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Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield, Interim Minister
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Erin Powers, DRE
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Christmas Eve Service
Join us for both the traditional Christmas Eve. 6:30 p.m. service, Tuesday, December 24th with yummy hot fudge sundaes to follow. Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield will conduct the service and the Christmas elves will provide the delicious sundaes. Volunteers are needed to bring ice cream, hot fudge...and the other additions to complete the sundaes. Contact Elise Richardson (863-648-1995: elise_r@verizon.net) or Joan Lund (931-9727: lundjb@verizon.net) if you are able to something for the sundaes. |
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Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day,
December 9th,
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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Click here:
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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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Wondering While Wandering . . .
The Rev Dr. Doak M. Mansfield, Interim Minister
Now it comes: what can be the frenzy of December. Our Sunday Celebration for the winter holidays will be December 22. That service has yet to be developed. Easter is a really troublesome Sunday for Unitarian Universalist and some Progressive Christian ministers. 'Christmas' is less so, I think or it is for me. I've come to a conclusion about this 'church' (aka spiritual commune, faith community, religious fellowship, 'meaning' gathering & exchange) that language is the first challenge.
We discovered in great community conversation on November 9 'Worship for UUCT' (35 attendance) led by Roger Polcyn that a vital thing is hearing, and really hearing openly the 'good' words, the 'bad' words, and the 'so-so' words of others as related to the elements of the Sunday morning 'happening' for the congregation of UUCT.
With winter holiday observances before us when issues of faith, theology, beliefs, doubts, objections, misunderstanding, imperialism, crash commercialism, manipulative expectations, and oppression are raised there can be a lot of fuss for real personal and psychological reasons and often just for fussing's sake. I don't have time for that. People will overindulge in spending, eating, and drinking.
The theological (meaning) and spiritual issues I see clearly: the seasons of nature/life are expressions of the change within changelessness.
Acknowledgment, gratitude, sharing, and wonder is our proper response. Awe and thanksgiving may fuel our hope and activities. Stories about one special baby are OK, but then all babes are special; music from our memories and that which has come to signify from our personal and also cultural history; childlike and wise one contemplation of the mystery that is life; and participating in sharing and gifting are elements of celebrating the approaching season of the darkness that precedes light.
I style myself 'searcher,' 'pilgrim,' 'seeker,' and as a wonderer, I am open to about anything that feels authentic and touches my heart, informs my head, and motivates my hands. Cheap sentiment doesn't work well with me. I'm a neo-puritan; shame on the feel good stuff, and selfishness of the commercial silliness and the waste on glitz and glamour while folks are hungry, addicted, sick, fearful, lonely, and abused. May there be precious moments of wonder, appreciation, and priceless home-ness for you and yours this winter season.
Balance & Harmony - Doak |
 Desk of the President
It's always nice to add people to our church family, but it is especially nice for those of us at a "certain age" to see families with young children. View them as emerging conscoeness or as a product of naturalistic forces - no matter. They are wonderful.
Providing childcare so their parents are able to fully participate in church activities is an important part of the equation that makes church life possible. The Board of Trustees just revised and reissued an 11-year-old Childcare Policy. That policy can be viewed at UUCT Childcare Policy
In short, it says that every committee and every event must consider childcare. It is not always necessary, but it can never be forgotten. The Board will be providing childcare for the Congregational meetings and for the monthly Conversation.
Committee Chairs should assess whether childcare is needed at their meetings or events. If it is necessary, the Committee Chair must make an attempt to line up someone for the childcare responsibilities.
There are many devilish details to be ironed out, like background checks and budgeting and childcare resources, but the intent is to make it more possible for members and their families to participate fully in the life of the church.
Bill UUCT
One Place. All Faiths. No Problem.
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 Congregational Meeting
It's that time again to pay attention to UUCT finances and approve a budget for 2014. To support the democratic process, all members should plan on attending. At lot of members have already put in countless hours to get ready for this meeting and the Board of Trustees wants to thank every one of them for the work they do on behalf of the congregation.
These are exciting times at UUCT, so don't you be left out. Be informed and be present to vote! The meeting will be on December 8 at 12:30 in the Multi-Purpose Building. |
 Paving the Way for the Next Generation of UUs
We've had some discussions recently here in church and in the greater UU community about our youth. There is some concern that we could be doing our youth a disservice by allowing them to be so separated from the greater church. Don't get me wrong, youth group and the youth Sunday classes are fantastic and our youth enjoy them and gain much from their time together. But, we as adults don't often give our youth enough credit. They rarely get asked to join a committee and we often don't expect more of them than manual labor. I'm working to change this, and I'm asking for your help! When planning church activities, keep our youth in mind. Our youth have many talents beyond manual labor and are eager to share them with you! We need to circle around our youth and bring them into the greater church. We need to light their path and show them how to be in a multigenerational community.
