Sunday Services

Sunday, March 6 – Rev. Kalen Fristad, “Universalism: Past, Present and Powerful”

Kalen Fristad is an ordained United Methodist Minister. He will be speaking on the history and significance of the teaching of universalism. After serving churches in Iowa for 27 years he embarked upon an independent ministry which he conducted full time from 2003-2006. He and his wife spent this time traveling around the country accepting invitations to speak to churches and other groups, countering the teaching that many people will suffer for eternity in hell and instead, proclaiming the hopeful message of universalism. He went back to the parish ministry in July 2006. As of January 2008, while continuing to serve churches in Iowa part-time, he resumed his traveling ministry, spending half time on the road speaking on the subject of universalism.   Kalen has written a book, entitled; “DESTINED FOR SALVATION: God’s Promise to Save Everyone” and a Study Book of the same title. His books, CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase after the service.  

Sunday, March 13 – Note change in speaker and title: "Muslims in the Bible Belt: Challenges and Opportunities."  

Dr. Stephen Childs, Muslim convert (1974), Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at VSU.  Research is in Malaysia as is a temporary residence.   

Imam Arshad of the Valdosta Islamic Center is still out of the country. Imam Arshad is from Pakistan and has served as imam in a number of locations in the United States.  He is often also referred to as “Hafiz,” indicating one who has memorized the entire Qur’an.  The Valdosta Islamic Center, and the earlier Muslim Cultural Center, together comprise approximately 35 Muslim families.  Efforts are currently underway to construct an Islamic Center that can comfortably accommodate the growing community of Muslims in the Valdosta area.

Sunday, March 20 –– Rev. Fred Howard,  “Stories Jesus Told: Parables and Zen Slaps”

Jesus liked to shake up the conventional worldview of his hearers.  Rather than preaching at people, he told stories.  Much like the koans of a Zen master, his parables do not directly expound great truth but merely hint at it in ways that invite the listener into a changed consciousness - or at least a slightly different viewpoint.  Harvey Cox suggests that understanding Jesus’ most confounding parables as koans is the key to unlocking deeper meanings .  This morning we will examine this method further and perhaps use it to shed some light on a difficult parable or two. 

Sunday, March 27 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Buddhism and Christianity on Desire”

Desire is the affective power or spiritual energy by which we relate to all that is.  Buddhism and Christianity can be brought into a mutually enriching relationship through exploring the theme of desire.  Both traditions, in different ways, depict a human condition distorted by self-enclosure and suggest that the path to spiritual cultivation involves a reorientation of consciousness that has direct moral implications. 

Sunday, April 3 – Rev. Fred Howard,   “The Armageddon Syndrome: The Real Message of the Left Behind Books”

The Left Behind series of books has sold more than 65 million copies.  Their impact on Christianity has been said to be “greater than any other book in modern times,” which could probably be claimed based on nothing else besides the sheer volume of sales.  Harvey Cox says that the books have “all but drowned out alternative Christian views of the future.”  Cox has much to say about the cultural influence of the books that seems worthy of our attention.  I will share some of his thoughts on the subject of apocalyptic literature this morning as well as some of my own.

 Sunday, April 10 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “Ambedkar and Social Justice in India”

Ambedkar grew up an untouchable in India, was educated at Columbia University with the help of a benefactor, and returned to India to become the principle author of the Democratic Indian Constitution in 1947.  The story of his life, his religious transformation, and the methods he used to struggle for personal and social change provide both inspiration and a model for social justice movements today. 

                Our church will celebrate Justice Sunday at this service.  Consider donating to UUSC during the service.  There is some information elsewhere in this newsletter under Social Action Activities about this annual event at UU churches. 

Religious Education

For Children: The RE program for children meets at. 10:45 AM concurrent with the Sunday morning service.  Two adults are needed each Sunday to help with RE.  Please let Sue know if you can volunteer from time to time or sign up on the monthly Sunday Volunteer list.  Contact: Susan Bailey.

