February Random Reflection
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
| |
Love is one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life far more meaningful. Its very nature is to want to give to another, and to feel joy in the joy of the other.
Click to read more |
|
| |
Last week I spelled our Rev. Abhi's last name as Jamamanchi in an article about him becoming a citizen. I apologize for this oversight. Thank you.
|
Open Issues
Sunday, Feb 5 2012 |
 Wendy Kelly
Buji and Me.
The story of how dogs and humans can teach each other, even teaching rescue dogs to detect cancer in humans. Wendy is a behaviorist -- for animals and people -- with a M.Ed. in clinical psychology. Her mission is to educate owners to find the potential of the human/pet connection by using positive behavioral principles in training, understanding and enjoying their animal companions. |
Religious Education Happenings |
 What is love through the eyes of a child? How can you show people that you care? Please join us for our Children's Worship Sunday as we learn more about the history of Valentines' Day and more. Remember about the Celebration Luncheon following the worship service!
Volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged.
Our high school youth group will not meet this Sunday so they may attend the luncheon.
We can't wait for Sunday!
|
Consecration Sunday is Coming | |
Sunday, Feb 5th
(Please let us know that you will attend the 10:30 a.m. service and the complimentary, catered lunch immediately following by calling the UUC front office Friday between 9 a.m. and noon, or email mail@uuclearwater.org.)
The Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater (UUC) approaches financial stewardship from a heart- and spirit-centered perspective. This means we do not view the money given to UUC merely as a way to pay our bills. Rather, we see financial contributions as a way to nurture spirits and help heal our world by supporting our congregation's mission and ministry with a percentage of the givers' incomes.
|
UUA Florida District Monthly Packet | |
The Feburary 2012 district monthly packet has been posted to the district website and may be viewed here. |
|
|
 The Nominating Committee has begun the process of identifying potential candidates for the UUC Board of Trustees, the Nominating Commmittee, and the Ministerial Committee. These positions would begin in June 2012. If you are interested in one of these positions or would like to nominate someone else, please email us. Thank you from the Nominating Committee (Sylvia Scott, Bill Norsworthy, and Charlotte Olson). |
|
|
Hats Off to Mary Thornton and Dorothy Kobler who have been doing a great deal of work for the UUC Office. They always say "yes" when asked to help and do a great job with "behind the scenes" work which, while often tedious and repetitive, needs to be done. They are valuable helpers who are most appreciated! |
UU 101
Sunday, Feb 5, 1 p.m., in the Anastasia Maxwell Library
This is an opportunity for guests to learn more about Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs. It is free and lunch is provided prior to the session. This session is offered by Rev. Abhi and the Welcoming Committee. Please register online or e-mail Cindi, or you can call 727-943-9661. |
|
RC Trading Time,
a Re-evaluation Counseling Seminar
Steven Sloan
Sun., Feb 5, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
in the Chorale Room |
Based on the RC Model for communication which helps to re-establish loving intelligence, joy, power, closeness and health. These skills seek to renew the inherent relationships among us and move us toward ending destructive interactions. |
God & Mankind: Comparative Religions
Three Mondays: February 6, 13 and 20 Time: 7-9 PM in the Maxwell Library |
 Each week we will hear lectures by Dr. Robert Oden, a noted scholar of religion. Oden's talks are thematic, covering such subjects as the issue of suffering, religious heroes and teachers, and the structures of religious expression. Throughout the seminar, we will be considering and discussing various religious responses to basic questions of life, such as: Why do we exist? What is our purpose(s) in life? How do we deal with the issue of death? How do we deal with spiritual challenges in life? Will we ever discover the source of the mystery? The lectures are intended to serve as a basis for discussion about our questions, experiences and thoughts about the meaning of religion in our own lives. Register Here |
UU Theism Study Group
Tuesday, February 7
|
 The UU Theism Study Group meets every Tuesday, from 7:00-8:30 pm, in the Library. ALL are welcome. We are a small group of free-thinking friends and welcome both UUC members and friends. Please join us as we explore God's role in our daily lives. Thank you everyone! This week's discussion: "Universal Salvation in Our UU Faith." |
Animal Liberation Movement |
 Wednesday February 8;
7-9 PM at UUC; Free Tom Bird, Ph.D. leads a dialogue on social, ethical and scientific movements promoting the legal rights of animals, and by extension, animal liberation. To Register |
Clearwater Zen Center Open House
Saturday, Feb. 4
10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Lunch follows at
Unity Church across the street) |
The Clearwater Zen Center located on the Co-Exist Campus (visit the new website here), which UUC is part of, is hosting an Open House event this Saturday. All are welcome and a free (that's right FREE) lunch will be available in the Unity Cafe following the event. There will be salad and fruit, coffee and tea, nuts and, for those who accept dairy, grilled cheese sandwiches. So come on out and visit the Zen Center located on the UUC property. |
|
|
IT DOESN'T TAKE A VILLAGE to serve coffee on Sunday morning.
