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
(effective September 1st)

Pat Benedict, Treasurer

Randall Gainforth, President

Kim McDonald, V-president

Lynn Parrish

Jodi Pecoraro, Secretary

Or contact us at:
bot@uutampa.org

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My Little Corner of the World

"Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring individuals over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines." - Henri J.M. Nouwen (adapted)

Ian Finlayson was the first person who greeted me when I showed up at the First UU Church of Richmond, Virginia. Ian was the guy who, regardless of assigned greeters, was the MINISTER of greeting. He was genuinely thrilled when visitors came to church. He was a shareholder in the growth of that church and there are many of us who can claim him as our welcome wagon into Unitarian Universalism. I would later be honored, as intern minister, to play a role in Ian's memorial. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as we celebrated the man who had made so many visitors feel at home.

Our theme this month is hospitality. The above quote by Henri Nouwen is one of my favorites. It speaks not only to the gift of hospitality, but also to the challenge. For many years the language used in our churches around welcoming newcomers - visitors and new members alike - was the language of "assimilation." This centered on the belief that people would fit into our communities when they became more "like us." It is time to let go of that practice and belief.

If we are to live our lives as Unitarian Universalists we are challenged to live in spaces that invite people to become more fully themselves. Hospitality is hard work. It means that we are willing to suspend our judgments based on appearance, age, identity and on and on. We all know too well the tendency we have to size up folks and decide whether they belong. If you have never experienced not belonging, count yourself as a very lucky person. It hurts.

Hospitality is a spiritual practice. It is an ethical imperative. I invite you to take some time this month to examine your own spirit of hospitality, and be open to engaging more fully in the creation of a space where all are welcome.

Peace y'all,

Rev. Patricia

If you missed it, there was a wonderful article on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 in Tampa Bay Times, Neighborhood News section, entitled "UU Church Tabs Pastor with Military Background." Thank you to Sara Whitman, Times Columnist, for her great portrayal of our Rev. Patricia A. Owen.

Desk of the President
Greetings, UUCT!
As your president, I have had the privilege of meeting with Reverend Patricia on a number of occasions the past six weeks. Believe me, it has been my pleasure. Observing and interacting with Rev P, both in meetings and one-on-one, I have noted that her warmth, personal dynamics, abundant energy, and vision for the UUCT are just part of her character. Her training as a leader and minister must have been robust, since she approaches every situation with great clarity of mind and spirit. Those of you who have had the opportunity to meet or work with her know what I am describing.

During one of our discussions, Reverend Patricia asked me for my vision of the future for UUCT. "That's not really my strength," I replied. I am more of an "in the moment" kind of person. But the question immediately started me thinking. "Well, I can tell you this about myself," I said, and launched into a story about my two thousand mile bicycle ride in the Rocky Mountains in 1995. "I crossed the Continental Divide 11 times!" I started thinking out loud about how I pick a personal adventure that is very attractive to me, and how I envision its playing out in the future. I spoke about how it starts to reshape my present life--changing my diet, putting me on my bicycle for more rides and more miles, and giving me a goal during my mundane bicycle rides. I start to accumulate equipment and read about the area ands its weather, and start looking at maps and guides. And looking at Rev P, I said, "and it has to be something that I am not sure I can really accomplish!" Patricia broke into a big smile, and said, "That is starting to sound like a good sermon!" and we both had a nice laugh. Her psychic/spiritual gardening had taken root in my head/heart/mind.

So, imagine if you will, an attractive future for UUCT, a plan that starts to reshape our daily church lives, something to start dreaming about, and more importantly, to start working towards together. And just as importantly, the kind of work that benefits us now even as we look to the future: a bold plan, that we can't be too sure about accomplishing, but that we take on as our goal. A grand adventure. Our Grand Adventure!

