February 16, 2012 edition |
February Social Justice Report
Dotti Doyle
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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 to read more |
The First Annual Chili Cook-Off!
Sun, Feb 19, Immediately following 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! $5 for chili with toppings, corn bread, cole slaw, and dessert. See you there! Should be lots of fun. Sponsored by the Children's RE committee in support of the Annual UUC All Church Retreat.
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Open Issues
Sunday, Feb 19 2012 | |
Linda Gustitus
Solitary Confinement in US Prisons From the Exception to the Routine.
The U.S. is a world leader in the number of people it holds in prolonged solitary confinement. Solitary confinement past ten days has been shown to bring no benefit, but clear harm. Depending on its length and conditions, it is treated as torture by the international community. Ms. Gustitus received her Bachelor's Degree in 1969 from Oberlin College, and her J.D. cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. She then served for 24 years as an aide to Senator Carl Levin. She is now President of NRCAT (National Religious Campaign Against Torture) and will discuss NRCAT and its recent successes in Maine.
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Religious Education Happenings |
Please join the children and youth of our Religious Education Program for faith, friendship and fun!
This Sunday our Pre-K and Kindergarten class will be exploring Buddhism and meditation. Our 1st-2nd grade class will go for a wildflower walk and observe the outside world. Our 3rd-5th grade class are exploring the concept of God, and our Middle School class will meet for brainstorming and planning their discussion topics for the rest of the year.
Our High School youth group will meet from 12-1 after the worship service,
Remember we have the chili cook-off in the social hall from 12-2pm and a religious education parent meeting at 1pm in the Westwood room. Please join us!
We can't wait for Sunday! Can you?
Volunteers are always welcomed and encouraged.
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Tickets for this year's Emerald Auction, to be  held on March 17, are now available at the UUC office during normal office hours Tues-Fri, 9 a.m. - noon, and after Sunday service.
Tickets are $25 each, or two for $35. Hurry, the $35 special offer ends 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!
 Donations Needed
The auction committee requests your help with donations. What is an activity that you really enjoy and that you pay good money for? Eating out at a nice restaurant, weekend stays at a resort hotel, a great bottle of wine - whatever you like others may like, as well. Please contact your favorite places and simply ask them to support our efforts. Part of this year's auction proceeds will go to the Student Veterans Association at St. Petersburg College. For donation forms and more information, contact John and Sandy Hoover, donation coordinators, via e-mail or 727-398-9639. |
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Festival Ruah
The Rhythm of Love: A Multicultural, Interfaith Program to Celebrate the Many Hues of Love
Friday, February 17, 7 p.m., UUC Octagon |
 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-alongs 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. |
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The next Circle Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 7 PM . We have a host and several people already coming and contributing to the dinner. Is there anyone still interested in joining us that evening? Please call Alice Anderson at (727) 902-5239 for location and other information.
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Mid Year RE Parent Meeting | |
 Sunday, February 19
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Westwood Room
After the Chili Cook Off in the Social Hall, mosey over to the Westwood room for our Mid Year Parent Meeting. Child care will be provided. We need to get your ideas of where we are and where we want to be during the summer and next year.
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Non-Violent Communication
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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Sierra Club's Suncoast Healthy Air Campaign
Thur., Feb 16, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
in the Patio Room of the Social Hall
Sierra Club's Phil Compton with special Guest PSTA Manager of Community Relations, Bob Lasher. |
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.
For more information on the new "Locally Preferred Alternative" transportation plan for Pinellas County, click 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.
Before attending, 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 each Friday. Join them for coffee and a lively book discussion. No fee or registration is required. Donations for coffee are accepted. All are welcome. |
Art Show Reception
February 25
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Octagon Arts Center |
 Nature's Imprints: Fins, Flowers, Feathers. By Ann Warren and Deborah Farley. Oils, Pastels,Watercolors, Solar Etchings, Seaweed Collages, Nature Prints, Fish Prints, Solar Etchings.
Show runs through April 4.
