January 2015

Rev. Dr. Doak Mansfield, Interim Minister

Erin Powers, DRE

In This Issue

Wondering While Wandering

Desk of the President

R.E.flections

Spotlight on Search

Welcome New Members

Help Wanted

Full Moon Celebration

Wicca 101 classes

Social Justice

Opportunity

Good Book Column

Growth

Concerts

Parent Study Group

Thanks!

HOPE Happenings

Game Night

Your Financial Investment

Legacy Planning

mUUsic

Valentine Party

Friendship Dinners

Journey to Italy

Women's Retreat

Come and join

Buildings & Grounds Work Day

January 10

9-11 a.m.

Click for
The Church Calendar

Click for

Coming up This Week/Next Week

Care Committee
circle_of_people

Our Care Team sends greeting cards, makes hospital visits and follows up with congregants who are experiencing joys or sorrows. Please let us know if you or someone in our congregation is in need. Contact Tempie Taudte at care@uutampa.org

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

John Powers
Mary Satterwhite

Chuck Smith

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Wondering While Wandering . . .

The Reverend Dr. Doak M Mansfield, Interim Minister

2015. Well, well another year for the calendar and our lives. The need to measure time is vital yet as we know there are really not stops and starts but a flow...a steady beating of the rhythms of life from the heart to the season it is a process.

It is a custom to make resolutions at the beginning to the New Year. Promises of changes sought or plans given voice. I don't do that. Maybe I should. Trouble with me is that I'm a pretty self-critical sort so the needs for change in the way I am are pretty well familiar things and I'd just as soon not emphasize them in early January year after year. They're mine and I carry them along. When it is time or I'm capable of doing something else with them I suspect I will. But then I'll have to break new things in!

I find it more fun and meaningful to consider the 'blank space' that a new calendar year offers. What do I know or imagine that will fill that space? Events? Opportunities? Possibilities? And even Challenges? Best not to dwell on the "challenges" which can often mean losses. Let them come unbidden.

For the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa these things will fill the 2015 calendar:
...eight days (two Sunday service and lots of socializing in-between) with the Ministerial Candidate some time in the Spring, May-June. A vote after the second Sunday service on calling the candidate as the settled minister for UUCT or not.
...electing several new Board of Trustee members (and then the Board will select from their number a new President and Vice President). A new leadership team will be developed.                                                                                                                        ...sending Pegs and I on our way to our next new adventure come August 17. A basket of sandwiches would be nice and a gallon of diet iced tea. Ah yeah the open road to new places with new faces.
...the beginning of a new era for the UUCT with a new settled minister September 1.                                                                                                                                                 ....learning more about a new life and involvement in that life as together, congregation and minister, y'all continue the healthy and vital life of UUCT.                                               ....continuing the process of dreaming and actualizing the future for Unitarian Universalism in Tampa with a new dedicated team, the Fall 2015 and thereafter!

Of course there will be much more but these are the milestone events.
My love and luck to UUCT as our future unfolds and is crafted by caring and gifted hands.
For each of you as individuals my dearest hope is a good 2015 filled with what your life needs for it to be a wondrous experience. And always be safe.

Love-

Doak

Desk of the President
Generally I think the best way to handle this season is to hunker down and wait until it passes. I haven't gotten to the point of a calendar-marking countdown just yet, though.

Lots of expectations and selling and traditions and changes and . . . and so on. Also lots of "good cheer," not a measure of happiness we use many other times of the year. It is somehow associated with this time mid-winter period.

The term is ambivalent and undefined, but just sounds like it should be good--good in some undefinable way, but good, nevertheless.

So that's what I wish for you, for us all. Let us be of good cheer. However you do that.

Bill

UUCT

One Place. All Faiths. No Problem.

R.E.flections

New Year, New Connections

This Fall we have had the good fortune of many new families coming to our church and filling our classrooms with their children and youth. It's been such a joy to meet you all! As the wheel turns and we begin a New Year, let's make this a time for new connections. It's our people that make our church such a special place, so let's make time to get to know each other on a deeper level. I'd like to start some monthly meet-ups for families and smaller groups, too. I would love to hear from our families, what kind of connections are you looking for? Moms or dads groups, family groups, family events? Let's make a plan together and make this a great year together!