Do you know the names of the youth in our congregation? Do they know yours? Need a few pointers for talking to youth? Here's a few taken from UUA.org.
Instead of asking, "How old are you?" Ask, "What did you think of today's service?"
Instead of asking, "What year are you in school?" Say, "Tell me about yourself."
Instead of saying, "We need more young people!" Say, "Nice to meet you!"
The full text is on the UUA.org website and is titled, "Coffee Hour Caution." Let us as adults take the lead and fully welcome our youth into our whole church. They are the next wave of UUs and they cannot take the lead if we don't show them the way!
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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!
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 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: http://www.darkstudios.com/ Bing is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Mountain Dulcimer & Native American flute) who makes his home in Orlando. With roots in both African and Seminole Indian tribes, Bing's window on America is a unique landscape of music, words and imagery. Bing "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 of the Florida Folk Festival, with his singing, songwriting and expertise on the Native American flute and the mountain dulcimer, Bing is always an audience favorite. SOUTHWIND: http://www.floridafolk.com/southwind/ We are oh, so pleased that the SOUTHWIND group is once again returning to the Dome to participate in a Holiday Concert. We've so enjoyed Southwind in the past & look forward to a repeat performance. 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 multiple "folk" instruments. They will do a mix of both holiday and non-holiday tunes. There will also be some sing-a-longs. It wouldn't be a Southwind holiday concert without the audience joining 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!
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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.
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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 December 14th @ 7:30 pm as we welcome Serenity Circle and celebrate the upcoming Yule, the Winter Solstice. During the longest night of the year, the dark times ruled by the Holly King come to an end. The Oak King resumes his reign as the length of the days begins to increase. Come enjoy this celebration as we welcome the return of the light and the Sun!
Come a little earlier, at 5 pm on December 14th, and join in a drum circle.
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. |
 Six session classes will be on the 1st and 3rd Sunday afternoon beginning on January 5th through March 16th. A love donation of $25 is suggested. Class attendees, who are interested, will write and perform the April 12th Full Moon Celebration.
Class One - January 5, 1pm - 3pm - Herstory
Religion in Paleolithic Times
Cultural Influences around the globe
Medieval Europe and Burning Times
Reemergence of the Craft Activities:
Introductions, Meditation, Discussion, Begin your Book of Shadows
Class Two - January 19, 1pm -3pm - The Goddess and the God
Define Sacred
The Divine Personified
The Great God/dess Archetypes
Activities:
Creating altars and share your image of God/dess
Class Three - February 2, 1pm -3pm - The Wheel of the Year
Class Four - February 16, 1pm -3pm - Magick and Ethics
Class Five - March 2, 1pm -3pm - Ritual Basics
Class Six - March 16, 1pm - 3pm - The Working Circle
For more information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS, e-mail cuups@uutampa.org. |
Good Book Column
Welcome Readers:
Here are the selections for this month. I hope you enjoy them. Diana Stevens: Laurie R King is the author of the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. I love a good mystery, Sherlock Holmes, in context history and a strong female character book. This series meets all the criteria. The series starts with The Beekeeper's Apprentice. Sherlock Holmes is one of its principal characters, but this is in no way part of the Holmes' canon. Rather than the aging detective, the focus of the book is one Mary Russell, a young woman- actually a girl, when the story opened. As the series moves along in time, Mary is at first a worthy student of the famous detective and then a more skilled sleuth in her own right. The relationship between the 'retired detective' and the young woman is very entertaining and a wonderful insight into the time period of the novels. The second novel, A Monstrous Regiment of Women (written in 1995) is set in the 1920's and examines the effects of the war's aftermath on English society as well as the beginning of the Women's Movement. There are 12 books in the series and could keep you busy for quite a while. Most are available on E-Books but not all. The second one I had to get from the library but it is pivotal to the story line, so don't skip it. Alicia Montes: What would you do to advance your career? The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro is a well-plotted and technically accurate depiction of a struggling artist's opportunity to live with an authentic Degas - and reproduce it! Although the story is based on the unsolved theft of several paintings from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, there is a reference to Han van Meegeren, an infamous forger who sold a Vermeer to Hermann Göring and was forced to confess publicly. If you like a little more non-fiction to complement your fiction, Ken Perenyi's (who lived in Pinellas Countr) Caveat Emptor: The Secret Life of an American Art Forger, is a modern memoir written after the statute of limitations expired on his creations. Doak M. Mansfield: A seminal read for me from many years ago is James A Michener's The Source. I've reread it a couple times over the years and find deeper insights and fuller meanings about human nature and the perennial issues of faith and spirituality every time. Background for me, the back story, is a vital part of fuller understanding of the 'why' and 'how' of life. From the PUBLISHER'S PROMOTION: "Through the discoveries of modern archaeologists excavating the site of Tell Makor, Michener re-creates life in an ancient city and traces the history of the Jewish people-from the persecution of the early Hebrews, the rise of Christianity, and the Crusades to the founding of Israel and the modern conflict in the Middle East". Thanks to our contributors for this month. Please keep us in mind as you are reading a book you enjoy and e-mail me so that we can share it with others. Carol Baker
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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. |
HOPE Happenings
Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality
By Judy Lane and Carol Partington
On October 28th, HOPE Celebrated its 25th Anniversary Convention. I received the loveliest email from Carol Partington and I'd like to share it with you
Dear UUs,
I was really proud of our church at the HOPE Convention last night.
