Tampa

JOHN LAMB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj2zzlD_cGI&feature=player_embedded#!

On The Fringe Of The Jungle par Duke Ellington (p), John Lamb (b), Rufus Jones (dr) en 1967 au Danemark

The LMN Trio is John Lamb, Denise Moore, and Nate Najar. The trio will pay tribute to the late great jazz guitarist Joe Pass and jazz stylist Ella Fitzgerald: { Bio excerpts from Wikipedia. Ella Fitzgerald & Joe Pass: Ella Fitzgerald's most famous collaborations were with the guitarist Joe Pass, the trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and the bandleaders Count Basie and Duke Ellington.... Joe Pass, as part of the Pablo Records "stable," recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Carter, Milt Jackson, Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and others. Joe Pass and Ella Fitzgerald recorded six albums together on Pablo Records: Take Love Easy (1973), Fitzgerald and Pass... Again (1976), "Hamburg Duets - 1976" (1976), "Sophisticated Lady" (1975, 1983), Speak Love (1983), and Easy Living (1986).

JOHN LAMB, an internationally known and revered Jazz Bassist who (fortunately for us) currently makes his home in St. Pete, performed, recorded, and toured, with Jazz Icon -Duke Ellington and his orchestra. www.JohnLambMusic.com

DENISE MOORE, a Tampa Bay Area favorite, is an engaging jazz and blues songstress with a wide vocal range and a phenomenally accurate ear. This blue-eyed chanteuse is a percussionist and arranger who injects her classy sassy personal style into the great standards and classics. Denise is deeply influenced by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day.

www.DeniseMooreJazz.com

NATE NAJAR is an American Jazz guitarist,composer and producer who delivers melodies that delight the human spirit. This determined music raconteur has an old soul and is singlehandedly reintroducing the finger-style nylon string classical guitar technique to a new generation of music lovers. www.NateNajar.com

WHO: LARRY MANGUM & THE COWBOY ORCHESTRA w/Guest Emcee Wackie Jackie

WHEN: Sun Oct 7, 2012

TIME: Concert: 3 pm

COST: $10 advance. $12 at the door.

Photo from left to right: Keith Portwood-drums; Woodie Berlin-Bass/vocals; John Lemaster-steel guitar/vocals, Larry Mangum-acoustic guitar/vocals; Lonnie Portwood-electric guitar/vocals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Oiml6pkHpg

San Antonio Rose (by Bob Wills)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu36RhwN9gk&

;playnext=1&list=PLCAAF3EB9764D3404&feature=results_video
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You (by Hank Williams)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvDPguXbA1U

Workin' Man's Blues (by Merle Haggard)

Twice selected as North Florida's best country band, LARRY MANGUM & THE COWBOY ORCHESTRA will be performing high quality traditional country and western swing music from the past 50 years - plus we can also look forward to a few of Larry's original tunes and maybe even a smattering of 50s rock. From honky tonks to country clubs to the UU Dome stage, Larry Mangum & the Cowboy Orchestra can't be beat.

Photo insert is of John Henry Gates on the fiddle

QUOTES:

Bobby Koefer (Bob Wills Texas Playboy): Thanks for sending those U Tube clips (Larry Mangum & The Cowboy Orchestra). You guys sound GREAT. I mean that. Larry Mangum is a super good vocalist. Your friend and fan, Bobby Koefer.

Jack E. Zolnierowski aka Wackie Jackie "Z"

Adding to the enjoyment of the afternoon will be an appearance by Wackie Jackie as emcee . Mr Wackie is the host of the Tues Morning WMNF (88.5 FM radio) "Early Bird Wake-Up Show" which is dedicated to Country Classic Music. It airs from 4-6 a.m. & is streamed & archived for later listening.

Need more Info? If so, please contact UUCT concert chair Gloria Holloway at gshello@tampabay.rr.com or 813-837-6572.

Ghost Buster Meeting

By Jay Hall

UUCT along with CFI Tampa (Center for Inquiry) is proud to host a visit from Ben Radford on October 17th from 7-9 PM in the Multipurpose building. Benjamin Radford is a writer, investigator, and deputy editor of the science magazine Skeptical Inquirer. He is also a co-host of the MonsterTalk podcast, which critically examines the science and folklore behind cryptozoological (and legendary) creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and werewolves.

