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

Christine Smith

Board of Trustees

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Wondering While Wandering . . .

The Reverend Dr. Doak M. Mansfield, Interim Minister
In September 2013, some 18 months ago, we began our journey together. I came to you pretty much an unknown quantity. The Interim Search Committee (Ara Rogers, Diana Bishop, and John Powers) established about this time two years ago found me through the UUA Transitional Ministry Office listing of recommended transitional ministers available.

I came and together we worked on how we were and why we were in prep for being ready to have a successful settlement for the next hoped for long term ministry. The issues we've considered and worked on include congregational history, unresolved issues from the past, why and how of Sunday Services, morale and community building, denominational awareness and involvements, and good feelings about the future. We've done good work together and I am most thankful for that. The relationship we've created and shared is a real treasure to me. It is a blessing I so very much appreciate and will honor forever.

Our Ministerial Search Committee has been working diligently over the last several months on finding out about the congregation, creating a great profile in the form of documents and videos (Search Packet), discerning the congregation's expectations of the minister, presenting the characteristics and qualities of UUCT to prospective ministers, and finding the candidate to be presented to the congregation as the best available. It is a demanding and through process. I'm so very proud of the MSC and their work. The UUA has a new respect for UUCT and what we can do and be. That is a great thing.

April promises be an exciting time in this process. It is a fair chance that a candidate for your next minister will be selected by the MSC and the candidate will select us as their choice of the congregation they want to serve. Then the news about their Sunday to Sunday visit be announced. At the end of that visit the congregation will vote to call the candidate as the next settled minister of UUCT. The candidate will accept the call or not. It is remote but not unheard of that the candidate might not accept the call. I firmly believe the good work the MSC has done and from my conversations with the possible candidates this will not happen.
Exciting times indeed.

Love ~ Doak

Desk of the President
In another part of this Domelight, you will find an article on the Community Conversation on Social Justice meeting we held last month. Elise did a great job capturing the issues discussed, but I want to linger on a couple of points.

First a little history. Twenty years ago UUCT had an activist minister, and the Church made a significant contribution in time and energy to the causes of the day. Twenty years later, it seems we don't do that enough, or at all--or so it seems. But such a stark comparison is unfair to the mid-1990's church and unfair to us now.

Looking back on that period, we see pictures of people doing what they thought needed to be done to correct some wrongs. Similar pictures of today's congregation find a different looking bunch of folks doing different things, but sharing the same ideal.

Today, the congregation responds when asked for temporary help with causes of farmworkers or a HOPE event, but finds it hard to commit to a steady diet of social action messages or activities.

Our mode has shifted toward helping through funding and short-term acts of charity. Many who marched in '95 cannot do so today (some can, and I will hear from them). But they can help by giving and they do. Altogether, we now collect over $10,000 a year from our congregants for external causes. We also support smaller ministries like the Farm Worker Basket, chalice group work outside the church, and the Christmas Angels.

It's hard to look at the folks in the congregation and see the personal charity behind the individual mask. Many of our members are busy volunteering and contributing to the community, but their good deeds are done off stage, out of the spotlight.

We came out of the recent meeting with the hope that we can (1) work out a method to keep individuals who are social-justice oriented informed on what is happening in our community; (2) begin to publicize some of the unseen work going on so that people can find others with like intentions; and (3) keep the conversation going about social justice/action.

But we start with passing information around. Making sure you have it. What you do with it is up to you.

Peace.

Bill

UUCT

One Place. All Faiths. No Problem.

R.E.flections

Flower Communion and our Annual Egg Hunt - April 5th will be a busy and fun Sunday! Our Flower Communion is always a meaningful and beautiful service and our egg hunt is always a blast! Remember to bring a basket for hunting eggs and a flower for our flower communion ceremony! There will be a potluck lunch after service, too!

First Sunday Mom's Meal - April's will actually be on the 2nd Sunday because Easter is on the 1st Sunday. There will always be things that seem to derail plans for self-care. We must not let that deter us! Start your month off right with a potluck dinner with fellow moms. We'll meet at 5:30 in the Multi-Purpose Building and spend an evening together recharging our souls and enjoying an uninterrupted meal! Sign-ups are posted on the RE bulletin board.

