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Sunday October 7, 2012
10:30 am
Why be Good?
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Most of us spend our lives struggling with questions of right and wrong, good and bad that have no easy answers. In Hinduism, the pursuit of duty is called dharma. To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, the service, using the Hindu epic Mahabharata as the backdrop, will explore the concept of dharma, how one goes about finding one's dharma and practicing it, and to what effect.
Albert Einstein:
'If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.'
Music
Dr. David Katz and UUC Chorale
PRELUDE: There are Numerous Strings
Linda Jones:
Hovhaness Selections:
INTERLUDE: Allegretto
OFFERTORY: Andante
POSTLUDE: Allegretto-Finale
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| MARK YOUR CALENDAR | |
New UU
Classes are Thursdays
Oct 4 & 11
Trivia Night
Sat, Oct 6
RE Family Potluck
12:30 p.m., Sun, Oct 7
Human Rights Team
12:00pm Oct. 7
Economic Justice Meeting
10:30 am Oct 8
Animal Blessing
Peace Cottage on Unity Campus
Saturday, October 13
10 am - Noon
727-531-0992
Bring A Friend Pancake Breakfast
Sun, Oct 14
Haunted House
Fri & Sat, Oct 26 & 27
Kayak Trip Nov 10 |
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| Random Reflections |
 As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that people are born with gifts and that our religious task is to discover our gifts and use them for the common good. What are you called to do with your gifts? "Choose to bless the world," says theologian Rebecca Parker. Parker Palmer in Let Your Life Speak writes, "Our lives are `experiments with truth,' and in an experiment negative results are at least as important as successes. There's a difference in being who you think or someone else thinks you should be and being your own true self." A religious community exists to nurture each of us growing into our authentic selves. It is a laboratory for the soul, a continual tutorial for being in right relationship with ourselves, each other, and the world. It is home for our spirits and a launch pad for justice making. It is a place to share our longings and to make promises about what we will do to bless the world. It is a place where our rough edges are worn a little smoother. It is a place to engage, to invest our souls, to serve, to lead, to follow, to bend, and to learn to companion each other through life. In becoming ourselves we find what Frederick Buechner names "the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need." Growing into our selves grows us into life-affirming service, into right relationship with others. We become more open to loving both ourselves and our neighbors. Here are some 'chalice' questions for reflection and conversation: What are your gifts that come out of life experiences, talents, skills? What are your gifts that come out of passions, dreams, aspirations? What are your limitations, fears, shadows? What holds you back? What impels you forward? What do you really want from life? What do you want to give freely, no strings attached? What are the core values that you give your heart to? What are your roles in life? How would you like to be described in these roles? What is your guidepost or mission for living? Does it give you a sense of direction, challenge, motivation for your day to day actions? What is life calling you to be? We, as a congregation, are blessed here on Nursery Road. We have everything we need to do our religion right. We have a wealth of resources - we live in a culture of abundance which provides us with much to share. We have a noble faith tradition - Unitarian Universalism - which has a bold vision for the whole of life on this planet. There is nothing holding us back from a future of service, faithfulness, compassion, and joy! So, let's live our religion right. And let's share it with others who are searching for a meaningful faith and an inclusive community. Let's invite our friends, family, and neighbors to the fall Bring-A-Friend Sunday service on Oct. 14. Let's share the 'good news' of Unitarian Universalism! Keep shining, 
PS: I am looking forward to my upcoming trip to Europe later this month to preach at the Paris UU Fellowship on Oct. 21 and to lead the European UU retreat in Cologne, Germany (Oct. 26-28). European Unitarian Universalists (EUU) is a support network and community for UUs and UU fellowships in Europe. Approximately half of the more than 200 members belong to local lay led fellowships that share resources and programs. |
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 9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 7 in the Patio Room
Elliott Stern: Candidate for the Pinellas School Board will speak in the Patio room.
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Religious Enrichment Happenings | |
Please join us for a special children's worship Sunday. On the First Sunday of the month the children and youth come together in the Maxwell Library/Social Hall at 10:30am to participate in a worship service designed just for them; an opportunity for children to do church in a way they can understand. Our theme this month is the third source of Unitarian Universalism: Wisdom from the world's religions, which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life. The insight, rituals, and history of the world's religions can deepen our experience of the sacred and inform the way we live in the world.
We will also be giving out Trick-or-Treat boxes for UNICEF following the worship service. Remember to join us for the RE Family Potluck on October 7th from 12:30 to 1:30 in the Patio Room
(childcare provided). Subway sandwiches provided. Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to help make it a wonderful meal! Come enjoy a delicious lunch and learn more about our Religious Enrichment Program and our plans for the year. RSVP: Christine or 727-644-1313 |
 Team Trivia
Do you love to pit your knowledge against others on Jeopardy! Then Team Trivia is for you.
Come play at 7 PM on Saturday, October 6th in the Social Hall.
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Get Ready for the Fall Auction
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 If we're going to have a successful auction, we need lots of goods and services that UUC members will want to buy.
Can't think of what service to offer? How about chauffeuring, babysitting, hosting dinners, running errands, fixing computers, house cleaning, piano tuning, sewing, closet or pantry organizing, car washing, and doing yardwork?
Every Sunday you can bring your donations or certificates of service to the table set up under the Octagon portico.
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Volunteer to Help at the Auction
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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 or email Cindi.
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Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22 Needs Your Help |
 Debbie Bachtell, the planned organizer of this event, will be away for a while and cannot plan it; the rest of us need to pitch in. If you can help with organizing, please contact Eloise. |
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 Sunday, October 14 from 9 to 10:15 in the Social Hall.
Blueberry Pancakes, Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Sensitive Pancakes (plain), Bacon, Coffee, Orange Juice. Musical entertainment.