He has written seven books and over a thousand articles and columns on a wide variety of topics including urban legends, "unexplained" mysteries, the paranormal, critical thinking, mass hysteria, and media literacy. In his position as Research Fellow with the non-profit educational organization Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, Radford characterizes himself as one of the world's few science-based paranormal investigators, and has done first-hand research into psychics, ghosts and haunted houses; exorcisms, miracles, Bigfoot, stigmata, lake monsters, UFO sightings, reincarnation, crop circles, and other topics. He regularly speaks at universities and conferences across the country about his research, and presented at the American Folklore Society's 2011 annual conference on Folklore of the Chupacabra.

Radford has appeared on CNN, The History Channel, the National Geographic Channel, the Learning Channel, CBC, BBC, ABC News, The New York Times, and many other outlets.

SWIM Workshop opportunity

Interested in vacationing in South Florida and leading a cool workshop at SWIM winter UU camp the week of December 26-January 1 in Greater Miami? You get a free t-shirt, meet new friends, and let your light shine. If interested, contact Phoenix C, the workshop coordinator, at bamalesa@yahoo.com after SUUSI week.

GREAT COURSES DISCUSSION GROUP

Submitted by Jeannette Manning,

Adult Religious Education Committee

This riveting discussion group is held on 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7 - 9pm in the Multi-Purpose Building. Currently following the "The Great Ideas in Philosophy" lectures from the Great Courses Co., the September discussions are tentatively set as follows (we usually cover two lectures each meeting):

Sept. 3rd Newton - the Saint of Science, and

Hobbes and the Social Machine

Sept. 17th Locke's Newtonian Science of the Mind, and

No Matter? The Challenge of Materialism

Everyone is welcome; join us when you can. Some snacks are provided, mostly edible; BYO drinkable if other than water. If any questions, contact Jeannette Manning, 813-857-0468, manningjea@yahoo.com.

GAME NIGHT

Submitted by Jeannette Manning,
Adult Religious Education Committee

This fun evening of games and fellowship occurs on the 2nd Friday of each month, 6:30 - 9pm in the Multi-Purpose Building. Play our games or bring your own. Great snacks are provided. Our next Game Night will be held on Friday, Sept. 14th. Mexican Train Dominoes is a perennial favorite. We also have chess, Blok-Us, Skip-Bo and Scrabble sets, as well as cards and whatever YOU want to bring.

If any questions, contact Jeannette Manning, 813-857-0468, manningjea@yahoo.com.

Spotlight

Commander Jeff Austin and 'The Hunt For Red October'

With three master's degrees and

Special Operations experience at MacDill Air Force Base, Jeff Austin's career might remind you of Jack Ryan, Alec Baldwin's character in the movie "Hunt For Red October."

A former Naval Flight Officer onboard the Navy's Viking submarine-spotting aircraft and "more trips to the Middle East than I can count," Jeff blends the seemingly diverse background of a former military career officer with one devoted to library science. "After the cold war was over, we had a lot of Soviet files to read," he said. With an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in English education from Widener University, in Chester, Pennsylvania, Jeff had the requisite reading and research skills.

But now, utilizing two more master's degrees he earned from USF (in adult education and information science) with a commitment to helping people, Jeff finds a more sedate life just fine. At the Moffitt Cancer Center, a church in Sun City Center, and at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Jeff's has a blended bookend career that has combined military work, information science and humanitarian projects.

"I am most proud of my work eradicating land mines in Ethiopia and Eritrea," he said. As a relatively new member of UUCT (2011), Jeff has worked in adult religious education and as a crew member working on building and grounds. On top of that, he has continued to provide essential transportation services for a nearby neighbor--another former Pennsylvania resident and another new member of the congregation, David Stickell.

Jeff first became acquainted with liberal religion in a Tennessee Valley church that was led by minister John Buehrens, who subsequently became president of the UUA. He discovered UUCT while visiting with a classmate, librarian John Russell, and attending the United Church of Christ in Sun City Center.

As for naval surveillance, while submarines may no longer be the threat they once were, Iranian ships may now take their place. Ready for a new assignment, Commander Austin?