Children and Youth Religious Exploration

Spotlight on Search

Our Search is out for viewing! The UUA Transitions Office has opened the materials the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) created for viewing by potential ministers.

The material sent to the UUA includes the "Profile of the Minister We Seek" which was written by the MSC after extensive study of the survey, cottage meetings and interview data. MSC crafted this profile as a team, writing and editing until it was "just right". It starts with: "We are seeking a spiritual leader who enthusiastically delivers heartfelt and inspiring messages. Sunday services should challenge and stimulate us intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually." The complete profile is also here in the Web Packet. A hard copy is available in the office for viewing during office hours.

Comments, questions and conversations are welcome in person anytime, or by email to search@uuct.org .

Happy New Year from all of us to all of you:
Elise Richardson, Joan Lund, Ara Rogers, Marta Pearson, Ed Benedict, Earl Harvey, Mary Francis

Welcome New Members

LEADERSHIP OPENINGS:

Fundraising Committee Chair

Need a person who enjoys the "fun" part of fundraising. Needed to put together a group of folks who can make the fundraising activities happen. Should be interested in investigating new sources of fundraising (ebay, online stores, etc.).

Here is the Position Description and the Committee Description.

Social Action Chair

Need someone who can work with the social justice activities we currently do (HOPE, UUSC, Share the Plate) and help steer us toward the kind of social justice program with which we are comfortable and effective.

Here is the Position Description and the Committee Description.

Social Activities Chair

Girls (and everybody else) just want to have fun and we need someone to make sure that along with personal growth and social action we can get some fun time in. Doesn't have to run everything, just help it happen.

Here is the Position Description and the Committee Description.

The church needs help in these areas and you are the one we need.

Ask any Board member or respond to nominating@uutampa.org or president@uutampa.org.

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

Join us on January 3rd for our Full Moon Celebration starting at 7:30pm lead by W.I.T.C.H. Thank you Pearl for leading this ritual. The light has returned and new hope is with us!

All Circles in the Woods CUUPS activities are open to the public and all are welcome! The only cost is a love donation and there will be a Moneta basket for offerings. Families with children are welcome. No pets please. Plan to stay to socialize afterwards. Bring a dish to share. Come, join us, 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 4 through March 15. A love donation of $25 is suggested. Class attendees who are interested will write and perform the April 4 Full Moon Celebration.

Class One - January 4, 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 18, 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 1, 1pm -3pm - The Wheel of the Year
Class Four - February 15, 1pm -3pm - Magick and Ethics
Class Five - March 1, 1pm -3pm - Ritual Basics
Class Six - March 15, 1pm - 3pm - The Working Circle

For more information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS, e-mail cuups@uutampa.org.

January 24 -- A Community Conversation on Social Justice

Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Come out and participate in a discussion of the role of Social Justice in the life of UUCT.
What is our mandate? How to be involved? Expectations and challenges? The questions will be considered as we seek to find some clarity and direction for this area of our church's ministry. Child care provided at no charge.

Opportunity

Are you artistic? Know PowerPoint? Love Photography? Would you like to learn how to create slides for our Sunday services? We will be holding a training session on Saturday, January 17th in the Sanctuary from 10am- 12pm to instruct anyone interested in learning. Previous experience in PowerPoint is advisable but not necessary. Depending on the interest level, we may hold additional future sessions. Please email Worship@uutampa.org to sign up or see Diane Gainforth after Sunday services.

Good Book Column

Here's the continuation of our compiled recommended good books that you readers have submitted.

I hope you get a chance to try on some new authors because of the recommendations. And thank you for participating in this column for the past two years. It's been a pleasure. Read on!
Carol Baker, Editor

Summary of Community Conversation on Growth

We began by considering the nature of growth and the ways in which a healthy congregation can grow. We did not narrow our focus to growth in numbers only, seeing that growth comes naturally from doing the "right" things and we first considered how to decide on the "right" things.

Read more . . .

Concerts in the UU Dome

Claudia Schmidt

Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 pm

https://www.redhouserecords.com/Schmidt.html
http://www.claudiaschmidt.com/ She performed sold-out concerts at the Craftsman House Gallery in St Pete in 2012 and again in 2014. We're happy that she decided to pay this side of the Bay a visit. This promises to be a GOOD ONE! Please - don't you dare miss it.