For Adults: The Adult RE Program will continue every Sunday morning until May 22.  The group is continuing to use the Building Your Own Theology (BYOT) texts for its discussions.  It is an open group, although you will get the most from the experience if you attend regularly and keep up with the readings in the workbook.  Fred Howard posts the coming Sunday’s discussion items each week so that participants come prepared for the day’s discussion.

MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS

Rev. Fred Howard                                         March 2011

Since Rev. Kalen Fristad of the Christian Universalist Association will be with us the first Sunday in March, I thought it would be a good idea to give some background on Christian Universalism and how the Christian Universalist Association came about.

Christian Universalism as a distinct denomination within the Christian Church originated in the late 18^th century.  The pioneering minister John Murray, who we proudly claim as one of our forebears, is credited as the founder of American Universalism.  He preached a message of universal salvation with his central tenet being “give them not hell, but hope and courage.”  Many Universalist churches sprang up in the United States in the late 1700s, and general conventions were held annually pretty much continually from that period until the Universalist Church of America merged with the American Unitarian Association to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 1961.  At its peak in the 1840s it had about 700 congregations and boasted of over 800,000 members.  Accurate membership counts are not available and this membership number is probably somewhat exaggerated; nevertheless, this was the golden age of Universalism and it was a significant force on the American religious landscape.   By 1888 Universalism would claim to be the 6^th largest denomination in the US. 

But within 50 years it would decline to one of the smallest.  The distinctiveness of Universalism’s message of Universalism gradually eroded during this period as mainstream denominations became more liberal and deemphasized hell and humanity’s depravity.  One might say that Universalist doctrine won out at the expense of the movement.  As fervor waned over their one unique doctrinal emphasis, there became less urgency for Universalism to maintain itself as a distinct denomination.  

When the Universalist Church merged with the Unitarians to form the UUA, not all Universalists were ready to relinquish their identity or their ties to traditional Christianity.  Some state Universalist Conventions and some individual churches did not accept the merger, and so some churches remained Universalist and separate from the UUA.  Pockets of Christian Universalists survived, some of which are still in existence today, but most of them were absorbed or became affiliated with other denominations.

With the beginning of the internet in the 1990s and the opportunities it affords for divergent views to gain a wide audience, there has been a resurgence of interest in Universalism.  High profile ministers such as Carlton Pearson have also embraced the principles of Universalism, contributing to renewed media interest in the subject.  In 2007, Kalen Fristad and Eric Stetson gathered a group of ministers from several denominations and founded the Christian Universalist Association.  This organization serves churches and individuals who have an interest in Universalism by promoting its basic principles, holding national conferences and other assemblies, and providing book lists and other literature on the subject as well as publishing a regular newsletter. 

A few quotes from the website of the Christian Universalist Association might serve to clarify how the CUA sees itself:  “One of our goals is to work within the Christian world to promote a Second Reformation, shedding church doctrines that have moved Christianity away from universal truth, and replacing inaccurate and primitive views of the Gospel with more authentic, mature, and beneficial understandings.”  “We see our organization as the resurrection of the 18^th and 19^th century Universalist movement which unfortunately dwindled in the 20^th century and was absorbed into Unitarianism. We consider their history to be, for all intents and purposes, our own -- and we are reclaiming it today. We also look to the 2nd and 3rd century pre-Roman Christian churches based on the teachings of universalist theologians such as Origen and Clement of Alexandria as an antecedent to our own movement.” “Our overall philosophy is one of inclusiveness and open-mindedness combined with strong beliefs and principles.”

Though members of the CUA speak with the language of the Christian paradigm, they have remarkably similar views to those of Unitarian Universalists on a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from interdenominational and interfaith dialogue to social justice concerns.  With a philosophy of inclusiveness and open-mindedness, I think UUs will find much in common with Christian Universalists.  Please join me in welcoming Rev. Fristad to our pulpit.

Fred Howard is now writing a blog called "Sharing the Journey." The link is www.revfredhoward.wordpress.com.  You are invited to share his journey.

Let’s Have Some Fun!!  

