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

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Al-Anon

Al-Anon meets at UUCT on Saturdays at 10:30 am each week. For additional information in Hillsborough County, call 813-881-9372 or visit us on the web at www.tampabayalanon.org.

DOMELIGHT
Deadline for submissions:

17th of each month

Length of articles:

300 words

Submit via email to: domelight@uutampa.org

DL Editorial Board:

Pat Busbice

Mary Francis

Christine Smith

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an organization of more than 1,000 congregations in the U.S. and Canada.

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My Little Corner of the World

This month we contemplate rootedness. What grounds you? Trees are perhaps some of our best teachers in this idea of rootedness. The deeper the roots have grown, the less likely the wind will destroy it. It is an idea - rootedness - that is scarce these days. Folks who aren't rooted often operate from a stance of fear, of aggression and suspicion. It seems anywhere we go we may find people who live a pretty lonely existence. The idea of rootedness seems foreign to them, and it's easy to tell.

Week after week, I remain humbled at the community I witness at UUCT. I am excited by the possibilities. I remain thrilled to be a part of what our community is and might become.

We each have the chance to decide whether we will be a part of "what our community might become." Are we willing to continue to invite newcomers and visitors to become part of our community knowing that they may bring new ideas and visions? Are we excited about what our future may hold, rooted in our belief in community? Are we grounded enough to be open - strong roots, flexible limbs?

I invite all of us to ponder these questions as we face the opportunity to imagine what our future may hold.

You'll find an invitation contained in this edition of the Domelight. An invitation to attend my installation as your minister. An installation is a formal recognition that a minister has settled into their community. In that service we (you the members and I the minister) will make some promises. This will be, for me, a very important day. You will meet some of my closest colleagues - the men and women who support me, who have loved me through the process to ministry and who are part of my rootedness to this wonderful faith. April 24th will offer a joyous opportunity for us to affirm our commitment and love for each other and for our liberal religious voice in Tampa, Florida. Chris and I have found a home here. The roots are anchored. We are excited to share this journey with each and every one of you!

Peace y'all,

Rev. Patricia

Kim McDonald
BOT President

Desk of the President . . . and the beat goes on . . .

I came home with a real "buzz" after church one Sunday. I was on a high and thrilled about all the energy present on our campus. The domes were beehives of activity as so many hands pitched in to make Sunday a community experience.

Before church there was business being conducted in the big dome office, coffee being brewed and food being prepared in the small dome, and music was being practiced in two buildings. As time for the service neared, the greeters and ushers swarmed into action, and youngsters from RE helped out. During the service, another group of helpers worked in the background with sound, technology, A/V screens, and videotaping. A Care Team member read us the Joys and Concerns, and the money counters took up the collection. Reverend Patricia, with the help of RE youths, delivered the spiritual message, and the choir sang their hearts out. Meanwhile in the MPB, the younger children had their own service, complete with music, a chalice lighting, their version of Joys and Concerns, and a thoughtful story. Following the service, a photographer worked outside while people congregated in the small dome. Guests were welcomed there, and snacks were enjoyed, while more business was transacted in both domes. Some people followed Reverend Patricia to the MPB to start the new Pathways to Membership class. All this, and I am sure there was more that I missed. So many good things happening!

I am always in awe by how many hands (so many hands!) are necessary to make one service. But the results are amazing! A sense of community is formed, and those involved feel like they are a part of the UUCT family. I am so delighted to be involved with such an energized, giving group.

In Community,

Kim

REflections

in Religious Exploration

UU Parenting Class coming this April!

Are you looking for ways to incorporate Unitairian Universalism into your home life? This class will help parents explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist parent and how to incorporate our principles into everyday life with children. This five-session class will be held on Wednesday evenings, beginning on April 6th. Exact class time will be announced soon. This class is limited to 8 participants, sign up early! Email Erin Powers, DRE@uutampa.org or check the RE bulletin board for a sign-up sheet.

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

We Need Your Help!

We're sure you have noticed that Sunday mornings are busy! This is great news for all of us, and we, the Membership Committee members can't say thank you enough to all who make it happen!

Sunday mornings take a lot of effort - we love our Order of Service, we love to give generously when the basket is passed, we love spending time together with a cup of coffee, tea and perhaps a snack. How does all this happen? YOU!!

On April 3rd, at 12:30 (Location TBA) we will offer training to those of you interested in helping out with greeting and ushering. No need to make a life long commitment - just attend and see how simple and fun it is to help make Sundays happen at UUCT!

Email membership@uutampa.org for details.