REflections

in Religious Exploration

Guest at Your Table and Hospitality

This month's theme is hospitality and it often brings to mind a scene of welcoming friends and family into your home for a big meal. Something the host spent days preparing food and tidying the house to be as hospitable as possible. This is a common scene and it gives the impression that being hospitable requires lots of work and preparation. And if that's the case, is it something we can do all the time for all our people?
Now think about being the guest in this situation. Was it the lavish spread of food that made you feel welcome? Or the tidy house with cute decorations? Or was it something else?

For me, it's always the warm hugs, the laughter and the being together. A shared meal doesn't hurt, but it doesn't have to be extravagant. And I'm sure it's the same for many of us. It's easy to get wrapped up in the extraneous details, but the core of hospitality is opening ourselves up to each other and sharing freely of our hearts and spirits.

How do we extend this to our children? It's pretty simple, just as we would to the adults in our life. Share a laugh, a story and some cookies. Listen to each other. We have as much to learn from our children as they do from us; sometimes even more so. Model hospitality for your children and in front of your children and they will do the same.

Beginning November 15th we will model hospitality through the Guest at Your Table Campaign. This is an annual event to raise awareness and money for the UU Service Committee. The UUSC is the humanitarian organization for UUs around the world. Visit their website, uusc.org, to see the good work they do year round. And, the boxes are back this year! This is a great way to extend the spirit of hospitality from your home to the world.

Beacon Youth Group - meets Sundays at 12:30-2:30 in the Youth Room. Youth ages 12-20 are welcome!

Children and Youth Religious Exploration

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Covenant

We the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa, covenant with one another:

To strengthen our church community while following our own spiritual paths,

To honor diversity as a source of communal strength and to be a welcoming community.

Because our acts and words weave the web that connect us to one another:

We accept responsibility for what we do and say,

We communicate with one another in kindness and support,

We promote the safety and well being of the congregation,

We practice the democratic process,

We support this church with our money and time,

We make our contributions with compassion and commitment,

We work together to build a joyful community that affirms peace, justice, and spiritual fulfillment.

We hold ourselves and each other responsible for adhering to this covenant.

Going, Going....Gone!

The Auction is Coming!

The church's annual action, our l-a-r-g-e-s-t fund raising event of the year, is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2015. Planning for the B-I-G event has already begun. If you were one of our wonderful participants who donated an item or items in last year's (2014) auction, you should have already received an inquiry via email as to whether or not you would like to enter that item or items again for the 2015 auction. If you have received the request, hopefully you will respond quickly to aid in the development of our 2015 auction catalog. If you have not received the inquiry, and believe you should have, please let us know by email at auction@uutampa.org . Those of you would who have a new item or items to offer and want to enter it or them in the 2015 auction, please let us know at the same email address (auction@uutampa.org ). Dinners, services, and one of a kind items make great auction items. Please feel free to share yours. In the end, it is our church's finances that reap the benefits of your generosity.

We need a few good volunteers to help on auction day. If you could give a hand in helping to set up, clean up, check potential bidders in, record information, and/or check bidders out, please advise at auction@uutampa.org. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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

I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing

Choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:45. If you love to sing, desire more music in your life, and want to make truly beautiful music with friends old and new, come join the UUCT Choir and share your dulcet tones with all of us!

Leadership Group

The Conversations on Leadership group meets at 7:00 the first Thursday of each month in the MPB. The group will be discussing the book Serving With Grace by Erik Walker Wikstrom beginning October 1. Copies of the book are available from Rev. P. Come join the group for thoughtful discussion on leadership topics. Contact Kim McDonald (813-380-2628) with any questions.

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

This time of year gets so busy! There is a lot coming up.

On October 24th, our Full Moon Celebration will welcome Coven of Starlight Shadow. Prior to Full Moon from 5pm to 7 pm, in the small dome, Sacred Oaks Circle will have a Cauldron Magick workshop. Anyone is welcome to join us. All are welcome to celebrate with us! 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.

November 1st will be our annual 'Dine with the Dead or Dumb Supper. This is a serious and reflective time to honor to honor the dead. "Dumb" means silent; nobody speaks. Dumb Suppers are held by people all over the world in solemn remembrance of departed friends and loved ones. Bring food in colors of red, black or white. (This could be lasagna, black beans and rice, red velvet cake, etc.) Join us in remembrance.

