February Musical Notes
Dr. David Katz
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Hallmark would have us believe that February should be exclusively about love. Love is all around and you better get the right card, the right box of chocolates and the right bouquet of flowers for your sweetie lest you fall out of love!
Click to read more |
Pancake Breakfast/Bring a Friend Sunday at UUC |
 The Semi-Annual Men's Group Pancake Breakfast will be this Sunday, Feb 12 in the Social Hall. They will start serving around 9 am and the bill of fare includes pancakes, strawberry pancakes, blueberry pancakes and chocolate chip pancakes. Beverages are also available(But no beer-ED) as well as bacon (MMMM-Bacon-ED). Entertainment will also be provided and this might include Paul Langrock dancing a jig. And don't forget the entertainment potential of watching Rev. Abhi eat a pancake...oooh. Please bring a friend for pancakes and the worship service. |
Open Issues
Sunday, Feb 5 2012 | |
Open issues is deferred for the week in lieu of the Pancake Breakfast (see above).
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Religious Education Happenings |
 Each Sunday we ask questions and explore possibilities. Children, youth and adults learn together. Here are a couple questions to ponder: In what religion do you find the Golden Rule? How many stages are there of the life cycle of a butterfly? What is religion? What is love and is Valentine's Day really important? Just ask the children in our Religious Education Program and find out! Or better yet, join us and find out firsthand. Our High School youth group will meet for open discussion from 12-1, after the worship service.
We can't wait for Sunday! Can you?
Remember our early Valentine's Day Parent's Night Out on Friday, February 10th, from 6pm-10pm. Register now!
Volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged.
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Consecration Sunday Came (and went) | |
A Brief Summary
Consecration Sunday was a huge success. Members expressed in a grand style the joy of their spiritual development at UUC, and their interest in supporting the vision and mission of UUC.
The day continued with a Celebration Luncheon where almost 300 folks enjoyed food and fellowship.
The food was served so efficiently that the Estimate of Giving cards could not be tallied by the time the meal was completed!! None-the-less, the event ended with everyone singing "Standing on the Side of Love."
Those of you who were unable to join in the festivities should have received Estimate of Giving Cards in the mail. Please give thought to your gift and return the card.
The totals from the Estimate of Giving Cards received on Sunday are:
18 new pledges for $15,000.
92 renewed pledges for $149,000, up 8.5% over last year.
190 pledge cards were mailed Monday to folks who had not attended the Sunday service. |
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Festival Ruah
The Rhythm of Love: A Multicultural, Interfaith Program to Celebrate the Many Hues of Love.
Friday, February 17
UUC Octagon
7 pm
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 Plan to attend our monthly series of the mulitcultural, interfaith Festival Ruah. Our February event will bring together people from many different backgrounds to celebrate the spirit of love. Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors.
The program will feature a multicultural musical
 | | Fred Johnson |
ensemble, interactive drum circle, poetry readings, and sing-a-longs on the theme of Love.
Featuring
Fred Johnson, internationally renowned jazz musician; Baba Abasi Ote, Didgeridoo and Percussion; Karen Kanter, Sign Language; Jay Klein, Percussion; Cathy Costa, vocals; Barry Skeete, Percussion; Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, UUC senior minister, and others.
 | | Cathy Costa |
The event is FREE and open to the public. Please bring a friend. A love offering will be gratefully accepted. Childcare available. Refreshments will be served following the program.
The Rev Sez: We are searching for a few people to help with Festival Ruah each month. We need help ushering, greeting, serving refreshments, helping as stage hands and other duties. If interested in becoming involved, please contact Rev. Abhi by e-mail or by calling 727-531-7704. |
Auction Tickets Available Soon. | |
Tickets for this year's Emerald Auction, to be  held on March 17, will be avaiable at the UUC office during normal office hours starting on Monday, February 13.
Tickets are $25 each, or two for $35. Hurry, the $35 special offer ends after March 11. (Children under 12 are admitted at no charge).
"Thank you for helping us meet our event's goal of $25,000."
And just for the fun of it click here if you dare! |
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 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). |
Above and Beyond!  |
Last Sunday, Jeff Anderson was recognizedfor his many efforts on behalf of UUC. He is this month's Above & Beyond Honoree. Jeff was selected for his tireless and good-natured work as editor of the weekly Octagram, as a member of the Tech Team and now serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. Thank you, Jeff!! |
Volunteers needed on the Tech Team.
As great as Jeff is he cannot do it all alone. The Tech Team needs volunteers. | |
The best thing at any age is to be a student.
If you like to learn, you'll enjoy being on the tech team. If you have a sense of humor, you'll enjoy being on the tech team.
Several tasks are available:
set up mics as floor manager,
work sound board or video camera,
make copies of CDs and DVDs,
help on sales table in the social hall.
"To love what you do and feel that it matters -- how could anything be more fun?"
The quote is from owner and publisher Katharine Graham, who built The Washington Post into a leading force in American journalism.
Email Ches about opportunities on the tech team or call 727-821-3521. |
The First Annual Chili Cook-Off is Coming!
Sunday, Feb 19, Immediately following the service.
Calling all Chili Chefs to enter their winning chili to the First Annual Chili Cook-Off. Read the guidelines and register here on the UUC website by Friday, Feb 17th at high noon.
Oh, yes, we need hearty appetites too! See you there! Should be lots of fun. Sponsored by the Children's RE committee in support of the Annual All Church Retreat.
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Sierra Club's Suncoast Healthy Air Campaign
Phil Compton with special Guest
PSTA Manager of Community Relations Bob Lasher.