Pizza and a Movie

Wednesday, March 9     6:00-9:00 PM at the church

Our feature for this month is "Departures." No, it’s not about the exploits of a travel agent, though that seems to be the first thing that comes to mind with that word "departures." Daigo Kobayashi, an out of work cellist, had that thought when he responded to a classified ad where that singular word appeared as the explanation for the advertised job. Instead, he is offered a job as an encoffineer. Initially repulsed by the idea, he gradually discovers a calling for the profession.  The movie sweeps us along in Kobayayashi's sometimes comical, sometimes profound journey as he learns to perfect the art of "nokanshi," preparing the bodies of the deceased for burial. The movie explores many other themes, including Japanese cultural stigma about death and dying and the importance of ritual in times of bereavement. It is also an excellent illustration of how a healthy sense of self can bring about transformation in a family system. Fred Howard says “[it is] One of the finest movies I've ever seen. Worth watching just for the cinematography and music.” It won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.

We will begin the movies around 6PM and keep the discussions at the end to no more than thirty minutes, so that everyone can be home by nine o’clock or so.    Both veggie and meat pizza will be provided.  We will ask everyone who eats to contribute to the cost.  Come share an evening together and join in the discussion after the movie. Contacts: Fred Howard and David Rodgers

Firepit Night at the Church: The regular Firepit night at our bonfire site back of the church has been discontinued for now.  Let the Board know if you can volunteer to host this event on a regular basis.  The Nickola family regrets it is unable to continue this responsibility at this time.

Games Night

Friday, March 18            6:30PM - until at the church

Bring a snack to share, friends, the kids and libations of your choice.  Sue says she plans to be sure there are some activities on hand for the children to keep busy with while the adults are playing the game of their choice.  Contact: Susan Bailey.  Note the change to Friday night.  Games Night folks are going to try the third Friday night of the month over coming months to see if this works better for more people.

Book Discussion and Potluck

Friday, April 8

6:00 PM Potluck – 7:00 PM Discussion at the church

The book is “Cutting For Stone”  by Abraham Verghese.   This is a current bestseller and comes highly recommended.  Betty says she has been told there will be lots to discuss after reading the book.  An Amazon reviewer states: “Beginning in India, the story progresses to Africa where it remains until the protagonist immigrates to America. Marion, the narrator of this fictional autobiography, is one of a set of identical twins. His birth and life at the mission, Missing, provide the basis for the conflicts and triumphs contained in the novel. The historical backdrop, Ethiopia's internal conflicts and coups, impart additional depth to the book's realistic atmosphere. The title ‘Cutting for Stone ’is taken from the Hippocratic oath, but may also reflect a double meaning. The biological father of Marion and his twin, Shiva, is Thomas Stone, a famous surgeon. In what may be a subconscious effort to emulate and impress their absent parent, both become skilled surgeons. They are ‘Cutting for Stone’." 

Bring a dish to share.  Coffee and tea will be provided.  You are welcome to bring other beverages.  We generally socialize over our potluck meal from 6-7 PM and then promptly begin our book discussion at 7 PM drawing to a close with the selection of our next book by around 8 PM so that folks who want to head home early on a Friday night can do so. We have been selecting books which deal with difference in all its guises.  We welcome your suggestions.   Contact: Betty Derrick.  

ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Happy Birthday this month to

v   John Tait

v  Valerie Webster

Keep in your thoughts

v  Members and friends deploying to Afghanistan or other areas.  

Facebook:  Visit us on Facebook by searching "Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta."

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=92779034840  Contact person: Kimberly Tanner  

At the Church-in-the-Woods

New Hope Christian Community Church- Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 4:30 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.  http://internationalchristiancommunity.ning.com  

Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: Beginner’s Class, 5:30-6:30 PM; Continuing Class, 6:30-8 PM.  Contact Dennis Bogyo or Luana Goodwin.

