Sunday Services

Sunday, October 2 – Rev. Fred Howard, “The Holy Grail of Religious Authority”  

Chivalry is not dead! My sermons this month are built around two of the great stories that came out of that glorious medieval mythical period.  The quest for the Holy Grail is perhaps the most well known adventure story in Western literature.  It has been retold countless times in Hollywood and on Broadway.  But at its heart, what is the story really about?  This morning I will share some of the fascinating psychological and spiritual dynamics at play in the story, as well as some of my own musings on why it has relevance to today’s world and why it continues to capture the popular imagination.  

Sunday, October 9 – Dr.  Michael Stoltzfus,  “Victor Frankl: Living a Meaningful Life”

After spending six years in bestial concentration camps, psychiatrist Victor Frankl discovered a remarkable existential approach for human beings to live a meaningful life even in the midst of unimaginable pain and suffering.  We will articulate and discuss Frankl’s approach to freedom, responsibility, meaning, spiritual practice, and his ability to turn suffering into human achievement.  

Sunday, October 16 - Rev. Fred Howard, “A Sympathetic Second Look at Don Quixote’s Quest”

Cervante’s charming story of Don Quixote has been deemed the greatest literary work ever written.  Yet few scholars have been able to come up with a satisfying explanation of what it was that Cervantes was really trying to say in this memorable tale.  It certainly has its colorful characters, and its theme of idealism has stirred the emotions of audiences for centuries.  But have we fully plumbed the depths of what this story has to say to us in our jaded age?  This morning I will share some of my own reflections on a story that has intrigued me since I first saw the play “Man of La Mancha” back in the ‘70’s and highlight some of the lesser known lessons that can be gleaned from it.

 Sunday, October 23 – Anne Tait, “For Elizabeth”

Anne Tait will share her personal experience of domestic violence and how it has affected her and her family.  Elizabeth, her sister, was killed by her husband the year before Anne graduated from college.  Coincidentally Anne, at the time, was majoring in sociology and journalism in order to work as an advocate for abused women.  After her sister’s tragic death, she no longer felt she could do this kind of work on a daily basis.  She has since learned that she can  speak as needed to help women face domestic violence.  She has been a frequent speaker at events sponsored by The Haven, the Valdosta battered women’s shelter, and has felt a calling to help everyone understand that domestic violence is not only physical but emotional. 

                Anne is a member of Christ Episcopal Church as well as our UU congregation.  Many of you know her as Dee Tait’s daughter-in-law.  Welcome her to our pulpit.

 Sunday, October 30  – Claire Shawhan, “Uncovering the Veil of an Episcopal Priest's Daughter”

Claire Shawhan will share her journey from the life of an Episcopal Priest's Daughter to finding her own spiritual home with the Unitarian Universalist Church.  Claire is a member of our congregation who is a college administrator at Moody Air Force Base.

Volunteer List ---  Help Always Welcome!!!

If you wondered how things get done at UU Valdosta, let us know.  We are a volunteer organization.  Everything that goes on, for example on Sunday morning, from Layleading to the Music to Meet and Greet happens because one of our members or friends volunteers.  The jobs are straight forward and someone will be glad to get you started if you’re willing to volunteer.  If you would like to be on our e-mail list that circulates to sign up to volunteer for various tasks let Doug Tanner know.  The list circulates every week or so and you can sign up or not depending on your schedule. Of course if you do sign up, be sure you follow through and thank you!!!

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. 

More Volunteers Needed!!!!  Perhaps you’ve noticed that we have more kids---of all ages-----from babies to teens---coming on Sunday mornings.  Sue says she could really use some additional help now that many Sundays we have such a diverse group and the nursery even is being used!  Please let Sue know if you can volunteer from time to time or sign up on the Sunday volunteer e-mail list.  

Adult RE Course for the Fall:  An 8 week session will begin Sunday, October 2, at 9:30 AM in the RE wing of the church.  If you have an interest in gaining a better grasp of the various types of literature that comprise the sometimes mysterious and often frustrating texts of the Christian Bible, come and join us for this quick survey course that will be geared toward giving you some basic tools for doing some real critical and incisive thinking when it comes to analyzing this most misunderstood of books.

