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| Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa | September 2013 |
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Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day,
September 14th,
9-11 a.m.
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Click for
The Church Calendar
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Al-Anon
Al-Anon meets at UUCT on Saturdays at 10:30 am each week. For additional information in Hillsborough County, call 813-881-9372 or visit us on the web at www.tampabayalanon.org. |
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DOMELIGHT
Deadline for Submissions: 17th of each month
Length of Articles:
300-350 words
Submit via email to: domelight@uutampa.org
DL Editorial Board:
Harriet Blymiller
Mary Francis
Ron Hammerle
Christine Smith
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Missing out? Not on our Yahoo elist?
It's easy to join!
Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUTampa/
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Visit our website at
www.uutampa.org
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Our congregation is affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association an organization of more than 1,000 congregations in the U.S. and Canada. Our national headquarters is in Boston, Massachusetts.
Other UU Links:
Southern Region website
Florida District UUA |
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 Welcome Guest Speaker, Joseph McAuliffe,
on September 22nd
"What We Haven't Learned from History."
Despite the considerable problems our world faces today, Mr. McAuliffe believes that the "trajectory of the human story has been positive." He will identify several ideas that he deems essential to the forward progress of the human condition. Central to his thesis is the consequential implications of ideas and the critical need for personal intellectual inventory in ascertaining the foundational ideas of our own lives.
Joseph McAuliffe has been the Coordinator for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Florida since 2002. He also is an adjunct faculty member in the History Department at the Hillsborough Community College, teaching both U.S. and European history.
He is from Syracuse, New York and received his undergraduate and master's degrees from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, specializing in historical theology. He started and pastored two independent churches, published the BusinessGram Newsletter, and directed relief work in Eastern Europe and Central America. He has worked as a political commentator for two television stations and as a business correspondent for two Florida radio stations. He chaired the Hillsborough County Children's Service Advisory Board and the District VI Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Council.
McAuliffe has been married to his wife, Kay, since 1972 and they have three daughters, a son, and three grandchildren.
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 Talk "Change"
The role of an Interim Minister is to help a congregation make changes between settled ministries, address problems and prepare the way for the next minister. The interim is more like a mirror, reflecting the congregation back to itself. When the congregation decides on changes it wishes to make, it consults with the minister on how to make them. Also, the interim points out things the congregation might not see about itself.
Interim Ministry is usually described as transitional. Transitional is not the same as transitory. We are not on hold awaiting a new settled minister. There will be sadness for what is past and some uncertainty about the future. It is a time to change but not solely for the sake of change. This is a time to refresh and renew -- a time to remember and to reconsider, to rejoice in the past and to embrace the future.
The Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield will join us as the Interim Minister on September 1, 2013. Rev. Mansfield will be serving our congregation for the 2013-2014 and the 2014-2015 church years. This will give the Settled Minister Search Committee time to prepare, search and call our next Settled Minister.
Join us in the adventure to explore our next two years. We will enjoy our time with Rev. Mansfield as we transition. More information will be coming soon.
The Interim Minister Transition Team (IMTT)
Beverly Bethune, Carol Baker, Ralph Lehman, Diana Stevens and David Stickell
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Start Up!
Join us in the Multipurpose Building on September 28th at 9:30 am until 12 noon for a congregational workshop to explore our future during this interim period and the next steps on our path.
Suzanne Fast, M.Div. will lead this workshop for our congregation:
- A brief overview of the process of how ministers are settled
- Some attention to the interim process and what to expect/what can be done with a 2 year interim period
- Congregational time line
- Strengths and challenges inventory
- Power and authority
Questions, see Mary Francis.