UUCT Green Group and 2012 National Plug In Day

Tom Krumreich

Chair, UUCT Green Group

As a follow up to the nationally recognized April showing of the movie "Revenge of the Electric Car" in our new multi-purpose building, the UUCT Green Group is continuing to reach out to our congregation, and the community at large, with our sponsorship of the Sierra Club and City of Temple Terrace 2012 National Plug In Day. The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 23 from Noon to 6PM at the Temple Terrace Downtown Redevelopment site at the SE corner of 56th and Bullard in Temple Terrace.

The primary mission of the UUCT Green Group is to promote sustainable living practices both with our congregation and the community at large. One of the ways to fulfill this mission is to host or participate in events designed to educate the public about sustainable living practices and driving an electric vehicle (EV) is certainly one of them.

Electric vehicles have zero emissions and even when charged with electricity generated from fossil fueled power plants they contribute a fraction of the pollution contributing to the global warming effects influenced by human technology.

The best way to charge an EV is with electricity generated by alternative energy sources and USF is planning to make available to the public one or more solar powered EV charging stations at the solar charging area currently being used by their on campus electric maintenance vehicles.

The USF Patel School of Global Sustainability is planning to make a public announcement of this at the event along with the opportunity for anyone to ride in one of several EVs which will be available on site, much like we did in April at our showing of the EV movie "Revenge of the Electric Car" here at UUCT.

We are planning to have at least one food truck offering organic vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, frozen natural treats and informational displays from the other partners and sponsors of the event: The USF Patel School of Global Sustainability, FCAN (Florida Consumer Action Network), TECO, Nova Charge (EV charging station vendor), Sweet Bay Supermarkets, WMNF community radio, UUCT Green Group and other possible sponsors.

Please join us for a day of fun and learning with an opportunity to ride in a Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, EV hobbyist converted vehicle and possibly other EVs as well.

UUCT Now on Facebook

by Ara Rogers

The church now has a Facebook page. You'll find it at www.facebook.com/UUTampa (or on the left menu of this newsletter). Check it out! You can view the page even if you don't intend to open a Facebook account.

Facebook will provide us with another vehicle for communication both among ourselves and with a wider audience. It will be our face to the world much as our website is, but much more dynamic, with regularly updated content, commentary, announcements, pictures, etc.

The page uses one of Diane Gainforth's lovely pictures of the sanctuary dome as our "profile" image; the larger "cover" photo is an abstract shot of a cobweb amidst greenery, suggesting the "interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part." And, of course, our green and lush campus! The page is set up to allow anyone to post a comment, upload a photo, etc. This is a best practice for these types of pages, according to the UUA and others, and the page has several members in administrative roles so we can react rapidly to inappropriate or unfriendly posts. Ara Rogers set up the page; Rom Delacroix and Tempie Taudte are the current co-administrators.

One fun aspect of Facebook is the potential for staying in touch with our community from most anywhere. Friends, past and present can connect or reconnect. Future friends will find us and know a lot about us, our interests and values before they ever come to see us "live." It will take a number of us participating to develop the page to its fullest potential -- an online extension of our "beloved community."

Please visit the page, and "like" it.

We welcome your content, your ideas and suggestions. Write to facebook@uutampa.org, or send us a message via Facebook. See you online!

Welcome New Members

Alison Powell

Alison Powell came to Tampa this past January to open the bookstore wing of the Oxford Exchange, a new development across the street from the University of Tampa (opening mid-September). Before her move to Tampa, she worked as a rare book dealer on the Las Vegas Strip, a development executive for reality television in Los Angeles, and for over twenty years as a magazine journalist and editor, specializing in pop culture and the arts. For more than a decade she was a contributor and editor for Interview magazine in New York, and for the Guardian newspaper in the UK. Alison was born in Vancouver, Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Detroit, London, New York, Irvine, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Atlanta. She has a Bachelor's in English from UC- Berkeley and an MFA in Fiction Writing. Alison has written a novel about the jazz musician John Coltrane and published essays and criticism in the journals The Oxford American and the Los Angeles Review of Books. She points to earlier UU connections by way of her brother Tony who lives in New York City. His first marriage took place at All Souls Unitarian Church on Lexington Avenue. For contrast, his second wedding was in a casino in Las Vegas, but was presided over by a Unitarian minister. Alison herself had a reformed Jewish wedding in Central Park, and is now divorced. Alison is a life-long distance runner. She completed one marathon and swore, "Never again!" Alison is very grateful for the warm welcome extended by this congregation in Tampa and is so happy to be here.

