| Children's Religious Education Update |
Our Children's Religious Education (CRE) program is divided into two groups by age. In CRE, which meets each Sunday at 11 AM, we challenge our children with interactive studies about religion and science.
The nursery group topics change according to individuals who attend and cannot be listed in advance, but they fall under the curriculum Celebrating Me and My World.
During March, the elementary students will be learning about science.
Mar. 20: Religious Stories: The Story of Passover
Mar. 27: Religious Songs: What makes a song religious?
Lesson plans are subject to change, but this is the plan.
Contact: Wes Phillips and Sarah Brown
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Our faith is an active one. Check out our projects HERE. Then get busy!!
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AUUF and Food Not Bombs are co-hosting a shoe, sock, and feminine hygiene products drive. Sneakers work well and we need shoes and socks for both women and men and children. The drop box is located in the foyer and will remain there until Easter Sunday, 3/27. You can drop off items during office hours, on Sunday mornings, or at any time the doors are open for other activities.
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Food Not Bombs is in the House!
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As a way of making the preparation of food for the homeless a community effort, Food Not Bombs will be using the AUUF kitchen most Saturdays from 1:00- 2:30 PM. You are welcome to help them prepare food and/or share the meals every Saturday at Elwood Park 3-5 PM.
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 In Amarillo there are at least two different options. If you don't mind paying to have your items recycled, call K B Recycling, 418-4390. They will come to your home or office on a schedule you both agree upon. If you'd rather take your items yourself, go to Four States Recycling at 4110 E. Amarillo Blvd., on the south side of the overpass. Both of these firms recycle paper (including newsprint), plastic, aluminum cans, and cardboard.
A new bit of information is that K B Recycling encourages the public to place cardboard into their bins for cardboard recycling on all Amarillo ISD school campuses. They accept thin cardboard such as cereal boxes and soft-drink cartons as well as corrugated cardboard. You may want to take those items outside of school hours, just to keep from disturbing the students and faculty.
Contact: Janda Raker at (806) 352-0589 or email
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 "It's helpful to differentiate between pluralism and diversity. The United States lives with diversity, as do England, Russia, Iraq, Syria, Chile, and many other countries. Diversity simply means differences; it's a fact that wherever you find people there will be diversity. Pluralism implies diversity, but pluralism doesn't just happen. It requires hard work through engagement; we have to be intentional to create pluralism-it's an achievement. Eboo Patel says, 'Pluralism is an achievement characterized by three elements: respect for different identities, positive relationships between diverse communities, and a commitment to the common good.' . . . We must engage each other, tell our stories to each other; we must want to meet and talk with each other." ---Fredric Muir, "The Promises of Unitarian Universalism," in Turning Point: Essays on a New Unitarian Universalism (2016).
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 Wayne Arnason and Rebecca Scott. We Would Be One: A History of Unitarian Universalist Youth Movements (2005).
According to Arnason and Scott, "the overall objective of UU religious education is to help children have a vivid and compelling experience of the UU religion to help them achieve an orientation to the world. More specific objectives include helping them:
- become aware of and comprehend the multitude of powers within the self as well as those which impinge upon them from the environing world,
- discover and become skilled in using the process which is the UU religion, and,
- use the process which is the UU religion for relating to and dealing with the ways they are affected by the world as intellectual, moral, sentient, aesthetic, and mortal beings."
But progress has not been smooth or easy. The rollercoaster of successes, failures, and many acronyms over the decades since 1866 to the present is carefully chronicled by two people deeply involved in the UU Youth Group developments.
The authors conclude: "How do you teach democracy, critical thinking, freedom? How do you really empower? What method best serves those values? Rote memorization and reciting the catechism don't seem to cut it, yet neither does sink-or-swim. The UU answer was to empower the young folks with their own organization, their own leadership, and their own budget. Influence them by dialogue and engagement. Resolve difference through good-faith negotiation, even if that is difficult. Commit to give, as well as take. It was unusual; it's moving, and very UU."
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Newsletter and Website Submissions
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As always, we are eager to publish information regarding committees, boards, Adult RE, CRE, events, and services, but we need your help. The website and Facebook page can be updated daily, but the newsletter cannot. New information needs to be submitted (submissions@uuamarillo.org) by noon Wednesday if you want it to appear in the Friday morning newsletter. If you need an event placed on the website calendar, you may submit that request with description, image (or we can provide one), starting and approximate ending time, specific location, date (or dates for a recurring event), and name of contact person. Help us help you get your message out in a timely manner.
PLEASE, EVERYONE CAN MAKE ALL THESE COMMUNICATIONS MORE EFFECTIVE BY READING THEM EACH WEEK--ESPECIALLY THE WEBSITE AND NEWSLETTER!