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 Welcome Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield on September 1st The Reverend Dr. Doak M. Mansfield of Laurel, MIssissippi, will begin a two year assignment as our Interim Minister September 1. He was ordained in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1976 and is Minister Emeritus of Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church (serving there, 1975-85). He has also served the Unitarian Universalist Church of Huntsville (serving there, 1985-2000) and as mconsulting minister to several UU congregations in the Mid-South UU District as well as guest minister in dozens of UU congregations. Doak took medical retirement in 2001 because of heart disease and received a heart transplant June 21, 2010 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He says, "I was forced to focus on health and survival for a decade. I've made a slow, good recovery and am most pleased about the time ahead working with the folks of UUCT in their transitional time. We are very impressed by church and area." A native of Fayetteville, TN, he is the father of two sons and 'Gran' to five under seven years of age. He is married to Peggy Owens-Mansfield; retired Pine Belt Red Cross Chapter Executive Director of Laurel, Mississippi. Peggy has 35 years of experience with youth and youth development along with disaster and humanitarian services. Their home is in Laurel. He has written several books (The Mockingbird's Ballad, Jones of Old Lincoln, and In Irreverent Guide to Spirituality). Dr. Mansfield served as a U.S Army Reserve Chaplain (Captain) and Hospital Staff Chaplain in Cincinnati. He is also an accomplished poet and portrait artist. He has degrees from Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, TN; Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN; United Theological Seminary, Dayton, OH and Graduated Theological Foundation in Mishawaka, IN. Doak has had training with Native American keepers of rituals (Bob Thomas, Tarwater, Charla Hermann) and is a Spiritual Director. The Mansfields will reside Temple Terrace. Reach Doak: 601.498.0906, doakmansf@gmail.com and Peggy: 601.470.8746, peggyOM1950@gmail.com. |
Our Religious Exploration Program Needs You!
We have an exciting year planned and its success depends on dedicated volunteer teachers. Teaching is a great way to grow in your faith. This year I will be offering Sunday morning guided meditation for RE teachers. You will benefit from ongoing support and guidance from your DRE and the RE Committee. My goal is for teaching to be an enriching and enjoyable part of your spiritual life!
Our program this year is Exploring World Religions - Teaching is the best way to learn about our faith and others around the globe.
Also new this year is Children's Chapel! We are adding this worship componet to RE for Children and Youth!
Please consider making a commitment to our growing UUs and help grow our faith and yourself!
Important Dates for Religious Exploration for Children and Youth
August 24 Teacher Training 9am - 1pm
September 7 Spaghetti Dinner 6pm
September 8 Water Communion service and RE registration
September 9 First Youth and Parent Meeting 6:30 pm
September 15 First Day of RE Classes & Parents Potluck Picnic
-Erin Powers, DRE
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Board of Trustees Changes
On September 1st, the new Board of Trustee members that were elected in May, will take office. So welcome to Jodi Pecoraro, John Powers, and Chuck Smith.
Much thanks to the departing Board members, Mary Francis, Marla Frazer, and Ronnie Kirchhiemer.
And another Board change. Lee Bonta has resigned after a year on the Board and Roger Polcyn has graciously agreed to complete his remaining two years. Please take the time to thank both of them as well.
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Join us for
Children: The Challenge
*This course has no Religious Affiliation*
A six-week study group for parents
September 24, 2013
Tuesdays @ 7:00
We will be meeting at the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
Multi-Purpose Building
11400 Morris Bridge Road
These groups will be conducted by local therapists, Anthony Miller, LMHC and Randall Gainforth, LMHC on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Cost is free and a limited number of Rudolf Dreikur's "Children: The Challenge" will be made available for $17.00.
Parents want help in knowing how to reduce conflict, have fun, and raise responsible children. These groups are designed to help parents deal with such concerns as bedtime, meals, chores, homework, school and fighting. The groups provide a source of encouragement and support for parents who want to improve their relationships with their children.
Parents will learn:
- how to develop friendly and cooperative relationships
- how to create a family atmosphere of freedom with order
- how birth order affects decision making and personality development
- the use of encouragement
- the basic goals of misbehavior
- conflict resolution
- how to conduct family meeting
Questions? Call Randall Gainforth at 813.988.7500 or rgainforth@aol.com
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Remembering Our Pets And What They Can Teach Us
In recognition of National Pet Memorial Day, the second Sunday in September, the Emerson Forum is presenting a program that honors pets and the lessons about life and love that they can teach us.
Three professionals will share their wisdom, experience and emotions in living with pets and in dealing with hard, end of life decisions that face all pet owners. All attending the conference will have similar opportunities in small group discussions.
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Dr. Dani McVety
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 Nikki McQueen |
 Brock Leach |
Dr. Dani McVety, the founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice (www.lapoflove.com), will provide the keynote address on "What We Can Learn About Life From The Death Of A Pet."
Nikki McQueen, the vice president of Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center (www.andersonmcqueen.com), will describe the common grief shared by pet owners and families in dealing with the death of loved ones-both human and animal.