 PFLAG Meeting – 4th Tuesday each month, 7:00PM

Contact: Doug Tanner The web page for PFLAG Valdosta:   http://pflag-valdosta.web.officelive.com/default.aspx   

Social Action Activities  

Justice Sunday

In the face of humanitarian crises, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) supports the rights of people overlooked by mainstream relief.  At least twice annually most UU congregations focus a service on the work of the UUSC.  Our congregation in recent years has participated with UUs throughout the country in the Guest At Your Table event in the fall and Justice Sunday in the spring.  We will celebrate Justice Sunday on April 10 this year.

This year's Justice Sunday theme — “Justice is Aid with Dignity” — focuses on how UUSC upholds the inherent worth and dignity of every person in its Rights in Humanitarian Crises Program. This includes ongoing work in Darfur, Gaza, Haiti, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda.   Justice Sunday highlights UUSC’s ongoing human-rights work and provides learning, advocacy, and action resources to help organize members of congregations to reflect, understand, and take action on pertinent humanitarian issues.

Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, who himself is a social justice activist and regular speaker in our pulpit, will be our speaker on Justice Sunday.  He plans to speak about social justice in India.  

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday (and 5^th when there is one) of each month.  If you would like to help deliver meals beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Frank or Rosie Asbury.

Ministry to Moody Airmen

Tuesday Evening, March 22

On this evening our congregation will be providing dinner for the airmen at Moody AFB.  This is a wonderful outreach opportunity for us.  Moody has been a source for many of our recent members and friends, and there are probably many other potential Unitarian Universalists in the ranks.

We need to be set up ready to serve by 5:30 PM, so some volunteers will need to go out early.  Jim Ingram has agreed to do the cooking.  Kudos Jim!  But we will need folks to help Jim and for setting up.  Jim must leave early for another obligation.  We need additional volunteers who can plan to come later for socializing and cleanup. 

Fred Howard says, “I know many of you do not get off work until after 5 but don’t let that deter you from participating!  Further details will follow, but I know we will need a list of everyone who will be going out to Moody a week in advance, so that we can obtain gate passes for you.” 

Please contact a board member if you are interested in taking part.  This should be a blessing for the airmen and their families as well as for our congregation.

Share the Plate

Our Board of Directors has asked me (Fred Howard) to discuss something called “Share the Plate” with you in anticipation of a discussion and vote at our annual congregational meeting.  The way share the plate works is that on designated Sundays all non-pledge money that is placed in the offering plate will be donated to a service organization.  The particular service organization for a given Sunday will be selected in advance, announced in the newsletter and the order of service, and promoted on the given Sunday by either a representative of that organization or a member of our congregation with special interest in the cause.  To be eligible the organization must have a mission consistent with UU values and be nonpolitical in nature. 

The idea was presented to the board and discussed among the board members around the concept of doing this once a month.  However, the consensus of the board was that the entire initiative should be presented to the congregation for discussion and a vote.  Should the proposal be adopted, members and friends of the congregation will then have the opportunity to submit (in writing to the board or a designated committee) suggestions for potential recipient service organizations.

Share the Plate has been instituted at UU churches of all sizes across the country and has greatly increased the generosity of participating congregations.  For example, First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City started doing it a few years ago.  Rev. Mark Christian describes what happened: “The last year we kept the plate for ourselves we totaled just under $3000.  This past year it was $22,000 for the year.  This is one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done.”  Share the Plate is an excellent way to put a face on our cherished social justice ministries and showcase them for the congregation.  It also gives members and visitors a feeling that by participating in worship, they are also participating in living our values out in the larger community.  You can read more inspiring stories of the transformations that have taken place through the Share the Plate initiative at

 http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/2389.shtml.   

  Notes from Kids’ RE – Sue Bailey

We are continuing to read stories from Hebrew and Christian scripture and are still in the Old Testament. We read the story of the Tower of Babel and learned how to say “hello” in several languages including French, Arabic, Cherokee, and Swahili. After practicing our new words, we made our own Towers of Babel out of marshmallows glued together with frosting! We then took a walk in the labyrinth and on the meditation trail to work off our energy!

