|
|
|
|
|
| Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa | October 2013 |
|
Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield, Interim Minister
|
Erin Powers, DRE
|
|
|
Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day,
October 12th,
9-11 a.m.
|
Click for
The Church Calendar
|
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. |
|
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
|
| Our church earns a little bit of referral money when you make your purchases at Amazon using our link.
Click here:
|
|
Missing out? Not on our Yahoo elist?
It's easy to join!
Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUTampa/
|
|
Visit our website at
www.uutampa.org
|
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 |
|
|
|
Wondering While Wandering . . . Doak
1/24 of our time is past. An odd way to look at a process maybe, yet true, and it highlights the opportunities and a bit of the urgency. We like UUCT and the area and are feeling most welcomed and appreciated. That is gratifying and a treasured gift. Thanks all who have been a part.
I am rushing slowly as I work the interim ministry process. Listening, watching, wondering, learning are elements of the consultant side of my responsibility as Interim Minister, while speaking, leading worship, responding to pastoral matters, and officiating at what minister types officiate are other aspects of my vocation. All those things are happening, and it makes me happy.
Applying the consultant side discoveries and reflections; interacting with the church leadership, comes as a slow thing with a timetable more akin to quarters - 3 month intervals - rather than a final report. We are a work in progress, and it comes primarily in the form of conversations and small group work. I'll offer my ideas and observations in an in active way with the Board and at other opportunities, the pulpit sometimes, as we focus on five aspects of the UUCT:
Coming to terms with history Discovering a new identity Allowing leadership to emerge Tending to denominational (UUA) linkages & the larger community Committing to new directions in ministry reflective of learning
You will get to know me though my Sunday sharings and in snippets of small talk from time to time, maybe in committee meetings, maybe pastoral counseling, and other activities. I'm at a disadvantage as I can't spend much time in those settings getting to know you and learning your ideas, appreciations, and hopes for UUCT. I'd like very much to get to know individuals within the congregation and help you help me help do the best job I can for UUCT. My success in that is my satisfaction, and I trust, yours.
You may contact me for a get-together at the church or at a place of your convenience. Email: minister@uutampa.org or doakmansf@gmail.com; my personal cell: 601.498.0906. I look forward to hearing from you.
AUTUMN began Sept 21 with an Equinox and by the end of October comes Samhain, a Gaelic festival, marking the end of the harvest season celebrated from Oct. 31 - Nov. 1. It is the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. We're mostly tropical folk here in central-south Florida but we are North Hemisphere residents. We won't have a New England, Mid-West, or even Tennessee Fall with the colors, and frost (maybe) but we will have changes so the overpowering "lighter half" that comes next Summer will be warmer and the light more grand. Autumn; a melancholy time, maybe, but may it be a time of wondering and reflecting, taking stock, and realizing what matters, favoring the gift, and giving thanks. I'll go with those notions, you?
See you in church if not somewhere else. |
 From the Desk of the President Greetings! I am taking over the President's article from Mary Francis as she retires from the Board. Three good, new Trustees have joined us, Jodi Pecararo, John Powers, and Chuck Smith. And Roger Polcyn joins us to fill out a two-year vacancy.
I know, like, and have laughed with all these people and know them to be keenly interested in making the Church a wonderful place to be.
Leaving the Board this time were Ronnie Kirchheimer, Marla Frazer, and Mary Francis. Going to miss them, but they more than pulled their weight during their tenures.
Ronnie joined the Board to replace a Treasurer who left after two months. Ronnie stepped in and stepped up and made the job her own. She was great at asking, "And where exactly is that money coming from?" Treasurer is a big job, and she did it well.
Marla works. Those of you who know her know I could stop right there. But I won't. When you walk around the church and the grounds, you are surrounded by the things Marla is responsible for in some way. Color of paint, sidewalk, parking, stage, new fans . . . .
Mary served her full time, two 3-year terms. She was Secretary, Vice President, and then President. Mary has a lot of respect around the Church, and she has earned it. I learned early that I should listen to Mary, not because she was always right, but because she was often right when you didn't think she was gonna be. Don't try to understand that sentence, just know that I appreciate Mary very, very much.
