|
|
|
|
|
| Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa | November 2013 |
|
Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield, Interim Minister
|
Erin Powers, DRE
|
|
|
Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day,
November 10th,
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
Autumn in Tampa: a refreshing surprise for me so far. There is a power in the changes of atmosphere, climate. In heavy humidity there is a feeling of oppression; on cool days there can be a surge of energy, a lift of spirit and attitudes.
The routines of our living: work, relationships, responsibilities, health issues, financial obligations, and maybe even attempts at recreation and play are challenges and take enormous effort. An intentional spiritual life is an opportunity to find and develop reserves and perspectives that offer us not a magical power but resources for coping.
For me spiritual awareness and practice manifest in a strong desire and serious intention to be about looking, feeling beyond the obvious encountered at the moment, specific occasion. I seek to project my awareness beyond the present, the narrow to seek the broad and the timeless. I find times to do that through thoughtful television, plays, and movies, off beat songs with good and engaging lyrics. Poetry can be a resource as well as various religious writings from various world faith traditions and what history has dubbed 'scripture.' Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible is especially helpful.
Those experiences are of value if they create an insight and a feeling that offer one's appreciation of the wonder and amazement of living. A simple but vital thing I'd say. I encourage your tending to the spiritual-religious 'muscles,' 'impulses' that work for you. It can come about through any form that is not hurtful to self or others or nature. If it gives rest to your restlessness, calmness to anxiety, ease for any dis-ease in your life, it is worthwhile.
Thanksgiving is a time for a harvest festival for shared resources: real common-unity expressed through sharing nourishment and nurture. The nurture of one's relationship to a story, a tradition, and a people is vital to the observance of Thanksgiving. It is not about miracle stories or the intervention of a supreme power. It is about people sharing their gifts with others and all benefiting. That is a most scared thing. May yours be a memorable Thanksgiving, Pilgrims.
Together - Doak |
 Desk of the President
You have most likely have heard of the Broken Windows theory. It was introduced in a 1982 article by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling. Since then it has been subject to great debate both within the social sciences and in the public sphere. It is a theory about crime reduction, but it contains some truth that connects it to our church.
Consider this example. Some litter accumulates. Soon, noticing that there is litter on the ground already, more litter accumulates. You have seen this at bus stops around the area. The implication for us is this: When the campus starts looking a little ragged, paint peeling, vines growing, mold on the sidewalk (and the small dome), tree limbs drooping or broken, we all begin to develop a comfort with the situation that actually causes us not to see it. We develop a scotoma or blind spot to the disarray. But our visitors and new members don't have that blind spot. They see paint peeling, vines growing, mold on the sidewalk, etc.
What can we do? Well, I would like to propose that over the next year we work on fixing our broken windows. I will be talking to the heads of Committees, and others, in the next month, trying to convince them that their committee (or group, or whatever) should adopt some portion of the campus as their own and take care of the "broken window" on that portion.
I am also asking that you as an individual do a little bit to help. When you are at the Church, pull a weed, straighten a picture, pick up some litter. When you have some spare time, come out to the Church and see if spending an hour or so cleaning things up (maybe with a friend) is something you can do. If an individual wants to adopt an area, great. If you can't do that, come to the Building and Grounds workday. It is for your church.
Over the cool weather in the next few months we can make a lot of progress. Let's do it.
Bill UUCT
One Place. All Faiths. No Problem.
|
 Erin Powers
On Being Evangelical
This word really scares most Unitarian Universalists. It's understandable. I know that the first thought that comes to mind for me is the over-the-top television preachers. That's not an image I want to be associated with. But what we really mean when we use the "E" word is sharing. Sharing is something that we do well. We share food and coffee. We share our time and talents with each other and with our children and youth. We share our thoughts in small groups and in the pulpit. But often it stops there. Why are we so shy with our faith? It can be difficult when our beliefs don't fit into the norm of society. I have had conversations with friends about how much easier it would be to fit into the mainstream, but it just isn't who we are. It can be hard to speak out for what we believe and to live out our principles in the real world. For myself, being a Unitarian Universalist has given me courage I didn't have before. I have found myself less willing to let things slide that go against my beliefs. It is scary to speak out and speak up for myself and my faith, but I know I have my faith community backing me up. Isn't that something most people need? A loving community to lift them up and support them on their journey to their best self! Our world needs it!
