March 2014

Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield, Interim Minister

Erin Powers, DRE

In This Issue

Wondering While Wandering

Desk of the President

Candidates for BOT

Betty Lee Service Award

Settled Minister Search

Share the Plate

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

Sepsikorospatak

mUUsic

The Good Book

Community Conversation

Worship Associates

Technology Improvements

Friendship Dinners

Article Headline

Emerson Forum

HOPE

Game Night

Bridge Group Forming

Calling all Hymnals

WhaleCoast Alaska 2014

2014 The Mountain Season

What Really Matters?

Come and join Buildings & Grounds Work Day,

March 8th,

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:

Pat Busbice

Mary Francis

Ron Hammerle

Christine Smith

Board of Trustees

Beom Lee
Jodi Pecoraro
Roger Polcyn
John Powers
Chuck Smith

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Wondering While Wandering . . .

We're in our 8th month together. We've 16 more months (until 2015) to go in the time designated: "transitional." During this time I have several functions as Interim Minister: general ministerial chores, leading worship, and offering meaningful messages; ongoing consultant for leadership; and, doing normal pastoral things (pastoral counseling and such). Those things are obvious and so very full fulfilling. Thanks all for your warm response and cooperation.

It was noted in my training that truly an Interim Minister also serves as an church (aka congregation) "archeologist" and "detective." I may suggest 'anthropologist' be added. How we are with one another and how we live out our principles and values says more than words and always needs reckoning with.

Learning the story that is the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa is going well and my "detecting" of what makes it tick and how it works is an ongoing adventure. I do this for a very important purpose. So I can share with you, the UUCT congregation and its leaders, my perspectives. From my observations and impressions I wonder with you if what I see and experience is recognizable to you and to what you want to aspire and be proud. This "mirror" process will include offering alternative ideas and ideals about congregational life, our faith and its dynamics, and prospects for UUCT possibilities.

I understand Unitarian Universalist ministerial leadership as being informed by a deep love and regard for our faith tradition. It is manifest through passion for our seven principles that challenge us to regard, care, and love life in all its forms and use freedom and reason as tools to embrace wonder, hope, and justice making in short: to "nurture the spirit and heal the world."

Our transitional, discernment, interim process involves five ideas:

1. Acknowledging, considering, and coming to terms with the church's history (joys and sorrow);
2. Considering and developing an appropriate identity;
3. Encouraging and allowing new leadership to emerge and merge;
4. Strengthening and expanding denominational and local community relationships and links;
5. Committing to new directions in professional and lay ministry.

Again I say to all: "I'm so pleased with the response I've received as we participate in this adventure on the way to UUCT's good and wonderful potential as a strengthened community of memory, love, and hope."

Together through Love for Service ~ Doak

Desk of the President
Wow! There's a lot going on.

Chalice circles, Worship Associates, Search Committee, trainings, lunches and dinners, tv screens in the Dome . . . whew!

Take a break sometime this week and let your mind drift. And try to imagine your life without this church.

Man, am I glad there is a lot going on.

Bill

UUCT

One Place. All Faiths. No Problem.

Erin Powers, DRE for Children & Youth

Consider Serving on the Board of Trustees Serving on the Board is a great way to be meaningfully engaged in the life and mission of our church. In the coming weeks, the Nominating Team is seeking candidates for Trustee positions and the subsequent election to be held at the Congregational meeting on May 4th.

Interested parties should meet the following qualifications:
A member in good standing, leadership ability, a desire to serve, orderly approach to decision making, sense of integrity and honesty, willingness to keep an open mind, a team player, and a good sense of humor who can commit to several hours a week, on average.
Trustees serve three year terms and the newly elected trustee's term begins on September 1st.
Serving on the Board is an important way to live out your values while helping to maintain and grow a strong organizational foundation that can support and sustain this vibrant community. If you are interested, or wish to suggest someone to serve on the board, contact one of our Leadership Committee members, Ed Benedict, Diane Gainforth, Russ Kirby, or Russ Patterson. You may also email Ed Benedict at nominating@uutampa.org to nominate yourself or to recommend someone else as a candidate for the Board.