COST: $ 15 Advance. $20 Door
UU DOME at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, 33637
www.uutampa.org

(Purchase tickets in advance at the church website via check/credit card - check/cash only at the door)

Per The Boston Globe: Claudia Schmidt is a true artist. She has talent AND the fire of genius.

Per Garrison Keillor: When Claudia sings a song, it stays sung!

Per the San Francisco Bay Guardian: Schmidt's shows are a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, but chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory and you know you'll never be the same again.

Claudia is a singer-songwriter and multiple instrumentalist (12-string guitar & mountain dulcimer). We can expect her performance to consist of a quirky and wonderful hodge-podge of music, poetry, story, laughter. drama, and celebrating the moment. Mixing folk, jazz, traditional ballads and breathtaking originals, there's not a style she can't master. Claudia 's incredible voice and charismatic stage presence makes her a marvel in concert.

We're happy to welcome her at the UU Dome. Don't miss it!

Join us for Children: The Challenge

A six-week study group for parents

January 20, 2015

Tuesdays @ 7:00

We will be meeting at

The Park At Bay Plaza

Valle Counseling

9225 Bay Plaza Blvd, Suite 418

Groups will be conducted by local therapists, Anthony Miller, LMHC and Randall Gainforth, LMHC on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. We are asking for you to register for all six classes.
Parents want help in knowing how to reduce conflict, have fun, and raise responsible children. These groups are designed to help parents deal with such concerns as bedtime, meals, chores, homework, school and fighting. The groups provide a source of encouragement and support for parents who want to improve their relationships with their children.
Parents will learn:
*   how to develop friendly and cooperative relationships
*   how to create a family atmosphere of freedom with order
*   how birth order affects decision making and personality development
*   the use of encouragement
*   the basic goals of misbehavior
*   conflict resolution
*   how to conduct family meeting.

Questions? Directions?
Call: Frankie E Valle at 813.630.7673 or frankie@vallecounseling.com
Registration?
Call:   Randall Gainforth at 813.988.7500 or email your name and contact information to: rgainforth@aol.com

Good Santa job!

Thanks to everyone for the great job filling up the entrance of the church with Foster Angel gifts! And special thanks to Russ Patterson for running out during service for a gift due to the one lost angel that fell on the floor.

Every little angel had at least one gift!

HOPE Happenings

By Judy Lane
As UUs, we are moved to justice work primarily by our second principle: justice, equity and compassion for all. Our UUCT Justice Ministry Network is how we connect with HOPE and live out our UU principles. Fall is the time of year when HOPE conducts house meetings as part of its listening process. During these meetings, we will be hearing personal stories related to community concerns and we will work to strengthen our UUCT justice network. UUCT, along with other congregations, has the power needed to achieve justice. Please contact Judy Lane at 813-901-9157 or judylane2003@earthlink.net or Rand Edwards at randwards@yahoo.com for more information.

Also, make sure you have the dates of the major HOPE events in your calendars:

HOPE Rally: Monday, March 23, 2015, at 6:30 pm, location TBD
HOPE Nehemiah Action: Monday, April 20, 2015, at 6:30 pm, location TBD
HOPE Justice Ministry Celebration: Monday, June 8, 2015, at 6:30 pm, location TBD

UUCT GAME NIGHT FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
Friday, January 9th - 6:30pm to 9ish
Come out and play with friends, or make new friends. Mexican Train Dominoes and Cribbage are big winners, plus anything YOU want to play. We have six games to choose from or bring your favorite. Terrific snacks provided, BYO-drink if not water.

John and Jeannette, manningjea@yahoo.com or tel. 813-857-0468.

Your Financial Investment

It is time for you to review your donations toward your 2014 pledge. Will you have fulfilled your 2014 pledge by December 29, the close of UUCT's fiscal year? If you would like a copy of your contribution history to see if you are on track with your pledge, I can provide a contribution statement for you. If you give me a call (813-988-1907) I can have a summary for you by the next Sunday, or I can mail a copy to you.

December 31 is the close of our fiscal year. Due to banking holiday hours and slow mail delivery, all contributions received after Sunday December 28 will be deposited in January 2015. And will not be recorded on your end of year contribution statement. Contribution statements are sent to you for your tax records and will be mailed no later than the third week in January.