Installation of The Reverend Patricia Ann Owen

The Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa invites its members and friends to the installation of The Reverend Patricia Ann Owen. The Installation Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday April 24, 2016 in the Large Dome on the campus of the UU Church of Tampa. Reception to follow in the Multipurpose Building.

Look for more information about the ceremony and celebration as we get closer to the date. Volunteers will be needed for a variety of activities. Contact Rev. Patricia or Joan Lund for further information.

Vespers

Effective on February 17th, Rev. Patricia began a short, contemplative service every Wednesday for anyone and everyone at 6PM in the sanctuary. The service lasts about 30 minutes. There are readings, reflections, music, joys, and concerns and some other components as well! If you are in the area, stop in for a hump day break.

Circles in the Woods CUUPS

On February 20th, W.I.T.C.H. will lead our Full Moon Celebration - We don't know exactly what surprise Pearl will have for us, but it will surely be something special.

Join us on March 21st with Serenity Circle to celebrate a time between the worlds, day and night in balance, with the time near the equinox.

All are welcome to celebrate with us! No pets please. There will be a Moneta basket for love donations - ever mind the "Rule of Three." Plan to come early or stay afterward to socialize.

Six session classes will be on the 1st and 3rd Sunday afternoons through March 20. A love donation of $25 is suggested. Class attendees who are interested will write and perform the April 23 Full Moon Celebration.

The first two classes were great and it's not too late to join.

Class Four - February 21, 1pm -3pm - Magick and Ethics
Class Five - March 6, 1pm -3pm - Ritual Basics
Class Six - March 20, 1pm - 3pm - The Working Circle

For more information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS, e-mail cuups@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!

Betty Lee Award Time

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 8, 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 1, 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
2015 Mary Francis

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!

UUCT mUUsic Group

Meets 7:30pm Mondays 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.

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

UUCT DAY TRIPPERS

Join UUCT adult friends on our next excursion to Solomon's Castle on Wednesday, March 9. The castle, located 45 miles east of Bradenton, is designed and built by internationally known artist and sculptor Howard Solomon. Castle tour includes Solomon's galleries. Enjoy Solomon's sense of humor and puns. Carpool will leave the church promptly at 9:15am and return mid-afternoon. Cost, cash only, includes $10 admission, lunch at the Boat in the Moat, and $3 nominal gratuity to carpool driver. RSVP with one of the co-organizers, Ron Phillips at 813-997-0920 or Mary Wolgemuth at 720-252-3443 or mary.wolgemuth@gmail.com. Include your telephone number and indicate passenger only or willingness to drive, if needed.

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. Patricia. Come join the group for thoughtful discussion on leadership topics. Contact Kim McDonald (813-380-2628) with any questions.

Tampa Pride Parade

Our congregation is registered to march in the Tampa Pride Parade on Saturday, March 26 in Ybor City. Look for more information in the order of service. We hope to see you there! Tempie Taudte

Environmental Sustainability Talk at Saint Leo University

The University Speaker Series at Saint Leo University presents an accomplished leader in environmental education, Anthony Cortese, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center. His topic is "Creating a Socially and Environmentally Sustainable Economy," and the talk is free and open to the public.

Cortese served as commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and was the first dean of environmental programs at Tufts University, outside Boston. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Tufts in civil and environmental engineering, and earned his doctorate in environmental health at Harvard School of Public Health. In recent years, Cortese has worked for environmental sustainability through a nonprofit organization and through professional networks.

The Saint Leo University campus is four miles east of Interstate 75 (Exist 285) at 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo, FL, 33574. Parking is free and available in surface lots and the campus garage.

For special accommodations, contact Jennifer (Megan) Orendorf, in the School of Arts and Sciences, at (352) 588-8401 or at jennifer.orendorf@saintleo.edu.

HOPE Updates

Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE)
By Robert Boileau

Thanks to all of you who continue to support our church's efforts to achieve justice through, and with, HOPE!

Our HOPE-UUCT Team Meeting was held Monday evening, January 25th, with five members present, along with our HOPE Organizer/Liason, Joe Andrews. We reviewed our plans to achieve our turnout goal (85) for the Nehemiah Action scheduled for Monday evening, April 4, 2016. We set Sunday, February 21st, at 12:45 P.M., in the Small Dome for our next Justice Ministry Network Meeting to make our final preparations for the HOPE Justice Ministry Team Assembly on 2/29/2016 and the HOPE Rally on March 14th, both are Monday evenings.