Board to accept nominations for the Betty Lee Service Award

The Betty Lee distinguished service award acknowledges a member of UUCT for "high standards of diligence and dedication" to the well-being of our church. The Board of Trustees is currently accepting nominations from members of our congregation for this annual award.

Please submit your nomination by Thursday, April 10, 2014, to president@uutampa.org with the reasons you believe this individual should receive the Betty Lee Award. The final candidate will be presented with the Betty Lee Award at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 4, 2014.

Past Betty Lee Service Award winners:

1982 Harry Albertson

1983 Joyce Glauser

1991 Patricia McCracken

1992 Joyce Formica

1993 Hazel Peterson

1994 Gene Pizzo

1995 Jay Palmer

2005 Kathy Albury

2007 Ed Benedict

2008 Judy Lehman

2009 Pat Benedict

2010 Ara Rogers

2011 Bill Blymiller

2012 Joan Lund
2013 Tempie Taude and Fran Davin

Note: While a member may continue to be well-deserving, please don't nominate a previous recipient or a Board of Trustees member. Thanks!

Settled Minister Search Committee
The election of the seven members who will search for our next settled minister will be held at on March 30, 2014 after church.

According to the Church by-laws:

Upon the resignation or dismissal of a Minister, the Church shall elect seven Members to constitute a Ministerial Search Committee to search for a Settled Minister. Any Member wishing to become a member of the Search Committee shall offer their name to the Board and will be presented at a Special Meeting of the Congregation. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor with the consent of the candidate. Members attending the meeting shall vote for up to 7 (seven) of those proposed for Committee membership by writing their names on a Ballot provided for that purpose. Of those receiving a simple majority vote of approval, the 7 (seven) candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered elected. If an insufficient number of candidates is elected, the remaining vacancies shall be filled by repeating the ballot process with each Member voting for up to the number of remaining vacancies until a total of 7 members has been elected.

There will be sessions at the church between now and the end of March that will clarify and quantify the roles and responsibilities of the Search Committee. Those interested can download the Settlement Handbook (which the Search Committee uses) from the UUA website.

Members who wish their name to be on the ballot should notify the Board at president@uutampa.org of their intention. Candidates are asked to provide a brief bio and a short statement of their reason for wanting to be on the Search Committee. Please have these items in on/before March 20, 2014. There will be a special notice issued with the candidates and their bios/statements in the weeks before the Congregational Meeting.

Food will be provided before the meeting.

'Share the Plate' with Local Charities
The Board of Trustees and the Community Action Council would like to welcome all to share the gift of our generous congregation with several local charities. We will celebrate this gift on the first Sunday of every month, starting March 2nd. All monetary donations, and checks made out to the charity directly, obtained during our offertory for that day will be donated in full to a spotlight local charity of the month. All pledges to UUCT should be written out and identified as such. The charity will be chosen by the Community Action Council and will reflect the values and principles that we as UUs hold dear. Information on the charity will be made available to all in various locations (Order of Service, Pamphlets in the entry way, the Domelight and the Yahoo Group) prior to the first Sunday of the month. Please join us in this new and exciting way to help our local groups to do some good!

Our spotlight charity in this pilot period will be the MacDonald Training Center. The MacDonald Training Center was founded in 1953 and provides educational and vocational services to people with intellectual disabilities in the Tampa area. Their mission statement "To empower people with disabilities to lead the lives they choose" embodies our first two principles, The inherent worth and dignity of every person and Justice, equity and compassion in human relations."

