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Sunday September 23, 2012
10:30 am
Megan Szczepanik
Reflections On Forgiveness
Music
 | | David Katz & The UUC Chorale |
 | | Linda Jones, Piano |
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Sunday's Music:
PRELUDE: HashivenuCHORALE
*INTERLUDE: Ani Ma-amin l (Debbie Langrock, flute and LJ, piano)
OFFERTORY: Yerushalayim shel Zahav
*INTERLUDE: Mizmor LeDavid
POSTLUDE: Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim
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Mark Your Calendar
Women's Night Out
September 20 |
UU Designs for Social Justice Sale
September 23
Vegetarian Sandwich Demo
September 25
New UU
Classes are Thursdays
Sept. 27, Oct 4 & 11
Festival Ruah
Friday, Sept 28, 7 p.m.
Hearts & Hands Reception
Sunday, Sept 30
Trivia Night
Sat, Oct 6
Animal Blessing
Peace Cottage on Unity Campus
Saturday, October 13
10 am - Noon 727-531-0992
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 9:30 a.m. Sunday, September 23
Dawn Henrichon &
Laura Snell
Roles of Assistant State Attorneys and Assistant Public Defenders in Florida's Judicial System
Ms. Henrichon, the Assistant State Attorney, graduated UF Law School. She has worked in domestic violence, general misdemeanors and traffic, then juvenile for over six years. Ms. Snell, the Assistant Public Defender, graduated Stetson Law School. She has worked with crossover youths, i.e. they crossover between the civil and criminal systems. All her clients have been abused/abandoned/neglected by their parents and the majority of them are placed in foster care. |
Religious Enrichment Happenings |
This Sunday, our Pre-K and Kindergarten class will be talking about families and how every family is different. Please bring a family picture to share with the class.
Our 1st-2nd grade class will be exploring the many names of God (father, mother, creator, etc...)
Our 3rd-5th grade class will create a pagan altar and gain a deeper understanding of it's purpose while celebrating the Autumn Equinox. 6th-8th class will begin it's unit on Buddhism.
Our high school youth group will meet on Sunday at 12:30 after the worship service. Their focus this month will be on the first source of transcendence and wonder and how it affects their daily lives. They also will be planning their first lock-in overnight.
Our littlest UUs in our Nursery (ages 0-yrs.) are discovering the wonders around them through, free play, art, and music.
Please join us this Sunday as we explore our faith, strengthen friendships and have fun while doing it!
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Excellent Turnout for
Fall Work Party |
 We had 18 hardy workers for our Fall Work Party this past Saturday. In addition to the never-ending weeding and trimming, this time the Memorial Garden got special clean-up attention. Check it out...it's on the southwest corner of the Octagon. Other projects that you might not notice were weather treating the new fence in the playground area and completely cleaning up the area behind the social hall. Thank you Bob Buesing for taking care of that big project. With great thanks to all, here is the list of the volunteers who devoted their Saturday morning to making our grounds look so good: Debbie Bachtell, Susan Berehulka, Alex Berehulka, Bob Buesing, Laura Daniel, Carole Dirksmeyer, Lore Eargle, Carl Hansen, Jay Hardman, Earl Kipka, Ken Nichols, Kenny Nichols, Aidan Nichols, Bill Norsworthy, Ann Scott, Jacob Speranza, Linda Stoller, and Ray Williamson |
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Thurs., September 20
Have fun while you dine with like-minded women at Applebees in the Tri- City Plaza.
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UU Designs for Social Justice Sale |
 Sunday, September 23 at 11:30 in the Social Hall there will be a one time only sale of items with UUC logos and designs by Lynette Wood, our own artist. Items include cups, tote bags, greeting cards, memo pads, and other useful items.
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Vegetarian Sandwich Demonstration | |
On September 25 at 6:00pm, in the Social Hall Dr. Tom Bird will give a demonstration on how to prepare quick, tasty and healthy vegetarian sandwiches for your family.
A selection of samples and sides will provide a light meal for the audience.
A brief discourse and discussion of the benefits of vegetarian cuisine, as well as how compassionate cookery reflects the principles of Unitarianism, will precede and follow the cooking demonstration. To off set the cost of the food; a $5 donation is requested. |
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Friday September 28, 2012 in the Octagon Arts Center
Celebrating the Joy of Movement: Dances From Around the World
Featuring: Students of Shreyas Academy of Dance, Tampa, Sanda Kruger, Romanian Dancer, and African dances by Life Force Cultural Academy students (Dundu Dole); stories, and music by international jazz musician, Fred Johnson.
