August 2016

Rev. Patricia A. Owen, Settled Minister 

Erin Powers, DRE 

One Place, All Faiths - Creating a Caring, Justice-seeking Community
In This Issue
My Little Corner of the World
SAVE THESE DATES!
Desk of the President
R.E.flections
BOT Election Results
Circles in the Woods
Ushur Training
Day Trippers
Monday mUUsic
Chalice Circles
Concerts
B&G Thanks
HOPE
Mindful Journeys
The Mountain 2016
UUWomenspirit
A Month of Sundays
Vespers
Click for
The Church Calendar
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Care Committee
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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
   

Come and join  

buildings & grounds work

August 13th 

  9-11 am  

  

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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.

 

Board of Trustees   

    

Or contact us at:
bot@uutampa.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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My Little Corner of the World
"Building communities that practice understanding, loving-kindness and compassion may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of our world." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

At our recent Ask the Minister Sunday, I was asked about my journey to ministry. I was thinking about this question afterward and want to take this opportunity to ask each of you the same question. What can you tell me, and others, about your journey to ministry?

I'm not talking about seminary, school loans, chaplaincy, internships, etc., etc. I am interested in your personal journey. If you attended my installation you heard Denise Rimes, Vice Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association reference her belief in "big M ministry" -- those who go through the process that leads to ordination, and "little m ministry" -- everyone. I share her belief.

The root of the word 'ministry' comes from the Greek word "diakoneo," meaning "to serve." This goes beyond the scope of vocational ministry. Ministry is not a vocation, but a way of living our lives that requires each of us to think of how we may serve the needs of our neighbors with humility and compassion.

I encourage each of us to pay attention to the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, and be mindful that we are each ministering to one another. Building community and practicing how we understand one another are sacred work. As we prepare for fall at UUCT, I invite you to consider what ministry you are called to fulfill.

Is it the ministry of teaching? Welcoming? Caring? Is it the ministry of guiding discussion in a Chalice Circle? Ministry applies to financial work, our buildings and property, and our vision for the future.

Viewing our shared work of building a beloved community through the lens of ministry is powerful and transformative. I look forward to our journey together!

Peace y'all,
Rev. P.
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SAVE THE DATES!!!!!
Below is a list of SOME of the programming you will see beginning in September, 2016! Mark your calendars now!

Daytimers - begins September 7th and will be held on the first
Wednesday of each month. 11:30AM-1:00PM in the Education Building. A chance for retirees, those who don't drive at night and anyone else to fellowship. Bring your own lunch!

Leaders' Gathering - begins September 3rd and will be held on the first Saturday of each month. 9-11AM in the Sanctuary. If you are a committee chair, facilitator or leader of any group, this is your chance to connect with one another. We will begin to look at the possibility of committee work as ministry and generative community building.

mUUvie nites - Sept. 23rd, Oct. 28th and Nov. 18th. 6-9PM, movie begins at 6:15 in the Sanctuary. Movies will be aligned with our Season of Caring. Discussion to follow. Snacks available. This will be a fundraiser for our UU Youth. Details on movies TBA.

Teaching Tuesdays - begin September 6th. 6:30-8:30PM in the Education Building. Our first class will be Facilitator Training for those interested in leading a Chalice Circle. Dates: Sept. 6, 13, 20. Registration required - email revp@uutampa.org (more information on Chalice Circles may be found in this Domelight).
Classes to look for: Right Relations, Covenant 101 and Articulating Your
UU Faith

Minister's Read - begins September 7th. 6:45-8:30PM in the Education Building. We will share a common read in an informal discussion group. Our first read is "When Breath Becomes Air." by Paul Kalanithi. September 7th will be an introduction to how we'll spend time together.

UUCT Death Café - begins September 25th, 1:15-3:15PM (after Conversations with the Board).  Sound morbid? It really isn't! As we learn to care for one another, our ability to share and learn about end of life issues is key to living well. Follow up dates: Oct. 9th, 23rd and 30th.
Registration required, minimum attendance - 10
Kim McDonald BOT President
Desk of the President . . . and the beat goes on . . .
 As part of my  "job" as president of the board, I have been reading about nationwide changes regarding what people are looking for in their church experience, and also how to make serving one's church part of that desired experience. A shared sense of community is definitely part of what we seek, and UUCT does community well!