You are all encouraged to volunteer your time to these charities as well. Visit them on the web at www.macdonaldcenter.org. or by phone (813) 870-1300 for volunteer opportunities.
-John Powers- Board of Trustee Liaison of Community Action Council

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 March 15th when As Always Coven will return to lead us in celebration of balance and the Spring Equinox. Our Mother has been sleeping deeply in order to gather all her strength for the burst of growth that is Spring, or Ostara. She was stirring at Imbolc and now it is time to awaken our Mother so that she can begin Her labor of love as the earth blooms. Come and make a joyful noise in order to bring her to fully awake and welcome Her back!

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.

This email was received on February 16th the day after Full Moon Celebration. It was so lovely that I thought it was definitely worth sharing . . .
Hi Mary,

I feel I have to express how Last night's Baby Blessing was one of the most enjoyable and meaning full rituals I have had the pleasure to attend in the past few months. I want to take the time to express to the members of the Sacred Oaks Circle the gratitude for making me feel most welcome and part of the Pagan Community. Don't get me wrong, I know I am always welcome, but last night was a bit different. It has something to do with having a personal, direct communication with the Goddess. Healing comes slow, asking for guidance in the physical realm seems to be (to me at least ) more concrete and obtainable. I am not very practiced in the ascension and having the conduit ( the human touch) makes it kinda more in reach. Brigid did speak to me. I felt it. As for the children, it is always wonderful to see the children start down the Red Road. They are a blessing to us all. Would you please forward this to those who have email and let everyone know how much I appreciate the love and acceptance I felt last night at your next get together.

May the four strong winds blow gently on your fields and till we meet again: Blessed Be!

Bob Wight

Skype Call with Rev. Erno Tordai of Sepsikorospatak

On Sunday Jan 26th the Partner Church Committee had a skype call with Rev Erno Tordai of the Sepsikorospatak Unitarian Church in Sepsikorospatak Romania. Attending were: Rev. Doak Mansfield, Diane Gainforth, Joan Lund, and Marjorie Acker. It was snowing and cold in Sepsikorospatak and a little colder than usual here. It is so cold there that they have Sunday service in the Community house instead of the church because the heat is better. We introduced our interim minister, Rev. Doak Mansfield to Rev. Erno Tordai as this was their first meeting. It was discovered that they actually have a mutual friend and colleague- small world! Rev. Tordai discussed that this is a busy time of year because in his area they have what is called "Week of Prayer." Each church (Catholic, Reformed, Unitarian, etc.) in the area hosts a week of prayer where the community (all faiths) gathers every night to worship and hear guest ministers. So there is approximately a month of worship. This understandably takes a lot of time and preparation.

We also began planning a service for March for both churches. We will be hearing about Sepsikorospatak on the same day that they will be learning about UUCT. In fact, the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 is remembered on March 15th every year so this time has a special meaning to those in our Partner Church. Also discussed was the recent passing of UUCT members and how our churches handle the passing of one in their community. There is a funeral in Sepsikorospatak Church and then 6 weeks later, a brief memorial.

Rev. Tordai will look into potential pen pals for our RE kids. We discussed videos of the area and church but at this time no one there has a video camera and they are reluctant due to not having the computer skills to upload to the internet.

The Partner Church holds skype calls several times a year and we would like to open these calls to all members of the church. We are also looking for more members so anyone interested in learning about the Hungarian culture and making new friends far away please talk to Rev. Mansfield or one of the Committee members listed above.

UUCT mUUsic Group

Meets 7:30pm Mondays

Behold our muse. Not sure how musical you are? Afraid you'll be embarrassed?

Come to mUUsic Group sessions anonymously if you like. Your secret will be safe with us. So, please join us in the Small Dome. We're there every Monday at 7:30 PM.

The brand new UUCT mUUsic Group meets every Monday evening at 7:30 in the Small Dome. In the spirit of old-time hootenannys and good-time jam sessions, this is an informal gathering of musicians, vocalists, and just plain music lovers who want to make or listen to mUUsic. Sing, play an instrument, drum, or bang on an upside-down waste basket. Get creative. It's all good.