Our next story was Sodom and Gomorrah – not an easy story to do with children. We focused on the theme of obeying our parents because they set rules to keep us safe. The children drew pictures of themselves doing something their parents asked them to do (which morphed into other things like cats and flowers.) We also made head coverings and necklaces that resemble those worn by people in our story.

On the Sunday before Valentine’s Day, we took a break from our Old Testament stories and read a wonderful story about friendship called “Tanuki’s Gift.” After the story, we made wonderful Valentine crafts and cards and shared some of our creations with parents and friends.

Coming up are the stories of Jacob and Esau, Moses, and King Joseph. As always, if you’d like to volunteer in Kids’ RE, please see Sue Bailey. I can promise, there’s never a dull moment!  

UU Church of Valdosta 

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes-February 2, 2011

Attending:             Fred Howard, Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Kimberly Tanner, Kat Nickola

OLD BUSINESS: The Board is waiting for a response from the New Hope Christian Community Church about items they have stored in the middle room in the RE building.  The room is currently inaccessible to our congregation.

NEW BUSINESS:  In response to Calls for Help at the church regarding personal financial assistance or referencing associations we’re involved in, a list of resources and protocol is being posted near the phone and a new message regarding such items is being posted on the answering machine.   A note by the phone will also indicate that non-UU folks should  not answer these questions for the church.  At Fred Howard’s suggestion the Board has established a minister’s discretionary fund (~ $200) for helping folks if they can’t be helped elsewhere. When used the minister will furnish receipts for reimbursements.              The Board discussed the church’s financial community involvement through participation in “Share the Plate” Sundays.  The Board will seek congregational input at the annual congregational meeting.  (See a column by Fred Howard earlier in this newsletter about this concept.)  The Board also discussed several requests for use of the church facilities by several groups. The Board has replaced its previous Terminix contract with Chemex Service ($250/yr).  The Board discussed the possibility of an electronic newsletter.  (See article elsewhere in this newsletter.)  Membership Report: Lots of Facebook action.  New UU Class & New Member Ceremony in spring.  Building & Grounds Report: Checking on material to repair the driveway.  Removal of key from lock in RE wing still needs attention.  Need to check on the potential attic floor.  Planning for a labyrinth medal needs attention. NEXT MEETING: March 2,  6 PM.               

    Treasurer’s Report – Rosie Asbury

January 31, 2011

Receipts                   January                       July -present

  Plate                    $    49.00                           $   587.16

  Pledge                   1232.00                            12257.00

  Rent                       100.00                              1580.00

  Miscel(Habitat)       100.00                              1235.00

Total Receipts      $ 1481.00                          $15659.16  

Disbursements  

  Speakers’ Fees       400.00                              1200.00

  Minister Exp.          700.00                              5678.18

  Maint.                         0.00                              4648.06

  Pest Control              35.00                                245.00

  Postage                       0.00                                273.49

  Supplies                    11.15                                  89.84

  Utilities                  232.13                              1614.14

  RE Program                0.00                                178.67

  Membership Prog.      0.00                                  81.00

  Advert./Website          0.00                                  34.01

  UUA Dues                  0.00                              1232.00

  UU Conference           0.00                                575.00

  Donations                   0.00                                220.00                        

  Other                          0.00                                266.13

Total  Disburs.     $ 1378.28                          $16335.52  

Net Receipt           $   102.72                          $ - 676.36  

Electronic Newsletter

Several times over the last decade or so, some of us have discussed whether we should publish our monthly newsletter electronically.  Over this period of time we have added electronic media to communicate with our congregation and friends of our congregation; however each time we have discussed this matter, we have chosen to continue to publish a print version of the newsletter also.  The Board is now interested in our perusing this question once again.

                Your editor is interested in your thoughts on this matter.  It is clear that a number of our newer attendees and visitors have learned about us through electronic media, not our print newsletter.  At the same time one of the first things, as a Visitor Greeter, I hand visitors is a copy of the current newsletter.   It is the easiest way I know to send a newcomer home with the schedule for the next couple of weeks and some information about who we are and how to contact us.

