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Sunday, January 20, 2013
10:30 am
Reimagining the Dream
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
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As we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and prepare for the inauguration of President Barack Obama, we will revisit and review Dr. King's dream of a more equitable, just, and peaceful society and how we might get there.
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Editor's 2 cents:
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.
--Martin Luther King Jr.
Worship Associate:
Ann Scott
Music by:
Linda Jones
Dr. David Katz
UUC Chorale
PRELUDE:
Woyayay
INTERLUDE:
Jubilee Stomp ...Ellington/Hyman
OFFERTORY:
I Am Bound For The Promise Land ...Am. Folk Hymn
POSTLUDE:
Lift Every Voice and Sing...Rosamond Johnson |
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| Coming Soon | |
Tom Neilson Concert
January 19
Darwin's Gift
February 9
Awaken Your Female Voices Workshops
February 23
Stewardship Sunday
March 3 |
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Igniting the Community: Sharing Our Stories
Footnote to History: Dotti Doyle
My bills did not win in Maine, but they were part of the national movement for abortion law reform. I am grateful for that and am proud to be a Unitarian Universalist.
Read her story
Boots on the Ground - Jackie Brown
Boots on the Ground - I've been a "Churchaholic" since my early teens, but I always explored, looking for one that felt more authentic. Read her story
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UUC = Family- Susan Hegner
UUC has become a second family and has given me the opportunity and power to do worthy work with others.
Read her story
Share your story, so we can connect to what is important to you! We have set up a page on our website: Share, where you can write your story.
To look at stories, go to the Stories. |
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 January 20 from 9-10:15 in the Social Hall.
The UUC Men invite you to the semi-annual Pancake Breakfast celebrating 20 something years of flippin' for fun!
MENU: All-u-can-eat: Blueberry, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip and Sensitive Pancakes (tasty plain), Bacon, Orange Juice, Coffee. Musical entertainment by Peter Goldhammer, Van Fenstermaker, and Don Ekberg. All-u-can-hear!
Food, fellowship, music & raising money for a good cause. UUC! Join us. Adults: Just $5, Children: Only two bucks!
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Children's Religious Enrichment |
Please join us this Sunday as we embrace the world around us and see the wonders it has to offer.
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten class will discover what can help bring peace and justice to the world as they hear the story (inspired by Thoreau's Civil Disobedience) "Henry Climbs a Mountain."
Our 1st-2nd grade class will explore both ordinary seeing through the game "I Spy" and seeing with an inner eye through guided visualization. They will hear the story "Seeing God with an Inner Eye."
Our 3rd-5th grade class will examine the story of Moses: Out of Egypt from the Old Testament. The mystery question of the day is: When should we lead and when should we follow?
6th-8th grade class will watch the movie "What Do You Believe?" - a documentary about the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers through their own words. Snacks included!
Our High School youth group meets from 12-1pm for open discussion.
Are you looking for a way to give back to your spiritual home? The Religious Enrichment program has many volunteer opportunities available, so please contact Christine Pensa.
UUC Religious Education Coordinator. |
Festival Ruah
Sunday, January 20, 2013, 5 PM
Octagon Arts Center
RENEWING THE DREAM:
An Interfaith, Multicultural Celebration of Dr. King's Birthday |
Featuring:
Ms. Theo Valentin, an acclaimed gospel and rhythm & blues Singer; Fred Johnson, internationally renowned jazz musician; Kevin Wilder, jazz pianist;Bhante Sujata, Dhamma Wheel Meditation Center; Mr. Aziz Merchant, Oldsmar Community Center; Dr. Roy Kaplan, Interfaith Coalition of TampaBay; Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, UUs of Clearwater, and others.
The program will feature a multicultural musical ensemble, excerpts from the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, and sacred chants from world religions.
This program is part of a series of monthly gatherings called "Festival Ruah: A Multicultural Spirit Experience."
Free Admission.
Childcare for infants & toddlers provided.
See flyer for complete Information
For more information, please call
727-531-7704 or Email. |
UUC Directory Needs Your Help |
 Please give us a few minutes either before or after services on January 20th or on the 27th. Please allow us to photograph you and your family as we need recent photos for the UUC Community Directory. The Team of Eloise and Elizabeth will be out in front of the lobby for natural lighting (if no rain). Thank you! |
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 There are steps you can take in your daily life to help protect you from getting the flu. - Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. UUC has hand rub at the front doors of both the Sanctuary and the Social Hall.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
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 On Friday, January 18th, we continue discussing the book A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. The author introduces two of his most unforgettable characters, boys bonded forever in childhood
We conclude our discussion of this book on Friday, January 25th.
Reader's Forum is led by Catherine & John Conover and meets every Friday 10 a.m. It is free and all are welcome. For more information, go to Readers Forum. |
2012 Leadership Class Honored
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On January 6th, the ten members of this year's UUC Leadership Program were recognized during the Sunday Service. Those honored are pictured above. From left to right the class included: Peter Goldhammer, John Hoover, Marty Pelham, Mike Metty, Mary Currey, Joan Goldhammer, Ann Myers, Co-Leader Bill Norsworthy, Donna Polhamus, Bruce Gotts, Beth Maxie and Co-Leader Judy Wade.