Summer Time Religious Exploration - Summer will be here before we know it! Each summer I invite members of our congregation to share their passions, talents and travels with our children and youth. It makes a wonderful summer full of exploration. If you would like to share something with our children, please see me and we can get you on the calendar!

Beacon Youth Group - meets Wednesdays at 6:30-8:30 in the Youth Room. Youth ages 12-20 are welcome!

Children and Youth Religious Exploration

New Member Sunday

Soup and Sandwich Potluck Luncheon

April 5, 2015 after church

Everyone is invited to get to know our new members
Let us know if you are able to bring soup and/or sandwiches
Contact: Jae Polcyn jaewanderer@hotmail.com

Betty Lee Award Time

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 Friday, April 10, 2015, to president@uutampa.org with the reasons you believe this individual should receive the Betty Lee Award. The Betty Lee Award will be announced at our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

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 Taudte and Fran Davin
2014 Marla Frazer

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

Spotlight on Search

The Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) is at a point where we must trust in the power of love and hard work. We are optimistic that sooner or later we will be rewarded with
success.

With the committee's success will come more work for the congregation. A special congregational meeting will have to be held at the end of the nine days of Candidating Week. The activities of the week will give you multiple opportunities to meet the ministerial candidate and hear him/her speak informally and more formally in leading worship on two Sundays. You will be able to see for yourselves why the MSC has chosen this minister as a great choice to serve us at this time.

The MSC has worked long and hard to select a candidate, but the congregation has the final say. At a special congregational meeting on the last Sunday of Candidating Week the congregation votes to affirm the MSC's choice. With an overwhelming "yes" vote the candidate will know that the congregation has truly called her/him to be our minister. The "call" represents a promise to enter into a covenantal relationship with the minister. Just as we do for each other, we promise to support and grow with the minister and to be in right relationship, keeping dignity and respect foremost in our minds.

Be kind, be patient; the waiting is the hardest part.

Comments, questions and conversations are welcome in person anytime, or by email to search@uuct.org or attend Conversations with the Board.

Elise Richardson, Joan Lund, Ara Rogers, Marta Pearson, Ed Benedict, Earl Harvey, Mary Francis

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

Join our Full Moon Celebration on April 2nd when our Wicca 101 students will perform their first ritual together. Oh, this is going to be fun! It is spring and the wyldwoods have come alive. We expect a visit from the Greenman and will share in his story.

Plus, come and support the newbees! Drums are welcome! Forest creatures and fairies are welcome too! And, as usual, family-friendly fun!

The cost is a love donation and there will be a Moneta basket for offerings. No pets please. Plan to come early or stay afterward to socialize. Come, join us, in perfect love and perfect trust.

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

Jeff Stover, USF alumni artist
and UUCT member, hosted
The Chapel of Reason

The Chapel of Reason

The Industrial Carnival's presentation of the The Chapel of Reason was a success! The Chapel of

Reason, an homage to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, was a free multimedia art event in the UUCT geodesic minidome.

The Chapel of Reason was open at 7:00 pm on March, Friday the 13th and again on Sunday following the service on March 15th. Per Michell Stover, "We had about 80 people total, and we are

feeling so much support and community from the church!" In addition, about 20 to 30 people who have never been to our church came to see the show! Several people remarked that it was a great space. It was further suggested that more art exhibits would be a great way to foster community among members and to reach out into the surrounding community too.

UUCT 60th Anniversary T-Shirt Contest

Do you have an eye for design, a flair for fashion, or the mind of a creative genius?

Then we need your help!

UUCT is celebrating its 60th Anniversary and to show our pride we would like to have T-shirts made. The design of these shirts will be a contest with our very own congregation voting on the best design.

To enter, just submit your design on a standard letter-size sheet of paper between March 1 and March 30. There will be a table set up outside each Sunday after church where we will collect entries.

The congregation will vote on the best entry between April 5 and April 12. If you have any questions, contact Judy Lane at judylane2003@earthlink.net or 813-901-9157.

WE WANT YOUR OLD SNAPSHOTS!

The UUCT's 60th Anniversary Celebration is fast approaching and we are in need of your old photos (or especially movie/video). If you have any interesting photos of UUCT friends, members or gatherings please share! When you share them please help us by identifying the people in the photo as well as the occasion. You may email the photo (or a link to the photo) if it is digital, or bring a photo to church for us to borrow. Here are the instructions:

Email links or photos to uuctphotos@gmail.com
You can also bring your photos in. Place them in an envelope labeled Worship Planning Committee (WPC) or Diane Gainforth. PLACE YOUR NAME on the envelope as well. Then put the envelope in the WPC mailbox in the Office.
If you hand them to Diane on Sunday, you do so at your own risk; she believes she can do two things at once but she is fooling no one.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS is APRIL 15!