Pat Fearns

Pat Fearns is a "sand-in her-shoes" Florida native, born in St. Petersburg, who spent her youth in Crystal River and has lived in the Greater Bay Area since 1979. She has been coming to our church since mid-May. She and her partner of almost 11 years, ELBA ALICEA, live in Brandon with their dog and cats.

Pat has an Associate of Science degree in Police Administration from St. Petersburg Junior College and a Bachelor's in Mass Communication, Television and Radio Production from USF. She was accepted to study Criminology at Florida State University and kids that she is a FSU fan with dyslexia because she ended up at USF.

Pat has worked for WTOG TV-44 in television production . While in college, she had a sports radio internship at 570-WPLP &and worked the afternoon drive shift. She has also worked as a Production Technician at Home Shopping Network and F & F productions. One of her proudest production moments was working with Gene Deckerhoff, Radio Voice of the Florida State Seminoles, in weekly productions of the Buc's Coaches Show. Pat played Rugby for the University of South Florida's Club team and Professional Women's Tackle Football Player as a defensive tackle.

Pat has been a community and social activist in the Greater Bay area since the early 90's including involvement with the American Cancer Society, a Bone Marrow Donor Program; Crescendo: The Tampa Bay Womyn's Chorus; Equality Florida; HOPE; Komen 3 Day, and Susan G Komen Race for the Cure; Miles for Moffitt; Tampa AIDS Network, Tampa Bay Pride, and Walgreen's AIDS Ride. She was recently asked to chair INTERWEAVE; the church's LGBTQ education group.

Pat sings 2nd soprano for the Church Choir. She works as a Living Well Program Health Educator at the Pinellas County Health Department's Breast and Cervical Services Early Detection Unit in St. Petersburg.

Gilmore Family

Nick, Stacy, Maddie, and Leif Gilmore

Nick was born in New York City, and although he was "dedicated" in a UU church, he had no formal religious upbringing. He began his lifelong interest in boats at the age of 16, when he was invited to sail on a wooden sailboat by "some old guy down at the dock," who turned out to be Pete Seeger. He went on to graduate from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy as a marine engineer, and also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science. In December Nick will graduate from UW Platteville with a Master's in Project Management. His daughter Madeleine is 16. Madeleine will attend USF through the Early Admission program beginning in the fall semester.

Stacy grew up in mid-Michigan and attended a Lutheran parochial school through the 8th grade. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Environmental Studies, she worked on a USEPA research vessel where she met Nick. They were married five years later while Stacy was working toward a Master's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. They have lived in Michigan, Wisconsin, and most recently Montreal, and have been active in two UU congregations. Finding a UU community was important in their recent relocation to Tampa.

Leif is 8, and has lived in five houses and will be in his fourth elementary school this fall. He's looking forward to settling in for a while.

Mary Satterwhite

Mary was born and raised in Ft. Pierce, FL. After she graduated from high school she attended Florida Presbyterian College for one year before transferring to the University of Florida. She graduated in 1970. In 1971 she married her husband, Steve.

Mary sang in school glee clubs and in the Presbyterian (and Baptist) church choirs from elementary school until she graduated from high school. In 1969 she realized that the Christian theology was too confining for her and that she was more likely to feel God's presence in nature than in the church.

She started working at the Temple Terrace Public Library in 1971 and worked there for 37 years. While working as a library assistant, she obtained her Master's Degree and completed the coursework for her Doctorate. She was the Assistant Director from 1980 until 2000 and the Director until 2007 when she had to retire on Disability because of Parkinson's Plus, a disease that left her barely able to walk and unable to stand. She was given a life expectancy at that time of only a few more years.

She is an active member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society and would like to thank Tempie Taudte for getting her on her feet. She thanks Tempie and she also thanks Randy Gainforth for their encouragement and help in regaining her strength.

Pam Tingiris

Pam says that she found this church by mistake in 2010. She was talking to a friend about how to bring up kids with ethical and spiritual values. Friend gave her a book: Parenting Beyond Belief. The author says if you go to church at all, go to the UU church. In the Nutrition Mart near where Pam lives she learned about vegan dining and about the Vegan Thanksgiving dinner here. These coincidences led her to look for this place at a time when she hadn't thought she needed a church. It was at one of the lowest points in her life when she came here. She was struck by the welcome she felt here--and the love. The first time she came, was the day Tom Raffle (a former member) played and sang his original song, "I find it hard to believe." In that song, Tom is a doubting Thomas about literal bible truths. Pam says she thought: "O my goodness, this is the first time I'm in a place that expresses so eloquently what I think." She has two children, Kalin, age 6 and Sofia, age 3.