Ronnie, Marla, Mary -- thank you. Jodi, John, Chuck, Roger -- mm boy, have you got some fun ahead!
Bill
Skepticism is my nature. Freethought is my methodology.
Agnosticism is my conclusion. Atheism is my opinion.
Humanitarianism is my motivation. Jerry DeWitt
|
 Stewardship Campaign is Here!
by Rom Delacroix & John Powers, Stewardship Campaign
This 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 its vibrant future. Please help us "Invest in our Future" by taking an active part in our Stewardship Campaign.
|
 Our RE year is off to a wonderful start! It's the dedication of our volunteers that make our program so great. I'd like to take this space to feature a few of our dedicated teachers.
This month's featured teachers are Nan Park and Beom Lee. Beom taught our PreK - 1st class last year with Teresa Hammard and is teaching again this year with his wife, Nan.
Originally from South Korea, Nan Park has been a member of UU Tampa for four years. She has masters' and doctoral degrees in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently a faculty member at the USF School of Social Work.
Beom Lee was born in South Korea, is married to Nan Park, with two sons, Harry and Jerry. He is a UU with Zen-Buddhist practice and a Board Member of our church. He has a bachelor's and master's degree in economics and a doctorate in statistics. Currently, he is on the faculty of the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at University of South Florida.
Please take a moment to thank Beom and Nan for their dedication to our children. Growing young UUs is vital to the growth of our faith.
|
 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 October 19th at 7:30 pm and welcome Circle Shalee. As Samhain approaches it is a time for the final harvest and reflection. The veil is thin and communication more easily accessible. Circle Shalee have a unique approach to access this moon's energy.
This is the time of year to reflect on loved ones who are now gone, and join our dumb supper on Friday, November 1st at 7 p.m. in the MPB. A dumb supper is a pot luck where we set a special place for our ancestors and then feast in silent reflection. Bring food to share that is white, red, or black. What! Can't think of anything? Black beans with white rice . . . red velvet cake . . . tomato sauces . . . keep going, and I know you will think of something fun. All are welcome - please don't think you need to be in CUUPS! Join us for this remembrance.
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. |
|
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 p.m. 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 meetings
Questions? Randall Gainforth: 813.988.7500 or rgainforth@aol.com
|
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 with hot dogs and hamburgers
* Vendors - come to do some holiday shopping
Styx'nStonz, Magikal Scents, Celtic Crafts, Incredible Bats, Mistie's Fashions, Thunder Mama, Rayvns Lace and more
* Raffle - 50/50 and quilt drawing (see below)
* Silent Auction - with Blue Goddess items
* 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
* Information - Social Action plans to have some great new 'green' stuff to learn about
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 |
Fundraising Events
Thanks to so many of you who have been participating in our "Dome Dollars" Program. We've earned over $340 for UUCT! If you're going to do some shopping--the holiday season is fast approaching, you know--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
Email me your order at fundraising@uutampa.org3. See me after the service.
Other fun ways to help us raise additional funds to support our mission at UUCT! Coming up:
Annual Auction: November 10th, 12 pm
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.
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.
|
 Raffle---Fun Quilt for UUCT
Perfect to snuggle up to watch True Blood, Twilight, or other 'blood related' shows. This t-shirt style quilt is made from "donate blood" shirts provided by Pat Fearns, from the many times she gave blood, and by Grant Wilson with his "Transylvania Times" shirt. It is soft, warm, and fuzzy on the back with blood red fleece.  It would be a great holiday gift, too, if vampires and blood just aren't your thing! For raffle tickets, see Ollis Hughes or go to the office, where Linda will have them available during the week. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The more you buy, the more you increase your odds for winning this lovely quilt made by Mary. The drawing for the winner will be at the Fall Festival on November 16th. |
FRIENDSHIP DINNERS
 This fall we return to our traditional potluck dinners in members' homes. 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.
|
PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION GROUP
This discussion group is held on the 1st and 3rd Mond  ays, 7 - 9 p.m. 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 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. Questions? Sacha Greer: 786-972-9003 or zenblossom@hotmail.com.
|
 HOPE Happenings
Hillsborough Organization for Progress & Equality
By Judy Lane.
