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SundayAugust 26, 2012
10:30 am
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Witnessing for Justice
Worship Associate
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About Sunday's Service
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Committee/ Team Leader Orientation
Saturday, Aug 25, 9am-3pm
UUC Social Hall
Festival Ruah
Friday, August 31 2012
UUC Octagon
Get To Know Your Ballot
Thursday, Sept. 13, 7-9:30 pm
Interweave Movie & Pot Luck Night
Friday, Sep. 14 6:30 pm
UUC Fall Spruce Up Day
Sat., Sept 15 (moved from the 8th), 8 a.m. or whenever you can - All are welcome to just show up and lend a hand.
Ingathering & Water Communiun
Sun, Sept 16, 10:30 a.m.
Plan to attend as we begin our new church year.
Animal Blessing
Peace Cottage on Unity Campus
Saturday, October 13
10 am - Noon 727-531-0992 |
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Rev. Dr. James Forbes To Speak Sunday, Aug 26, at UUC |
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Rev. Dr. James Forbes |
We are truly blessed to have The Rev. Dr. James Forbes, senior minister emeritus of Riverside Church, New York, in our pulpit this Sunday, August 26 at 2 pm. Dr. Forbes is one of the best preachers in America today and is fondly referred to as "the preacher's preacher." He is bringing a message of hope, peace, and justice to the Tampa bay as we prepare to host the Republican National Convention and will be taking the same message to Charlotte, NC the following weekend to the Democratic National Convention. He believes that there is a serious crisis imperiling the future of our nation which may be overlooked in the proceedings on the floor of the conventions. While we search for solutions to the social, economic and political problems threatening our nation's well-being, there is an issue which may render us more vulnerable to decline and despair than most of us have even thought about. That issue is "spiritual depression." Rev. Forbes writes, "I call it spiritual depression because it seems to be rooted in various forms of disconnectedness. There is a growing sense of unbelief in the importance of a faithful covenant relationship with the divine and the resulting loss of a vital connection to, reliance upon, and accountability to the transcendent being, family, community and the common good. Without compelling commitments beyond the self, one devolves into an egocentric mode of being which diminishes human qualities of caring and sharing and opens one to various idolatrous forces vying for the control of one's life. The result is personal depression, which eventually reaches epidemic proportions and affects the spirit of the entire nation. Dr. Forbes will be joined by local interfaith leaders - Rev. Leddy Hammock, Unity church of Clearwater, Rabbi Danielle Upbin-Weizman, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Rev. Marni Harmony, Unitarian Universalist church of Tarpon Springs. Mr. Fred Johnson will be providing the music. Please join us for this spiritually uplifting service! In faith, Abhi Janamanchi
About Dr. James Forbes: The Rev. Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr. is President and Founder of the Healing of the Nations Foundationof New York and Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church. Dr. Forbes completed his leadership of this historic multicultural church after 18 years of service, to begin a national and global ministry for spiritual renewal and holistic health.
The Healing of the Nations Foundation is a non-partisan, interfaith, not-for-profit organization for the promotion of a holistic understanding of health and wellness. It seeks to broaden the awareness of the inter-relatedness of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and community health.
On December 26, 2003, Dr. Forbes was featured on Bill Moyers' "Speaking to Power" where he shared his prophetic principles, which have become part of the Mobilization 2004 initiative at The Riverside Church. Also in 2004, Dr. Forbes keynoted most of the "Let Justice Roll" tour sponsored by the National Council of Churches of Christ which promoted the prophetic principles in 15-20 cities across the nation.
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Ann Kaunck Chair of the Welcoming Comittee has some thoughts on hospitality (not the coffee hour variety).
Rachel Christensen our new Intern Minister reacts to our welcoming of her to UUC.
Christine Pensa shares a warm welcome and ideas on the coming year in RE. |
Open Issues
Sunday, August 26, 2012
9:30 am
Patio Room
Round Table Discussion
Medical Cannabis for Florida: How and when?
| | Medical cannabis patients will attend to answer questions. Petitions will be available for signature in the Social Hall all morning. |
Religious Education Happenings |
Please join us this Sunday for Faith Friendship and Fun! While our Elementary aged children will be exploring "The Golden Rule," our Middle school class will be planning the first Children's Worship service to be held on September 2nd. Our littlest UUs (ages 0-3) in our Nursery are discovering new friendships and activities. Our High School Youth group meets from 12-1pm after the worship service for open discussion.
I hope to see you on Sunday with a smile! Religious Education Information |
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Friday, August 31
UUC Octagon
7 pm
REMEMBRANCE & CELEBRATION: An Interfaith, Multicultural Spirit Experience!
The program will feature hymns (kirtan) by members of the Tampa Bay Sikh Community in memory of the victims of the shooting at the Oak Creek, WI gurdwara; Sufi music by Fred Johnson; a percussive ensemble featuring Gumbi Ortiz, Barry Skeete, and Fred Johnson; songs and Rumi's poetry.
This program is part of a monthly gathering called "Festival Ruah: A Multicultural Spirit Experience."
Free Admission
[A love offering will be gratefully accepted]
Childcare for infants & toddlers provided.