November 14th is a Spiral Dance concert! For a great time, come out and listen to their contemporary twist on classic Celtic music. See more below.

November 28th will be Fall Festival starting at noon and wrapping up with Bardic Circle. Come enjoy activities: music, food, vendors!

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

We are honored to welcome back Spiral Dance on November 14 at 7:00 pm. What are people saying about Spiral Dance?

Melodic, well-arranged and frankly damn catchy!
A unique edge and breath of modern air while still retaining the familiarity of traditional sounds.
Intelligent, witty and above all down to Earth people...friends rather than just performers.
You're taken on a mystical, wistful journey to the heart of Celtic folk music.
Music with heart, soul and melody comes along too rarely.
An integration of wisdom of yester-years renewed for the present.

Everyone has been excited to hear they are back. You don't want to miss this concert!

Tickets are $15 at the door (cash please). CD's will be available. Circles in the Woods CUUPS will have food and drinks available.

Concerts in the UU Dome

Review of our September Concert featuring Rod MacDonald & Rex Blazer:    The audience expressed great enthusiasm about this concert. It was, indeed, wonderful.   Rod is one of the best songwriters in the universe. His songs are compelling, interesting and usually topical - plus he does entertaining and humorous songs too.    He has a great voice - great guitar - harmonica.   Years of experience. He's a pro. And his side man Rex Blazer knows his way around a fiddle.    Rex mostly backed up Rod..   But he also did a few rousing fiddle tunes, one of which was so rousing that two people got up & started dancing in the aisles!

The last song that Rod did was one the audience knew (I forget the name of it).. Rod did it acapella.   The audience joined in.. Harmonized.. It was beautiful. We obviously had some singers in the house.

It was as fine a concert as we've ever had. One happy audience member yelled out to Rod & Rex as they finished their last song:   "Hurry back!"

CONCERTS IN THE UU DOME PRESENTS

MamaJoWali An Afromericana Trio.

Thursday, Nov 5, 7:30 pm ($15 advance. $20 at the door.)

Please click this secure link to donate to UUCT or to buy event or concert tickets.
Ticket buyers: enter the amount of your purchase in the appropriate box, and then provide the name and date of the activity you're attending. Your tickets will be held at the door.

Mamajowali   Mama= Mamadou Sidibe, Jo= Joe Craven, Wali=Walter Strauss

http://www.walterstrauss.com/collaborations/mamajowali/
http://joecraven.com/mamajowali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgX5VqZXcqQ   (Mamadou Sidibe - solo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrUCDv5tgzo    (MamaJoWali)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ngMhwn5Iw   (MamaJoWali) wowee!!

To hear these three musicians from far flung places collaborate is to take in three souls, listening and greeting one another in a universal language - seamlessly interweaving two continents and three bright musical sensibilities. The blend of kamale ngoni (West African hunter's harp) with six string guitar, percussion, fiddle, mandolin and singing - is uncommon and familiar while traditional and innovative - all at the same time. And the resulting bright rhythms are hard to resist. This new "Afromericana" project places each of these respected California -based artists in a new sound of common ground.

Gloria Holloway, Concert Chair

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

December Pulpit Flowers

Donate a beautiful red poinsettia, to be placed at the pulpit, in honor or memory of someone, during the month of December. Joyce Formica is taking orders for quality, potted 6-inch foil-wrapped poinsettia plants for a $8.00 donation per plant. The plants are being purchased from the Temple Terrace Garden Club. A small income is received from the sale and we have the pleasure of seeing the pulpit decorated with fresh flowers Dec 6th thru the 24th. All orders must be prepaid by cash or check. Order deadline is Sunday, November 8th. Contact Joyce Formica (keyspouse2@aol.com or 988-1907), for more information.