We had eight people in attendance: Judy Lane, Tom Krumreich, Jay Hall, Tempie Taudte, Doak and Peggy Mansfield, Diane Gainforth and myself. Judy sang in the combined choir. Diane took pictures. And Doak gave a wonderful inclusive opening prayer.
We had at least 26 people listed on the Investments page. If you want a copy of the program, let me know and I will get one for you!
I am excited that our church will continue to grow our Justice Ministry network with Doak as our interim minister. If you want to be involved, contact Judy Lane, our HOPE Board liaison.
Peace,
Carol Partington, former HOPE Board member for UUCT
I'd like to add that currently HOPE is in its Research to Action Committee phase. Our current issues are Fair Hiring Jobs and Affordable Housing Trust Fund. If you or someone you might know is interested in doing research and participating in any of these subjects, please contact me at 813-901-9157 or judylane2003@earthlink.net. The committees mostly meet during the day and do a variety of tasks and research. Check the HOPE Bulletin board for the latest updates on these issues. |
Joint UUSC-UUA Response to Typhoon Haiyan
UUSC President Rev. Bill Schulz and UUA President Rev. Peter Morales have issued this joint statement in response to devastation of Typhoon Haiyan:
"As images of the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan has wrought in the Philippines fill the media, we are coming to see the enormity of the humanitarian disaster. The photographs and videos are heartbreaking. As compassionate people, our thoughts turn immediately to how we might help.
Our concern is intensified by the special historic connections Unitarians and Universalists have with the Philippines. We have UU congregations in Manila and on the island of Negros. UUSC has an environmental justice partner, IBON. Early reports indicate that our UU brothers and sisters escaped the worst of the storm. For millions of others, the need for relief is desperate."
The UUA and UUSC are launching a joint special appeal for Philippine relief efforts. As is our practice with international disaster relief, UUSC will take the lead in distributing funds where they can do the most good, targeting contributions toward those most marginalized.
Please be generous.
https://secure2.convio.net/uusc/site/Donation2;jsessionid=C83615031E83E9EDBC019589345CB484.app261a?df_id=3581&3581.donation=form1
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Adult Religious Education
Just as we act year-round to support with our time and treasures those places and the people who mean so much to us, like our UUCT or the UUSC in our response to the disaster in the Philippines, Adult Education has an important purpose: action!
Upcoming Adult Religious Education opportunities leading to action in our world include a course of study led by Jay Hall this January which focuses on last year's Common Read among UU's: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness an inspiring book by Michelle Alexander.
This year's UUA Common Read is underway at UUCT with Saru Jayaraman's book, Behind the Kitchen Door, an exploration of exploitative practices in our restaurant industry which severely underpays workers and encourages us to do some things to change that. We can come together at the end of this year, buy copies of this rather brief, humanely-focused book as a group to make it more affordable. We'll read Saru's words about her leadership in this social justice area together, along with other UU's, and go forward with action in our world, near and far.
Jeffery Austin
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The Senior Connections meeting is 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.
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 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.
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 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 (e.g.: 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.
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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 |
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. |
 Thank you for your 2013 pledge in support of the ministry of UUCT. It's time to review your donations of the past year and make up any shortfalls in your pledge, if possible.
If you need a print-out of this year giving history please contact me and I will be happy to provide a summary for you. Contact me either by phone 988-1907, or email, keyspouse2@aol.com.
December 30th. is the close of UUCT's fiscal year.
Joyce Formica |
A HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA FOR UUs..... Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council connects UU's around the world. UU Church of Tampa is a partner church with a 17th century Unitarian Congregation (see photo montage in foyer of the Dome) in Spesitospatak, Romania. We will be having a 'Skype' call this winter with the pastor there.