Submitted by Diane Gainforth, WPC Chair

Do you walk around with your head in a cloud?

We all know the negative effects smoking has on the health of the smoker as well as the people in their vicinity, but have you thought about how the fragrances that you are wearing affect the air quality of those around you? Scented hair, skin and clothing products added to the perfume or cologne you may wear essentially contaminate and pollute the air that everyone shares. When you see the word "fragrance" in a list of ingredients, then this means that the scent you smell is mostly, and often entirely, synthetic and chemically manufactured from petroleum or coal tar. These chemicals can be harmful to the public in varying degrees, but especially harmful to those with chemical sensitivity. This is not about an irritating smell, but about the negative effects of breathing in these chemicals. The use of perfume, cologne, detergents and other scented products is far more common than tobacco use but is not regulated like smoking is. We ask that you please consider this when you are preparing to come to Sunday services or anywhere where people are going to be in close proximity. We want everyone to feel safe and breathe easy when we are together.

Chinese New Year Celebrated

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa celebrated the Chinese New Year on February 22 with our guest speaker Kun Shi. Kun Shi has been the director of the USF

Confucius Institute since 2010. He received a graduate degree in cultural anthropology from Ohio State University in 1992, then taught as an adjunct professor and worked for social service and state agencies in Ohio. He is a guest professor of several universities in China and author of numerous books and papers on folklore, shamanism, and teaching Chinese as a foreign language.

The service was co-sponsored by USF and features Mr. Yang Rui and Ms. Wu Luo playing ancient Chinese musical instruments, but the real hit was the Lion Dancers from the Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy. Enjoy these great photos from the service. Maybe we can do it again next year!

Thank you!

Final Count on the Sheet Drive for The Spring Domestic Violence Shelter = 67 Sheet Sets!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a successful drive. Not only did you donate lots of sheets, but the variety of sheets is also remarkable - everything from soft warm colors, to soothing patterns and even fun prints for kids. Our combined efforts will help 67 women and children entering the domestic violence shelter this year feel a little more welcome and safe. Thanks again.

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 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

Sanctuary Spring Cleaning Continues in April

Last month's request for help to clean the Large Dome's carpet was a success. On March's Buildings and Grounds Day, the 14th, the carpet got clean, thanks mainly to:
a. Marla Frazer's organizational skills and hard work on the Rug Doctor machine,
b. Rev. Doc. Doak Mansfield's chair stacking and moral support,
c.   Earl Harvey's stain pre-soaking efforts and chair stacking,
d.   Carol Partington's relief efforts on the rug shampooer, and
e.   Chuck Smith chair replacement assistance.

The stains in the rug were deep and many and demanded the entire work crew's attention that day. As consequence, the task to clean and repair the sanctuary's chairs had to be put off until another time. And that time will be next Buildings and Grounds Day, Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 9:00 am. If you can spare an hour or two please come out and help clean chairs. If it is a nice day and you would prefer to be outside, there are lots of chores on the grounds you can do. See you then? (Submitted by Ed Benedict, Co-Chair of Buildings and Grounds Committee)

HOPE Happenings

(Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality)
By Judy Lane

For over 20 years UUCT as a member congregation of HOPE has worked together with other congregations to fight for social justice in our community. This year has been no exception, with three issues being addressed at the city, county and state levels.

In an effort to improve job opportunities and reduce discrimination in the city of Tampa, HOPE continues to work to get the Tampa City Council to require companies bidding for business with the city to remove the question about a criminal record from their initial job applications.

We are working to establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Hillsborough County and have had several promising meetings with some of the County Commissioners and others involved in affordable housing. There is a critical and ongoing need for decent, safe and affordable housing for families with low wages in our county.

