What’s going on... May 2010

Sunday Services

Sunday, May 2 – Rev. Fred Howard, “A Different Kind Of Courage”

Before Martin Luther King, Jr. came to personify the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, another courageous African American took actions that had remarkable consequences and forced our nation to make dramatic changes.  Yet his story has been all but forgotten.  This morning I will share this story with you and why I think our nation has chosen to let it recede from our consciousness.

During today’s service we will also celebrate the Unitarian Service Committee’s (UUSC) annual Justice Sunday with reminders about the work of the UUSC and a special offering.

The theme this year is Advancing Economic Justice.  UUSC is a membership organization that is independent of and receives no funding from the UUA. It depends on the active participation and financial support of its members to carry out its vital work. UUSC’s status as a membership organization provides it the autonomy to advocate for justice-oriented public policies across the political spectrum – its support from member contributions makes up approximately 60 percent of its annual budget. By neither seeking nor accepting government funds, UUSC maintains a high level of independence.  Become a member of UUSC today; double your impact by giving the gift of membership to someone you love:$40 for a single membership; $75 for a dual membership; $10 for students or youth; $20 for seniors (65+).  Gifts of $100 or more are eligible to be matched dollar-for-dollar, thanks to a generous grant from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, in Manhasset , N.Y.

 Sunday, May 9 – Dr. Michael Stoltzfus, “ Islamic Perspectives regarding Jesus”

Islam has a quite positive impression of Jesus.  While Jesus is not considered to be divine, his is granted the status of prophet and messenger.  We will investigate Islamic perspectives regarding Jesus based on references in the Qur’an, the Hadith or sayings of the prophet, and other Islamic legal and theological discourse.  Islamic respect for Jesus is readily apparent while Christian respect for Muhammad is seldom expressed.   

Sunday, May 16 – Rev. Fred Howard, “Healing the Wounds of Our Religious Past”

According to best information, about ninety percent of the membership of our Unitarian Universalist churches came from other faith traditions.  Some of this number came to us because of wounds they suffered in other churches or religious institutions.  Perhaps some of these number among our own members here at Valdosta UU.  For us to foster a healthy religious environment of our own, it is important that these wounds be recognized and ministered to so that healing can begin.  

New Member Ceremony:  During today’s service there will be a special recognition and welcoming of new members. 

 Sunday, May 23 – Al Hunt, “ Idolatry”

Al has been thinking about some of our recent Adult RE discussions.   Watch for further information later in May. 

 Sunday, May 30 – Rev. George Bennett, “Manna and Mercy"
The sermon will be a brief history of God's unfolding promise to mend the entire universe.  God loves the whole universe and the Planet Earth.  God once created a special form of animal life to dwell on Earth.  This creature is called "human being." The word human means "earth creature" or "creature of the soil."  These human beings consciously enjoy the Creator and are partners with God to take care of the Planet Earth.

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Religious Education

For Children: The RE program for children meets at. 10:45 AM concurrent with the Sunday morning service. Kids RE continues to focus on the 7 principles as we learn how we can make them part of our lives each and every day. They will also be working on some Earth Day projects into May.  Watch for the Nesting Wreath Frances Patterson gave the RE kids.  It will be hanging in the woods at the church.  Watch for information about a Spring Kids Retreat planned for early May.  Volunteers to help in the classroom are needed. Contacts: Mya Storey; Susan Bailey. 

 

The Church in the Woods Art Museum is finally starting to take shape.  Just a reminder for adults to contribute something of their own art...all media welcome...we'll find a way to display it! This is a Children’s RE project for the whole church.  See Sue Bailey for details.  

Adult Religious Education: Adult religious education meets in the RE wing at 9:30 AM prior to the Sunday service.  Fred Howard, Al Hunt, Valerie Webster, and Lars Leader are facilitating the discussions.   The group has just begun an exploration of the philosophy of Eastern Religions by discussing topics in the book “Best Guide to Eastern Philosophy and Religion” by Diane Morgan.   Please join this interesting and lively time of sharing.  These current sessions will continue through the end of May.