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In addition to the events described in this newsletter, you can find a complete listing by clicking on the Calendar icon above.
Want more detail? Check both the News and the Events sections of our website, uuamarillo.orgAlso on our website, you can learn more about our Fellowship and our faith, Unitarian Universalism.
All events are held at the Fellowship, 4901 Cornell St., unless otherwise noted.
If you are unsure how to reach any of the individuals named as contacts, please email the AUUF office or call our Office Administrator, April Myers, at 806.355.9351 and leave a message. She will return your call during her office hours, which are Tuesday - Friday from 9 AM to noon.
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Sunday Worship - 9:30 and 11 AM
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Cyndy Walton and Martha Baird are speaking on Standing on the Side of Love, an interfaith organization with the goal of harnessing love's power to challenge exclusion, oppression, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, race, religion, or any other identity.
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Keralee Clay speaks on Waiting is a Sacred Act. "So much of our life is spent waiting - in checkout lines, on email replies, for delayed planes. As our congregation starts the "wait" for a new settled minister, let's reflect on how waiting can turn from an annoyance or inconvenience to a sacred act."
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April 3, 2016
Rev. Addae speaks on Betwixt and Between. In the late 20th century, the concept of liminal time was developed. Now is the time to explore the many ways this congregation can spend time betwixt and between.
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Saturday, March 19, 3-5 PM
NOTICE CHANGE OF DATE!
Amarillo Feminists are meeting tomorrow and each month from now on the third Saturday of the month rather than the second.
Contact: Amy Taylor
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Panhandle Pride 2016 Planning Meeting
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 Saturday, March 19, 3:30-5 PM at Furrbie's (210 SW 6th)
Panhandle Pride will host several events the weekend of June 24-26, 2016. We hope that you'll join us for many (if not all) of them! We invite anyone interested in planning or working to make this year's Pride a success to join us on Saturday, March 19 at Furrbie's, downtown across the street from Chase Tower.
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Adult Religious Education
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 Please join us at 10 AM each Sunday.
We are rotating three subjects. Each covers a different aspect of Adult Religious Education. All are welcome. No advance reading is necessary and no test will be given.
Mar. 20: Lecture # 11 of The New Testament "The Historical Jesus-Solutions and Methods." This lecture will be very different than what we were taught in Sunday School, Training Union, or Catholicism Class.
Mar. 27: To be decided between lecture #2 of My Favorite Universe or a trial of a different replacement.
Contact: John Gay
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March 19 - April 2 New updates on the Children's Book Drive, city-wide and at AUUF, have been posted under Children's Book Drive on our website. Take a look!!
Contact: Linda Jackson
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Path to Membership Gathering
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Saturday, March 19, 9 AM - 1 PM
 ALL ABOARD!
The Path to Membership gathering provides prospective members with essential information about Unitarian Universalist history and beliefs, and what it means to belong to our Beloved Community.
Attendance at this gathering is an important part of our process toward becoming a Fellowship member. Jerry Goebel leads the gathering with the participation of longer-term members.
Good cookies and coffee are served, and childcare is available upon request. To RSVP or to arrange childcare please contact the Fellowship office by Friday March 18, at (806) 355-9351 or email the office.
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Due to lack of participation, the Women's Covenant Group has disbanded.
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Women's Simply Salad & Soup Fellowship
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 Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 PM
Our women's group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday for good food and great conversation. The meetings on 2nd Wednesdays are at the Fellowship-potluck style. On the 4th Wednesdays, the women meet at a different restaurant each month.
Contact: Ann Benedetti
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 Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 PM
Every 4th Wednesday of each month the Men's Brotherhood meets from 6:30-8:00 PM in Chandler Hall. This covenant group provides men a private place for discussing feelings, for developing the trust to share without judgment in a confidential and safe environment, for permitting open discussion of concerns and receipt of the collective wisdom of others who have dealt with similar problems, and for finding ways to use new insights to improve one's everyday life.
Contact: Rick Todd
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Tuesday, March 29, 7 PM
Laura McBride's We Are Called to Rise uses multiple points of view to carry five well-meaning characters toward a crucial moment of choice in the aftermath of a troubled soldier's angry response to a child's letter of support. Time to start reading!
Contact: Dick Moseley
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Annual Congregational Meeting
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Sunday, April 3, immediately following the 11 AM service
 It's Spring and we know what that means! It's time for the annual congregational meeting. The main purpose of this meeting is to approve the incoming Board of Trustees that has been nominated by the Leadership Development Committee and to approve the upcoming operating budget. This year, there is also a by-law amendment and an out-of-budget expenditure to vote upon. All current members are encouraged to attend and cast your vote.
Here is the agenda with more details including a PDF of the proposed budget as compared to the current year budget.