Gallery Hours: 9:00am-12:00 noon Tuesday-Friday; 9:30-10:30 am and 12:00 noon-1:00 pm Sunday |
Spruce up the UUC Grounds
Saturday, Feb. 25
9 am - 12 pm |
 UUC is having a spruce up the Grounds Day Feb. 25th. There will be plenty for all to do, both inside and outside. Please come as you are able and help us make our campus beautiful. |
Humanist Meeting 
Saturday, February 25
11:00 am
The Octagon |
Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association will be our speaker. |
Theater Outing for UUC Members & Friends | |
Sunday, February 26
2:00 pm
American Stage Theater
See August Wilson's play Seven Guitars. At 2:00 pm, there will be a pre-show reception, where we will enjoy light appetizers and meet some cast members. The play begins at 3:00 pm. UUC members and friends can purchase special discounted tickets for $20 from Ches Applewhite in the UUC Social Hall after Sunday Services on February 19 & 26. Tickets at the door start at $35, so this is a great deal. Click here for promo video. |
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 Hats Off this week to Paul Langrock and the Men's Group! Once more into the breach Paul Langrock led the Men's group to a very successful Pancake Breakfast. Keep up the great work guys (and gals).
Earl Kendall
Peter Goldhammer
Bob Muir
Greg Smith
Mark Brandt
Greg Byrd
Dale Niemann
Bill D.
William Snell
Joe Myers
Bob Barnett
Eliseo Santana
Ray Williamson
Carl Hansen
Scotty Scott and free agent Tom Bird, Debbie Bachtell, Dotti Doyle and the rest of the Green Team. Entertainers Larry Lacy and his lovely wife. And, Super Star Janine Tompkins!
Way-to-go everyone. You made UUC proud. |
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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). |
Some Notes on reserving Space at UUC for Activities | |
3 ) Give the office staff a day to update the Monthly Calendar. Check the Monthly Calendar again and if your reservation is not shown, call the front office at 727-531-7704 or email front office.
4 ) Once you are sure a room has been reserved for you, remember to publicize your event using the Publicity Request Form available by using the Office Forms Quick Link. |
Volunteers needed 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.
Email Ches about opportunities on the tech team or call 727-821-3521. |
God & Mankind: Comparative Religions
Monday, March 57-9 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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Environmental Justice
Regular Meeting
The Green Team regular meeting is Saturday, Feb 18th, 9:30 a.m. We have lots to discuss. Please join us.
Interfaith Power and Light
Interfaith Power and Light, a national organization with a chapter in Florida, is also promoting clean air this month. We will have cards available at the Social Justice table on Sunday for you to sign and send to your US Senators asking them to protect the clean air standards recently passed in Congress.
Green Faire
Save the date: There will be a Green Faire at UUC on Saturday, April 14th from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Kill-a-Watt
Pinellas County Extension is giving classes about the Kill-A-Watt. This is a gadget you can borrow from your local library to measure energy use of household appliances. Classes are being held at the libraries. Click here for the schedule and to register for a free class.
Vegetable Garden
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.
Economic Justice
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.
Share the Plate
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.
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Vibrational Healing with Crystal Toning Bowls | |
Saturday, Feb 18,
10 am to 12 PM in the Social Hall, $20
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.
From the Patio Room in Beautiful Downtown Clearwater, I sit here writing this and waiting for the Board meeting to be called to order. I would recommend for Father of the Year the Dad who shot up his daughter's laptop and then posted the video of his actions to her Facebook page after she trashed her parents on that page. Otherwise a quiet week. Katherine is looking at PhD programs to follow on the heels of her Master's Degree she is picking up this May. This issue fueled in part by Grande Sugar Free Cinammon Dolce Latte (Whole Milk, no Whipped Cream) & by Popcorn (the good kind, popped on a stove in a pan by hand). I'm also currently building a playlist of all the Billboard #1 Pop songs during my High School Years. 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 19 2012
10:30 a.m.
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Love is All We Need |
Worship Associate  | | Jenn Bouchie |
Music  | |
Van Fenstermaker
Pickin' |
 | | Peter Goldhammer Grinnin' |
About Sunday's Service
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As Unitarian Universalists, we proclaim that love is the most vital reality of our lives. But, as the Beatles say, is love all we need? |
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Presidents' Day, Monday, Feb 20 - UUC Closed - All activities are cancelled in observance of the holiday.
Theism Study Group
Every Tuesday
7-8:30 pm
Anastasia Maxwell Library
Festival Ruah - Feb 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 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.
God & Mankind
Monday, March 5 , 7 p.m.
Contact: Sharon Laplume, 727-674-5126
Women, War and Peace
PBS Documentary
March 8
Octagon at UUC
Florida District Annual Assembly
March 23-25, 2012
UU Church of Jacksonville
UUC Green Faire April 14 9 am - 3 pm Congregational Retreat April 20-22 Contact: Sheila Knaust, 727-735-8460 or Sheila.
UU General Assembly June 20-24 Phoenix Arizona
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