Many of us have traveled far on our faith journey and we carry much baggage. Our children, however, carry none or very little. What a wonderful gift we can give them of an unencumbered path of religious exploration! Let us step out of our comfort zone and be proud of our faith. Not just among other UUs, but out in the world.
|
Greetings from A New Chair of Adult Religious Education
by Jeffery Austin
 Welcoming words work both ways! I'd like to introduce myself (reintroduce myself to lots of us) in hopes of welcoming many folks to our Adult Religious Education programs at the UU Church of Tampa. I'm Jeffery Austin, a product of the US Navy and the US Air Force, as well as a graduate of the nearby University of South Florida. A public library somewhat further away, in Sarasota County, employs me as an information source. My native place is deep in the hills of Tennessee (Norma, TN) and I put myself through an undergraduate English degree at Knoxville's University of Tennessee by working at the UT hospital and the library on campus. Adult education has been my professional field in Florida, along with another graduate degree from the U. of South Florida in Library and Information Science.
In t he coming days and months, UUCT will continue successful programs in Adult Religious Ed. such as the Parenting Group, which returns this autumn. Future programs may, if interest exists, bring us to join in a shared reading of Behind the Kitchen Door, the Unitarian Universalist Association's Common Read book for 2013-2014. This up-to-date book by an expert on the topic, Saru Jayaraman, peeks into what it means to work for low wages in the restaurants where many of us eat, especially for those who are new to these shores. The aftermath within our economy of the attacks of September 11, 2001 is an important starting point for the author as she makes us understand more about life in our times!
I look forward to serving and learning along with you all!
|
 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 November 16th at 7:30 pm for our annual Bardic Circle. Whether poetry, stories or songs, the Circle is meant to honor the story-tellers of old. So bring your favorite story to tell, your poem to recite, or song to sing! Come early and enjoy Fall Festival (see below).
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. |
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 |
|
John Denver Sing-a-Long
As part of the Fall Festival, on November 16th, Kim McDonald and Mary Satterwhite will lead a John Denver sing-a-long. After all, if John Denver was not an active UU, he was probably a "closet UU." He was an environmentalist working with Jacques Cousteau. He was pro civil rights working with Jimmy Carter to eliminate world hunger. He was anti-war, and he wrote the song, "What One Man Can Do" in honor of Buckminster Fuller who designed the concept for our Dome. So - all you guitar players and other John Denver fans, join us for a half hour or hour of singing at about the mid-point in the afternoon. Time to be more defined as we get closer to the date. We will provide the words for the songs and, if our guitar players do not know the songs, perhaps we can play them on CD to sing along with. We also hope to have a short video of his work, "What are we making weapons for" song. Check out You-Tube for clips of his singing.
|
 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. |
Community Conversation
Worship: What Does It Mean for UUCT?
Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 9:30am to 11:30am
All are welcome and encouraged to attend
The Worship Program Committee feels it is important to examine our current Sunday morning service and begin the conversation on how this most critical element of our time together expresses and reinforces who we are, what we believe, and what we aspire to become. Before we ask how to attract new people, we must satisfy and challenge ourselves. Everything begins with Sunday morning.
A very useful book, Worship That Works: Theory and Practice for Unitarian Universalists is available from Amazon for the Kindle. Major portions of it are also available on the UUA website: https://www.uua.org/worship/theory/worshipworks/. |
Going, Going, GONE
Our auction this year is Sunday, November 10 at 12:30 pm. Last year many of you donated to the auction and we thank you for that and hope you plan to again this year.
We have acquired some new auction software that ought to speed the process of item entry and, at the end of the day, checkout. The software, from togetherauction.com has several interesting features that will make life easier for us. One of these features is that you can go online yourself and enter your own auction items, check on your own purchases, and view all the items to be offered at the auction.
In order to see how this works, you can logon to the software at UUCT 2013 Auction
Just click DONATE and you will get the login screen and look for the big blue "Donate a new Item" link.