Joyce Formica, Pledge Secretary

POSTSCRIPT TO THE LEGACY PLANNING WORKSHOP

A workshop on Legacy Planning was offered to all UUCT members in mid-November by Reverend Doak and a panel of experts.

It covered many end-of-life issues, including required health directives, financial and legal considerations,as well as legacy planning and choices available for final arrangements.

We want to make all our members aware of the new form Reverend Doak introduced that day which will help individuals designate what end-of-life decisions they have made, how they wish them to be carried out and their choices regarding a memorial service.

It is a simple, two-page form, entitled "Personal Planning Information for Minister's File," which will be kept in the minister's private office file after the member has filled it out. When the time comes, this should prove helpful to those who are involved

in carrying out final wishes about a celebration-of-life service and final resting place.

The form can be obtained from Linda Turnipseed, office administrator, or downloaded from the UUCT website. After completing the form, please give it to the minister for filing. It is suggested that a copy be given to a designated representative as well.

Any questions should be discussed with the minister.

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.

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.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability or experience. So come one, come all, and let the good times roll! Questions: muusic@uutampa.org

Save the Date:

Saturday, February, 14, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

Valentine's Day Party at UUCT

Friendship Dinner

It would be helpful to me if anyone offering either kind of dinner would contact me by phone (813 988- 7272) or email (dw_stickell13@verizon.net). If you have any questions, either mode of contact is fine; if I don't know the answer, I will find one or invent one.

David Stickell

Take a Mindful Journey with UUs to the Hill Towns of Italy, July 26 to August 4, 2015

Experience the enchanting hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, view the awesome landscapes, admire the incredible art, taste the wine, enjoy fresh pasta, and all the delights this area of Italy offers us. Spend three nights in Florence, and three each in the hill towns of Siena and Assisi, staying in charming accommodation. We'll explore Cortona, made famous by the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun," see the Renaissance architecture designed by a humanist Pope in Pienza, meditate to Gregorian chanting at the 12th century Abby St. Antimo. The hill towns of San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montefalco, Bevagna, and Spoleto are also on our itinerary. We'll learn each town's stories from its art, food, and inhabitants. Because we are booking small monastery guest house accommodation, we need to make deposits by February 1, 2015. Please see the Itinerary and costs at http://nuuc.ca/spiritual-growth/spiritual-practice/mindful-journeys/ Or email Beverlz@me.com for more information. Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Toronto

5th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist

Women's Retreat

March 20-22, 2015

Cedarkirk Conference Center

Lithia, Florida

Reserve Your Space Now!

Through structured and unstructured activities, attendees will discover ways to connect to themselves as they are today, see others in new light, and delve into the spiritual and natural universes. Take a new look at the labyrinth, create a private centering display, and experience mental and possibly physical challenges with leaders through Pathfinders. Spend time with some new others or see old friends in a deeper way. Such will compose the weekend. See you there.

Registration is limited to 40 participants - reserve your space now!

The retreat is moving to a Cedarkirk as DaySpring is not available. The retreat begins at 5 pm Friday afternoon and concludes at noon on Sunday.

Both private and semi-private rooms are available. Meals included in your registration fee are Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast.

Our new location is less expensive!

$155 semi private room with $20 deposit

$175 first floor semi private room $20 deposit - limited number available

$200 private room with $30 deposit - limited number available

Final payment is due by January 15, 2015

For more information and a registration form contact:

Helen Leddy

helen.leddy@gmail.com

We look forward to another great retreat and hope you will be able to join us this year!

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services begin at 11 a.m.

January 4 'New Set, Same Cast' The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield

Considerations of the significant passages we experience.

January 11 'Gods & Goddesses' The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield
Some thoughts on the place and power of ideas about a supreme being in our world.

January 18 'It's not a Card - It's a Whole Deck' Marta Pearson
I cringe when I hear people say, with disdain in their voices, "Why are they playing the race card again?" I want to help people realize that the "cards" are a very real fact of our lives; actual events that have and continue to affect and wound us. Until then it will continue to be us vs. them and we all pay a price.

January 25 'As the Spirit Moves' The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield
To be a surprise - as the spirit moves.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
~ Buddha

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188