Besides having fun and making friends, and if you are inclined, the mUUsic Group's goal is to develop a sufficient repertoire of folk, blues, rock, traditional, spiritual, and other songs so that we can:

a) Provide the "mUUsic" whenever the choir has a Sunday off
b) Perform onstage at UUCT's periodic Blues & Barbecue and other events.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability or experience. So come one, come all, and let the good times roll!
- Terry Lanning, terryjlanning@gmail.com, (813) 679-3013.

Good Book Column
We're back on track after a hiatus. This month we have some recommendations to consider for your reading.
Pat Busbice: There is a new movie called "Monuments Men,"based on the book Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History, by Robert Edsel. It's the exciting true story of a tiny group of art historians and museum curators tasked by Eisenhower with finding, identifying, and salvaging art treasures stolen from the conquered countries by Nazi troops. To do this they followed, and at times preceded, the Allied armies across Europe. Often ahead of their command and supply connections, they were required to use daring and unorthodox methods to fulfill their mission.

Ann Harvey: I recommend The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiavertni. This book was so interesting that I had a hard time putting it down! It is about the lives of Joanna and Titus who are slaves. Their wish is to reach Canada and freedom, which they accomplish after many, arduous adventures. Joanna develops the skill of becoming an amazing seamstress thanks to her mistress who insists she make all her clothing which is made of the most beautiful fabrics. Becoming a seamstress enables Joanna to also make incredible quilts with signs for other slaves to find the Underground Railroad. I felt that I was actually was one of these people and felt their pain. I highly recommend it.

Ron Hammerle: Two books by a young, British physician have begun to transform what we thought we knew about science and the drugs we take-or don't. Bad Science (2008-2010) and Bad Pharma (2012) have pried open the lid of a black box into which the public-and even most scientists, academics and regulators-have never been permitted to see. The global ripples from those books have now begun to swell into waves. This month Johnson & Johnson announced it was making all of its clinical trial data (positive and negative) available to scientists around the world. If you are interested in science or the open pursuit of knowledge, you too, can now take a peek inside. Both books are available from your local public library.

Earl Harvey: My latest book reading is Gridlock by Byron Dorgen and David Hagberg. How would you deal with the loss of electric power forever in the United States? Foreign agents have a virus that they can use to eliminate the power grid's capability in the USA. A county sheriff has to deal with the circumstances created by the foreign agents. The ending is very surprising. I could not put the book down, and I highly recommend it. It was an excellent read.

Thanks for joining us for another month of good reading recommendations. Happy Reading!

Carol Baker

Community Conversation on Worship II (CCII)

On Saturday January 25 at 9:30AM, members of the congregation met in the sanctuary to follow up our initial discussion in November. We briefly reviewed results of Community Conversation I (CCI) and then built on that to further discuss what needs we have that our Sunday morning worship service can and should meet.

We identified the many elements that could be part of our service and established a process to evaluate the elements by asking how they further the goals we have developed for Sunday Morning and how they fit together to enhance each other and the flow of the service. Click here to read a review of CCI and the full report of the second conversation including the changes we agreed should be made to our worship service.
Because of time constraints we were only able to agree on changes to two elements of the service. A number of people expressed interest in coming together again to discuss other elements about which there is a difference of opinion in the community.

That can be done if enough interest exists. If you would like to have a third session, please email Joan Lund, the chair of the Worship/Program Committee at lundjb@verizon.net. It would be helpful if you mention the elements you believe should be discussed.

Worship Associate Training Feb 15, 2014

UUCT has had a Worship Associate program in place for a few years now, started mostly to cover for the sabbatical of our minister last year. The program has now been renewed and we had our first official two hour training on Sat. Feb 15, 2014 at 10am in the sanctuary. Twelve of our congregation members attended: Kim McDonald, Mary Satterwhite, Liz Bleau, John Utt, Pat Busbice, David Stickell, Mary Francis, Karin Lanning, Terry Lanning, Cay Cahalin, Christine Smith and Earl Harvey.
The training was conducted by Rev. Doak Mansfield and Worship Associate Diane Gainforth. Participants were given training on the meaning of worship as it pertains to us in our transitional time as well as related to the workshops that UUCT has held recently. The different components of our Sunday services were discussed as well as the sharing of best practices from previous Worship Associates as well as the Minister. The participants were encouraged to work as two-member teams and spent a small amount of time getting used to the space at the podium and stage.
The training will continue on March 15, 2014 Sat from 10AM to 12PM where more time will be allotted to practical advice, theme discussions and practice at the podium. There will be quarterly meetings of the Worship Associates in the future.