If you are unable to attend this meeting, but would like to cast an absentee ballot, please send an email to April at office@uuamarillo.org and vote on any or all of the four items on the agenda no later than April 1. If you have questions and are unable to attend the meeting, please see a member of the current Board of Trustees.
Thank you for exercising our UU 5th Principle - "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society at large."
Thanks,
Keralee Clay
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 Over the last few months, Unitarian Universalists have been witnessing for climate justice from Paris to the Pacific Northwest to Washington, DC. Now people of faith and conscience have a chance to collectively take the momentum for climate justice to the next level, with the second Climate Justice Month!
From World Water Day (March 22) to Earth Day (April 22), we will build resistance to climate change and add our moral voices to the movement for climate justice, taking action in our families, communities, and congregations or faith groups.
How We Will Take Action
- Every week of Climate Justice Month Commit2Respond will showcase a featured resource for inspiration, a featured resource for education, and a featured action.
- In Week 1 we will act to advance the rights of frontlines communities by advocating for water rights. In Week 2 we will join the interfaith campaign to shift to a low carbon future and model for world leaders the strong action required from us all. And in Week 4 we will march, teach-in, and advocate for reclaiming our democracy from the likes of Big Oil and the Koch brothers, growing the movement for justice.
- On or around Earth Day, we will hold worship services, Earth fairs, advocacy days, and much more, working with community organizations and fellow religious groups to grow the climate justice movement.
What To Do Now
- RSVP for Climate Justice Month to receive extra inspiration and resources by email throughout the month.
Spread the word! Mobilize your congregation, faith group, secular group, family, or other groups you are a part of to take collective action together during Climate Justice Month (get mobilization resources).
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Twenty-First Annual Bach's Lunch Series
 The "Bach's" lunch series is (Bach) back by popular demand! Bring a "box" lunch and some friends with you. The Bach's Lunches are a wonderful time for Lenten reflection and good music among friends. Held at various churches every Friday during Lent, each program will begin promptly at 12:05 PM with a 24-minute organ recital. Following the recital, the host church will provide tea, coffee and a place to eat. You'll have plenty of time to get (Bach) back to work by 1:00 PM. This event has been very well received for the last twenty years, so plan to attend the Twenty-First Annual Bach's Lunch Series! Mark Your Calendar NOW!
Friday, Mar. 18, 2016 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Michael Johnson, Organist
For more information, call 806.352.5629. The "Bach's" Lunch series is sponsored by the Amarillo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
 Wednesday, March 23, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Race and ethnicity, systemic racial inequities and social injustices are at the core of disproportionate and disparate outcomes for far too many Texans. This interactive workshop presents an opportunity for professionals, community members and anyone interested in improving our social conditions to collaborate and learn more about these issues in a nonthreatening, productive environment.
The workshop objectives are:
- Use a common language to facilitate dialogue on racial inequities and the impact on systems and communities.
- Identify and recognize the existence of systemic racial inequities within systems.
- Introduce the Texas Model and show how it can be used to address racial inequities within systems.
Introduction to Courageous Conversations on Race Equity
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
8:30am to 12:30pm
Cal Farley's Community Engagement Center
601 SW 10th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas
Register here and print out your free ticket. Free DSHS certified CEU's for multiple professional disciplines are available.
FireSongs Songwriter Series
 Wednesday, March 23, 6:30-8:30 PM
FireSongs Songwriter Series is a new, weekly series that is unique in Amarillo, in that each Wednesday night, a different area songwriter or combo will perform entirely original material---no covers. We have a wealth of creative energy here in the Panhandle and this series aims to celebrate those who express this energy through songwriting.
The shows are at Fire Slice Pizzeria(7301 SW 34th Space 10, Summit Shopping Center) on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. It's a listening environment, so talking is discouraged in the concert room while the show is going on, but this makes it a much nicer environment, and of course Fire Slice has wonderful food which may be enjoyed throughout the show. There is no cover, but reservations are suggested to guarantee seating in the listening room. Call (806) 331-2232. The artist performing March 23 is Susan Gibson.
Community Relations Committee
 Saturday, April 2, 10-11 AM
Conference Room in the basement of the Eagle Forum, 112 SW 8th Ave.
The topic for the meeting will be "The American Jury" and Tim Newsom, past president of the Amarillo Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates and Past President of the Amarillo Area Bar Association, will present the information. Tim's presentation discusses the 7th Amendment right to jury trial in civil cases and the presentation covers the background on the right to jury trial, a couple of recent cases, and how juries protect fundamental rights enjoyed by all Americans such as freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.
The mission of this committee is to cultivate and maintain respect and understanding for all people through education and dialogue, and the vision is to eliminate bias, bigotry, and prejudice. The meeting is open to anyone interested in attending.
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