Meanwhile, we are organizing to increase the use of civil citations in Hillsborough County and in the state so that civil citations become the default for youth involved in first-time, non-serious misdemeanors, and can be offered for subsequent misdemeanors. Senator Garcia of Miami introduced our bill into the Senate, SB 378, and Representative Clarke-Reed of Broward introduced it in the House, HB99. We also have been meeting with the major stakeholders that make decisions about the local implementation of the civil citation program. Our goals are to get more misdemeanor offenses eligible for civil citations in Hillsborough County, and to get the state legislation amended so more children receive civil citations across the state and fewer children end up involved in the criminal justice system.

You can help by joining me and other fellow UUCT members at this year's HOPE Nehemiah Action to unite at least 1300 people!

HOPE NEHEMIAH ACTION
Monday April 20, 2015
Mt. Calvary 7th Day Adventist Church
4902 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33610
Sign-In & Music: 6:30 p.m.
Agenda: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Please, help show our community leaders and politicians that we know the issues, and that we care. This is an opportunity for us to live our values of justice, democracy and community in a very concrete and necessary way.

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

Adult R.E.

This beautiful Spring day happens to be St. Patrick's Day in Tampa Bay. But I'm thinking, as I write this, of the rolling hills of a land near where I was born. While I'm "wearing the green" at this moment, it's the green of those forest highlands where my grandfather, Luke Austin Sr., was a Tennessee coal miner. From a starting point of coal mine and southern factories, this central part of the South is noteworthy for its history of liberal education for labor organization, social justice, and civil rights. What people among us do continues a tradition. I feel Rev. Doak Mansfield works for us by getting wisdom and information and coming here and teaching it, to paraphrase an historic charge. But more about such history next month.

March has been one month where we celebrate the historic contributions of women, even as they continue every day. During the long years of World War II, my grandmother Austin took a bus ride most every morning as she and her oldest son went into Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to help build a secret city on the other side of our set of mountains. They rolled out of my native town of Norma to work in a place where civil liberties were voluntarily put on hold, to a degree. Pervasive secrecy was demanded so that Oak Ridge, the "Atomic City," could fulfill its mission. This was typified by billboard messages that taught "Your pen and tongue can be enemy weapons - watch what you write and say." Author Denise Kiernan (there's a fine Irish name!) details this story in a book I'm enjoying titled The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win World War II.

A few months ago, I intentionally went to the current site of a famous social action school called Highlander Research and Education Center on the night of the winter solstice. After stopping in awe as the setting sun dropped out behind my native Cumberland Mountains, we met briefly with Pam McMichael (another fine Irish name!). She is a force to be reckoned with and an active director of Highlander, there in the foothills of the Smoky mountains. McMichael is a strong social justice leader to remember on St. Patrick's Day and during this time of year when we continue to recognize the contributions of women to our world!

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

Reflections on a Community Conversation on Social Justice

Elise Richardson, attendee

On Saturday February 28 members of the congregation braved the rainy day to participate in a conversation on social justice led by Rev. Doak Mansfield and Bill Blymiller. We didn't save the world just yet but we did make a start.

Based on our collective memory we put together a pretty impressive list of activities we have done in the past and what we are doing now.

We talked about language: discussing the difference between charity (which we are good at) and working for systemic change (which we aren't); considering our support for social justice (which we do intellectually and individually) and participating in social action (which as a congregation we do not).

Communication is a very important tool for expanding our knowledge and our activity. It's something we can do now. Sign up for the Yahoo Group for Social Action and start communicating. uuctsocialaction-subscribe@yahoogroups.com . More opportunities for discussion and sharing are in the works too.

In closing, we agreed to do what we can do, rather than fret about what we are not doing.

Friends of the Small Dome

Re posted from our egroup
Friends,
As many of you know, there has been recent progress made by some folks who have been working on their own in the small dome and doing a marvelous job with inside improvements. Thank you!

But that amount of progress is really not enough. The small dome still has some problems. The major one being the cracks that cause the leaks and create the dampness, etc. It is a 40 year old building.

But there is always something else with the small dome. There are folks who have who have enduring positive feelings about the building and other folks who feel quite the opposite. Minds rarely get changed, even UU one's, so conversations concerning the small dome are always interesting.

Operationally, it is not economically feasible to bulldoze the small dome, nor would the loss of usable space be a positive step at this time. So . . . stepping (boldly!) in the middle of this (okay, some trepidation) I offer:

I have noticed that when the small dome is clean and bright the level of complaints drop.

I have noticed a decrease in complaints about the smells since Mary Francis risked her life getting old carpet out.