If you have previously donated to the auction, an account has been set up for you. Your username is your telephone number (check the instructions about 813 numbers), and your password is set to be the last 4 digits of your telephone number and you will be at your statement page. Or, if you just want to look at what has been offered so far, just Click on the Catalog button at the top. Want to establish an account??? Email us at auction@uutampa.org.
Work your way through the site, if you like to do that sort of thing, and enter your own items and pictures. Figure out where to find the items others have offered up.
To offer something again from last year, click on the Other years: 2012 link on your statement, then scroll down to your donation and click the offer again link next to it. If you see the smiley face thank-you page, you'll know we've got it!
If you don't like this sort of thing and want to do it the "old-fashioned" way, see the insert in the Order of Service or email auction@uutampa.org.
It's going to be a fun event for a good cause! |
|
From the Well-Versed UU
For the November Domelight, our feature is from Rev Doak Mansfield's sermon on September 29th "The Wolf Returns"
The wolf returns, his fear and determination direct the rage.
Deep seeing, hot eyes take in the terrain, senses attuned to the threats.
From ancient mystic realms he comes to me, my kin from the midst of creation.
Imagining, I claim his characteristic for mine; incarnation of a sorts.
Romantic folly, idealist delusion or possibility, a crack in the Descartes rigidity?
Energy from the mystery beyond manifests though the mystery within.
I know it beyond fact and that is all that matters in the moment.
I be a man not a wolf, I be a mostly modern preacher-teacher not ancient Cherokee Holy man.
A distraction then; a day dream on a sweltering Sun bleached day in the old Choctaw country.
This wandering is not induced by chemical or distillation just an old man's need.
It is but my soul's longings for a refreshing breeze through the young Cedar and old Oak.
There it is the sound of a few of the family, cousin birds singing.
There are smells of sweet grasses and the next valley's fragrances.
The wolf relaxes for a time seeing with spirit the place, knowing it, relieved he turns.
I come back to the racket of today and the real, grieving my brief visit home.
. . . To all you talented UU Domelight readers out there, send us your own poem and we will feature one each month in this space. Don't be shy - share .
|
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!
WHO: JAMES KEELAGHAN with RADOSLAV LORKOVIC DATE: Sunday, November 3, 2013 TIME: 3:00 p.m. (doors - 2:30 pm) (Don't forget to "fall back" one hour Saturday, the night before - end of Daylight Savings Time.) COST: $15 door. $12 advance. (Purchase tickets in advance at the church website via check/credit card - check/cash only at the door)  ABOUT THE CONCERT If it weren't tantalizing enough to have James Keelaghan in the Dome, having Rad join the bill adds a whole new element of excitement. Chances are good they will collaborate on at least a few songs. And - oh boy - will the Dome be jumpin' when that happens. James Keelaghan in concert - for website JAMES KEELAGHAN http://www.keelaghan.com/Keeloweb/KEELOWEB.html JAMES KEELAGHAN is an artist who has proven to be 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 SPECIAL GUEST RADOSLAV LORKOVIC (aka RAD!) http://www.radoslavlorkovic.com/about/  RAD is the most entertaining and endearing piano and accordion player that one will ever encounter. Rad sings too. When there are occasions for a festival audience to select its favorite performer during a festival chances are Rad will be #1. Audiences LOVE Rad. During a recent appearance on Garrison Keilor's Prairie Home Companion, Rad thrilled that audience too. Rad has performed with Odetta, Jimmy LaFave, the Ribbon of Highway Woody Guthrie Tribute, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Ellis Paul, Ronny Cox, Dave Moore, Andy White, and Bo Ramsey. Born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1958, Rad got his initial exposure to music from his grandmothers. Antonija, his maternal grandmother, sang Croatian, Slovenian and Czech folk songs to him. At age one he was singing back on pitch. By age three he was putting on floor shows for his grandfather and friends. Fast forward to today: Drawing from a multitude of influences ranging from elegant classical and jazz to raw basic blues, country, and soul, Rad has refined a broad spectrum of music into his distinctive piano and accordion styles. His thirty+ year touring career has led him from the taverns of the upper Mississippi River to the castles of Italy, The Canary Islands, The Yup'ik villages of Alaska, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall - and now, to Concerts in the UU Dome.  CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME & FRIENDS OF FLORIDA FOLK Present: A HOLIDAY FOLK CONCERT
WHEN: Sun Dec 8, 2013
FEATURING: BING FUTCH & SOUTHWIND WITH THE UUCT TALENT BRIGADE BILL BLYMILLER & FRIENDS)
TIME: 3:00 pm
COST: $10 Advance. $12 Door.