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UUC & Friends Kayak Group |
We are starting up the UUC & Friends Kayak group again on Sep 29th. We go kayaking on a random schedule throughout the year. We try to make the trips enjoyable for everyone whether you are a beginner or an experienced kayaker. If you are interested, email Dale Niemann and you will be added to the group for trip details. Next Trip: November 10
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Nobel Laureate To Be Featured Speaker For UUC Humanist Group |
 Sir Harold Kroto, recipient of the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry, will speak to the UUC Humanist Group on Sunday, September 30, at 12:30 p.m in the Octagon. Sir "Harry" is now professor of chemistry at Florida State University and an ardent supporter of science education and the humanist perspective. Here is a link with additional background info: http://www.fsu.edu/profiles/kroto/. In addition, if you would like to learn more about his insights, here is a YouTube link with an extended interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMxhRncN_2Q. This will be an outstanding program and discussion. Please join us. |
 The Autumn Auction and Fall Fiesta is Fast Approaching
Please bring in your donated items (new or gently used), gift certificates, bottles of wine or liquor or submit your always welcomed service ideas (babysitting, transportation, dinners, concerts, tours, whatever unique skills you can share/teach/provide).
Most Sundays, we'll be set up outside on the benches, under theOctagon's portico, before and after Sunday service for easy drop-off.
 Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 3rd, for the Autumn Auction & Fall Fiesta, starting at 2:30 pm. A great dinner menu awaits! Tickets are on sale at the reduced price of two for $35 until 10/28 (after that all tickets are $25 each). We also plan to have tickets on sale at our Hearts & Hands table in the Social Hall on Sept 30th. Be sure to stop by our table! Or, come by or call the front office T-F, 9 a.m. to noon. | |
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Volunteer to Help at the Auction |
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 or email Cindi. |
Covenant Groups
Covenant Groups are comprised of five to twelve persons from our UU community who meet, usually monthly, to share their personal experiences and discuss a predetermined topic. The Covenant Groups are designed to foster connection and caring among the members, to provide an avenue for personal growth and spiritual development, and to strengthen the fabric of our religious community.
This fall there may be some openings in existing groups and new groups forming. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Covenant Group coordinators, Susan Allen and Dick Rolfes, at 727-821-1991 or email Dick. You can also stop by the Covenant Group table at the "Hearts and Hands"reception after the Sunday service on September 30th. | |
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Learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the UUC congregation at our popular "New UU" mini-course. The course is six hours spread over three Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. on the UUC Campus. Reverend Abhi Janamanchi will provide some history of the Unitarian Universalism religion, information about what's happening in the here and now of UU life in the world, and what's happening at UU Clearwater. Most importantly, the course is about YOU if you are wanting to learn more about embracing your own unique feelings and beliefs about spirituality and how you fit your uniqueness under an equally unique faith label. If you want to explore the UU waters, save these dates and/or contact Ann Kanuck of our Welcoming Team to sign up for the class or learn more. Sign-up sheets are also available at the Welcome Desk in the Octagon lobby. Ann can be reached by email or by telephone at 727.796.4585. Please let Ann know if you need childcare, special seating, etc. NEW UU CLASS SCHEDULE September 27, Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m. Getting to Know YOU! October 4, Thursday 7 to 9 p.m. Unitarian Universalism-Then and Now. October 11, Thursday 7 to 9 p.m The Octagon of Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater (UUC)-Navigating the water, campus and congregation. |
 Turn Education on Its Head: What Modern Brain Research Says About How Children and Young Adults Learn Friday September 21, 2012 The talk will be given at Suncoast Waldorf School, 1857 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor and will begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free. This talk is part of the "Foundation Studies Course" that is being held once a month at the school through May. Interested persons may register for the course at www.centerforanthroposophy.org. Call 727 786-8311 for more information. | |
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Our Web Site's Social Justice page can be found here.
UUC Civic Engagement Initiative Gets Into Full Swing
The UUC voter registration program has started! Members of the UUC under the auspices of the League of Women Voters have begun registering voters at the RCS Food Pantry in the afternoon. If you would like to be part of this activity and fight against voter suppression email Donna Polhamus at: socialjustice@uucleawater.org.