At the Sunday, February 7th church service, we collected over fifty signatures on petitions to Hillsborough County Sheriff Gee to reconsider his opposition to use of the available Civil Citation program in lieu of arrest of children in Hillsborough who are found in possession of a misdemeanor amount of marijuana. (Special thanks to Tempie Taudte for her help with this.) Of the 59 Florida counties (out of 67 total Florida counties) who have implemented the Civil Citation program, only Hillsborough County has not yet adopted Civil Citations for misdemeanor marijuana possession.

Thursday, February 11th, eleven members of UUCT joined over forty other people from twelve other HOPE member congregations in a moving vigil outside of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Annex in Ybor City, Tampa (covered by Channel 6). We peacefully demonstrated for more than twenty minutes, from 6:00 P.M. until dusk that evening.

Although much work remains, HOPE has made progress on its two current issues:
1. Civil Citations for misdemeanor first possession of marijuana instead of arrest, which would provide faster diversion into drug education and treatment programs than the arrest method, as well as avoiding the traumatizing affects of an arrest on a child and the very negative long term effects on the child's future; and
2. The establishment of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund for Hillsborough County. We have made progress on both of these issues, but much remains to be done for both.

Immediate Past Co-president of HOPE, Reverend Bernice Powell Jackson met with members of our Legislature who were considering a change to the current Florida Civil Citation law requested by HOPE and our sister Florida DART affiliate organizations which will change its implementation language from "May" to "Shall," thereby making it mandatory for all counties, rather than discretionary as it currently is. This is still under consideration by the Florida House and Senate, but some progress was made.

This month's HOPE Board Meeting, February 8th was well attended this month and provided those of us present with updates on our two current issues, feedback on our HOPE Board Retreat last month, and updates on HOPE's operations.

HOPE Dates to Remember:

HOPE-UUCT Justice Ministry Network Meeting - Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 12:45 P.M. in the Small Dome, immediately following our church Coffee/Social time.

HOPE Justice Ministry Team Assembly - Monday, February 29, 2016, 6:30 P.M.

HOPE Rally - March 14, 2016, 6:30 P.M.
HOPE Nehemiah Action - April 4, 2016, 6:30 P.M.
HOPE Justice Ministry Celebration - May 23, 2016, at 6:30 P.M.

Concerts at the UU Dome!

MURIEL ANDERSON - Harp Guitarist
Sunday, February 28, at 3pm.
$15 Advance. $20 Door.

Come to the UU Dome to hear Award winning guitarist, composer, and harp guitarit Muriel Anderson. She is one of the few international touring guitarists equally at home with fingerstyle, bluegrass, classical, freeform, and international music. She has recorded with country legend Chet Atkins, performed with jazz greats Les Paul and Victor Wooten, and with classical orchestras. http://murielanderson.com/

SEARSON!

March 13, at 3pm
$15 Advance. $20 Door.
Searson is Colleen and Erin Searson, two sisters from the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada. On tour, they are joined by top notch Canadian musicians Fraser Gauthier on bass and Danno O'Shea on drums. Together, this talented quartet performs sets that feature their original style of "Canadian Celtic Pop" which includes traditional and original pieces, interspersed with high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and step dancing. Searson has toured throughout Canada, the United States, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and the Caribbean. In June 2015, the sisters released their eighth original studio album, Stars Above the Farm.

Website: http://www.searsonband.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtUwfa3W8-lwP6fKRbuwqkg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/searsonmusic

(Advance tickets via the church web site http://uutampa.org/concerts. Go to the bottom of the page, click on "Donate Now" and just follow the directions for Concerts. Print your online receipt as your ticket.)

Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Day Update

Many thanks to the hard core members of the congregation that continue to turn out on the second Saturday of each month to provide a couple of hours of their time in helping to maintain our buildings and grounds.   On February's B&G Day this crew included Robert Boileau, Bill Blymiller, Teresa and Yves Hamard, Joyce Formica, Ron Phillips, and Chuck Smith.   Within a two and a half hour period this group removed a tree stump from the parking lot (thanks mainly to Chuck's handy chain saw), cleaned gutters, replaced building's air filters and burnt out light bulbs, cleaned sidewalks, and pulled weeds.
      Thanks, also, to two of our Chalice Circle groups who aided in improving our grounds on B&G Day. One group landscaped the area around the new Peace Pole, which it had installed earlier. The second Chalice Circle group begun clearing away the overgrown vegetation at our Davis Road entrance. Kudos for all members of these ambitious Chalice Circles. And Friends of the Small Dome have installed cabinets and a sink in the kitchen. Special thanks to Jamie Robe and family for hanging that wall cabinet!
     Please join us for B&G Day in March. That will be, of course, on the second Saturday of the month, March 12, 2016. (Submitted by Ed Benedict)