MINISTERIAL MUUSINGS

Rev. Fred Howard                                              October 2011

No one in Western society can claim to be culturally literate without an understanding of the Bible.  Its stories, proverbs, and wisdom sayings inform not only much of Western literature but also much of our everyday language.  It is impossible to separate ourselves from its influence.

Since we can’t escape its influence, we should endeavor to master it complexities to the best of our ability.  In the words of John Buehrens, former president of the UUA and author of Understanding the Bible: An Understanding for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals, “Progressive people simply cede their power to opponents when they leave the interpretation of our religious heritage, or the meaning of our nation, or authentic ‘family values’ to the reactionaries, the chauvinists, and the bigots.”   Unless we become biblically literate and learn to articulate our own interpretation of the principles contained within it, we are surrendering our significance as individuals and as a religious movement to those who would appropriate its message to advance oppressive agendas based on fear and ignorance.  Often the only voice that is heard in our societal dialogue is one that takes its authority from the text of the dominant religion.  Unless we equip ourselves as a people of faith to take back the Hebrew and Christian scriptures for ourselves, the only voices that will be heard in this dialogue will be those with skewed messages promoting religious bigotry, environmental exploitation and degradation, racism, and homophobia based on superficial explanations of biblical principles and passages taken out of context.  Does that bring about the type of future that we want? 

Our faith movement must resist its tendency to live in isolation.  Taking part in social justice causes is well and good, but in my opinion for us to go out and do good deeds and then retreat into our spiritual enclave out on East Park Avenue is not the best way for us to live out our values in the world.  Let us also endeavor to learn the parlance of the dominant religion of our culture, so that we may turn conversations more toward the paradigm of love – which as I read it is the overarching message contained within the Bible.  Some within our congregation have said that they have taken part in studies of the Bible from a liberal perspective in the past and have “done that.”  I find that attitude a little amusing as I have also spent a fair amount of time studying it also - including a couple of intensive years at seminary.  And yet I still find the study of the Bible intriguing, intellectually and spiritually stimulating, and I am continually surprised by the discovery of new learnings.  By studying it, I am also continually developing new ways to do as that early church father and Universalist, Origen, said to do.  “If the scripture doesn’t say love, squeeze it until it does.”

So I would invite you to consider being a part of the upcoming Adult RE class that I will be offering based on John Buehrens’ book, Understanding the Bible which will begin on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 am and run for 8 Sundays.  The format will be a bit different that my previous Adult RE classes and will be more of a short lecture type format, followed by lots of time for questions and group discussion.  I hope to see you there!  

Sangha Tuesdays

5:30-7:00 PM at the church

This Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Group will be meeting weekly at the church for tea at 5:30 PM with meditation beginning at 6 PM followed by a brief reading.  Those who follow other Buddhist practices are welcome.  Contacts: Julie Halter or Theresa Thompson.  

Notes from Kids’ RE – Sue Bailey

The kids are returning to RE! We’ve had a great time getting to know one another these last few weeks. For Rev. Fred’s Minister Appreciation Potluck, the kids created a banner to thank Fred for all he has done for our church and the community. They also made Fred a special gift, a Wonder Box, to keep on his desk. This box is filled with intangible treasures such as love, appreciation, respect, wisdom, peace, kindness, etc. We have also begun our new curriculum called Tapestry of Faith. For the next several weeks, I will be adapting lessons from the program entitled “Love Connects Us.” Our first lesson focused on the meaning of covenants. We read the story of Noah and God’s promise symbolized by the rainbow. The kids did a group project entitled “Our RE Covenant” – they make a rainbow poster and created a covenant for our RE classroom. Check out their work on the west wall of the church sanctuary. It is exciting to have the children back and we are looking forward to learning and growing together this fall. As always, we welcome visitors and RE helpers!  

Skylar, Teagan, and Sue with Fred’s Thank You Banner at the Labor Day Weekend Potluck.

Fred Howard, Sophie and Zoe distributing the Water Communion water at the four corners of the church building after the ingathering service in September.

Fred and his Wonder Box from the RE children.  We’re glad you’re back Fred after your summer break.

Let’s Have Some Fun!!