The voter education part also kicked off this week with two presentations on the proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. On Thursday night over 70 people heard presentations from Amaury Rivas from PICO on amendment 3, Ayele Hunt from I Am Choice on amendment 6 and Howard Simon from the ACLU on amendment 8. Thanks to all of you who worked on this event and helped make it a success. Special thanks to Sandy and John Hoover for their help!
In addition on Sunday morning at Open Issues a representative again explained the proposed amendments and answered questions from the audience. Over 30 people were in attendance.
At these meetings we again were reminded that it is very important to check your voting status with the supervisor of elections. For all information regarding your voting status go to www.votepinellas.com or call the Supervisor of Election office.
Please stop by the Social Justice Table after service to pick up a copy of the League of Women Voters free Voter Guide .
Click here to read about the Social Justice Council's Voter Initiative.
Ride Sharing
We need more drivers willing to pick up UUC members. This is the way our beloved members are assured a ride and some communing while commuting to services on Sunday.
Environmental Justice
The next meeting of the Environmental Justice/Green Team is this Saturday,
September 22, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The Healthy Air Campaign of the Sierra Club is celebrating National Plug-In Day
(promoting electric vehicles) in downtown Temple Terrace this Sunday, Sept 23 from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Check the Facebook page for the Alliance for a Livable Pinellas (ALP) for further information.
Check with the Florida Native Plant Society for native plant tours that they are sponsoring on October 6th in St Petersburg and October 7th in Clearwater, Palm Harbor and Dunedin.
Florida Interfaith Power and Light is sponsoring a workshop on Faith Perspectives of God's Creation on October 14th, Sunday afternoon, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at a United Methodist Church on 38th Ave in St Petersburg. If there's interest from UUC members, we could arrange carpooling. Contact Dotti "GreenJeans" Doyle if you are interested in attending.
Green Team Notes
A hard copy of UUC's completed application for Green Sanctuary accreditation is now available in the Maxwell Library. September is National Hunger Action Month. Click here to find out how you can help. Please contact Dotti Doyle if you are interested in participating in new or existing green projects.
Trash to Treasure
"Trash to Treasure," a light-hearted workshop where you can learn how to make gifts and wrappings from up-cycled or recycled materials. This will be held on Saturday, October 20, 1-4 pm.
Economic Justice
The next meeting of the Economic Justice Team will be on October 8th (Columbus Day) at 10:30 at UUC. We really welcome new members to this important work. Join us.
We hope you have noticed the collection box as you drop off your beans and rice and gently used children's books. The box was decorated by children involved in another UUC social justice project at the Hispanic Outreach Center in Clearwater. Children come with their parents one morning a week for stories, movement, crafts, and fun. The project helps these Spanish speaking children prepare for preschool and school by introducing the routines, language, and expectations of a classroom. Volunteers from UUC and a translator from the Hispanic Center have worked with the children for a year and have felt that it has been a real success. (You'll notice from the coloring on the lettering that the parents are very involved as well!)
As an added note, coordinators from the Interfaith Farmworkers Ministry tell us that workers in Michigan are coming back to Florida early because the fruit harvests were so poor this year. So the need for food until the harvest money comes in is even greater than usual. And although we need lots of rice, we need bags of rice that aren't the super gigantic size so more families can get a bag.
Although we are collecting beans and rice and books, we also still welcome contributions to the RCS Food Pantry. If we each brought just one can or box a week we could make an enormous difference to the Food Pantry. Try and make it a habit so that you don't forget your food as you go out the door.
Deportation Deferment
The first young people qualified for the Deportation Deferment Program, enacted by President Obama this year, have begun to file applications for the program. The Hispanic Outreach Center has been working with Gulfport Legal Services to help these youngsters get their applications together. There have been so many applicants that they need volunteers to help the kids organize their paperwork and required documents. Spanish isn't necessary as the young people have been living in the United States for many years.
Gulfport Legal Services will help provide the training to do this work. If you have interest in this project that directly effects the lives of young immigrants contact Donna Polhamus at Donna or 727-286-7260. (Lawyers to do applications would be really welcome!)
Do you speak fluent Spanish? The Economic Justice team has several projects including Rice and Beans delivery (Nov 4th) that could really use your services. Contact Donna or call 727-286-7260. |
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 Barbara Bird. 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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