Infants and Toddlers: Sue Bailey wants to be sure that new members or visitors know that infants and toddlers are welcome in the RE room during services.  They may be too little to participate, but we do have someone available to watch them so the parents can enjoy the service.

 

INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP If you are interested in becoming a member of our fellowship, we encourage you to talk with our minister, Rev. Fred Howard or our President, Doug Tanner or Membership Director, Mya Storey.  We welcome your questions, and we extend an open invitation to all who want to join our liberal community of faith.

 

 

 

MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS

Rev. Fred Howard                                      April 2010

Out of my conviction that it’s very important for our congregation to be represented in our district, I made the trip to Miami Beach to be at the Florida District Annual Assembly April 9-11.  It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it, right?  Besides, I needed the opportunity to get acquainted with those in leadership positions in the Florida District, and to meet the other ministers.   During my ministerial training years I was in Atlanta and Macon – areas served by the Mid-South District.  So venturing into south Florida brought me into contact with a whole new cadre of Unitarian Universalists. 

                Gini Courter, moderator for our Unitarian Universalist Association was the keynote speaker.  Being moderator is probably the second most important and influential position within our National Organization, second only to the presidency.  Gini is an engaging, energetic personality with a real talent for giving voice to her Unitarian Universalist convictions.  She spoke to the theme of “The Challenge Ahead” by confronting many of the issues we will need to address both individually and organizationally if we are to grow as a faith movement.  A good summary of the wisdom she imparted in her unique humorous style is contained in the remark she made early in her presentation,  “You don’t go to church to find the people you love.”  After she let us ponder that teaser for a few minutes, she followed it with the insightful rejoinder, “You go to church to love the people you find.”  She contends that this pair of statements is the Cambridge Platform in a nutshell.  (The Cambridge Platform was a doctrinal statement of the Congregationalist Church written in 1648 which defined congregational polity and what it means to be the church.  Our faith tradition came out of the Congregational Church and the basics of the Cambridge Platform still inform our identity as a religious community today.)   

                To me, this pair of statements Gini gave us is a beautiful way of urging us to take seriously our covenant that binds us together to be the Church.  That is, make it our mission to be together in genuine community with all the struggles and the joys that real commitment entails.  It is a higher calling, one that places demands on us to love and extend ourselves for each other continually in new and challenging ways.  Love ALL the people we find at the church – not just those who give us the warm fuzzies in return for our efforts at love, those we find in our midst who are easy to love.  This formula struck me as worthy goal for all congregations to set for themselves, for no matter how well we are already doing it, we can always find new avenues of service, different approaches for caring and nurturing each other.  Let us love the people we find, whether or not we find them particularly lovable.  The transformation that this brings about might only be evident to us in our own heart, but isn’t that what is most important anyway?   

Fred Howard is our part time minister.  You may contact Rev. Howard by email (preferable) at fredhoward435@hotmail.com .  He is available for consultations on Monday and Wednesday afternoons on most weeks from 2-5PM by appointment.  Fred welcomes any questions you may have about membership in our congregation.  He is also available for weddings and rites of passage ceremonies by prearrangement.

 

 

 

 

 

. Newsletter Editor:  Betty Derrick Website:  Carol Stiles Local Publicity: Dee Tait May 15: Deadline for June newsletter.

 

 

 

President’s Corner

Doug Tanner

I hope everyone enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt and Pot Luck Dinner as much as Kimberly and I did.  The food was great!  I think a good time was had by all and it was nice to see so many newcomers.  I hope that they all felt welcome.  

It is time again to welcome new members to our congregation.  We are planning a ceremony during the Sunday Service to recognize members who have joined over the last few months and will have another Pot Luck Lunch following the service on May 16 (TBA watch for announcements about date).  I hope everyone can be here to welcome the new members and show them your support.

Thanks for all of your support this year.

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All About Unitarian Universalism: New Small Group

Those who registered for this small group held their first session on Sunday, April 25, and will continue meeting for the first two Sundays in May. Prior registration and commitment to all sessions was required.  There will be future opportunities to participate in one of these small groups, so don’t feel left out if you couldn’t make it this time!   Watch for future announcements to join in this effort to learn and build community.