(Purchase tickets in advance at the church website via check/credit card - check/cash only at the door)
 Bill Blymiller Bing Futch Southwind
and friends
Concerts in the UU Dome ( UU Church of Tampa ) AND the Friends of Florida Folk Organization are teaming up to present a delightful holiday concert.
THE MUSICIANS:
The opening set will be courtesy of THE UUCT TALENT BRIGADE ( BILL BLYMILLER & FRIENDS). Bill is a member of the UU (and currently serving as its President). Bill is also a talented musician with a "wry" sense of humor. Bill, with the help of a few friends, will do an opening set. One can always expect the unexpected from Bill. Be prepared.
BING FUTCH: Bing is an African-Seminole singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Mountain Dulcimer & Native American flute). He "discovered" the mountain dulcimer in the mid 80s while working at Knott's Berry Farm theme park in California. Today he is a high-profile, high energy, and highly sought after performer of this uniquely American instrument. Whether he's performing at the likes of the Hard Rock Cafe or on the main stage at the Florida Folk Festival, with his singing, songwriting and expertise on the Native American flute and the moutain dulcimer, Bing is always an audience favorite.
SOUTHWIND:
We are oh so pleased to announce that the Florida Folk Group SOUTHWIND is returning to the Dome for it's 7th or 8th Holiday Concert at the Dome (or maybe 9th- who's counting?) . SOUTHWIND is a popular Florida Folk acoustic group that combines the talent and artistry of four area musicians who hail from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties : Mary Ann Dinella, Sandra Jemison, Sharon Naumann, and Dennis Devine. Southwind's sound is an eclectic blend of close harmonies and unique arrangements featuring the use of multiple instruments. They will do a mix of both holiday & non-holiday tunes. Of course, there will be some sing-a-longs. PLUS - It wouldn't be a Southwind holiday concert without the audience being required to join in on "The 12 Days of Christmas."
OH THE FUN OF IT: This promises to be a very delightful afternoon of music . What a great way to kick off the Holiday Season.
|
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.
|
The Senior Connections meeting is still the third Tuesday of the month from 2-4 PM in room 3 of the Multi-Purpose Building. Jeannette Manning is hoping to start a bridge group a part of the Senior Connections, but meeting earlier in the day. There is a thought of lunch between the 2 groups for those interested. If you are interested in the bridge group, please call or email Jeannette.
In addition, I have heard that some of you still want to include a discussion group as part of this. Great idea. It is your time. There is no reason why a few of you can't sit in the lobby on the sofas and comfortable chairs and talk about whatever is of interest to you.
|
Good Book ColumnWell, dear readers, if you were paying attention last month, I inadvertently repeated an old good book column from last year, so this month, I'm catching up. These are October AND November offerings. Enjoy.
From Fran Davin: "Savage Continent: Europe in the Aftermath of WW II" by Keith Lowe. Historian Lowe lays out a stunning new view of the aftermath of WWII in Europe. History buffs will be mesmerized and even sometimes surprised by his narration and the general reader will find much to challenge the glorified picture learned in their schoolroom.
"What Went Wrong: How The 1% Hijacked The American Middle Class And What Other Countries Got Right." One of many memorable quotes from George R. Tyler's book reflects his thesis: "The key to German success is the social contract: 'the willingness of business, labor and political leaders to put aside some of their differences and make agreements in the national interest.' You have just ready why German families are living the American Dream and you are not." Germany's leading conservative chancellor Angela Merkel--the longest serving international leader among democratic countries--explained it this way: '[Our system] had and still has social cohesion and equality at its core. It tries to forge alliances. In a way, we will perhaps always insist on a higher degree of equality than in Anglo-Saxon societies.'" For those looking for what went wrong in the U.S., readers will find both expected-and unexpected-heroes, heroines and villains.