Great job UUCT! This year, members and friends of UUCT have invested $4,975. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. Last year we reached $8,000 so needless to say, we could still use your help. Please provide your investment to one of the HOPE Justice Team Members: Judy Lane, Pat Fearns, Diane Gainforth, or Marta Pearson. HOPE does not accept money from governmental agencies, so our investments are important to keep HOPE funded.
This fall starts off our Justice Ministries listening process. In the coming weeks, we will be conducting house meetings to discuss the issues concerning our community. If you are asked, please consider attending a meeting so we can hear about your experiences and concerns. If you were not asked, but are interested, please contact one of the HOPE team members. The scheduled dates are Sunday, 10/6/13 and Sunday, 10/13/13 around 12:45.
Also, HOPE has hired Joe Andrews as a second, full-time organizer, a key step toward growing HOPE to meet the challenges ahead. This includes fair hiring for those with a criminal background and an affordable housing trust fund.
Remember, in Hillsborough County and at the UUCT, we have
HOPE FOR JUSTICE. |
 Friday Oct 11...... We are going to Join with Game Night ....Come on out and enjoy some Community and a few songs. Get in touch with Russ Kirby for the music and Jay Kirchheimer if you want to help ..... Bring a salad or a sweet.... Event time 6-10 Grill 6-7:30 |
CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME:
Committee Chair: Gloria Holloway, gshello@tampabay.rr.com (813-837-6572) REMEMBER, THESE CONCERTS ARE FUNDRAISERS FOR UUCT. NOWHERE ELSE CAN YOU GET SO UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH SUCH GREAT, LIVE PERFORMERS!
COME ON OUT AND ENJOY!
Sunday Oct 27 at 3pm . ERIC ANDERSEN$25. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Andersen http://www.ericandersen.com/ 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! Prior to the concert, Marcie Finkelstein, WMNF DJ, will air an interview she had with Eric. I'm not sure of the date/time; however, when I find out, I'll post it to our UUCT Yahoo Group message board. Also, Eric is scheduled to appear on the WMNF Live Music Show (1 - 2pm ) on Friday October 25. 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 with Radoslav Lorkovic opening (dont forget to "fall back." end of daylight savings time) $15 door. $12 advance. http://www.keelaghan.com/Keeloweb/KEELOWEB.html http://www.radoslavlorkovic.com/about/ ABOUT JAMES: James is a man for all seasons. His songbook has enlightened, enthralled, and been embraced by audiences around the world. His masterful storytelling 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 TraditionABOUT RADOSLAV: Rad, who hails from Croatia, is the most entertaining and endearing piano player and accordion player that one will ever encounter. And Rad sings too. When there are occasions for a festival audience to select its favorite performer during an entire festival, if Rad is among the choices, then chances are that he will be Number 1. Audiences LOVE Rad. During a recent appearance on Garrison Keilor's Prairie Home Companion, Rad thrilled that audience too. Rad has performed with the likes of Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, Ribbon of Highway Woody Guthrie Tribute, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Ellis Paul, Ronny Cox, Dave Moore, Andy White, and Bo Ramsey. Having James Keelaghan in the Dome is a treat in itself. But adding Rad is icing on the cake. Chances are the two will do some songs together. And when that happens, hoo, boy! the Dome will be a'jumpin' . Sunday December 8 at 3 p.m. Holiday Mini-Music Fest A co-production of UUCT & Friends of Florida Folk, Inc. Bing Futch and others will be featured. Bing's website: http://www.darkstudios.com/ This concert is still "in the works." It is anticipated that the UUCT talent brigade will do an opening set - after which there will be 2 additional sets. With roots in both African and Seminole Indian tribes, Bing Futch's window on America is a unique landscape of music, words, and imagery. As a solo performer, Bing's high-energy, crowd pleasing vocals, and unique approach to the mountain dulcimer have made him a popular touring performer, from Florida (he lives in Orlando) to California, and beyond. HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR UUCT IN A VERY ENTERTAINING WAY! |
 . . . for seniors of all ages The next Senior Connections group will meet on October 15 (3rd Tuesday of the month) in the Multi-Purpose Building. The meetings start at 2 p.m. and end at 4 p.m. Please call David at 813-988-7272 if you have any questions. The first meeting was September 17, and we played dominoes. Please join us and have some good senior fun. Other ideas for what to do will be discussed at the next meeting. See me or any member of the Social Activities 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) |
JOIN US FOR A 14 DAY TOUR OF PORTUGAL & THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY June 7-20, 2014
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.