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Social Action Activities

 Accepting Difference Project

This project works to bring attention to and build diverse coalitions to address systemic problems in our community.    

"Come-and-See" Training:  Thanks to Carol Stiles ’ leadership and the planning work of Susan Bailey and Dee Tait, the Accepting Difference Project organized a "Come-and-See" training for representatives from various community organizations on April 17 at the Valdosta Arts Center .  Ana Garcia-Ashley, an organizer with the Gamaliel Foundation, who spoke at one of our services in January, led the workshop.  Carol, Dee, Kimberly Tanner, Betty Derrick, and Fred Howard from our congregation participated.    Representatives from the Mary Turner Project, the VSU environmental organization SAVE, PFLAG, individuals working with the migrant worker community, The Haven, VSU Women’s Studies, and some ministers participated. 

                Interfaith National Day of Prayer Service:  Mark your calendar for this service which will be held on Friday, May 14 at 1:00 PM on the grounds of the Lowndes County Courthouse.  Our minister, Fred Howard will participate.  Please plan to come and show your support for our community’s efforts to celebrate the diversity of religious expression we have here in Valdosta.  

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.

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UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund

May 2010

It was a pleasure to meet and visit with many of you at the District Annual meeting in April. By the time you are greeting the month of May I will have been to both that meeting and the UUA Board of Trustees meeting in Boston . Gini Courter, our UUA Moderator, was with us for the District Assembly weekend inspiring us, teaching us, and being our valued friend. I am reminded of the importance of how we “do” membership. Although it is very important how we greet and treat our visitors this month’s column will be about keeping the guests who become members. We get many visitors, some join, and those who do must be totally welcomed and integrated into the congregation or they will leave. It is well known that if all the persons who joined stayed for more than a short period of time our membership rolls would increase significantly.

                Everyone in the congregation must be a part of the membership committee/team. In Tampa one of the initiatives within membership is a group called the Be-frienders (some might call them mentors). Each new member “receives” a congregation friend for approximately six months. This friend answers questions and learns what the new member is looking for from the congregation and finds ways to help her/him become involved. Friends are consistent in giving personalized information and attention, through frequent contact. New members are introduced to other members who might share the same interests.

                Specific suggestions for the friending/mentoring role include: telephoning the new member to welcome them and/or send a note; personally inviting the “newbie” to congregational events and social activities; sitting with her/him during Sunday service if it seems like the comfortable thing to do; being available to explain finances, the board of trustees, and other important information about the culture of the congregation; introducing her/him to elected leaders, the choir and RE directors, as well as to other members who share the same personal concerns and interests.

                I know in your congregation there may be other important roles for the friend/mentor. Although a “friending” program must be tailored to your congregation it is an important, if not necessary, part of the responsibilities of the membership committee’s “umbrella”. If you would like more information on how to initiate a program similar to this in your congregation, or wish to “talk” with me about other UU business do not hesitate to contact me at jlund@uua.org . Happy “approaching” summer to all.

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 UU Activities and Announcements

June 23-27- UUA General Assembly, Minneapolis , MN

July 18-24 - Southeast UU Summer Institute (SUUSI), Radford , VA

August 8-13- Southland UU Leadership Experience, Highlands , NC  

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UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors

April 7, 2010

Attendance: Doug Tanner, Mya Storey, Sue Bailey, Fred Howard, Jim Ingram , Valerie Webster and Kari Wells.

Old Business: 

·         Congregational meeting set for April 25.

·         Looked over proposed budget for the upcoming year, made a few minor changes.  Will be voted on at the Congregational meeting.

·         Looked at people the Nomination committee suggested for the upcoming year.

·         Revisited the siding issue and decided to do a Capital Campaign to help raise money to repair/replace the siding.        

New Business:

·         Program's Report:  Adding greeter and Lay leaders to schedule to make it a little more organized so we don't have to scramble to fill those spots each week.  May have some spots to fill while Michael Stoltzfus and Fred Howard take some time off during the summer.

·         Ministerial Report: Fred sent a letter to people who have visited in the recent past asking them to come back and see us again.