Visual Display

You may see some changes at the front of the sanctuary soon. The Worship and Technology Committees teamed up to prepare a proposal and complete a proof of concept for television screens for the sanctuary. With the proposal we will have a screen on each side at the front of the sanctuary. The size of the screen was carefully chosen so that printed material will be legible from the farthest points of the sanctuary.

This state-of-the-art visual display will be used for display of our Order of Service, hymns/songs, stories and speaker enhancements during services. We will reduce the use of paper, the need to replace or increase the number of hymnals, and allow for new options of media display. In addition, the visual display will be integrated with our sound system too.

How can we afford this? Past members Bev and Sandy Rogers donated to establish what is now referred to the Stagecraft Fund and specified that it was to be used for theatrical-type enhancements. This new visual equipment fits the criteria.

Exciting times at UUCT! If you have questions, or concerns, watch for the upcoming meeting announcements and continue to join us at Conversations with the Board.

FRIENDSHIP DINNERS

The Social Activities Committee has absorbed the Friendship Dinner as part of our mission. Kim McDonald will be the point person in this endeavor. Please contact Kim at 813-380-2628, kim9mcdonald@gmail.com for information or to set up a dinner (or me at 813-988-7098, marysatterwhite@gmail.com).

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME

Gloria Holloway, Concert Chair

gshello@tampbay.rr.com or 813-837-6572

WHAT: FROM THE HILLS TO THE HOLLERS

(A double-bill concert)

WHO: STILL ON THE HILL AND MOONSHINE HOLLER

DATE:   Thursday March 27, 2014
TIME:    7:30 p.m.
COST:   $12 advance. $15 door.
(Purchase tickets in advance at the church website http://uutampa.org/concerts/ via check/credit card - check/cash only at the door)

ABOUT THE CONCERT
This will be a lively double bill concert featuring husband/wife duo STILL ON THE HILL (Donna & Kelly) AND husband/wife duo MOONSHINE HOLLER (Paula & Bill).     We can expect multiple instruments, great harmonies PLUS dancing, i.e. flat-footin' courtesy of Paula.

ABOUT STILL ON THE HILL:   The Ozarkian duo of Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna tour steadily and have many adoring fans. Both Kelly and Donna are accomplished songwriters and play a plethora of acoustic instruments including acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica. Their repertoire is primarily their own original, roots-based compositions (a genre hybrid they term "folkgrass") interspersed with their own arrangements of traditional songs. www.stillonthehill.com

Per Julie Kohler, Bluegrass Now:    "These musicians have grafted the wild climbing vines of bluegrass, folk, classical and mountain music onto the hardiest of Ozark rootstock...   It's magic, and there's simply not enough magic in the world today."

ABOUT MOON

SHINE HOLLER:    Paula Bradley and Bill Dillof (Moonshine Holler) are described as a two person music festival capturing the essence of American southern roots music. They are always crowd pleasers with their spine-tingling vocal harmonies, Appalachian ballads, blues and breakdowns - all the while juggling a variety of instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, Hawaiian guitar, harmonica and ukulele - plus - let's not forget Paula's flatfoot dancing.
Per Rayna Belbert,Rounder Records recording artist:   Paula & Bill are two of the most versatile and knowledgeable old-time musicians I know. They can pull off so many facets of the tradition with such ease. They're great players, great singers, and know how to have fun! http://www.reverbnation.com/moonshineholler

Double the pleasure.   Double the fun.    From the Hills to the Hollers - YESSIREE!