For more information,
please call 727-531-7704 |
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Very soon, maybe as soon as Friday, Aug 24, some much needed repairs will be made to the Octagon front portico roof and fascia. They are in serious disrepair and our insurance provider has asked that the repairs be made to protect our property insurance coverage. The contractor plans to accomplish all of the work in just one day. However, weather and other factors could affect the time of completion. We are hoping for good weather and a one day turn around. However, please be patient if there happens to be some minor rerouting into the sanctuary as a result of construction work. For more information, please contact John Chase. |
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The Auction is coming Nov. 3rd! And we want this to be the biggest and best one ever. That means lots of volunteers , but don't worry - we have plenty of opportunities. Do you like to cook? We have a job for you. Do you prefer clean-up? We have a job for you, too. How about dealing with people - or numbers - or money! Yes, we have jobs for all of you. And to volunteer at this exciting event (or ask questions or get more information) all you have to do is contact Cindi Nohe at 727-943-9661. |
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 The Religious Enrichment Program gives a big Hat's Off to Janet Robson Terepka and another anonymous friend for their generous contribution towards the purchase of our beautiful new rug in the Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom. For our children a rug is more than a place to sit. It becomes a place to be silly, to play, to be grumpy and most of all a place of love and acceptance. Please stop by and see what a simple rug can do. Thank you Jan, and our mystery friend, ever so much for thinking of our children at UUC.
Also, Hat's Off to the Worship Associates, Musicians, visiting speakers and others who provided a dynamic and interesting summer worship schedule. Thank you to all who contributed their time and talents to make it all happen. |
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Our Web Site's Social Justice page can be found here.
Click here to read about the Social Justice Council's Voter Initiative.
Ride Sharing
Some of you are currently giving rides to members of UUC, who live in the Palms complex on East Bay (at Lake) in Largo or other sites to services on Sundays, but we still do not have enough drivers for this facility. We are also aware of UUC members living in the Hampton apartments at 1099 N McMullen Booth Rd, needing rides. We would need drivers from the north area, passing by the Hampton apartments, willing to pick up UUC Hampton residents once per month. This is the way our beloved members are assured a ride and some communing while commuting to services on Sunday.
Alliance For A Liveable Pinellas
Check out the Facebook page for Alliance for a Livable Pinellas. All sorts of information about local activities: environmental, economic and political. Lots of courses, workshops and other events are listed on this site. A workshop on creative financing for public transportation called "Thinking Outside the Farebox" will be held September 19th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in St Petersburg.
Green Team Notes
Green Tips for Back to School: Look for ecofriendly crayons made from soy rather than petroleum, pens & pencils made from cornstarch (they are completely biodegradable, and stainless steel, rather than plastic, lunch boxes. We are looking at samples of guaranteed compostable tableware for purchase for events where we don't use washable plates and utensils. Watch for further information. A hard copy (notebook) of UUC's completed application for Green Sanctuary accreditation will be available in the Maxwell Library starting this weekend for your perusal. Good for reference, especially for those who don't want to search the internet to find it. See all the green projects UUC has accomplished in the past few years. Pat yourself on the back for your participation. Check the Pinellas County Extension website for information about the Sustainable Floridians course beginning September 13th. Please contact Dotti Doyle if you are interested in participating in new or existing green projects.
What Lies Ahead
"Trash to Treasure," a light-hearted workshop where you can learn how to make gifts and wrappings from up-cycled or recycled materials. This is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 20. More details soon.
Economic Justice
Click here to read about Sunday's Share the Plate recipient.
School Supplies Drive a Success
Thanks to everyone who brought in school supplies for the children of clients at the Hispanic Outreach Center in downtown Clearwater. The "little house" collection box flowed over with pencils, notebooks, crayons and other supplies. On August 9th 130 children piled into the center to enjoy a light lunch of hot dogs served by UUC members Linda Stoller and Sue Thornton and receive new back packs filled with the school supplies they will need as school opens next week. The children were all very excited to get their new "stuff" and parents appreciated the help in getting their children ready for the school year.
Our new RCS Foodbank Box
Now that the RCS Foodbank Box has been dedicated we need to fill it up. Please read this and give generously as you are able.
Can That Birthday!
Having another birthday, and yet you already have everything you need? Friends say, "What do you want for this special day?" You began wondering if you should specify anything in particular. How about asking for canned goods for RCS or Beans & Rice for migrant farm workers? If you have a party or dinner, have a large box, perhaps gaily wrapped, sitting by the door or if in a restaurant, request a table to sit the box on. Just put a note in the invitation or tell your friends to bring canned food or beans & rice for others not as fortunate in life as you are. And we wish you a very happy birthday this year!
Voter Initiative Volunteers Needed
If you are interested in helping register voters for the next election, please click
here to read an article on how to get started. If you are NOT a registered voter you might be interested in this. |
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.
I have made some comments recently taking sides in the 2012 Presidential Race. These remarks are my opinions and mine alone. They do not reflect the sentiments of UUC or any of its affiliates or employees or congregants. Henceforth, this newsletter will post no political opinions. I apologize if this has caused any grief to anyone. Thank you. 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. |
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