Just four willing hands! Please call Jane 733-8977 if you are available,
or sign up on the pad by the kitchen. You'll have a good time!
|
|
|
A few years ago, we had a member who was quite elderly and in fragile health. The Chair of the Cares & Concerns Committee learned this man did not answer his door, newspapers remained outside, and calls went unanswered for days. The police were called to do a "well check," and we found he had passed away. Fortunately, the minister did know how to reach the next of kin; but this is not always the case.
Sometimes a member living alone seems to be among the missing for a totally unknown reason, yet it may not be a cause for alarm. If we had the name of a close relative or close friend to ask, it would help us determine if there is cause for concern.
Even if you don't live alone presently, things can change over time. Please take a few moments to provide a contact name of a close relative, and/or anyone else who does not live with you, so that we can put it in our church database. It will help us to help you at times when the unexpected happens. Please respond to:
Jackie Brown, Chair of Cares & Concerns Committee, e-mail or call (727) 772-6764. Provide your name and the name of someone who is most likely to know what is going on in your life on a regular basis (besides your current spouse or mate), and the name of a family member to reach in case of emergency. |
|
|
Environmental Justice
Reminder
Reminder to those who have borrowed films from the Green Team film library - please return the films to the Social Justice table on Sunday.
Vegetable Garden The vegetable garden did not do well through a couple of cold nights. We will be planting again on February 4th and again on February 25th. All are invited to bring seedlings of their favorite fruits, vegetables or flowers to plant on that date. Bunch Bags This is the last chance for Bunch Bags. We are taking orders for "Bunch Bags" after the service. These are eco-friendly net bags for the grocery, or the farmer's market, as an alternative to plastic bags. Samples and brochures will be available, three for $6.50. UUC will receive $3 from each sale. We will be selling them on February 5th. They make great gifts for eco-conscious friends, family and fruit and veggie lovers. Reclaiming Our Food Heritage Slow Food Tampa Bay is hosting a potluck at 6:00 p.m. and a program on "Reclaiming Our Food Heritage" at 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 13th at Studio 620 in St Petersburg. For more information click here. Economic Justice Big Thanks for Khasi Hills Luncheon Many, many thanks to all who made the luncheon to benefit the Margaret Barr Memorial School in the Khasi Hills of India such a success. $502.00 will be added to the school account. A special note of appreciation to Lisa Baird, new Leader of the Khasi Hills Project, Kathy Krohn, Chris Pensa and all the R/E children and staff who did such a great job planning and serving, etc. Thanks also to Allison Snell and Marlene Calderone from the Social Justice Council for their assistance. Remember to renew or initiate your sponsorship by signing up at the Social Justice table on Sundays. Just $50 sponsors a child for an entire year, providing supplies, lunch, paying teachers' salaries, etc. Donations, in lieu of sponsoring, are much appreciated. The deadline is Feb 28th.
UUSC Guest at Your Table (GAYT) boxes.
Remember to "feed" your Guest at Your Table boxes. Also, complete the side of the box and enclose your check to join UUSC and support their many projects. The deadline to turn in your box is February 28th.
