| 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 April, the elementary students will be learning about science.
Apr. 3: Planet Earth - Blue Waters
Apr. 10: Planet Earth - Mountains
Apr. 17: Earth's Natural Wonders - Living Wonders
Apr. 24: Making North America - In the Beginning
Lesson plans are subject to change, but this is the plan.
Contact: Wes Phillips and Sarah Brown
|
 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).
|
Thursday, May 5 at 7:00 PM 
A handful of us aging UU womenfolk have read the book Being Mortal by surgeon Atul Gawande and would like to invite any of you who are interested to attend an open discussion.
Dr. Gawande contends that our current medical model for dealing with people who are reaching the end of their lives is not adequate. He says doctors and the children of aging parents want aging people to be safe, and what aging people themselves want is usually autonomy, even at the risk of being unsafe.
He says the medical community has been asking the wrong questions, thus allowing very little autonomy on the part of the aging person. There is a new and better way emerging, in a doctor-patient relationship called "interpretive," which allows shared decision-making. The questions asked by interpretive doctors are, "What is important to you?" and "What are your worries?" If remaining in one's own home and having a cocktail with friends is more important than being safely in a managed-care facility, there are ways to make that happen.
For some time now, several of us have had dreams of a UU retirement community where we could continue our friendships, but live in closer proximity to each other where we could more easily keep an eye out for each other, and where obtaining certain services to assist us would become more convenient. How to make this happen has seemed like a pipe dream, but it might become closer to reality if a greater number of us are interested.
Let's begin a bigger conversation about how we want to live as we grow inevitably older and need more assistance. You do not have to read the book before this meeting, although you may want to afterward.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
Contact: Minnie Venable
|
 "One of the most powerful ways I know to cultivate compassion is through the Buddhist practice of metta, lovingkindness. Metta is a Pali word with two meanings: "gentle" and "friend." Metta practice is a way of gently befriending both narrow mind and the fearful notion of self and other that arises from it. The Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg is my primary source for metta practice. She teaches that 'Buddha described a true friend as being a helper, someone who will protect us when we are unable to take care of ourselves, who will be a refuge to us when we are afraid.' Metta practice can be that friend to you." --Rabbi Rami Shapiro, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice the Art of Spiritual Living (2006).
|
|
Newsletter and Website Submissions
|
|
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!
|
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.
|
|
 |
|
Sunday Worship - 9:30 and 11 AM
|
Rev. Addae Kraba 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.
|
|
|
|
Rev. Addae Kraba speaks on Stewards of the Earth. On April 22 the forty-sixth Earth Day will be celebrated. How do those of us living in the Western World share resources with the other ninety percent of the earth's population?
|
April 17, 2016
Vivien Young speaks on Wildcat Bluff Nature Center: Earth Day and Beyond. We need nature and nature needs us.
|
|
 Sunday, April 3, After 11 AM Service
Bring your potluck dishes and join other members of the congregation to share in the camaraderie and dining pleasures this first Sunday in April in Chandler Hall. If you don't have a dish to bring, join us anyway for good food and great friendships.
Contact: Rosemarie & Bill Kirkland
|
Adult Religious Education
|
 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.
Apr. 3: Natural Law #11 "Roman, Canon, and Natural Law"
Apr. 10: The New Testament #12 "Jesus The Apocalyptic Prophet"
Apr. 17: My Favorite Universe #3 "On Being Dense"
Apr. 24: Natural Law #12 "The Thomistic Synthesis"
Contact: John Gay
|
Amarillo Literacy Book Drive
|
April 3 - 17
NOTICE THE CHANGE OF DATES
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
|
Annual Congregational Meeting
|
|
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
|
Tuesday, April 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, 112 SW 8th, Suite 101
 CASA 101 is an informational session on the origin, purpose and need for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) advocacy. This one hour session is open to anyone interested in the CASA program and wants to know more about the role CASA advocates play in the legal system. CASA 101 is free of charge, and drinks and snacks will be provided. Amarillo Area CASA is the voice for children who've been abused or neglected by empowering our community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. The court appointed special advocate has become the eyes and ears of the court, bringing information that may not otherwise reach the court.
Seating is limited - please complete the form here to reserve your seat today!