When I first came to UUCT, I was impressed with how well everyone got along with each other, and there didn't seem to be any "backstabbing" or what in my profession of counseling is called "triangulation."  There didn't seem to be cliques, and everyone seemed to be friends with everyone.  As a matter of fact, I had a little trouble with that way of relating at first; I wasn't used to the concept that I could feel close to all the members of a large close-knit group, even if I didn't know too much about their personal lives.  As an introvert, it takes me quite awhile to feel comfortable around others, but at UUCT I felt like part of the family in very short order.

I gave a lot of thought regarding how I could feel so close to the people here so quickly. Surely, working with other people on various projects or in committees has brought me closer to those folks.  But I also considered how service to the church has made me a part of something larger than myself. In our covenant we promise to strengthen our church community, support the church with our money and time, and work together to build a joyful community. I have ownership, responsibility, and accountability regarding the future of this organization.  And those principles bring me meaning and reward.

We're good at making community, but I think we can be even better. For me, this involves making serving on committees a more spiritual and community-building experience.  To start on this venture, the board had lunch together last week. We shared our backgrounds with each other and had a great time.  What an amazing group of people!  This is just a start as we look at more ways to make committee work a more meaningful experience.

Peace,
Kim
REflections
in Religious Exploration   
   

SUMMER SPIRITUAL PRACTICES 
This summer's theme is Spiritual Practices.   Each week we explore a different spiritual practice.  My hope is to give children a taste of different ways of exploring spirituality that they can take home to their families to explore further. If you have a spiritual practice you would like to share with our children, please let me know!   
 

Beacon Youth Group will pause for the Summer and resume in August. 



  Children and Youth Religious Exploration 
  
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Thank You
Be sure to thank Lynn Parrish, Jodi Pecoraro, and Chuck Smith for their service on the Board of Trustees!  August 31st will be their official last day.

Effective  September 1, Trude Diamond and Jeff Stover will begin three-year terms.  

Thank you for serving our community!
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Circles in the Woods CUUPS 
August 20 @7:30pm W.I.T.C.H. will lead the Full Moon Celebration. 
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, what thou givest comes back to thee." Plan to come early or stay afterward to socialize and share a bit of pot luck.

For more information about Circles in the Woods CUUPS, e-mail cuups@uutampa.org.
Membership Committee Announcement
Have you been a member or friend of UUCT for a long time? Are you a more recent attendee or brand new? Either way, the Membership Committee has an invitation for you - to join us as a Sunday morning service Greeter or Usher.

We will hold a luncheon/training session on Sunday August 7th at 12:30 PM (post coffee hour).  Greeting and ushering are excellent ways to meet people and to provide a service to your church community.

As we grow and have multiple visitors each Sunday, the need for Greeters and Ushers becomes ever more important. It's easy. Send a confirming email with your name to membership@uutampa.org.

Please join us as we celebrate the absolutely wonderful Greeters and Ushers who have served us so well and welcome the new.
Most sincerely and welcoming yours,
Marta Pearson, Membership Chair
 UUCT DAY TRIPPERS
Our next Day Trippers excursion is to the International Independent Showmen's Museum in Riverview on Saturday, August 13. The museum offers photographs, eclectic memorabilia, and artifacts spanning a century of traveling carnival and circus shows. Car pool will leave the church promptly at 12:00 noon and return late-afternoon. Cost is $10 for admission and $4 cash 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. Suggestions for future trips are welcome.
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
 Chalice Circles are right around the corner!!

Sign-ups will begin in September and new groups will begin meeting in October. Interested in becoming a Facilitator? Contact Rev. Patricia @ revp@uutampa.org to register for training. If you're currently
facilitating you are invited to attend training.

FAQs
1. What is a Chalice Circle?  Small groups of people (usually 8-12) who meet on a regular basis to share and discuss a topic that invites them to think more deeply about a variety of topics.

2. What are the topics?  UUCT runs on a thematic year. Each month has a "theme."Themes are used in Sunday services, and in other services we may hold. Chalice Circles give the group a way to speak more deeply about the theme. Examples of themes: generosity, joy, gratitude, and more.

3. Who can sign up?  Anyone. You don't have to be a member of UUCT, but you will be encouraged to attend Pathways to Membership.

4. Why is UUCT interested in Chalice Circles?  The single most important component of congregational life is establishing connections with people. Chalice Circles provide that. They also help people learn about skills like listening, sharing and respecting others.