Please Note
Nomination forms for Share the Plate are in the UUC office, online at the UUC website and at the Social Justice Council table on Sundays. We encourage you to recommend a worthy non-profit organization as a potential Share the Plate beneficiary. |
PUBLICATION DEADLINES OCTAGRAM - WEEKLY EVERY THURSDAY The Octagram is intended to focus on activities taking place at UUC or those of interest to UUC members and friends. Send items in brief with a link to more information to Octagram. PLEASE DO NOT SEND INFORMATION FORMATTED OR IN A FLIER. Provide text in an email or as an attached Word file with any pictures/graphics attached to the email. Deadline is 10 a.m. every Wednesday. Prepared by Jeff Anderson, assisted by Leslie Conrad.
The Circus has left town for a bit, yay! But they will return this summer. I would dread any large group; Democrats, Hare Krishnas, Flying Elvises, if they were to hold a convention in Tampa. So it is not just the Republicans I am against here. I am an equal oppurtunity hater of crowds. Delaney Rose is home for a bit, recovering from knee surgery this past Tuesday. And Consecration Sunday is upon us. There is a lot of events happening at the church this Sunday, hard to keep them all straight sometimes. This issue was fueled in part by Steak Chili from Panera Bread and by Billy Joel's album The Nylon Curtain. February is here so don't forget Groundhog day and Valentine's day and President's Day. I think I will send President Obama some chocolates and roses this year. Keep it all tidied up and combined. Love and peace.
ORDER OF SERVICE/ANNOUNCEMENTS - WEEKLY EVERY SUNDAY SERVICE:
Deadline is 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Send appropriate items to Order of Service/Announcements. Prepared by Pat St. Clair.
ITEMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATION, IF APPLICABLE.
Octagram headline artwork of the UUC courtyard pond by Lynette Wood. |
|
|
|
Sunday, Feb 5 2012
10:30 a.m.
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Rev. Kenneth Hurto
Just Do It! It Matters! |
Music
 | | Linda Jones, Piano |
 | | Dr. David Katz and the UUC Chorale & The TroUUbadors |
About Sunday's Service
|
On Consecration Sunday, we welcome the Rev. Kenneth Hurto, FL-UUA District Executive, to challenge and inspire us on why it matters to be a Unitarian Universalist presence in the Tampa Bay region |
|
|
The TroUUbadors (our new intergenerational performance group) will be singing Love Can Build A Bridge by John Jarvis, Naomi Judd and Paul Overstreet, and Mail Myself To You by Woody Guthrie.
The UUC Chorale, conducted by Dr. David Katz, with pianist Linda Jones, will be singing Shine Your Light by Greg Gilpin.
Linda Jones will also be playing Beloved by David Lanz. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
God & Mankind: Comparitive Religions
Monday, Feb 6, 7 p.m.
Contact: Sharon Laplume, 727-674-5126 or Sharon.
Clearwater Zen Center Open House
Saturday, February 4
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Consecration Sunday
Sunday, Feb 5
Contact: Mark Kanuck, 727-796-4585 or Mark or Sue Boone, 727-531-5236 or Sue.
Parents Night Out
Friday, Feb 10, 6 p.m.
Contact: Christine Pensa, 442-3028 or 644-1313 or Christine.
Pancake Breakfast - Bring A Friend Sunday & New Member Recognition Sunday, Feb 12, 9 a.m.
Festival Ruah - February 17 Standing On the Side of Love Friday, Feb 17, 7 p.m. RE Chili Cook Off Sunday, Feb 18, 12:30 p.m. Contact: Christine Pensa, 442-3028 or 644-1313 or Christine.
UUC Outdoor Spruce Up Party Saturday, February 25 9 am - 12 pm
Arizona is Our Town (A Skit) UU West Central Cluster Meeting(Octagon) Saturday, March 3 10:00 am.
Florida District Annual Assembly March 23-25, 2012 UU Church of Jacksonville Congregational Retreat April 20-22 Contact: Sheila Knaust, 727-735-8460 or Sheila. |
|