Brock Leach, Vice President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, (www.uusc.org) will share his perspectives, as a pet owner, chaplain and international business executive. He previously served as president and CEO of Frito-Lay's North America and Tropicana divisions and later Chief Innovation Officer for parent company, PepsiCo, Inc.
Conference Details
Saturday, September 7, 2013, 10 a.m.
Stetson College of Law Center
in downtown Tampa, 1700 N. Tampa Street, three blocks north of the Straz Center. There is free parking on campus.
The conference begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments and small group discussions will follow the morning presentations.
Volunteers are needed to help on the day of the program. Please contact Christine Smith if you can help out. cds208@lehigh.edu
Discount tickets for UUCT members are $ 15 and are available at church on Sunday, August 25th, or online (with a small additional service fee) at http://emersonforum.tix.com. Full details are available on a poster in the lobby and at www.emersonforum.org.
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 Circles in the Woods CUUPS
Circles in the Woods CUUPS sponsors a monthly Full Moon Celebration on Saturdays closest to the full moon. Join us on September 21st at 7:30 pm and welcome As Always Coven for a celebration of the Fall Equinox. The word equinox is Latin for "equal night". At Fall Equinox, day and night are in balance. It is the midpoint between the height of the daylight at Summer Solstice, and the deepest dark that awaits at the Winter Solstice. The Fall Equinox, also known as Mabon, is often celebrated as a Thanksgiving. This is a good time to spend the day gathering in the gifts of summer, and prepare for winter's needs. Only take what is needed, and only with reverence, mindfulness, gratitude and giving in return. For as we receive the gifts of the Goddess, we also give back, making an offering, and expressing our gratitude.
All Circles in the Woods CUUPS activities are open to the public and held at UUCT. The only cost is a love donation. Families with children are welcome. No pets please. Plan to stay to socialize afterwards. Bring a dish to share. All are welcome who come in perfect love and perfect trust. For more information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS, e-mail cuups@uutampa.org. |
The Fall Festival with Blues & BBQ and Circles in the Woods CUUPS will have food and be jammin' Saturday, November 16th, starting at noon! The Fall Festival will include:
* Food - the grill will be fired up
* Vendors - come to do some holiday shopping
* Raffle - 50/50 and more
* Music - jam, dance, and sing or play along with our own UU Blues Band
* and . . . oh yes, Mama Gina will be back with her new CD for sale
Got ideas for things to add? We invite all other UUCT groups and committees to join us planning and putting on the Fall Festival! This is a fundraiser for UUCT!
Mark your calendar now, and then join us November 16th at noon. Blues and BBQ will run from 12:00 until the CUUPS Bardic Circle starts at 7:30 p.m.
For more information on joining, vending, helping out, or attending this all-UUCT event, contact Ollis Hughes at |
From Stacy Gilmore:
Over the last year I've had the privilege to get to know so many of you better. The more I get to know the friends and family of UUCT the more impressed I am with individual talents and skills that you all have. After several recent conversations I felt inspired to add a new dimension to our auction offerings. I'd like to organize several classes/workshops led by members of our congregation such as massage, yoga/stretching, tiling, etc. Do you have a skill you would like to share? Please email Stacy at fundraising@uutampa.org if you would be willing to lead a small class or workshop.
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Fundraising Events
Thanks to so many of you that have been participating in our "Dome Dollars" Program, we've earned over $340 for UUCT! If you're going to do some back to school shopping, please check the www.shopwithscrip.com website to see if you can use any of the gift cards available on the site. There are 3 ways to order gift cards: 1. Sign up or sign in to the shopwithscrip.com website (our enrollment code is 8FB2E1CE35565).
2. Email me your order at fundraising@uutampa.org3. See me after the service on July 28. Any gift cards ordered before July 28 will be available on Sunday, August 4.
There are many other fun ways to help us raise additional funds to support our mission at UUCT! Coming up:
Annual Spaghetti Dinner: September 7th, 5:30 pm 
(sponsored by the REC)
Spaghetti dinner tickets will be available for advance purchase in mid-August! This event promises to be bigger and better than last year! Join us on September 7 for great food and fellowship!
Annual Auction: November 10th, 12 pm
Fall Festival November 16th, noon until 7:30 pm (see details above in separate article)
Any questions or volunteers please contact Stacy Gilmore at fundraising@uutampa.org.