Book Discussion and Potluck

Friday, October 14 - 6:30 PM - At the church

The book is “Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior” by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson.  Temple Grandin is an autistic animal scientist.  She thinks that we can better understand animals by looking at human autism. One Amazon reviewer says: “Before reading this book, I had very little comprehension about the way that autistic people see the world. I simply had no idea that seeing the world in a visual way was that much different than the way that I think. I now see that this different way of thinking has a lot of really interesting benefits, particularly when it comes to understanding other visual thinkers like the animals around us. As I read this book, I started to comprehend how much detail in life we normally ignore. So much of what we need to understand animals is simply looking at life from their perspective, both literally and figuratively speaking.”  Our book choices over several years have been directed toward understanding others by looking at different cultures, life styles, etc.  Perhaps a better understanding of this book’s other way of “seeing” can help us toward our goal.

Bring a dish to share.  Coffee and tea will be provided.  You are welcome to bring other beverages.  We socialize over our potluck meal for the first hour and then promptly begin our book discussion drawing to a close with the selection of our next book by about an hour later so that folks who need to leave can do so. Contact: Betty Derrick.

Pizza and a Movie

Friday, October 21     6:15 PM at the church

Our movie for October will be Born into Brothels.  It documents the conditions of the children of prostitutes in India’s largest red light district.  Interestingly, in and through the process of making the documentary, Zana Briski, the photographer, gets an idea to intervene in these children’s lives by getting them interested in photography.  The result is a change in her focus and she ends up creating an entirely different film as the intervention itself becomes a part of her documentary work and the film.  What she does is befriend the children and give them point and shoot cameras and classes in photography.  Initially this was part of her strategy to gain an insider’s view of the lives of these children and their mothers.  But as the kids try their hand at photography she also discovers a rich pool of potential talent in these children once they have in their hands a means of expression.  The movie is a testimony to the transforming power of art, the resilience of the human spirit, and the ability of one person to make a difference.   This widely acclaimed film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2004.  Join us for a viewing and discussion of this remarkable film. 

Fire Pit and Games Night

Friday, October 28           6:30PM - until at the church

Fire Pit Night is back! Games Night is back!!!  It’s gotten a little cooler so gathering around the firepit back of the church is a little more inviting than it might have been in recent months.  Come and gather around the fire and then for those who are interested, games will begin inside.  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.  

All About Unitarian Universalism Small Group

Fred Howard, our minister, and Kimberly Tanner, our Director of Membership, will be offering an “All About Unitarian Universalism” small group experience on Saturday, October 15 from 9 am to 1 pm.  The format will be similar to previous “All About UU” groups we have had in the past, with some general information about our faith tradition, followed by informal sharing and discussion centered around three general themes:

1) What brought you to Unitarian Universalism?

2) What do Unitarian Universalists believe?

3) Where do I want to go on my faith journey, and how might this church be a part of that future?

You are welcome to participate whether you are a newcomer to our faith tradition, or a longtime member.  The discussion is always fresh because new people always bring new perspectives.  Besides, it’s a great way to get to know others in our growing fellowship on a more personal level.  New faces bring new energy and a renewed enthusiasm to any community.

Please contact Kimberly or Fred if you wish to participate.  Three new members are already signed up to participate, and the group will be limited to eight.  We are so looking forward to our time together as a learning community.  

Welcome to new members

v  Raynaé Williams, Bob Bowen, Christine Clay, Jam Jenkins, and Nicole Disotell who signed the membership book. They are looking forward to any upcoming class on being a UU. That makes 6 new members (including Michael Edwards) who will be welcomed to our church on our next new membership event, probably in November.

Happy Anniversary in October to

v  Kat and Bryan Nickola

Happy Birthday in October to

v  Betty Derrick

Congratulations  to  

v  Raynaé Williams for a truly successful Pride Festival in September.  It was truly a community event with front page Valdosta Daily Times coverage and a declaration from the Mayor of Valdosta’s.  Way to go Raynaé and South Georgia Pride!

Keep in your thoughts  

                Our members and friends experiencing health concerns or serving overseas with the military.     

Facebook:  Visit us on Facebook by searching "Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta." The latest issue of the http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=92779034840  Contact person: Kimberly Tanner.