In general the major issue is the appearance of it. Well-maintained it becomes a functional part of living history of the Church. Poorly maintained, an eyesore that might scare some folks away.

We try, but our budget doesn't allow for both the semi-yearly power washing and the re-sealing of the building which is needed every 4 to 5 years. We haven't been able to make it work.

Let me suggest something. This suggestion is directed first to those who have the emotional connection to the small dome, but I ask that others keep reading because there might be some interest even if you are not "moved" by this issue. I would like to suggest that a group be formed, maybe called Friends of the Small Dome, that provides funding and effort that supports the additional maintenance costs necessary for operation of the small dome.

Yes, another request for your time, talent, and treasure. Do you think a well-maintained and attractive small dome is a desirable end? Would you like to hear less of the complaining about the building's appearance? We can do it, but not without the help of the people who also feel strongly about the appearance of campus as a whole.

If you are interested, please email me at president@uutampa.org and I will set up an organizational meeting for the group.

NOTE: This is not a plea for money, just organization.

This a request for additional support and in no way is meant as temptation to reduce your pledge or cut back from doing what you are currently doing. Okay?
Bill

Friends of the Small Dome II
by Mary Francis

Brief rebuttal on the maintenance and warranty of the exterior paint. In 2014, I got three estimates for elasti-bond type paint. This type of paint creates a "shell" that will stop the leaks due to cracks in the concrete structure. There should be no semi-annual power washing - this is what has removed the previous paint - and the warranty of this type of product is 15-20 years. (Just like roofs, we should expect this to be less in our Florida sun.) I suggest that we change the color to a terracotta that would match the roof color of our other two buildings - and camouflage the oaks stains. Tell Bill what you think.
Join me as a friend of the small dome. This space and its history have previously been neglected. Thanks to Jeff Stover who helped remove the old carpet and carpentry. Thanks to Ruth Weaver who has helped clean. Thanks to Grant Wilson for help with painting the floor. Thanks to Steve Nicholson for getting the refrigerator into the kitchen. Thanks to Monday mUUsic the "Chapel of Reason" that provided motivation. Thanks to any of my small dome friends that I might have missed!

News from the Mountain

Love The Mountain? Do you want your congregation to love The Mountain as much as you do? Many UU Congregations have established a Mountain Mover Sunday where the proceeds of "Passing of the Offering Plate" go to The Mountain - your retreat and learning center in Highlands, NC. Call me to talk about this special way of giving, Huldah at 828-526-5838 Ext. 254.

__________________________________________

All children deserve the opportunity to attend summer camp. MountainCamp at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is a fun, active learning and playing camping community. Children grow-up here, become counselors and youth leaders. Some meet their life partners and return here to marry and work. Statistics show children that attend summer camp gain life skills, and develop their social skills, creativity and muscles! Help send children to camp by starting a MountainCamp Scholarship Fund. Last year 50 children received almost 50,000 in scholarship support. Make a difference in the life a child! Call, Huldah at 828-526-5838 Ext. 254.

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April 3-5 Mountain Work Weekend Your opportunity to make a difference for The Mountain. Leave a legacy. Have fun productively. As always, The Mountain needs your help. Join friends - bring a group - help care for this wonderful place that means so much to so many. Visit mountaincenters.org for more information.

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April 3-5 Easter in the Oaks An opportunity for families to enjoy traditional Easter tradition in fellowship with members of the larger Mountain family. Children can create their own eggs and build their own Easter Basket. Other activities include the Easter egg hunt, and a special Easter Worship Service. The weekend concludes with an Easter Feast at noon. Visit mountaincenters.org for more information.

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

April 5 "Easter for Unitarian Universalists" The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield
Some reflections ofnthe possible meanings for the day other than eggs, bunnies, and the usual assorted miracles.
New member recognition is part of our service and a soup/sandwich reception follows during social hour.

April 12 "Living With the Questions" The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield
Seeking relevant and reasonable answers to the big meaning questions is our way in faith. What about when we can't find the answers?

April 19 Dealing with change is always ongoing. Due to a recent cancellation, this Sunday service was not filled at the time of this newsletter publication. Please watch our website for the topic and speaker.

April 26 "Reverence as a Virtue" The Reverend Doak M. Mansfield
What in our skeptical and cynical world is worth our deep respect and honor?

"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188