Emerson Forum

For the last two years, the Emerson Forum has sponsored public programs related to ethics end of life care. This link, to the Pew Research Project on Religion and Public Life, summarizes many religious groups' differing views on this issue. http://www.pewforum.org/2013/11/21/religious-groups-views-on-end-of-life-issues/

The Forum is now seeking suggestions for future exploration. Topics should address "issues at the crossroads of ethics and public life." Please send your suggestions to Ron Hammerle, Ralph Lehman or Christine Smith.

HOPE Happenings

Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality
By Judy Lane

UUCT's Justice Ministry Network is our liaison to HOPE - the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality. HOPE is unique in that it gives us an opportunity to come together with local faith groups to work for justice and equality by achieving long-term systemic changes that resolve local community problems.

We are building our Justice Ministry Network within UUCT to assure that we will meet or exceed our UUCT turnout goal of 99, toward the overall goal of 1,350, at this year's Nehemiah Action.

How can you participate?
*   Participate on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund or the Tampa Ordinance Expansion and Florida Criminal Justice Collaborative Committee, between now and April 8th. Help clarify the problem and create a solution.
*   Attend the March 9th UUCT Justice Ministry Network Meeting, after church, to strategize towards our full participation at the Nehemiah Action and distribute names of members and friends of our congregation among our Network Members to prevent duplication when inviting them to the Action.
*   Mark April 8th on your calendar and commit to attend the HOPE Nehemiah Action. Can you bring 3 or 4 others with you? If 21 of us each people each bring 4 others, we will meet our goal!
*   Check now to see that these important dates are on your 2014 calendar: (Please avoid scheduling any UUCT events or meetings on these dates)
o   March 9th - UUCT Justice Ministry Network Meeting, after church
o   March 17th - Rally (for Network Members and others interested in being a Network Member) (Beulah Baptist Church, 6:30 p.m.)
o   April 8th - Nehemiah Action (Mt. Calvary 7th Day Adventist Church, 6:30 p.m.)
o   April 13th - UUCT Nehemiah Evaluation Meeting, after church

This is an opportunity for us to live our values of justice, democracy and community in a very concrete way. If you want to get involved in any way, please contact me at 813-901-9157 or Sharon Streater at 813-325-0455.

Let's work together for "HOPE for Justice" in Hillsborough County!

TEEN & ADULT GAME NIGHT - Fri., March 14th, 6:30-9PM If you haven't been to Game Night recently, come on out - it's a lot of fun. Make new friends or hang out with old ones. We meet in the main room in Multi-Purpose Bldg., 6:30-9:00'ish.

Do you play mahjong or would you like to? If interested, please contact Diana Stevens ttlassie@gmail.com or Jeannette Manning manningjea@yahoo.com. We'll need 4 people to play, so please let us know if you are interested.

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. Great snacks are provided.

If any questions, contact Jeannette Manning, 813-857-0468, manningjea@yahoo.com.

Bridge Group Forming at UUCT

Four UUCT bridge players have found each other! Our inaugural session will be on Mon., March 10, at 1pm in the Multi-Purpose Bldg. If interested in playing, please contact Jeannette Manning, manningjea@yahoo.com or 813-857-0468. Jeannette will assist in gathering interested persons in groups of 4, for either this first session or future play. Jeannette Manning

CALLING ALL WANDERING HYMNALS!

UUCT is short of Singing the Living Traditions hymnals and we are finding ourselves without enough of them for Sunday services. It is believed some of them may be taking a vacation away from UUCT. If you have borrowed a hymnal or hymnals for whatever reason, and it/they reside in your abode, car, office etc. PLEASE return to the Church shelf. No questions asked, you will be APPRECIATED: amnesty granted.

Side note: Hymnals are available for purchase ($28.00 per book) at our UUA Bookstore.