UU Valdosta e-Mail List: If you are not on our UU e-mail list, contact Carol Stiles with a request to be added.   Our UU e-mail list is for announcements and reminders of church and community-related activities of interest to UU's.  It is a YahooGroups list that is moderated and fairly low volume, just a few messages per month.  

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://www.wix.com/nhccc1/nhccc  

Taoist Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday: Continuing Class: 5:30-7:00 PM; Beginner’s Class: 7-8 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

Nicole Discotel and Bob Bowen signing membership book.

Raynaé Williams, new member.

Social Action Activities

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.  

2^nd Annual Interfaith Pride Service

Our Accepting Difference Project hosted this year’s Interfaith Pride Service at the UU church on September 18.  Carol Stiles organized and led the service which was well attended.  Elke Kennedy, founder and chair of the Sean’s Last Wish Foundation spoke at the service, sharing the story of her gay son Sean’s death in Greenville, SC in 2007.  Rev. Floyd Rose of Serenity Christian church and Rev. Fred Howard of the UU church both participated in the service.  Bill Webster and Rhett Watson provided music. Kimberly and Doug Tanner organized the Meet and Greet social hour after the service.  As Rev. Rose stated in his prayer: “We are all things human before we are anything gendered.  We are all things human before we are anything racial.  We are all things human before we are anything religious.  All of us need someone to love and someone to love us.”

Elke Kennedy speaking at the Pride Service

UU Church of Valdosta Board of Directors Meeting News September 7, 2011

Attending: Fred Howard, Rosie Asbury, Lars Leader, Sue Bailey, Kimberly Tanner, Bill and Valerie Webster, Kat Nickola

·         Advertising - Would be nice to make up some videos highlighting activities at our church for the website and possibly spice it up.  Trying to attract more people.  Lunch to discuss advertising communications - Fred

·         Interest Groups - Nicole Discotel has suggested some pagan-themed classes for people, and has gotten a lot of response on Facebook.  Also the possibility of an AA meeting that is less Christian-centered and LGBT friendly.            Offer the facility to them. Wednesdays? – Kimberly & Sue

·         Share the Plate -  Third Sunday of the month beginning in September.  October – TBA; November – Habitat for Humanity.  None in Dec because of Guest at Your Table.

·         Minister’s Report - Fred attending Christian Universalist Association seminar in Sept.  VAMA meetings are starting mid-Sept.  Community Thanksgiving Service on Nov 20.      Welcome another member to initiate an Adult RE class.

·         Building and Grounds Report - Fixed the sign again…if it breaks again we may need to replace it.  Haven’t gotten a bill or confirmation from contractor about the leak.  Just fixed the sign to get the electrical working.  Need to reset the timer lights as they are on all the time.  

 Treasurer’s Report – Rosie Asbury

August 30, 2011

Receipts                August                   July -present (2 mo.)

  Plate                     $ 141.00                                                $   217.00

  Pledge                  1325.00                                                 2156.00

  Rent                        140.00                                                     580.00

Total Receipts  $ 1606.00                              $  2953.00

Disbursements  

  Speakers’ Fees        75.00                                       75.00

  Minister Expense    57.37                                  407.37

  Maintenance              0.00                                    582.30

  Pest Control              35.00                                      35.00

  Supplies                     15.56                                      28.43

  Utilities     301.86                                   548.06

  Advertising/Website  0.00                                    525.00

  UUA Dues               483.33                                   483.33

  Others                          0.00                                      70.00

Total  Disburs.    $  968.12                          $   2789.49

Net Receipt           $  637.88                           $    161.51  

UU Activities and Announcements

October 1, 2 - Restorative Circles Conflict Transformation Workshop, Rising Tide International, Sarasota, FL

October 2- UUA Association Sunday

October 10-13- Florida UU Ministers Association Retreat, Mt. Dora, FL

April 27 to 29, 2012- Florida UU Women's Retreat, Ellenton, FL  

Share the Plate

In September we had our first Share the Plate Sunday at our church.  Donations the third Sunday in September went to Second Harvest. Several months ago Rev. Howard wrote an article for this newsletter explaining this custom.  Fred explained, “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 Board will be informing the congregation of appropriate procedures for proposing 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. … 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.” 