Have fun, eat lots of pancakes, listen to music and help raise money for the UUC Men's Club's.
Adults: $5.00; children:$2.00
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Cost and Benefits of Health Care Reform
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 Thursday, October 18 at 7:00pm in the Octagon.
Presentation by Dr. Mona V. Mangat MD Board of Directors, Doctors for America, Southeast Regional Director.
The Affordable Care Act is a topic of historical interest that will expand health care to most of the American people. It is of utmost political interest and debate because the Republican candidate for President, if elected, promises to repeal it.
Sponsored by the UUC Social Justice Council. |
Vegetarian Spanish Bean Soup Demonstration |
 Thursday, October 24 at 12 noon in the Social Hall.
Tom Bird, a UUC member, will prepare a dish popular in the Bay area: Spanish Bean Soup. This vegetarian version is a quick, healthy and compassionate meal. Soup and a selection of side dishes will be shared during the program.
To offset expenses, a $5 donation is requested.
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Fall Fiesta and Auction
 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). You can come by or call the front office T-F, 9 a.m. to noon or buy them after service on Sundays.
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The Eighth Annual All Cluster Picnic |
 The West Central UU Cluster of Congregations invites you on Saturday, October 27 at 11am in Odessa to have fun, meet other UUs and eat burgers and hot dogs. Complete Information |
Now you can contribute flowers to the Sunday service online | |
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 You can read the most recent Newsletter from the Florida UU District. |
Covenant Groups
Covenant Groups are small groups of people from our UU community who meet, usually monthly, to share their personal experiences and discuss a predetermined topic.
If you are interested in learning more, contact the Covenant Group coordinators, Susan Allen and Dick Rolfes, at 727-821-1991 or email Dick. |
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 Don't miss the best and most affordable vacation week in youur life! Listen to the Podcasts, see Pics, and Catalog online. SUUSI theme for 2013: Let It Be A Dance!!! Mark your calendars and plan now for 7/21-7/27 (the 3rd full week of July). Heaven awaits! Questions? Contact SUUSIvangelist Paul Langrock at 727-510-3212 |
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Our Web Site's Social Justice page can be found here.
Human Rights Team
Next meeting: Oct. 7 at noon in the Chorale Room after the Sunday service. The Team has an exciting and busy year of events planned and we need your help and assistance.
Please come to our meetings to discover ways you can share your spirit, your ideas and your creativity in bringing these events about.
On Sunday, October 28, we will host an Open Issues presentation on the ballot and Amendments.
Events in January and February will be centered on Dr. M. L. King's birthday with participation in the NAACP breakfast, the M.L. King parade and hosting a trip of UUC members to the African-American Museum in St. Petersburg.
This will bring the Team to March when we plan to co-host with NOW, a Women's Conference on March 8 - International Women's Day.
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.
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
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
Please contact Dotti Doyle if you are interested in participating in new or existing green projects. October is Energy Action Month. See Sunshine State Interfaith Power and Light's website and their workshop on Sunday, Oct 14th @ 2:00 p.m. in St Petersburg. It is a 3 hr presentation about how various faiths honor and care for the Earth. There is a $10 charge. Let me know if you'd like to attend. We may do lunch & carpooling from UUC. October 16th is World Food Day. See Pinellas County Extension Services website and various workshops, including one on bats @ Brooker Creek on Oct 20th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The next scheduled Green/Environmental Justice Team meeting is Saturday, Oct 20th from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. That afternoon - Oct 20th - we will have the Trash to Treasure workshop from 1:00 - 4:4:00 p.m. @ UUC. Children are welcome. We will be making gifts & wrappings from recycled/upcycled materials such as plastic & glass containers, magazines, newspapers, paper towel and toilet paper rolls.
Economic Justice
Next Meeting of the Economic Justice Committee will be at 10:30 October 8th in the Westwood Room. Lots will be happening in the near future and we welcome new members.
Voter registration closes October 9th and folks from UUC's Economic Justice Team have been at the RCS Food Bank almost daily to register voters and give out information from the League of Women Voters about the amendments to the Florida State Constitution. It has been interesting to see just how many people are already registered and really involved in this election. And also to see how grateful people have been when we were there to provide registration materials. Our proudest moment, however, was when we talked a 23 year old young man into voting by showing him how the amendments would effect him, even though he felt indifferent about presidential candidates.
A side note: Sitting at the RCS Food Bank makes you realize that RCS serves a huge number of people of really diverse backgrounds. Please remember to keep bringing in your food-- thanks to your generosity our contributions have been very much increased this year.
The Maralyn Toman Rice and Beans and Children's Book collection is still ongoing. Bring your beans and rice and books to church this Sunday. We will be collecting for the farm workers near Plant City until October 24th .
Save the dates:
October 25th: The Faces of Domestic Violence luncheon for the benefit The Haven of RCS. Thursday at 11 at Matheos Hall of Holy Trinty Greek Orthodox Church, 409 South Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. Free, but donations will go to those fleeing domestic violence.
The Pinellas Support group for the National Farm Workers Ministry will have a Soup Supper on Nov. 17th at 5:30 at Holy Episcopal Church, 3200 North McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater FL. The speaker will be Raymond Arsenault, author of Freedom Riders and professor at USF.
There will be a FACES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE luncheon to benefit The Haven at RCS (Religious Community Services) on Thursday, October 25th at Matheos Hall, The Holy Greek Orthodox Church, 409 South Old Coachman Road in Clearwater. For reservations call Jenee Priebe, 727-441-2029 x203. This is a free event but donations will provide safety for those fleeing domestic violence. Doors open at 11:00; lunch is at noon.
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. If you have interest in this project, 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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