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Mixed Fiber Necklace Workshop
at Silver Linings
10931 N. 56th Street
Temple Terrace
Saturday , August 31, 2013 4:00 - 5:30
Use a variety of fibers and textures to created a unique necklace.
Tempe has a beautiful necklace that she made. You can have one, too!
All supplies provided. Refreshments served!
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon/evening with friends.
Cost - $20.00 ( $5.00 returns to UUCT ... so this is a fundraiser )
Class size limit - 10 Instructor - Laurie Walker
Please RSVP by August 28 for the August 31 workshop to.
Barbara Cloud-Weisman
Silver Linings
SilverLiningsFL@aol.com
813-293-2325
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UUCT Green Group is sponsoring the
Sierra Club 2013 National Plug In Day EVent
Saturday Sept. 28, 2013 11:00AM-4PM
At the Pavilion located on the SE corner of 56th and Busch/Bullard Prkwy in Temple Terrace, Florida
Come join us on Saturday Sept. 28th for a fun and educational experience with opportunities to test drive EVs, talk to owners of EVs on display, and learn how we can all live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle to help assure a cleaner brighter future for our state, our country and the world!
This year we will be having our EVent on a Saturday and again will be providing opportunities for folks to test drive electric vehicles on site including the 2013 Chevy Volt with arrangements pending to include a Nisson Leaf and Tesla Model S. Partnering with Sierra Club, the City of Temple Terrace, the USF Patel College of Global Sustainability, Florida Consumer Action Network, TECO, the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, Nova Charge and others pending, we are offering the public opportunities to learn about the environmental issues these organizations promote and products these companies sell which relate to living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle. Hope to see you there! Tom Krumreich UUCT Green Group Chair City Captain for the City of Temple Terrace/Sierra Club 2013 National Plug In Day EVent |
FRIENDSHIP DINNERS
 This fall we return to our traditional potluck dinners in members' homes. Jeannette Manning and John Fox are offering their home for Saturday, Sept. 21. Check the bulletin board in the back of the church for the sign-up sheet. If you would like to host, your only obligation is to open your house and provide an entrée, drinks optional. Every guest brings a dish. You stipulate the number of people you can accommodate. See Pat Busbice, pwbuzz77@gmail.com or 813-994-0355.
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PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION GROUP
This discussion group is held on the 1st and 3rd Mond  ays, 7 - 9 pm in the Multi- Purpose Building. From August through October, we will be exploring a broad range of philosophical issues facilitated by guest lecturer Sacha Greer. The tentative schedule is as follows: Sept 2 - Human nature
Sept 16 - Ethics
Sept 30 - Religion
Oct 7 - Metaphysics
Oct 21 - TBA
We will wrap up this topic in October and be considering future study groups or discussion topics.
Everyone is welcome; join us when you can. Snacks are provided. If any questions, contact Sacha Greer, 786-972-9003, zenblossom@hotmail.com.
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 . . . for seniors of all ages Are you interested in a social activity during the day? Perhaps a bag lunch where you bring a creative sandwich, split it in two and share it with someone else? A dessert to share? Or, perhaps, a movie afternoon with popcorn and sodas? Playing bridge with friends or just share some special memories and friendship? Any other ideas you may be interested in starting? Any particular day of the week? How often? Please let me know if any of these ideas appeal to you. See me or any member of the Committee after church or email committee email address: uuctsa@gmail.com (Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa Social Activities) Mary Satterwhite, Chair Committee Members: Kim McDonald - David Stickell - Jeff Austin Liz Bleau (Consultant) |
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Stewardship Campaign Nears
by John Powers & Rom Delacroix, Stewardship Campaign
Next month, on October 6, 2013, we will begin our annual Stewardship Campaign with coffee and cake immediately following the Sunday services. We hope, and anticipate, that all members and friends of the Church will attend, ready for a renewed collaboration to our church community by pledging financial support to our church's 2014 budget year.
We want to make this Stewardship Campaign, as short and painless as possible. We would like you to ask yourself these important questions while you prepare for pledging:
- How important is the Stewardship Campaign to the enduring welfare of my church?
- How significant is the church community to my life?
- If my church were to disappear, could any other source fulfill its Vision Statement? or my own?
- Is there anywhere else I could join such a diverse, loving and welcoming community and fit in?