CHICK-FIL-A:
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE 1ST AMENDMENT

By: Pat Fearns

Interweave Chair

interweave@uutampa.org

As August winds down we are able to celebrate that 4 of the Bay areas major Metropolitan communities have now implemented Domestic Partnership Registries (DPR's): June 25th Gulfport and Tampa, August 1st St. Petersburg, and August 6th Clearwater.

But, while many of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer/Questioning (GLBTQ) community had cause for celebration on August 1st; thousands more and their supporters turned out in protest of bigotry and discrimination at local CHICK-FIL-A restaurants. August 1st was declared "National Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day"; by National Conservative Radio Host Mike Huckabee. Additionally, many GLBTQ activists & supporters also staged "same-sex kiss-ins'' for several days that followed the August 1st event.

Mainstream media coverage focused solely on a perception that the GLBTQ communities were behaving with intolerance towards Chick-Fil-A's Constitutional Rights. To be clear, what was at stake here wasn't the 1st Amendment Rights of Free Speech for Dan Cathy; President and CEO of the Atlanta-based fast-food chain; which has 1,608 restaurants with sales of more than $4 billion dollars last year.

In a July interview with Baptist Press Cathy stated: "We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."

What have caused such a firestorm among GLBTQ activists & supporters are the actions undertaken by Chick-Fil-A and their "charitable foundation": WinShape. The WinShape Foundation has "donated more than $5 million to anti-gay groups since 2003"; according to Time Magazine's Nick. These anti-gay groups include: the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, Exodus International, and the Marriage and Family Fund; just to name a few.

One of these anti-gay groups, Exodus International, claims "that any sexual expression outside of a monogamous marriage between one man and one woman falls outside of God's creative intent for human sexual expression and is sinful." According to their website, "Since 1976, Exodus has served as an organization helping men and women surrender their sexual struggles to the Lordship of Jesus Christ;" and they believe that homosexuality "can be healed."

Time Magazine's Josh Ozersky reported that: "Exodus International leaders talked up its gay "cure" in Uganda before the country introduced legislation that threatens gays with death or imprisonment - although Exodus now says that going to that anti-gay conference was a mistake." He adds: "The problem with Chick-Fil-A goes beyond LBGT issues. A former worker recently filed a lawsuit against the parent company in which she claims that a franchise owner of a Chick-Fil-A in Georgia fired her so she could be a stay-at-home mom. The corporate culture embraces an overt religiosity, from prayer meetings at business retreats to asking people who apply for an operator license to disclose their marital status and number of dependents."

Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, describes the reason there has been such backlash against Chick-Fil-A this way: "You can understand if you think about it honestly and put yourself in my shoes. You would rage without end if you were suddenly forced to live under the laws that harm and penalize gay people. You would fight back against a government that erased your marriage and threatened to take your child away. You would never spend a penny at a business that threw your second class citizenship in your face and dedicated their profits to keeping equality out of your reach. This is not a debate between two sides of an argument; this is self-defense in the midst of an attack."

Chick-Fil-A's financial actions mean that every dollar that you spend in this restaurant has the potential to finance these anti-GLBTQ organizations and their continued diatribes of bullying, discrimination & hate. Can't you think of a more productive way to spend your hard earned money? It's not about the 1st Amendment; actions speak louder than words.

Our Forum Is The Lead Story In This Month's UUA's Interconnections

Our Emerson Forum series is the lead story in this month's "Interconnections", a monthly electronic journal to UUA leaders nationwide. http://www.uua.org/interconnections/interconnections/220077.shtml .

The conference, featuring four, nationally-known speakers, has already sold tickets to attendees from Tallahassee, Melbourne, Sarasota and Chicago, as well as to a number of prominent legal and healthcare leaders throughout the state.

The conference, "On End Of Life Care After Terri Schiavo", is being held at the Stetson College of Law, in downtown Tampa, from 1-4 p.m., on Friday, September 21st.

Seating in the Smith Courtroom is very limited. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets may only be obtained online at http://emersonforum.tix.com. A copy of the novel Finding Frances, by one of the conference speakers, Janice Van Dyck, will be given to the first 100 ticket purchasers. For detailed information, see www.emersonforum.org .