Your editor is back from a nice long holiday in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. While there, I read books about the area, especially about the "robber baron" days, the new industrial age and development of the steel industry. I really enjoy putting my reading in a context of places I've seen. That process makes history (which I usually avoid like the plague) come alive for me.
I would like to recommend a rather light-hearted book. I hope some of you have had the opportunity to hear David Sedaris read some of his essays. There is something in his reading that is special. He has a number of books to choose from, but his latest is "Exploring Diabetes With Owls". The book has very little to do with diabetes or owls, but his essays are based on his diary; everything from his personal experience with medical care in France to his father's dinnertime attire (shirt sleeves and underpants). The stories are combinations of funny and moving. He has an interesting take on life, which explains his unusual title for the book.
Remember to send your contributions via e-mail to me at cbanddave1@verizon.net or if you don't have e-mail, just call. Thank you.
See you next month.
Carol Baker
|
 Rambunctious Roustabouts
This group would like to regenerate now that we have a Social Activities Committee. Marjorie Acker has requested a traveling group to visit museums, parks (eg: Hillsborough River State Park for a picnic), kayaking, canoeing, etc. Activities would take place once a month on whatever date decided by those who wish to attend. This would not be a part of Senior Connections as all ages (not just seniors) are invited. Please call Marjorie at 941-753-7115 as she will coordinate this group.
|
 In the Spotlight . . . Alex Drelles During the Stewardship Campaign, Rom Delacroix asked some of our members why they are UUs. Alex Drelles gave this memorable presentation at the October 6th Sunday service: "Whe  n Rom first asked me to talk about why my family and I are UUs, I was honored by the request. I could talk about why we like it here and what this congregation means to us. But as is the case with modern life, the request was made about 6 weeks ago and in that time I forgot. Nicole and I are like Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate factory. We're fighting to win a losing battle against karate practice, grocery shopping, homework, cleaning guinea pig cages and dispute resolution between our two tenants Ethan and Nathan. To be fair Rom had sent me an email reminder a couple of weeks ago. But it went to email account that is still active, but one I don't use anymore. So 3 days ago I get an email from Linda our office administrator, saying I am involved some capacity with the Sunday Service. Some capacity, my first instinct is that they would like for me to be eye candy during the service. I hit the reply all button and ask what are my responsibilities during the service. Those of you, who are part of corporate America, as I am, understand the power of reply all. It's something to be use with great caution. The emails start flying left and right. Why had no one contacted me, whose responsibility was it, people were apologizing. There was all this concern. In the middle of that mini-hurricane, it hit me, the core reason I'm a UU. It's my relationship with all of you. Folks were really concerned and cared about what I had been asked to do. Before Nicole and I decided to join UUCT, I had friends that were deeply involved with their church. Frankly I was jealous. They had a place to go to fill the spiritual part of their heart. The elixir they fill it with wasn't to my tastes, but I knew I need something. That something is my relationship with all of you. It's working with other RE members to pull off a tremendously successful spaghetti dinner. It's going with Erin to Orlando for youth group training for a weekend. It's having new friends from the congregation come to my house for Greek spaghetti. It's having a discussion with Russell in youth group about violence in video games. It's feeling both sad and proud that Katie our previous RE director was moving on to further her career as a minister. Obviously I could go on. I haven't even mentioned all that my children have received spiritually from being members of this congregation. Though as I'm writing this Nathan is complaining that he doesn't want to go to church. But I know that I'll have to drag him from the multipurpose building when it's time to leave. The words I want on my gravestone are, you must be the change you want to see in the world. More kindness, more friendship, more compassion, more love, these are the changes I want to see in the world. Being here with all of you is me fulfilling that request. It's why my family and I are Unitarian Universalists." |
Migrant Food Basket
The delivery of non-perishable food will begin again on November 1st! In the Thanksgiving tradition, please bring an item to help local migrants have a great holiday. |
 Foster Angels
UUCT has been participating in the Foster Angel program for several years now. "The mission and vision of the Foster Angels of Hillsborough County, Inc., is that every child that has been separated from their family and placed in a foster home due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment will be able to enjoy the Christmas Holiday."