 Most of you know that we have a website where information about our congregation can be found along with announcements and an edited version of our newsletter.  (Carol Stiles manages the website and edits the print version of the newsletter for the web to remove personal information, which sometimes appears in the print version, which goes to a more restricted audience than the web audience.)  In the last several years we have started a Facebook page which Kimberly Tanner manages and to which she sends announcements.  Again personal information can be “edited” by the individuals who subscribe to Facebook.  We also use a church group e-mail list that sends out announcements.  Your editor also actively uses e-mail to communicate with all of you to receive information for the monthly newsletter.  Of course announcements are also published each Sunday in the order of service.  I think lay leaders typically use the print newsletter and/or the website for that information.

 I should also add that Dee Tait is our contact for communicating with the Valdosta Daily Times which usually publishes our Sunday Services in its Saturday church announcements.  Your editor also sends articles from our newsletter each month to The Breeze, which is the FL District Northeast Cluster monthly electronic newsletter.  Finally as your editor I have come to see our newsletter as both a communication device to keep our members in touch with each other and what is scheduled for our calendar each month as well as a form of advertisement to the wider community about who we are and what we are doing.

Here are some questions about which your editor would like to know your thoughts.  You may have other comments/questions that occur to you.  Since we are discussing electronic communication, please send your comments electronically. :) 

Do you find the current print newsletter useful, interesting, and/or informative?  (It would be helpful for this discussion to know what you especially like or don’t like or would change.)

·         Would you prefer to receive your monthly newsletter electronically and not receive a print newsletter at all?

·         Do you think the church should cease printing a newsletter and go entirely electronic?  If yes, why do you think the church should do this?

·         Your editor’s experience has been that newsletters sent by e-mail may be deleted and never opened, while a print newsletter has to be looked at, usually is left around for a while, before being discarded.  As such it serves as a “sort of  advertisement for the church”  in a way that an e-mail may not.  What do you think of this perspective on the importance to the church of a printed newsletter?

·         Are any of you reading this unable to easily access electronic media?  (Please give me a phone call or write.) 

·         A corollary to the question above is, do you think the church should continue to publish a print newsletter for those who want it and offer an option to receive only an electronic version sent by e-mail?

·         A second corollary is, if we were to go to an electronic newsletter, should some number of print copies continue to be available at the church for visitors?

·         If you are able to access electronic media, how does your system deal with large electronic files, with lots of pictures, color etc which, in your editor’s experience, seems to be typical of many current electronic newsletters?

·         You may have other thoughts or comments, which would be welcomed. 

As you think about this matter, you should be aware that, at least for now, the printing of our newsletter continues to be available to us through the generosity of one of our members.  The only cost directly to the church currently is for postage on mailed newsletters (about 85/month).  Your editor has insisted that the real cost for the newsletter be placed in the budget so that we are aware of a cost which in the future the congregation may need to assume.

I look forward to your comments.  Betty Derrick  

 UU Activities and Announcements

March 1 – Deadline for Florida District Award Nominations

March 5-Empowering Lay Ministry Workshop, Davie, FL
March 12-Empowering Lay Ministry Workshop, Sarasota, FL
March 25-27 -Allies for Racial Equity Conference, Ft. Myers, FL
March 26- Northeast Cluster Spring Gathering, Vero Beach, FL---------It’s All About Us!  The Joys and Sorrows of Healthy UU Congregations:  What do we do that works well? In our congregation? In the community? What can we learn from other congregations? To do? To do better? What difficulties have we encountered? How can we help others avoid pitfalls?