It should become apparent, as you answer these questions, that while we may not come to our church for the same reasons, it is our responsibility to foster an enduring church community and to help uphold a vibrant future for our church. Please help us "Invest in our Future" by taking an active part in our Stewardship Campaign.
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CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME:
Committee Chair: Gloria Holloway, gshello@tampabay.rr.com (813-837-6572) Although we have had a bit of a hiatus with the concerts, things are about to change. To wit: Sunday Sept 29 at 3pm. PAUL DIAZ-COBO (tenor) accompanied by PARKER WILKSON (age 15 pianist) $10 advance. $15 door. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrW6pnX5uko http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5n084mYJ7o&feature=related About Paul: Paul, who is of Cuban and Canary Islands descent, has a magnificent tenor voice! Paul studied under the late Giovanni Martinelli of the NY Metropolitan Opera and the late Raymond D. Buckingham, the favorite basso of conductor Leopold Stokowski. At the young age of 25, Paul had his operatic debut in Johann Strauss' Die Fledermaus with the Jersey Lyric Opera. Shortly thereafter, he appeared as Tamino in Die Zauberflote, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Don Jose in Carmen. In 1992, after returning from Milan, Italy, where he performed at the Giuseppe Conservatoire, he was invited to participate in the Greater Miami Opera's Young Artist Program as Don Jose in a new adaptation of Bizet's Carmen. Other roles to his credit include Canio in I Pagliacci, Alvaro in La Forza del Destino, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Count Rosillion in the Merry Widow, Hoffmann in the Tales of Hoffmann, Faust, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Rodolfo in La Boheme. He has also appeared at the Julliard School of Music (by invitation of Maestro Vincent La Selva of the New York Grand Opera). " Una Voce Piu Bella, una voce piu bella!" ( A beautiful voice, a beautiful voice! ) --- Franco Corelli--Tenor OMTI (Opera Music Theatre International). About Parker: Parker, age 15, was considered a prodigy by age 13. He's a music student at the Patel Conservatory (Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa) and a high school student at Sunlake High in Land O' Lakes. He is a rare talent... He is Amazing... I can hand him any piece of music and he will have learned it by the next day. I would classify him as a prodigy since he is so quick to learn everything. Not only is he an amazing musician, his demeanor is that of such a nice young gentleman. He is a pleasure to work with. ---- Jodi Mark, Chorus director at Charles S. Rushe Middle School, Land O' Lakes. (Note: This quote came from an article by Suzanne Schmidt-Jackson published in the Land O' Lakes Patch, March 31, 2011)
Paul and Parker: This is Paul's 3rd appearance at the Dome. The Concert Committee is tickled pink to welcome him back. What a voice! His program is still TBA but we know it will be a goody. (Stay tuned.) Paul is bringing along an amazing young pianist as his accompanist. Is this exciting or what? Sunday Oct 29 at 3pm. ERIC ANDERSEN$25. (This one could sell out. You might want to grab your tickets in advance. ) Jay Kirchheimer, our UUCT sound tech extraordinaire, is a HUGE Eric Andersen fan and also a go-getter. It's because of Jay's efforts that this concert is taking place. Hip hip hooray for Jay! About Eric: Eric's voice, songs, guitar and piano playing created a career that has spanned over 45 years. He has recorded 25 albums of original songs, including "Thirsty Boots," and has made numerous tours of North America, Europe, and Japan. His songs have been recorded and performed by world renown artists such as Ricky Nelson, Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul and Mary, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Cash, The Grateful Dead, Linda Thompson, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Francoise Hardy, plus many others in Europe, Australia, England, and Japan. "Andersen is the most elegant of singers." - ROLLING STONE
"Eric Andersen is a great ballad singer and writer." - BOB DYLAN (Stage of Oslo Spektrum, 1997)
"A singer and songwriter of the first rank." - THE NEW YORK TIMES
Sunday, Nov 3 at 3pm. JAMES KEELAGHAN (dont forget to "fall back." end of daylight savings time) $15 door. $12 advance. ABOUT JAMES: James is a man for all seasons. His songbook has enlightened, enthralled, and been embraced, by audiences around the world. His masterful story telling has, over the course of nine recordings, been part of the bedrock of his success, earning him numerous nominations and awards - including a Juno (Canada's Grammy) - and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia.' "Canada's finest singer songwriter." - PLAYBOY/ Dave Marsh, Rock critic, historian and author