Renewal Service 2016

Dear Unitarian Universalist Friends:
My name is Dr. David Katz. I am the music director of Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, Florida. I am delighted that my congregation will be hosting this year's Renewal Service for the West Central Cluster of Florida's Unitarian Universalists.
The event will take place on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. As part of this event, I would like to invite you to participate in a mass choir which I hope will consist of members of all our UU denominational churches within the cluster. There is sheet music and individual voice part recordings/tutorials to anyone within the cluster who may be interested in participating.
We are looking forward to a spirited evening with uplifting music. Our mass choir piece this year is a choral arrangement of "No Day But Today" from the musical Rent. Bring your copy of the music with you on the day of the event.

Here is the schedule for the event:
5:30-6:00 a light dinner served for mass choir participants
6:00-7:00 rehearsal for "No Day But Today" (music attached)
7:30 Renewal Service for UU West Central Cluster Renewal Service

Please let me know if you will be attending by Monday, February 29 so that we can plan accordingly. I hope as many people can attend as possible. Please also invite members of your congregation who aren't interested in participating in the choir to come and be part of our cluster congregation for the worship service.

Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater is located at 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater, Fl 33764. It is a beautiful church and the worship space is in the round. We have a rich and vibrant music program which includes myself, a staff pianist, two professional singers a wonderful volunteer chorale and a host of talented musicians and artists from our congregation.

Blessed Be and Shalom, Dr. David Katz
Music Director
Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, Florida

As the theme suggests, we'll be traveling in mind, heart, and spirit...discovering many paths to explore ourselves and the world to see how movement in this world is, itself, home. It's an adventure that we'll share through music, art, movement, poetry, meditation, and play.

The retreat begins Friday at 5:00pm and ends Sunday at noon.

DaySpring Conference Center is conveniently located off I-75 just north of Sarasota on Florida's west coast. The beautiful campus nestled under ancient oaks and located on a cove of the Manatee river offers a serene setting for our annual retreat. Take a look. http://Dayspring.dioswfl.org.

$220 per person covers expenses for a semi-private room and six meals. 8 women share a cozy cottage with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, a screened porch and common area. A non-refundable deposit of $20 will reserve your place.

Come join us for a memorable weekend.

To register contact Helen Leddy helen.leddy@gmail.com

UUWomenspirit Spring Retreat - May 11-15, 2016

UUWomenspirit is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that has hosted all-women retreats since 1987. Our retreats emphasize and celebrate the Divine Feminine in her many forms. Our next retreat will be held on May 11-15, 2016 at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in Highlands, NC.

Our theme for this event is WE Walk With HER, as One and will emphasize our connection to Mother Earth.

For more information about UUWomenspirit, please visit our website,

www.uuwomenspirit.org.

The Mountain

2016 Programs:
Work Weekend: March 25 - 27
Spring Youth CONferences - Elementary: March 11 - 13; Intermediate: March 18 - 20; Senior High: April 1 - 3
SEUUMA Spring: April 4 - 7
UUWomenspirit: May 11 - 15
Appalachian Spring: May 22 - 27
Homecoming Weekend: May 27 - 29
Annual Meeting: May 28th
MountainCamp: June 12 - July 23 *see our website for camp session dates*
Family Camp: July 24 - 31
Southern UU Fall Institute (SUUFI): October 2 - 7
UUWomenspirit: October 19 - 23
Thanksgiving: November 23 - 27

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa

Services start at 11:00 am

March 6, 2016 "Deeply Rooted, Highly Flexible" Rev. Patricia A. Owen
Why do we really choose to be in community with one another? How is that choice helping us to be deeply rooted in our shared values?

March 13, 2016 "Ahead of Their Time" Rev. Patricia A. Owen
March is Women's History Month. We welcome some voices from the past today to tell us about their service to our tradition. We also welcome new members!

March 20, 2016 "Helping Them to Live the Lives They Choose"
Guest Speaker, Jim Freyvogel, CEO MacDonalds Training Center, will tell us about the non-traditional ways in which MTC goes about their training programs for developmentally disabled adults. UUCT's Share-the-Plate collection helps to support these innovative services.

March 27, 2016 "The Resilience of Flowers " Rev. Patricia A. Owen
We celebrate Flower Communion today while reflecting on the resilience of flowers. They "bloom where they are planted." Please bring some blooms to share!

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.

The young women in my classes are feisty and clever and believe, often with the passion of youthful optimism, that feminism is a battle already won. I worry for them - and for my daughters, too. ~ Louise Brown

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa

email: info@uutampa.org

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637

813-988-8188