The tree will be in the lobby soon. So grab your angel and we will help them meet their mission! The back of the angel will have the child's wish list. All gifts should be new and wrapped. The pick-up date will be December 15th at noon. Sorry, if you miss the date there is no drop off location or second pick-up.
|
 Donate a Poinsettia
Donate a beautiful red poinsettia, to be placed at the pulpit, in honor or memory of someone, during the month of December. Joyce Formica is taking orders for quality, potted, 6-inch foil-wrapped poinsettia plants for just $8.00 per plant. Christmas cactus cost $8.50. The plants are being purchased from the Temple Terrace Garden Club, the church receives a small income from the sale and the pleasure of seeing the pulpit decorated with fresh flowers Dec 8th thru the 24th. All orders must be prepaid by cash or check. Order deadline is Sunday, November 17th. Contact Joyce Formica for more information (keyspouse2@aol.com or 988-1907).
|
FUNdraising
Like it or not, the Holidays are quickly approaching! Most of us will likely be participating in some sort of gift-buying activities. Let's make this practice a bit more beneficial for UUCT! MANY retailers will give UUCT a rebate on gift cards. Here's how it works.... UUCT purchases the gift cards at a discount (anywhere from 3%-18%) and then we sell them for full price. It costs you NOTHING EXTRA to help UUCT make a bit of money. It just requires a bit of pre-planning.
I wi ll be taking orders for gift cards between now and December 15. It costs $7 every time we have gift cards shipped to us, so I'd like to use as few shipments as possi
ble. Please go to http://www.shopwithscrip.com/Shop/default.aspx to see the list of retailers and the rebate that each will donate to UUCT. If you don't already have an account with Shopwithscrip.com, you can either sign up and place your order on the website (use 8FB2E1CE35565 for the enrollment code) OR just send me an email with your order (fundraising@uutampa.org).
It's THAT easy. Please think of UUCT before you do your holiday shopping!!!
Thanks,
Stacy
UUCT Fundraising Chair |
Women and Power
4th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist
Women's Retreat
March 21-23, 2014
DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Ellenton Florida
During our weekend together we will share stories and inspirations and explore the many aspects of power in our lives and in the lives of women of the world.
The retreat begins Friday at 5:00pm and ends Sunday at Noon. Along with our planned program, there will be opportunities for conversation, relaxation, outdoor activities, music, singing, drumming, labyrinth walking, and more.
DaySpring Conference Center is conveniently located off I-75 just north of Sarasota on Florida's West Coast. The beautiful campus nestled under ancient oaks and located on a cove of the Manatee River offers a serene setting for our annual retreat. Take a look. http://Dayspring.dioswfl.org. $220 per person covers expenses for a semi-private room and six meals. 8 women share a cozy cottage with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, a screened porch and common area. A non-refundable deposit of $20 will reserve your place. Final payment is due January 15, 2014.
Come join us for a memorable weekend.
|
TOP TEN REASONS TO CALL (EMAIL, FACEBOOK, OR TEXT) YOUR MINISTER:
1. When you or a member of your family is ill.
2. When you are experiencing a life crisis and need to talk.
3. When you are celebrating one of life's joys and want to share the good news.
5. When you want to have a child dedication or other rite of passage.
6. When you have suggestions or comments about our faith community.
7. When you have just finished running a marathon (or other similar amazing feat.)
8. When you have a good story to share.
9. When you want to get more connected in the congregational community.
10. When you want to talk about religion or spiritual matters.
The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield, D. Min. |
A NEW LOGO OF OUR OWN
Calling all artists and designers. The Membership and Communications committees are sponsoring a logo design competition to provide a logo specific to our UUCT. The church logo will be used in addition to the UUA chalice but will not replace it. The logo may be used in UUCT publications, stationery, memorabilia, etc..
Submissions should be placed in the membership committee mailbox in the church office or emailed to membership@uutampa.org. by December 1, 2013.