5. How often do they meet?  Most of them meet once per month, for about 2 hours.

6. Can I just show up to any Chalice Circle?  No. You are assigned a circle, and are asked to make a commitment to attend. We know that you can't attend each and every time, but it is important to show up! People count on you!

7. What else should I know?  Chalice Circles get together socially as they choose. They are structured in a certain way for a reason that allows for deep conversation. Chalice Circles are not therapy groups, and the facilitators aren't therapists. As they are able, Chalice Circles are asked to perform a community project each year.
Concerts in the UU Dome
...  we have a late breaking concert announcement for July 31...plus we have an august concert too.

WHO:   JACK WILLIAMS
WHEN:  Sunday, July 31,2016,  3pm.
COST:   $15 Advance.  $20 Door
Purchase Advance Tickets Online: http://uutampa.org/concerts/
www.jackwilliamsmusic.com 
The music of Jack Williams, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by a 54-year career of playing folk, rock, jazz, R&B, classical and the popular music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. He is counted among the most dynamic performers on today's "folk" circuit - "...one of the most enlightened and entertaining performers I've ever encountered," said Dave Humphreys of Two-Way Street Coffeehouse in Downer's Grove, IL. Jack is considered a "musician's musician," an uncommonly unique guitarist, a writer of vivid songs with a strong sense of place, and a storyteller in an old Southern tradition who further illustrates each tale with his guitar. Rich Warren of WFMT Chicago's The Midnight Special said, "His artistry is nothing short of amazing,"Vic Heyman, in SING OUT! wrote, "He is one of the strongest guitar players in contemporary folk."
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And in August ...
WHO:   BRENDAN NOLAN w/ JOHN HANCOCK & MAGIC MARCO DUO OPENING
WHEN:  Sunday, August 21,2016,  3pm.
COST:  Love Offering Appreciated
www.brendannolan.com
BRENDAN NOLAN:  "Nolan has been blessed with a rich Irish Voice and an Irish way with words. In his singing and his musical arrangements he helps his listeners to feel the pain, the joy, the humour, the triumph, the sadness, the longing, as deeply as did the old songs of the tradition."
- Ron Duffy, Canadian Folk Music Bulletin, Calgary, Alberta.
JOHN HANCOCK & MAGIC MARCO DUO:  John  Hancock is not only  known as the greatest doorman on the planet ( ah la his long-time stance at the door of the  Skipperdome ) but John is also known as a mighty fine musician.   Mighty fine!  He and Magic Marco (a mighty fine harmonica man http://fandalism.com/magicmarco ) are teaming up as a duo and will warm things up for Brendan.   A special treat!  

Contact Info for Gloria Holloway,  Concert Committee Chair:   gshello@tampbay.rr.com  or  813-837-6572.
Buildings and Grounds (B&G) Day Report for July
The last B&G Day, Saturday, July 9, 2016, was a very hot, muggy Florida day.  Nevertheless, several brave souls of our community showed up to give their time and effort to help maintain our grounds.  A special thanks to Joyce Formica and Rudolfo who put in hours of hard work cleaning out and weeding our planting beds.  Giving it their all, Ron Phillips and David Reddy started the hard project of clearing out the undergrowth in the area between our playground and Morris Bridge Road.   Robert Boileau, a regular B&G Day show, edged our parking lot, while Bill Blymiller worked inside in the Sound Room maintaining and upgrading the equipment. These volunteers can never be thanked enough for giving so generously of their time and physical energy to support B&G Day.  
Submitted by Ed Benedict, B&G Chair 
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HOPE Updates
Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE)
By Robert Boileau, UUCT HOPE Team Leader
 
Thanks to all of you who continue to support our church's efforts to achieve Justice in Hillsborough County through, and with, HOPE!  
 
Updates on HOPE's two current Action Issues:
 
Civil Citations for children and youth - The City of Tampa Police are now issuing Civil Citations (which includes counselling and related requirements of those diverted to this program) instead of an arrest for first time misdemeanor marajuana posession, and other misdemeanors.  Unfortunately, Hillsborough County Sheriff Gee still refuses to implement the State-provided option.
 
Affordable Housing Trust Fund - The Tampa/Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Advisory Board publicallly endorsed HOPE's proposed solution.  July 20 the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) had a Workshop at which they received the final report from the consultant they hired to assess our county's housing needs, which is required every five years by HUD to receive federal funding.
 