Thur., Feb 16, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
in the Patio Room of the Social Hall |
Our dependence on cars, trucks and the oil they run on does more than keep us stuck in traffic - they're the main reason Pinellas County suffers from surprisingly unhealthy air. In 2012, Pinellas tackles smog with new plans for light rail from Clearwater to St. Petersburg and greater transportation choices all over the county.
Join us to learn about PSTA's new plans and how you can help turn these dreams into reality.
A recent Tampa Bay Times story told how PSTA plans to get input from neighborhoods across the county this year.
Sierra Club's goal is help build a community consensus for clean air and freedom from our addiction to oil. Find out about the big changes to come, and how you can be a part of a campaign to transform our county and region by joining a team (not a committee!) that matches your individual talents and time.
For more information on the new "Locally Preferred Alternative" transportation plan for Pinellas County, click here. |
God & Mankind: Comparative Religions
Mondays: February 13 and 27 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. 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 |
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On Friday, February 17, 10 a.m., we begin discussing The Fourth Part of the World: The Race to the Ends of the Earth, and the Epic Story of the Map that Gave America Its Name, by Toby Lester. This is the story of one of the greatest maps ever made - the giant, groundbreaking, and mind-bending Waldseemüller map of 1507, bought in 2003 by the Library of Congress for $10 million. The map is most famous for having given America its name, which alone would make it a historical treasure.
Before attending the February 17th session, please read the Prologue & Chapters 1-4 of 'The Fourth Part of the World' - to page 95 or to the 24% point on Kindle.
Catherine & John Conover lead the Readers Forum that meets on Fridays 10:00-11:30 AM in the Chorale Room of the UUC Octagon. Join us for coffee and a lively book discussion. There is no fee. Donations are accepted for coffee. No registration is required. All are welcome. |
Non-Violent Communication Seminar
Thursday, Feb. 16 Westwood Room
Thursday, Feb. 23 Patio Room |
 The aim of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), is to learn strategies which bring needs, feelings, and perceptions of people into every day conversations. NVC is a process developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, beginning in the 1960s, and serves in conflict resolution. Participants are requested to purchase Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication, a Language of Life. Copies will be available at the seminar for $15. To learn more, go here.
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Environmental Justice
Green Sanctuary
The Green Team is pleased to announce that we will be submitting the necessary documentation to the UUA in March toward achieving Green Sanctuary status. We wish to thank the entire UUC community for participating with us in this important endeavor over the last several years.
Click here to read more.
The vegetable garden did not do well through a couple of cold nights. We will be planting on February 25th. All are invited to bring seedlings of their favorite fruits, vegetables or flowers to plant on that date. 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
Economic Justice UUSC Guest at Your Table (GAYT) boxes.
Vegetable Garden
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. |
Vibrational Healing with Crystal Toning Bowls | |
Saturday, February 18,
10 am to 12 PM in the Social Hall, $20.00
In our session we will play all seven bowls that correspond to the seven main chakras of the body. The vibrational effect is a micro massage of the systems, tissues and cells of the body. This deep relaxation facilitates internal balance, releases blockages, improves our state of mind and engages alignment with our higher self. Join us for two hours of soothing, profound relaxation, peace, clarity and enhanced brain wave activity.
Important: Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or something to lie down on.
We begin promptly. For more info call Heidi at 727-443-4953 or email Heidi. |
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.
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals deemed California's Proposition 8 unconstitutional. Then the Washington State Legislature passes a bill legalizing Gay Marriage in that state. Oh My! How wonderful it all is. In my opinion, of course, marriage, gay or het, is not a matter of public whim. Marriage is an inalienable right that no one, not legislatures nor communities get to vote on, it just happens. But forward we march. Delaney Rose is back on the USF campus now and expecting to be motorvating in a normal fashion in another week or so. We survived Consecration Sunday, but I think next year we might consider a Concentration Sunday instead. We can have the Council on Creative Silliness generate some rebus puzzles and we could ressurect the old TV Game Show with Abhi and Rev. Hurto as Co-hosts. Anyway, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars. Peace out, y'all! 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. |
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Sunday, Feb 12 2012
10:30 a.m.
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
A Faith Built on Love |
Worship Associate
 | | Clara Morabito |
Music  | | Linda Jones, Piano |
 | | Dr. David Katz and the UUC Hep Katz Chorale |
About Sunday's Service It's Bring a Friend Sunday!
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" Love is the spirit of this church." So begins a familiar covenant. What does this mean to us at this time, in this century? How are we called to embody this in our congregation and in the larger world? The service will investigate. |
We will welcome new members during the service |
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The UUC Chorale, conducted by Dr. David Katz, with pianist Linda Jones, will be singing Spirit of Life by Carolyn McDade. Dr. David Katz will be singing How Do I Love You? by Penny Rodriguez. Linda Jones will also be playing Love Theme from "Cinema Paradiso" by Ennio Morricone, and Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair by Roy Harris.
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This is Split the Plate Sunday!
The recipient this week is Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida | |
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Parents Night Out
Friday, Feb 10, 6 p.m.
Contact: Christine Pensa, 442-3028 or 644-1313.
Pancake Breakfast - Bring A Friend Sunday & New Member Recognition
Sunday, Feb 12, 9 a.m.
God & Mankind
Monday, Feb 13, 7 p.m.
Contact: Sharon Laplume, 727-674-5126 or Sharon.
Festival Ruah - February 17 The Rhythm of Love Friday, Feb 17, 7 p.m. RE Chili Cook Off Sunday, Feb 19, 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.
Festival Ruah - February 17 The Rhythm of Love Friday, March 23, 7 p.m.
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. God & Mankind: Comparitive Religions
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