Great thanks to the class for the many hours they devoted to enhancing their skills and learning more about getting things done at UUC. This wonderful group has already contributed significantly to the dynamism of this congregation and will be providing leadership to our future endeavors for years to come.
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Facilities Planning Task Force | |
Ken Cowart's presentation was well received. The audience asked many questions, made comments and suggestions, and Ken responded to all of these. Many of those present commented later on the good quality of his work, and how well he is working with us to make our dreams come to reality.
He has now provided floor plans, which have been added to the renderings on our web site. I have annotated them to indicate the salient features. Shortly, I will add a question & answer file to the renderings. Send questions to me and I will post them and the answers to the file.
Ken has pointed out that this design is a concept, and ultimately may be subject to change. However, the task force believes that the degree of work done at many meetings and by several task forces that preceded this effort together with Ken's ability to respond to the information, is such that the final results will not be very far from this concept. The level of detail Ken is presenting will be sufficient to allow us to see how our vision can come to life, and to determine the financial support level needed to achieve it.
Joe Myers, Chair
On February 10, you will be meeting to decide among three different financial levels of the design. Ken will again be here to review his design before the congregational meeting
Visit our web site to view a number of renderings presenting various aspects of the design
Contact Joe Myers for more information. |
Spiritual Intelligence: 21 Skills for a Better Future | |
Cindy Wigglesworth defines Spiritual Intelligence as "the ability to behave with wisdom and compassion while maintaining inner and outer peace (equanimity) regardless of the situation." In her talk, she will give a brief overview of SQ and the 21 Skills and explain how this faith-neutral model can focus and aid us in developing the skills necessary to help create a more compassionate, wise and peaceful world.
We are delighted to have Cindy with us for a talk 7PM, Friday, January 18 in the Patio Room.
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 Thursday, Jan 24
Seminar on Unitarian Universalism from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Patio Room. The stimulating, interactive classes focus on the spiritual journeys of individual participants, the history and principles of Unitarian Universalism, and the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater congregation. For more information, contact Ann Kanuck, 727-796-4585 or Ann. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Parade |
 To celebrate MLK's accomplishments, a courageous African-American man who changed this nation, on Monday, January 21st, 2013 there will be a breakfast at North Greenwood Recreationn Center, 900 N. MLK Jr. Ave. in Clearwater at 7:30am.
The event is co-sponsored by the Clearwater NAACP. For further information contact Mary Thornton. |
Iyad Burnat at UUC
On Wednesday, Jan 30th in the Patio Room, Ilad Burnat, the leader of a non-violent group that demonstrates in his village of Bil'in every Friday, is visiting the U.S. and will speak against the apartheid wall and illegal settlements. Bil'in is a small town in the West Bank, very close to the Wall. |
Much more info can be found at Bayarea where it describes his stop in the SF Bay area on his U.S. tour. |
Khasi Hills School Memoir: Lisa Baird |
 I am writing this from the Philippines, during a visit to my in-laws for the holidays, and being here has reminded me of the many differences and many similarities shared by the Philippines and India. One thing the two countries have in common is vast numbers of amazing, generous and welcoming people, many of whom struggle with poverty and need so dire it can be hard to grasp. Read the rest of her story |
ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN |
 Saturday, February 2 at 7pm in the Octagon
This is a play based on Robert Fulghum's books. "A refreshingly intimate combination of theatre and storytelling. Gentle...funny...joyous." The Chicago Sun Times "Heartwarming, charming, funny and touching. The stories are about all of us." National Public Radio
This is a fund raiser for UU Clearwater. The cast and crew are UU members/friends. They have donated their talent and time to raise money for UU Clearwater. Bring the family.
$10 for adults; $5 for children. Call 727-531-7704 for ticket information.
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Letter from Robert Fulghum |
 TO THE CONGREGATION AND FRENDS OF THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA Hello from Robert Fulghum, writing in January from the mountains of southeastern Utah, where the snow is deep and the temperature is below zero - a long way from the winter warmth of Clearwater, Florida. I wish I could be there with you for your presentation of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten - not so much for the weather but for the companionship the event would afford. Read the rest of Robert Fulghum's letter to UUC. |
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 Friday, January 25 at 7:30pm in Odessa; $10 Composer, guitarist and singer Jim Scott brings a warmth and humor with his well-crafted jazz and world music influenced songs. He uses well a prodigious guitar mastery and clear voice, to encourage all to get involved with the messages and ideals of peace, justice and the earth that he raises. Sponsored by The Spirit of Life Unitarian Universalists in Odessa.
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 February: Tuesday the 5th in the Library; Thursday the 14th and Tuesday the 19th in the Westwood Room; 7-8:30pmWhat do long-time couples know and do that others don't? How can you build those things into your relationship? Find out at this three-session workshop led by Dr. Kalen Hammann, who's been teaching people to build satisfying relationships for over twenty-five years.