Our 2016 UUCT HOPE Individual Investment Drive to date has received $4,050.00 from 17 individuals or families, with another $200.00 pledged, so we are very close to our $5,000 goal for this year.  If you have not yet been asked to Invest in HOPE this year, PLEASE contact me or another member of our Justice Ministry Network soon to do so; THANK YOU!
 
HOPE's 2016 Corporate Investment Drive - As of July 11th, HOPE has met with 36 Hillsborough County business executives, with several more such visits scheduled in the coming weeks.  We have had mostly postive results so far.  Please note we still need more "support people" to accompany our HOPE Spokesperson and Organizer to these meetings; currently from UUCT, Candy Gale, Kathy and David Reddy, and I have done this.  Please contact me or the HOPE office, if you can help.

HOPE Dates to Remember:
 
Listening Process Kick-Off with training is Monday, September 12, at 6:30 pm.
 
For more information concerning HOPE, please contact me, or one of the following: HOPE@HillsboroughHOPE.org; Lead Organizer Sharon Streater, Sharon@HillsboroughHOPE.org; or Associate Organizer Jesid Acosta, Jesid@HillsboroughHOPE.org who is working with our church now.
 
Thank you!  In community, Robert Boileau, UUCT-HOPE Team Leader

Two Mindful Journeys in 2017, for UUs & their friends

Peru: Always wanted to experience Machu Picchu? Join us March 25-April 5, 2017. Our journey will be filled with comfortable places to stay, Shamanic conversations, lovely food, water blessings at an old Inca spring, beautiful natural vistas and reflections while sitting on a mountain top.

Portugal/ Spain, May 14-24, 2017, from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela. Along the way, we enjoy soulful Fado music, a tile-making workshop, wine, port and culinary tastings, and a bit of a walk on the Camino. Imagine cruising down the Douro River tasting Port while reflecting on the scenic vineyard-covered hillsides.

Journeys led by UU minister, Wayne Walder, Toronto, Canada, www.nuuc.ca   To receive a detailed itinerary for either journey, please email Beverlz@me.com  to learn more about Mindful Journeys go to http://nuuc.ca/spiritual-growth/spiritual-practice/mindful-journeys/ 

SUUFI = Southern UU Fall Institute: October 2 - 7 You are invited on a creative quest to better understand how, at this stage of life, we play. Come for a colorful autumn week in October as we explore play in many forms: games, arts, conversations, stories, and life styles, expanding your comfort zone in the safe haven on the Mountain.

Thanksgiving: November 23 - 27  Let us worry about the cooking and cleaning while you enjoy friends, family, and fellowship!
UUWomenspirit Fall Retreat
October 19-23, 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 October 19-23, 2016 at The Mountain Re-treat and Learning Center in Highlands, NC.  

Our theme for this event is Moon Energy: Rhythm, Mystery, Illumination.  During this event, we will explore the six phases of the moon and how the moon's influence has an impact on us, in both overt and subtle ways.  We will also experience moon rituals and share ideas on how you can work with the moon's energy to enhance your connection to the Divine Feminine.

For more information about UUWomenspirit, please visit our website,
www.uuwomenspirit.org.  Information about The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center can be found at www.themountainrlc.org.

A Month of Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa
Services start at 11:00 am
  
August 7, 2016  "Making Peace with Women's Bodies" Pastor Katie Culbert    
How do we honor a woman's worth & dignity in a culture that emphasizes the beauty of being thin, young and flawless? Some scholars believe there is a connection between spirituality and body image; if so, how does religion impact a woman's self-worth and a culture's influence?

August 14, 2016  "Music Sunday" Bill Blymiller  
This is the one we all look forward to when church members and friends share their musical talents. There are always some amazing surprises.

August 21, 2016  Pastor Katie Culbert
Topic not available at this time.  Watch for an update on the website http://uutampa.org/sunday-services/a-month-of-sundays/ .
 
August 28, 2016  "Stopped By A Brick" Rev. Patricia A. Owen
Are we so connected that we forget we need connection? How finding deeper connection in these times may lead us to a more contented, happier life.

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. 
Vespers 
Wednesday at 6PM in the sanctuary there is a 30 minute, contemplative service.  Stop in for a mid-week break.
 
 
Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
~ Barack Obama 
 
 

Contact Info
UU Church of Tampa 

email: info@uutampa.org 

11400 Morris Bridge Road, Tampa, FL 33637
813-988-8188