Social Justice News

Volunteering at Temple Terrace Elementary is fun! The students work hard and appreciate having help with their assignments. If you want to volunteer, see Jae Polcyn or Tempie Taudte. We will give you a volunteer application and let you know how to connect with the school.

Many thanks to Robert Boileau who represents UUCT on the HOPE (Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality) board. Many of us participated in the HOPE listening process where we discussed issues that impact us. Look for additional HOPE information about important events, which will be posted on the bulletin board in the foyer and listed in the Announcement section of the order of service.

We hope to show the documentary, "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate," by Naomi Klein. Jo-Ann Johnston will invite other groups to co-sponsor the film and help pay for the $500.00 cost.

Gun violence is of concern to all of us. Joan Lund will spearhead our effort to reframe the issue of gun control to one of a public health issue. Joan and the Social Justice Committee will share the cost of obtaining the film and toolkit, "Changing the Conversation." Look for more information and a date for the film in the next Domelight.

Diana Stevens and Grant Wilson report that the Charles Weingartner Scholarship Fund is now being managed by the Hillsborough Educational Foundation. This year a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student with at least a 2.5 GPA who qualifies for free lunches and food stamps. The winner will be invited to the church and a UUCT member could mentor the recipient during his or her first year of college.

The 5K Walk for Education will be held downtown on November 14. UUCT members are encouraged to participate and to request donations from friends.

Please join us for our next Social Justice Committee meeting, which will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 7:00 PM in the Education Building. Everyone is welcome.

Jae Polcyn and Tempie Taudte, co-chairs.

The Migrant Basket is Back!

Migrant families will begin to arrive in early October. Please bring boxed, canned, and bagged nonperishable food for our migrant food basket. Items such as rice, cereals, dry milk, beans, sugar, coffee, tea, flour, corn meal, canned fruit, jello, soups, canned meat, baby food,or even special treat items like cake mixes, cookies, or icing . They will be shared with the migrant worker families.

Friendship Dinner

It would be helpful to me if anyone offering to host a Friendship 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

Emerson Forum Issues Gain International Following

Three years ago, UUCT sponsored a series of community-focused programs marketed to audiences throughout Tampa Bay under "The Emerson Forum" trademark. The series focused on end of life care, with well-known Tampa Bay speakers presenting two, half-day programs at the Stetson Law Center in downtown Tampa.

This year, three major developments in end of life care have attracted more international attention to the issue than at any time since Elisabeth Kubler-Ross published her international best-selling book On Death and Dying, in 1969.

*   The Canadian Supreme Court unanimously legalized medical aid in dying in February and declared it to be "a constitutional right" for all Canadians. (The Canadian Unitarian Council was an Intervenor on behalf of the winning party in the case. A half million Canadians spend winters in Florida. )
*   The U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed paying physicians to discuss end of life care with their patients next year.
*   Thirdly, last month [October], the State of California became the largest of five states to legalize medical aid in dying in the U.S.

On Saturday, November 7, from 2-4 p.m., two nationally-known speakers will expand upon these issues at a free public program in the Octagon building of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2470 Nursery Road, in Clearwater.

Click here to read more

Reclaimed!

The small dome (our original sanctuary) was neglected for a while - well, a long while. But now we have reclaimed it and it is back in use! Join us for our coffee hour following Sunday service in the Small Dome.

WELCOME TO SWIM 2015

SWIM, the Southeast UU Winter Institute in Miami (sometimes), is delighted to invite you and yours to join us for a week of joy, adventure, and community from December 26 through January 1. Now in our 42nd year, SWIM brings you many opportunities to share yourself with other Unitarian Universalists and friends. We invite you to play and learn and worship and just be-- with us as we come together yet again.

SWIM is an intergenerational camp that will be gathering this year at Cloverleaf 4-H Camp in Lake Placid, Florida! http://florida4h.org/camps_/cloverleaf/ .It is a two hour drive from Tampa. We have workshops, music, worship, trips, dancing, games, canoeing, teen and children programming all ending in a wonderful New Year's Eve party.