Becoming a CASA means you are:
- Willing to commit at least one year of your time
- Able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
- Able to pass an extensive criminal and CPS history background check
- Undergo 30 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing education each year
- Willing to volunteer on average 10 - 12 hours per month
- Over the age of 21
Process of becoming an Advocate:
- Fill out the volunteer application here
- Pre-training interview
- Complete 30 hour volunteer training
- Complete 2 hours of court observation
Contact: Jim Taylor (a CASA volunteer)
|
Nothing Much Buddhist Covenant Group Dinner
|
 Monday, April 11, 7:00 PM at Gooney's Bar & Grill (705 Polk St.)
We shall meet for a social dinner April 11 at Gooney's for some healthy food and camaraderie. On April 25 we shall begin discussing David Michie's book, Mindfulness Is Better Than Chocolate (2014), focusing on the first two chapters at our normal meditation practice at 7:30 PM at the Fellowship. Get a copy (e-copy is available) and start reading!
As a heads-up, Zen teacher Tony Tackitt has scheduled another Zazenkai (meditation retreat) for Saturday, May 21, at Brookplace Apartments Clubhouse from 9:30 AM to 3:45 PM. There is no fee; however, seating is limited. Participants bring their own sack lunches. Mark your calendar now!
|
Meet the Artist - Joe Paiz
|
Tuesday, April 12, 7:00 PM
Joe incorporates a variety of stitchery to create artistic quilts and other items. His presentation includes reflection, humor, explanation, and a dazzling array of craftsmanship. You will not want to miss this MTA! Refreshments are provided and the public is welcome free of charge. MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
|
|
April Fiction Book Heads-Up
|
 Tuesday, April 19, 7:00 PM
Kent Haruf's Our Souls at Night is the April selection. Haruf's last novel follows two lonely widowers in Colorado who find in each other a solace and ease from loneliness.
The Fiction Book Group meets on the third Tuesday of this month at the Fellowship to discuss a new novel or collection of stories chosen by retired English professor Dick Moseley, who also facilitates the conversation. All are welcome to attend, read the month's selection, and enjoy delving deeper into some of today's best new literature.
|
 July 24-29, 2016
The Point is a customizable Unitarian Universalist retreat for all ages.
Imagine five days of UU covenant and community in a resort-like setting on the shores of Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma. The Point offers personal growth, faith renewal, learning opportunities, spiritual practices, community worship, music, excellent cuisine, sustainable practices, social gatherings (dance, movie night, talent show), outdoor activities, programming for all ages and interests, and an engaging theme speaker. Each day begins and ends with worship, but how you spend your day is completely up to you! Register here.
|
 Guy Finley. The Seeker, The Search, The Sacred: Journey to the Greatness Within. (2011)
Founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation and author of more than forty books and audio albums, Finley shares his collection of observations from a wide variety of traditions on the nature of spiritual life. The inner journey he explores reveals the wisdom, truth, and essence of love, the divine residing within each of us. As a collection of quotable passages organized in each third of the book in chronological order, the book demonstrates that all traditions share a common innate lesson-the answers reside within us already.
|
The Pirates of Penzance - Amarillo Opera
 Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 7:30 PM; Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 PM
Globe-News Center for Performing Arts
Boy meets girl. Girl's father disapproves. Boy overcomes obstacle and sways girl's father. Everyone lives happily ever after... or do they? The boy is Frederic, the pirate apprentice. The girl is Mabel, the Major-General's daughter. The obstacle is the apprenticeship Frederic is under obligation to see to fruition on his twenty-first birthday. The plot thickens when Frederic finds out he was born on February 29th of leap year and therefore isn't turning twenty-one after all! Gilbert & Sullivan deliver comedic punchline after punchline in this much-loved and much-performed operetta. Tickets from $20 to $95 (see seat location for price).
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.
FireSongs Songwriter Series
Wednesday, April 6, 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 April 6 is Tennessee Tuckness.
FASO's 2015-2016 10th Anniversary Season, Final Concert
 Sunday, April 10, 7:30 PM
at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
Internationally famed concert organist Thomas Trotter, Britain's most widely admired musician, performs the final concert of the season. The excellence of his musicianship is reflected internationally in his musical partnerships. He performs as soloist with, amongst many others, the conductors Sir Simon Rattle, Bernard Haitnik, Riccardo Chailly, and Sir Charles Mackerras. He has performed in Berlin's "Philharmonie," the "Gewandhaus" in Leipzig, the "Concertgebouw" in Amsterdam, the "Musikverein" and the "Konzerthaus" in Vienna and London's Royal Festival Hall. Individual tickets are $30 and available online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