|
 Game Night
Fri., October 11th, 6:30-9pm
This fun evening of games and fellowship occurs on the 2nd Friday of each month, 6:30 - 9pm in the Multi-Purpose Building. Play our games or bring your own. Great snacks are provided. Our next Game Night will be on Friday, October 11th.
Mexican Train Dominoes is a perennial favorite. We also have UNO, Rook, Skip-Bo and Scrabble sets, as well as cards and whatever YOU want to bring.
If any questions, contact Jeannette Manning, 813-857-0468, manningjea@yahoo.com. (Social Activities Committee)
|
Good Book Column
Welcome to Fall, everyone. Of course, I'm writing this in September, so maybe by the time you read this, the weather will be some cooler. We can only hope. Here are the selections for this month's reading. Hope you enjoy them. Don't forget to e-mail me about books (can be children or adult literature, e-books, etc.) at cbanddave1@verizon.net From Ann Cook: For a reassuring read in this political season, I recommend the well-researched book, The Presidents Club by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, published this year. Who knew that once out of office, the ex-Presidents maintain fraternal relationships, consult with the incumbent across party lines, and form unexpected friendships? Some may become something similar to loose cannons, like Jimmy Carter, or take the backstairs to consult on foreign affairs like the disgraced Nixon, or a surprising father figure like Clinton. When you close the book, you'll feel better about the governance of our country. Ann Harvey: I have been thoroughly enjoying books written by Richard Paul Evans. He is a very entertaining and meaningful writer who portrays situations amongst people and how they are able to overcome their difficulties and learn from their experiences. His unselfishness is shown through these books, thereby making my own life much more meaningful. For interesting reading, his knowledge of history and just plain living is amazing. I highly recommend the following: Lost December, Finding Noel, The Walk, and Miles To Go. From Beverly Bethune: Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar...Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes. Social worker Thomas Cathcart and gag-writer Daniel Klein, 1950's Harvard philosophy graduates, a short time ago wrote this hilarious/serious book. It's a crash course in philosophy, with chapter titles, such as "Metaphysics," "Logic, and " Existentialism," which sound like anything but a light summer read. But then there are the jokes, 143 of them, some classics, really funny, and used by the authors to illuminate philosophical ideas. Here's one pertaining to Kant's distinction between appearances and the transcendent world behind appearances: Secretary: Doctor, there's an invisible man in the waiting room. Doctor: Tell him I can't see him. And here's one about the relativity of the perception of time: A snail was mugged by two turtles. When the police asked him what happened, he said, "I don't know. It all happened so fast." Do you want to know what happened when Plato and a platypus walked into a bar? Read the book. Harriet Blymiller: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. I just started this novel (990+ pages), and so far, it is amazing. If I'd written just the first two paragraphs, I'd consider it a good writing career. Here's a sample: "I was a revolutionary who lost his ideals in heroin, a philosopher who lost his integrity in crime, and a poet who lost his soul in a maximum-security prison." Think you don't have time to read? Borrowing books on CD from the library is just great--like being read to (and you are). Listen while you mop, scrub the grout, sew, or whatever! HB Thanks to all those new contributors for our column this month. Happy Reading! Carol Baker |
Stones & Pebbles (Story retold with Anonymous source) One day, an old professor of the School of Public Management in France, was invited to lecture on the topic of "Efficient Time Management" in front of a group of 15 executive managers representing the largest, most successful companies in America.