Plan to be at all three sessions: February 5, 14 and 19. Makeup videos will be available if you have to miss a session. Fee is $15 per person; $20 per couple. Contact Dr. Hammann |
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 The Community Learning Center (CLC) at Spirit of Life is starting its second year this month. The 2013 program runs from May to December. There are many interesting and fun classes on a variety of subjects.
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Going, going, nearly gone...
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Please Return Library Books
Take a Look at Give & Take on the Website
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International Women's Day |
 March16; 8:30-12:30 The UUC Human Rights Team, NOW and other organizations are joining together to present "Women Make a Difference." The keynote speaker and break-out sessions (on various topics with extremely knowledgeable facilitators) will provide an outreach to women who are considering running for political office and raising awareness on various social justice issues that affect women. Sharing information, educating each other and making changes. We DO make a difference! (Watch upcoming Octagrams for further details...in the meantime, mark your calendars!) |
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Our Web Site's Social Justice page can be found here.
Healing Our World and Ourselves
A Conference sponsored by the UU Church of Brevard and the UU Legislative Ministry
Date: February 15th and 16th
Place: The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Orlando, 1901 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Time: 2-8:30 p.m. Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday
Keynote speakers:
Patricia Sieman, Director of the Center for Earth Jurisprudence
David Cobb, National projects Director of Democracy Unlimited, national spokesperson for Move to Amend
Bruce Alexander, author of Peaceful Measures: Canada's Way Out of the War on Drugs and The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in the Poverty of the Spirit
Cost: All fees are sliding scale. The UUC will provide scholarships of $75 towards the cost of a motel room.
For more information go to Heal.
For carpooling information and room scholarships email Social Justice or stop by the Social Justice table after service. |
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 Standing On the Side of Love 30 Days of Love Beginning on January 20th the UUC will join other UU congregations in celebrating 30 days of Love. Between January 20th and February 17th, the Social Justice Council and Others in our UUC Community are sponsoring a series of events which will make this a time of intentional action, service, education, reflection and fellowship. The January Ruah will be the kick off and the UU District Choral Festival will be the spirited closing. Wear your UUC or Standing on the Side of Love to all events. For a listing of the 30 Days of Love events see the Event Flier, visit the Social Justice Table after the service or contact us. |
We went to the first Clearwater Gateway Farmers Market on Saturday and it was great! Here are six reasons to go:
- Really good vegetables. The snow peas were so crisp and tasty.
- There are two UUs from the Church of the Larger Fellowship selling one of the best cookies we've ever eaten-a Ginger-Pecan Dulche de Leche cookie. Support fellow UUs by eating cookies!
- There were all sorts of ethnic foods-- a Korean food truck and lots of Hispanic Food.
- The music playing was festive and fun.
- The kids could get face-painted.
- Lots more reasons...go see for yourself!
The market is located in downtown Clearwater at the corner of Cleveland Street and Martin L. King Blvd (near Nature's Food Patch) and is open 9 AM -2 PM. It will continue until May.
Five of us from the Social Justice Council attended a meeting of groups interested in immigration reform last Saturday. There were about 30 groups represented and all of us felt it was a really productive session. Folks were divided into Congressional Districts to work on ways to influence legislators to support the principles on immigration formulated by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
The 13th District, which includes UUC and is represented by Bill Young, will meet on Sunday afternoon, January 20th at 2PM until 4PM. It will be held at 300 South Duncan Street in Clearwater.
Meet with community leaders, activists and your neighbors to talk about seriously addressing Immigration Reform, because our leaders' inaction is creating a situation that is harming our communities.
Dates to save for March.
March 18th -19th - UU Legislative Ministry, Florida will be holding legislative days at Tallahasee. We would like to participate...and if enough of us want to go perhaps even rent a van. If you are interested, please sign up at the Social Justice Table.
March 5th -10th will be the CIW action to highlight their Fair Food Campaign. See here. We would like to have a presence there daily to fast with the workers and have as many people as possible be there on Saturday for the three mile procession to Publix Headquarters. There will be more information at the Social Justice Table if you are interested in joining this effort.
Donna Polhamus |
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 There will be an Environmental Justice/Green Team meeting on Saturday, January26th @ 9:30a.m. in the Chorale Room. Linda Stoller, Coordinator of the Social Justice Council, has requested this meeting to reorganize our environmental activities. The meeting is open to all who are interested in environmental issues and in working on them as part of UUC's ministry. |
PUBLICATION DEADLINES OCTAGRAM - WEEKLY EVERY THURSDAY The Octagram is intended to focus on activities taking place at UUC or those of interest to UUC members and friends. Send items in brief with a link to more information to Octagram. PLEASE DO NOT SEND INFORMATION FORMATTED, OR IN A FLIER. Provide text in an email, or as an attached Word file with any pictures/graphics attached to the email. Deadline is 10 a.m. every Wednesday. Prepared by Barbara Bird. ORDER OF SERVICE/ANNOUNCEMENTS - WEEKLY EVERY SUNDAY SERVICE: Deadline is 6 p.m. every Wednesday. Send appropriate items to Order of Service/Announcements. Prepared by Pat St. Clair. ITEMS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATION, IF APPLICABLE. |
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