·         April 25th All about UUism will start.  It will be 3 Sunday evening classes.  Class limit 8. Also, May 14th Interfaith National Day of Prayer service.  This is different than the National day of prayer that we participated in last year.  More details to follow.

·         RE: Kids retreat coming up beginning of May (date TBA)  Will have Survivor theme.  Will order pizza instead of cooking  and then have the kids be in charge of meet and greet in the morning.

·         Membership Ceremony for new members is scheduled for May 16.

Next meeting will be May 5, 2010  @ 6:00.  

Annual Congregational Meeting:  The newsletter went to press before the meeting was held at the end of April.   Watch for information about action taken in the June newsletter.  Thank you to all who were elected for the Board and everyone who pledged to meet the new budget.    

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Treasurer's Report – Rosie Asbury

March 31, 2010

Receipts                   March                       July -present (9 mos.)

  Plate                      $ 279.00                                  $ 1530.00

  Pledge                   2705.00                                   13333.00

  Rent                          240.00                                     2120.00

  Miscellaneous              0.00                                       325.00

Total Receipts        $3224.00                                  $17308.00

Disbursements  

  Speakers’ Fees        200.00                                     1675.00

  Minister Exp         2821.93                                     8730.78

  Repairs & Main.          0.00                                       595.00

  Newsletter                   0.00                                       104.57

  Pest Control              35.00                                       622.00

  Building Insur.      1214.00                                     1214.00

  Postage                        0.00                                       196.40

  Supplies                                    50.78                                       153.51

  Utilities                   310.04                                     2173.30

  Advert/Website           0.00                                       350.00

  UUA Dues                  0.00                                     1659.00

  UU Conference           0.00                                       325.00

  LAMP donat.          100.00                                       425.00

  Others                         0.00                                       127.92

Total  Disburse.   $ 4731.75                                 $ 18351.48

Net Receipt         $ -1507.75                                $  -1043.48

 

Let’s Have Some Fun!!

Book Discussion and Potluck

Friday, May 14

At the church

Potluck: 6:00 PM – Discussion: 7:00 PM

Bring a dish to share.  Coffee and tea will be provided.  You are welcome to bring other beverages.  We’ll plan to wind up by around 8:00 PM if you have other end of the week commitments.  The book is “The Tortilla Curtain” by T. C. Boyle, a novel about two Los Angeles couples, a pair of recycling affluent liberals and the other Mexican illegals.  Barbara Kingsolver, author of last month’s book, says about this book: “Lays on the line our national cult of hypocrisy.  Comically and painfully he details the smug wastefulness of the haves and the vile misery of the have-nots.” We have been selecting books which deal with different cultures, religions, and life styles.  Let us know your suggestions.  Contact: Betty Derrick.  

Games Night: At this time there are no plans for this event in May or coming months.   If you find you miss this event speak up or volunteer to coordinate it.

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: Beginners Class 5:30-.6:30 PM; Continuing Class 6:30-8:00 PM through mid-May. Summer hours: 6-7:30.  A new beginners class will begin in late August.  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

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Happenings in Ministry – Rev. Fred Howard

April 4 – VAMA’s Easter Sunrise Service.  I participated in the community wide Easter Celebration.

April 8 – LAMP provided dinner for all the residents at the homeless shelter.  Our congregation was well represented.  Those who participated felt it was a joyful and rewarding effort.

April 9-11 – I attended our Florida District Annual Meeting in Miami and presented a workshop entitled “The Journey to Transylvania : A Pilgrimage to Our Unitarian Origins.”

April 17 – The Gamaliel Training Workshop is scheduled.  This will be an opportunity for the community to “Come and See” what Congregation Based Community Organizing is all about.

April 19-21 – I will be away at the Leadership in Ministry Workshop in WVa.

April 25 – I will begin the “All About Unitarian Universalism” small group experience which will run on successive Sunday evenings.

May 14 – Interfaith National Day of Prayer Service at Lowndes County Courthouse at 1 pm.

May 15 – The Mary Turner Project is planning a second annual banquet and memorial  service.