The lecture was one in a series of 5 lectures conducted in one day, and the old professor was given 1 hour to lecture.
Standing in front of this group of elite managers willing to write down every word from the famous professor's lips, the professor slowly met eyes with each manager, one by one, and finally said, "We are going to conduct an experiment." From under the table that stood between the himself and the listeners, the professor pulled out a big glass jar and gently placed it in front of him. Next, he pulled out from under the table a bag of stones, each the size of a tennis ball, and placed the stones one by one in the jar. He did so until there was no room to add another stone in the jar.
Lifting his gaze to the managers, the professor asked, "Is the jar full?" The managers replied, "Yes." The professor paused for a moment, and replied, "Really?" Once again, he reached under the table and pulled out a bag full of pebbles.
Carefully, the professor poured the pebbles in and slightly rattled the jar, allowing the pebbles to slip through the larger stones, until they settled at the bottom. Again, the professor lifted his gaze to his audience and asked, "Is the jar full?" At this point, the managers began to understand his intentions.
One replied, "Apparently not!" "Correct," replied the old professor, now pulling out a bag of sand from under the table. Cautiously, the professor poured the sand into the jar. The sand filled up the spaces between the stones and the pebbles. Yet again, the professor asked, "Is the jar full?" Without hesitation, the entire group of students replied in unison, "NO!" "Correct," replied the professor.
And as was expected by the students, the professor reached for the pitcher of water that was on the table and poured water in the jar until it was absolutely full. The professor now lifted his gaze once again and asked, "What great truth can we surmise from this experiment?" With his thoughts on the lecture topic, one manager quickly replied, "We learn that as full as our schedules may appear, if we only increase our effort, it is always possible to add more meetings and tasks." "No," replied the professor.
"The great truth that we can conclude from this experiment is: If we don't put all the larger stones in the jar first, we will never be able to fit all of them later." The auditorium fell silent, as every manager processed the significance of the professor's words in their entirety. The old professor continued, "What are the large stones in your life? Health? Family? Friends? Your goals? Doing what you love? Fighting for a Cause? Taking time for yourself?"
"What we must remember is that it is most important to include the larger stones in our lives, because if we don't do so, we are likely to miss out on life altogether. If we give priority to the smaller things in life (pebbles and sand), our lives will be filled up with less important things, leaving little or no time for the things in our lives that are most important to us. Because of this, never forget to ask yourself, 'What are the Large Stones in my Life?' And once you identify them, be sure to put them first in your 'Jar of Life'".
|
|
|
A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa |
Services begin at 11 a.m
October 6: Connections & Relations: Association Sunday -- Doak & Joan Lund
Beyond our Dome is a world of free thought and democratically run congregations seeking to provide places of search and service; learning, witness, and nurture. Joan and Doak will explore that and the association known as the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA); Boston and Beyond.
October 13: Ministry: Calling & Profession -- Doak
Some definitions and models for ministry will be considered. There are some 1,400 ordained UU ministers in the USA and Canada, and they come in all sizes and colors, accents and worldviews, spiritualities and passions. Doak will 'squeal on' the profession and his fellow travelers.
October 20: The Evolution of Spirituality -- Guest Speaker: Ray Williamson
Ray Williamson will lead us in an examination of how we humans came to dominate this world and
envision another, and what that means for our fate. Ray is an active 14-year member of the Unitarian
Universalists of Clearwater. He is a worship associate and has chaired and served on numerous
groups, attended GA as a delegate, and taught the Welcoming Congregation, Non-Violent Communication,
and OWL (Our Whole Lives).
October 27: The Masks of Our Lives -- Doak
We all wear masks of protection or diversion or creativity or delusion. If others could just see behind our masks there would be some surprises. Dare we take talk about ours or take it off? Doak will wonder and maybe challenge. Costumes invited. Please come as you 'true self': as your inner, idolized self.
Conversations With The Board: Members of the Board of Trustees will be present for conversation after church on the last Sunday of each month from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The purpose of these conversations will be to open communication and share ideas. Come with questions and ideas, but always with an open mind.
|
"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives."
~A Sachs
|
|
|
|
|