Terri Schiavo's care took place over 15 years, during what doctors diagnosed as an irreversible persistent vegetative state. It also included seven years of litigation, the longest in U.S. history involving end of life care. The latter involved every level of state and federal courts, interventions by the Florida Governor (then Jeb Bush), the Florida legislature, two U.S. Senators, the U.S. Congress, the President of the United States (then George W. Bush) and the U.S. Supreme Court, the latter four times.

The conference examines the impact of that case on patients and families today, including references to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services begin at 11 a.m

September 2 You Can't Get There from Here Rom Delacroix

Rev. Bourgeault reminds us that "trying to find spirituality with our intellectual center (...alone) would be like trying to play a violin with a saw"; it is simply the wrong tool. If we cannot awake spiritually with the rational mind alone, how do we find our path to "a free and responsible search for truth and meaning."

Rom is a nurse practitioner and has been a member of our congregation since 2007. He has served as President of our Board of Trustees and currently serves as the chair of the Committee on Ministry.

September 9 Water Communion

At our Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, we annually observe two communions of a special kind. Both the Fall Water Communion and the Spring Flower Communion invite the participation of everyone in a celebration of community. On September 9th, we invite you to bring water that is meaningful to you. On this day, Rev. Brock H. Leach, and Erin Powers, Director of Religious Education, will lead us to discover how water binds us together as human beings and how important water is as a basic human right.

Bring a small quantity of water from your summer travels or other special place to mix with waters from the journeys of other members and friends.

Brock was a ministerial intern at UUCT in 2009-2010. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).

September 16 My Great Own Determination: Defining God and Goals
Marta Pearson

My spiritual journey from believer to atheist to agnostic and beyond was a lonely struggle. When belief is not enough, what actions determine our hells and our heavens? What we must believe in and do to make a difference in our own lives and in the world?

Marta brings 30+ years as an informative, entertaining, dynamic speaker, trainer and coach to her presentations. She has trained and coached psychologists and social workers; business executives and staff; teachers, school staff and administrators as well as individuals, couples, foster and other parents.

Marta made multiple expert appearances on Geraldo, Donahue and Sally Jessy Raphael television programs. Marta has 14 years as a trauma recovery therapist plus 20 years as a life coach in her background and is an author. After residing in the Pacific-Northwest, New England, Border-South and the Mid-West, Marta resides now in Tampa, Florida.

September 23 Science and Religion: New Religious Movements and Healing Rev. Dell deChant

Dell deChant has taught Religious Studies at the University of South Florida since 1986. He is currently the associate chair and director of the Undergraduate program in religious Studies at USF. His areas of specialization include Religion and Popular Culture, Religion and Ecology, and New Religious Movements. His current research is focused on the religious dimension of ecology, especially as it manifests in popular culture and politics. deChant is the author of numerous articles in professional publications and the popular press. He has published three books, most recently: Religion and Culture in the West: A Primer.

This Sunday marks the first in a series of six Sunday sermons all on the general topic of Science and Religion. The speakers on 9/23, 9/30, 11/11, 11/25, 12/16/12 and 1/27/13 will be videotaped and the videos included in a Science and Religion curriculum. Our minister, Rev. Dr. Sara Zimmerman, is developing the curriculum during her sabbatical. This Science and Religion curriculum project has been funded in part by the Fund for Unitarian Universalism.

September 30 Science and Religion: Comfortable Misery Jack Zak, MD

Dr. Jack Zak, a member of the UUCT congregation, will explore the connection between scientists and religious groups. He is interested in how some scientists and some religious people get stuck in comfortable misery. He says, "The main idea is that even though some scientists or religious persons aren't really happy with the scientific realm or religious realm, they stick with it because of fearing what they get will be worse than what they have." Jack is interested in the Dalai Lama's comments on dogmatism in both realms of science and religion.

Jack has 27 years of medical experience and practice in psychiatry. He taught psychiatry at the University of South Florida from 1985 until his retirement in 2010. Although he has published articles on anxiety and his sub-specialty, the obsessive-compulsive disorder, his main interest has not been in publishing, but rather, in clinical care.

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 p.m. The purpose of these conversations will be to open communication and share ideas. Come with questions and ideas, but always with an open mind.

"The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do." - Galileo Galilei

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188