Come prepared to share! Come prepared to learn! And come prepared to have fun with a bunch of interesting people!! Special treat: Lunch with Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, former head of UUA and Amnesty International, new president and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (plus tickets to the 4 p.m. communitywide lecture on the Future of Human Rights) Registration: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

April 2- Values/Mission/Vision Workshop, Jacksonville-Buckman Bridge, Jacksonville, FL
April 8-10 Florida District Assembly, Orlando-First Unitarian, Orland, FL  

Creating Connections - UU Florida District Northeast Cluster Women’s Retreat: 

Rose Baker attended this retreat the first weekend in February.  She reports that beginning on Friday evening, February 4 and concluding on Sunday, after lunch, on February 6, thirty-four UU women talked, listened, sang, made some musical noise with various instruments (some homemade), made a life collage, danced, ate and shared a common UU thread between themselves.   She rode from Ocala, FL with Allie Gore, one of the conference organizers, and another attendee to Oviedo, FL to the Canterbury Resort and Conference Center.

Rose roomed with a retired music teacher who played the piano and sang with her daughter for the conference attendees.  The making of life collages and discussing these collages provided an intimate look into each participant's life.  Other than learning about the trials and tribulations along with the successes of the UU Churches represented, many of the life collages presented a look into mother/daughter relationships--some good, some not so good.  Rose says, “it was a pure joy to be together with other UU women who shared similar interests and an openness of beliefs.”  The participants hope to have another conference next year.

Most of you have met Rose and her husband, Jon, our snowbirds from Ohio.  Talk to Rose about why she chose to participate in this cluster event.  In recent years very few in our congregation have attended District or Association events.  Your editor thinks we are missing something important when we do not participate!  Thanks Rose for sharing your experience.  

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund                               March  2011

jlund@uua.org

As many of you know the UUA Board of Trustees (BOT) held the January, 2011 meeting in Phoenix, AZ, part of our work in preparation for the 2012 Justice General Assembly (GA) to be held in Phoenix. Monday forty UUs (including several of the BOT) traveled with members of the UU Church of Tucson No Mas Muertes group, to the border between Mexico and the U.S. and across into Mexico on foot to witness the humanitarian efforts of some groups and learn of the U.S. deportation process, first hand through personal stories. I wrote a lengthy report which tells of the BOT’s meeting and visits/discussions with groups who need our support. The report may be found in the District e-news and on the District web page.

One of our stops was at the Comedor (eating area) in Nogales, Mexico we listened to Lourdes who had been at the Mexican border for three months, first as a deportee, then as a volunteer. Before being “removed” (the word used by our government for those being deported) she had lived in California for almost 20 years and tried to become a citizen. She was desperate to get back “home” (CA) to be with her sixteen year old boy and nine year old girl. On the wall of the Comedor were several posters warning persons not to cross the border, plus maps of the deserts with red dots showing the locations of those who have died in the desert. We heard many stories in Nogales where hundreds are “removed” daily from all over the U.S.; the story from a mother who had brought her eight year old daughter from Atlanta to Mexico to receive counseling for sexual abuse by the child’s stepfather; the story of a sixty year old man who had lived in Chicago from childhood. In the afternoon there was a panel discussion with human rights and immigration rights activists.

The next day while a small number of folks returned to Mexico to work at the Comedor kitchen, I was among the group who remained in Tucson and first visited the neighbor headquarters of Tierra y liberated organization (TYLO) and heard from the “We Reject Racism Campaign” activists. TYLO is a grassroots organization that promotes the ideals of equality, justice, and self-determination. They focus on building multiple examples of positive social change and resistance in the barrios where they live. Part of the day was spent at Federal Court house in Tucson where we learned from two immigration defense attorneys of the deportation process, Operation Streamline. This U.S. Government process is designed to wage “war on terrorism” by prosecuting border crossings with mandatory jail sentences. Although illusionary, it is hoped this will deter someone whose family needs food and/or medicine. At this time more than half of immigrant Federal prosecutions are small scale offenders. Almost all of them are prosecuted only for crossing the border without papers.  The assassination/murder events on January 8th prevented our being witness in court to the process.

As you might surmise I could write much more about our trip and the BOT meeting. I may write more in a later column. I strongly encourage you be at both General Assembly 2011 in Charlotte, NC (UU Fiftieth Anniversary) and GA 2012 Justice GA in Phoenix, AZ. At both of these yearly assemblies there will be much preparation and work on the immigration other social justice issues.