For more information: www.uupcc.org.
Please consider making a special gift this gifting season to our partner church by sending a check to the UUCT with 'Romania' on check note line. |
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Unitarian Universalist Tampa Bay Cluster Holiday Celebration
The beautiful historical UU Church of Tarpon Springs will host a UU Holiday Celebration Tuesday December 3, 7:30 pm. Doak will have a part along with other cluster congregation ministers and members. Words, music, and beautiful pageantry in honor of the season.
UU Church of Tarpon Springs, 57 Read St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3237
Thanks ~ Doak
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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.
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From the Well-Versed UU
. . . To all you talented UU Domelight readers out there, send us your own poem and we will feature it in our next issue. Don't be shy - share .
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GAME NIGHT
- Fri., Dec. 13th, 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, Dec 13th.
Mexican Train Dominoes is a perennial favorite. We also have chess, UNO, Blok-Us, Word Winder, 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 |
The Truth About Morning
There is a vastness that quiets the soul. But sometimes we are so squarely in the midst of life's forces that we can't see what we're part of.The truth about morning is that it is the small light of the beginning breaking through, again and again. It is a wisdom so large and clear, one which carries us through our lives so quietly and completely that we seldom see it. Day after day, we are covered with the dust and grit of what we go through. It tends to weigh us down, and then we think and scheme and problem solve. Then we worry if it will all really work, and if it is the right thing to do. It all makes us dark and cluttered. But despite our stubbornness of concern, we tire and must turn what has happened over to the hammock of night. This is a good thing. For no matter how unfinished we seem, the letting go into sleep is nothing short of a quiet miracle. This letting go into sleep is an innate, reflexive form of meditation, no difference than a fly rubbing its face or a doe licking its fawn. Sooner or later, without discipline or devotion, despite our resolutions and mistakes, we must sleep. We must surrender to the quieting of all intent and regret, so that the small light of the beginning can rise in us, again and again. There is no escaping this profound simplicity: What happens covers us like dirt. It covers our hearts and minds, till, at the shore we call exhaustion, we slip into the waters of sleep in a daily sort of baptism, so we can begin again. So whenever you feel urgent or overwhelmed, whenever you feel pressed to figure things out or to rethink the unthinkable . . . rest . . . so that the endless beginning -- might break through what has happened. And you will wake feeling like dawn. Source: "The Book of Awakening"
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A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
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Services begin at 11 a.m.
December 1, 2013 'Chalica' The Reverend Dr. Mansfield A fairly new Unitarian Universalist 'ritual' will be explored and a kick-off observance is planned as well as reflections on what is at the center of our inclusive progressive faith. Some bits of cultural critique, liberal religious history, and wondering will be parts of the message. December 8, 2013 'Of Gods & Goddesses' The Reverend Dr. Mansfield Human qualities and characteristics have been projected on deities throughout the poetry and mythmaking that has been present in humanity's search for meaning. Expect some whimsy and maybe even some quirkiness! December 15, 2013 Rev. Kate Braestrup, Maine Community Minister and Law Enforcement ChaplainRev. Braestrup's ministry is almost wholly concerned with issues most people (fortunately) do not ordinarily encounter. After twelve years of being the chaplain to the Maine Warder Service, these issues are perfectly normal to her ... until someone decided to point a television camera at her. December 22, 2013 'Of Winter Days & Nights' The Reverend Dr. Mansfield An intergenerational celebration with stories, music of the season, as well as a message on meanings possible for Unitarian Universalist in the season. Christmas Eve Service - 7 pm, Tuesday, December 24, 2013A special weeknight Christmas Eve 'Festival of Light' observance will be led by Reverend Mansfield this year. Music, readings, and reflections of the holiday are included in this simple candlelight celebration. A UUCT tradition of ice cream sundaes will be shared following during a community time. Please invite friends, family to join us in this special time. December 29, 2013 'Reflect, Refresh, Renew' Mary Francis and Russ KirbyLooking back, how did you do in2013? Would you call it a productive year full of accomplishments? What difference does it make either way if it was good or bad? We are starting a new year with a clean slate. What a great gift! A time to reflect, refresh, and renew. What can we do to make 2014 a year a life timeline where we look back and say, "That was a very good year"? Or does it matter--maybe we have no control? A member of UUCT since 2000, Mary has served on numerous committees at UUCT over the years and is a past Board member and past President of the Board of Trustees. Russell Kirby is a lifelong UU who joined UUCT upon moving to Tampa in 2008. Russ is also a past Board member and past President. Russ is a professor in the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida.
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.
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"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
~Dr. Seuss
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