"The greatest thing about James Keelaghan is that he is a sort of trinity: indeed to secular characters like me, one can almost give that word a capital T and stick the word HOLY in front. By this I mean that for many of us he's always incorporated the COMMAND of a Stan Rogers with the RAW ENERGY of a young Gordon Lightfoot. And then he has added a large dollop of HIMSELF to provide us with a heady brew." - The Living Tradition
Sunday at 3pm Early Dec. Specific date/details TBA. Stay Tuned. Holiday Mini-Music Fest . A co-production with Friends of Florida Folk, Inc. (from 3pm - to 5:15ish pm) It is anticipated that the UUCT talent brigade will do an opening set of approx 30 minutes - after which there will be 3 add'l approx 30 minute sets featuring local/regional favorite musicians. I wouldn't be surprised but what there might be some sing-a-longs. Fa La La. Hopefully there will be diversity in the music selections. Can't say for sure exactly what's what but I'm anticipating Christmas. Hanukah. Kwanza. |
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JOIN US FOR A 14 DAY TOUR OF PORTUGAL & THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY
After 3 nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Ritz Hotel in Lisbon, thirty-five members and friends of UUCOV (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice) will board the newly refurbished Douro Spirit for 8 days as it travels this lovely river valley to meet the Atlantic, then spend two more nights at five-star Pousado do Porto in Oporto.
We'll attend wine tastings in a 14th century monastery and at several well-known wineries; we'll enjoy architectural, historical, and garden tours on shore; all shipboard meals, wine included, will be gourmet; our group will attend a special Captain's cocktail party; we'll loaf on the Sun Deck with its swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and bar; relax in air-conditioned comfort in our cabins or on our private French balconies and, in the evenings, be entertained by Portuguese Fado and Flamenco;.
A pre-trip extension to the garden island of Madeira and/or a post- trip extension to Santiago de Compostela are optional.
All this, and more, in the company of like-minded UUs and their friends, making up - so far - ¼ of the total travelers. And how pleasurable to become acquainted with members of nearby congregations. We'd be delighted to have you join us on this journey. For more information, check out Vantagetravel.com and look for the Portugal & Douro River Valley Tour 2014. To join the tour, contact the UUCOV trip organizer Nancy Ryder at Rydernancy@Yahoo.com or (941) 483-4576.
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 A Wider Horizon
The eyes experience less stress when they can look upon a wider horizon. ~ R.D. Chin
Whether it be physics or architecture or Eastern forms of meditation or Western forms of prayer, every field of inquiry affirms the fact that the wider our view, the less isolated we are. The more connected we stay to everything larger than us, the less turbulent our time on Earth.
This is why it helps to share our journey with others, because in so doing we become a chorus of voices, and the stress of going solo lessens once we discover that we are not alone.
As light when confined turns to heat, the stuff of our lives when confined ignites brush fires out of our isolation. So when you see someone stumbling forward with a stone in their heart, simply go near them and listen. When the pains of living feel sharp, open up your attention and give it freely, and the connections will even out the sharpness. When things feel heavy, reach out to whomever is near and distribute the weight.
Source: The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
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A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa |
Services begin at 11 a.m
September 1 - Work, Work, Work: A celebration of Labor Day Rev. Doak's first service will be an informal affair with him sharing a bit of philosophy, history, and reflections on the holiday that is 'Labor Day'.
September 8 - Life as a Journey: A Blending of Waters Ceremony An annual event Rev. Doak's reflections will consider the meaning and possible power of ritual for a reasoning people.
September 15 - Why Unitarian Universalism? Rev. Doak says about this offering; "This is a revival witness, testify, sermon. I hope it is the sermon I want to be remembered by with appreciation." An Interim Minister Investiture Ceremony is part of this service. Friends of the Mansfields and UUs from other UU congregations will be with us.
September 22 - What We haven't Learned from History Guest Speaker: Joseph McAuliffe
Despite the considerable problems our world faces today, Mr. McAuliffe believes that the "trajectory of the human story has been positive." He will identify several ideas that he deems essential to the forward progress of the human condition. Central to his thesis is the consequential implications of ideas and the critical need for personal intellectual inventory in ascertaining the foundational ideas of our own lives.
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I have no power of miracle
other than the attainment of quiet happiness.
I have no tact
except the exercise of gentleness.
~ Oracle of Sumiyoshi
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