Prizes: First prize is a $25 gift certificate from Chipotle and a sample of the logo in a product or memorabilia item with the winning logo; the two runner-up submissions will each receive a $10 PDQ gift certificate.
The selection process will be organized by the chairs of the Communications and Membership committees. A committee made of representatives from church committees will select finalists based on the criteria below. Congregation members will vote to select the winning logo.
Selection criteria:
1. The logo shall be an original piece of art or sketch.
2. The logo can contain lettering or a phrase, but shall also be usable without the lettering or phrase unless the lettering or phrase is an integral part of the design. If a name or phrase is incorporated, it must not have been previously copyrighted or it must be in the public domain. If lettering is incorporated into the design, the font size, color, and style might be changed for various uses.
3. The artwork shall contain not more than three colors.
4. The artwork must work well in varying sizes.
5. Sketches might be professionally redrawn.
6. The designer of the chosen logo agrees to relinquish any rights to the artwork and any accompanying name or phrase that is part of the design. |
GREETERS & USHERS ROCK!!
Here are the UUCT folks serving you as greeters and ushers this fall (Oct. - Dec.). If you'd like to join them, contact Jeannette Manning, manningjea@yahoo.com, tel. 813-857-0468. Carol Baker
Liz Bleau
Eric Gern
Jay Hall
Teresa Hamard
Karin Lanning
Terry Lanning
Judy Lehman
Joan Lund | Jeannette Manning
Melissa Nicholson
Steven Nicholson
Lynn Parrish
Russell Patterson
Gene Pizzo
Jae Polcyn
Roger Polcyn
Ara Rogers |
|
What Really Matters in Life?
A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.
"How long did it take you to catch them?" the American casually asked.
"Oh, a few hours," the Mexican fisherman replied.
"Why don't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" the American businessman then asked.
The Mexican warmly replied, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."
The businessman then became serious, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
Responding with a smile, the Mexican fisherman answered, "I sleep late, play with my children, watch ballgames, and take siesta with my wife. Sometimes in the evenings I take a stroll into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, sing a few songs..."
The American businessman impatiently interrupted, "Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats."
Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, "Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you'll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your enterprise."
Having never thought of such things, the Mexican fisherman asked, "But how long will all this take?"
After a rapid mental calculation, the Harvard MBA pronounced, "Probably about 15-20 years, maybe less if you work really hard."
"And then what, señor?" asked the fisherman.
"Why, that's the best part!" answered the businessman with a laugh. "When the time is right, you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."
"Millions? Really? What would I do with it all?" asked the young fisherman in disbelief.
The businessman boasted, "Then you could happily retire with all the money you've made. You could move to a quaint coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, play with your grandchildren, watch ballgames, and take siesta with your wife. You could stroll to the village in the evenings where you could play the guitar and sing with your friends all you want."
The moral of the story is: Know what really matters in life, and you may find that it is already much closer than you think.
Source: http://www.weboflove.org/051230whatmattersinlife
|
|
|
A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa |
Services begin at 11 a.m
November 3 A Series on Faith: Civil Religion Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that reflect meaning and values. Civil religion involves national allegiance and activities reflecting of national pride. I'll consider it gifts and limits. - Rev. Doak M. Mansfield November 10 A Series on Faith: Mystical Religion
Ideas and ideals of relatedness and the power of intuition inform the mystical faith. What does that look like and mean will be considered in this message
- The Rev. Doak M. Mansfield
November 17 Quest Speaker; The Reverend Dee Graham
Topic to be announced
November 24 A Series on Faith: Prophetic Religion
Right actions, social concern, and compassion are elements of prophetic faith. I'll consider those in a message that also reflect on what I feel is the most human and basic 'holy day': Thanksgiving.
- The Rev. Doak M. Mansfield
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.
|
Aquote from George Bernard Shaw, a great Irish playwright, known for his work "Pygmalion." This is a portion of a speech given in Brighton in 1907. At that time he was a heavily sought after Orator and political activist.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as I live it is my privilege- my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I love. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I've got a hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
Thanks to John Powers for bringing this quote to our attention.
|
|
|
|
|