We will have some amazing activities. You will find it all on our website http://www.swimuu.org/

COSTS
In our ongoing efforts to keep SWIM costs as low as possible while still being able to pay our bills, we are happy to announce that there will be NO INCREASE in the cost of SWIM! Plus there's a $40 per person reduction for all persons who camp in tents or RVs all week.

$490 for adults ages 18 and over
$328 for teens 13-17
$216 for children ages 3-12
FREE for infants and children under 3 years of age

CHRISTMAS DINNER
For those arriving early and locals, there will be a Christmas Dinner at the historic Columbia Restaurant www.columbiarestaurant.com, 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 248-4961, in Ybor City at 6:00. No need to pay ahead time, but if you are planning to come, let Candy know director@swimmuu.com so we can make sure to have reservations for everybody.

If you would like to know more, please go to our website http://www.swimuu.org/ or contact Candy Gale director@swimuu.org or Jerry Elsenrath registrar@swimuu.org

Mountain Programs

Youth CONs: A Youth CON is a gathering of youth from congregations all over the southeast (and sometimes beyond!) for a weekend program filled with a variety of workshops, activities, good food, a safe environment and warm, cozy cabins. Dates at The Mountain:

Elementary (3rd - 5th graders): November 13 - 15
Intermediate (6th - 8th graders): November 20 - 22
Senior High (9th - 12th graders): December 4 -6

Consider joining the 37th Annual Thanksgiving at The Mountain on Wednesday November 25 - Sunday November 29, 2015. For more information, go to http://themountainrlc.org/event/thanksgiving-on-the-mountain/

Looking for a great place to host a retreat? To learn what The Mountain has to offer, visit www.mountaincenters.org or contact Nancy at nancy.plate@mountaincenters.org. We hope to see you soon!

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we covenant to affirm and promote our

UU Principles:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equality and compassion in human relations
Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

The Surface and The Deep

When our days are turbulent and troubled, our challenge is to remember that the wave is not the sea. Though it pounds us, the pounding will pass. Though it tosses us about, the tossing will pass, if we don't fight it.

Often our fear misleads us to stay in close to shore, when the safest place is in the deep, if we can get there. Any swimmer knows: Stay too close to the shore and you will be battered by the surf and undertow. We must swim out past the breakers if we are to know the hammock of the deep.
Source: The Book of Awakening

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services start at 11:00 am

November 1, 2015 "The Thinnest Veil" Rev. Patricia A. Owen
Almost every culture celebrates those who have gone before us. The thinnest veil implies they are among us. What are they trying to teach?

November 8, 2015 "When I Say Hospitality, You Say . . ." Rev. Patricia A. Owen
Hospitality is more than coffee and snacks. What does creating a practice of radical hospitality mean?

November 15, 2015     Welcome back Katherine "Katie' Culbert, previous DRE here at UUCT. She will be bringing a message this Sunday on Hospitality.

Katherine "Katie" Culbert graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Meadville-Lombard Theological School. She is a part-time Chaplain at Tampa General Hospital, served as the Director of Religious Education for children and youth at our own Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa for eight years and recently completed a two-year position as Intern Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, Florida. Her passions are family ministry, Unitarian Universalist evangelism, social justice, worship arts and sparking the imagination of Unitarian Universalist leaders in thinking of bold new ways to create religious community and grow our faith. Katie lives in Tampa with her two children, Casey (8) and Desi (10) and her husband JD.

November 22, 2015 "The Risks of Hospitality, Part 1" Rev. Patricia A. Owen
If we truly open ourselves to the practice of radical hospitality there are risks involved. What are they and how do we explore and grow?

November 29, 2015 "The Risks of Hospitality, Part 2"    Rev. Patricia A. Owen
We will continue to explore how opening our community to radical hospitality will invite risk and growth.

Following this service after coffee time: Conversations With The Board - Members of the Board of Trustees will be present for conversation after church on the 4th Sunday of the month from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The purpose is to open communication and share ideas. Come with questions and ideas but always with an open mind.

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. ~ Pericles

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188