WhaleCoast Alaska 2014

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Alaska? If so,

WhaleCoast Alaska 2014 is for you! Four Alaska UU fellowships invite you to experience our eco-cultural and spiritual program next summer! See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, seals, and sea otters. Visit Denali National Park. Experience native Alaskan culture. Forget the cruise ships - our tour is the best way to visit Alaska! Programs led by Dave Frey, a member of the Fairbanks UU congregation and an expert in Alaska travel. To find out more about your Alaskan trip of a lifetime, visit www.WhaleCoastAK.org, email dfrey@whalecoastak.org, or call 907-322-4966. We would love to share our Alaska with you!

Hello and Happy New Year from the Mountain!
We are entering 2014 season and it is an exciting time on our mountain. Mountain lovers will remember that 35 years ago The Mountain was born out of SUUSI. Today the dream continues. We are so excited to start the season and see you here. After a banner 2013 we have planned some exciting programs you and your family. Be sure to check out our website www.mountaincenters.org and sign up. Our youth programs include Spring & Fall Youth Cons, Mountain Camp (one week and two week sessions for most ages). Our family programs include work weekend 4/18-20, Mountain Homecoming 5/23-26 and Family Camp 7/26-8/1, Thanksgiving 11/26-30. Our programs for adults are Appalachian Spring at The Mountain 5/19-23, Mountain Health and Wellness week 6/15-19, SUUFI 10/6-9. If you love The Mountain want to be a volunteer, please contact Julia.jamieson@mountaincenters.org we are looking for people to host groups and help with daily tasks.

Spring Cleaning Time?

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean; she doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looks on, remaining silent. Every time her neighbor hangs her wash to dry, the young woman makes the same comments.

A month later, the woman is surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and says to her husband: "Look, she's finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this? " The husband replies, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows." And so it is with life... What we see when watching others depends on the clarity of the window through which we look.

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services begin at 11 a.m.

March 2 Living our UU Principals in our Parenting ~ Alyson Schafer

You only have to become a parent to have your UU faith tested. I am pretty sure the last time doors were slammed and sarcastic statements were lobbed, we were violating a few of our guiding principles. How is it that we can be social activists, live green, embrace diversity but can't get a 6 year old to brush his teeth and go to bed? Alyson will discuss the complementary child guidance principles of Alfred Adler that every UU parent should know.

Alyson Schafer is a psychotherapist and one of Canada's most notable parenting expert. She is the best selling author of "Breaking The Good Mom Myth" and "Honey, I Wrecked The Kids" and her latest, "Ain't Misbehavin." She is an international speaker including the inaugural TEDxKids in Brussels and offers free parenting tips at www.alysonschafer.com and on twitter @alysonschafer. Alyson's family is a Unitarian dynasty, reaching back on both sides of her family for multiple generations and they are credited for helping establish many new congregations in Canada, as well contributing to the creation of the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC).

March 9 (Time change: please turn clocks ahead an hour ) 'The Power of Words' The Reverend Dr. Doak M. Mansfield

March 16 Sepsikőr�spatak, Partner Church Sunday: The UUCT and Hungary Connection ~ Diane Gainforth, Worship Associate
Join Rev. Erno Tordai and our Partner Church Committee in celebrating our shared Unitarian history. In the Transylvanian countryside we find our roots and examine the culture and lives of our Hungarian partner church located in what is currently Romania. March 15th is the Hungarian holiday celebrating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. How is that celebrated by Hungarians residing in Romania? How are our lives different and how are they the same?

Rev. Erno Tordai studied at Protestans Teologiai Intezet Kolozsvar and is the current minister of our partner church in Sepsikőr�spatak, also know in Romania as Valea Crisului. He lives in Sepsikorospatak with his wife and daughter.

March 23... 'Interdependence: Our Hope or Curse?' The Reverend Dr. Doak M. Mansfield

March 30... 'Faith of Freedom' The Reverend Dr. 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.

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.
~Marilyn Monroe

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188