Celebrate Association Sunday 2011 with Unitarian Universalists across the country. We are better together! These Florida District congregations have already signed up to participate in this year's special service:

Nature Coast UUs, UUs of Clearwater, River of Grass UU Congregation, UU Congregation of Lake County, Buckman Bridge UU Church, UU Church of Jacksonville, UU Fellowship of Key West, UU Congregation of Lakeland, UU Congregation of Miami, First UU Congregation of the Palm Beaches, University UU Society, UU Church of Sarasota, UU Church of Saint Petersburg, Treasure Coast UU Society, UU Church of Tallahassee, UU Church of Tampa, UU Church of Tarpon Springs.

It's not too late to add your congregation to the list.  Donations to Association Sunday 2011 will support scholarships, continuing education, and a comprehensive assessment of our ministries and their needs for the future. Grants from Association Sunday 2011 funds will help religious professionals get ongoing training to support thriving congregations.

UUA TRUSTEE TIDBITS                    Joan Lund                           October 2011

jlund@uua.org

It is both exciting and heartening when I talk with Florida UUs and learn they are working successfully in their congregations on social justice issues and have as a congregational goal, record-breaking attendance at Justice General Assembly (GA) 2012. When we go to Phoenix next June we will be joining hands and hearts with local congregations and partner groups to increase our capacity to be a significant force for justice all through our UUA. Workshops will focus on justice issues and ways to organize in our communities, with significant focus on immigration problems. Also of course there will be excellent worship services and wonderful speakers.

Background: We know our current immigration system is not working. About eleven million undocumented immigrants are living and working within the U.S. borders without a way to get to citizenship. Rights are violated by unjust raids and detentions. Families wait years, sometimes decades, to be reunited due to tremendous visa backlogs. Our nation’s focus on enforcement-only policies and militarization of the border has led to much suffering, human rights abuses and sometimes death.

One of the immigrant groups with whom we are in partnership is Puente Arizona. Puente AZ is part of a global movement for migrant justice and human rights. This is a grassroots community-based group that promotes justice, non-violence, interdependence and human dignity. Puente AZ works to empower the community and build relationships by working collaboratively with various organizations and individuals.

Also we have been invited to enter into partnership with the National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON). NDLON is committed to improving the lives of day laborers in the U.S., and works to unify and strengthen its member organizations to be more strategic and effective in their efforts to develop leadership, mobilize, and organize day laborers. NDLON fosters safer more humane environments for day laborers, both men and women and helps them to earn a living, contribute to society, and be integrated into the community.

The General Assembly Planning Committee (GAPC), the GA 2012 Accountability Group, UUA Administration, and the Board of Trustees are committed to fulfilling the GA 2010 Resolution for a Justice GA. We are counting on our UUA congregations to be involved during the next nine months in preparation for Phoenix. Contact me with questions, concerns, and Board governance business. I am “listening”.  

 Notes & Comment by Our Florida District Executive: Rev. Kenn Hurto

Gathered Here is a broad-reaching initiative of our UUA to cast a new vision of the Free Church. The UUUA Board and President Morales invite all Unitarian Universalists to shape our common aspirations and to articulate a new vision of our ministries.

                Beginning in October and for 16 months, one-on-one, in small groups within and between congregations, guided conversations will lift up who we are at our best. Participants will be asked to think about their faith experience and of meaningful, even transforming moments in our communities. By reflecting on how those positive experiences are relevant to our future, we will create a new vision for Unitarian Universalism. 

                This is your quintessential "bottom-up" inquiry. The goals are "to inform and deepen our collective understanding of congregational values and aspiration" as a way to shape a compelling vision for our Association's future. Your participation will help us to think more clearly about what impact we seek to have within our congregations and among our communities.

                Lead facilitators have been recruited. Group facilitators are being recruited and trained this month. If you would like to join that team, let me know directly (or complete the Volunteer Application). Meanwhile, talk with your minister or congregational leaders to plan now for your congregation members to participate personally and at a congregationally or cluster based event. 

                Fuller details can be found at: http://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/vision/ and Frequently Asked Questions. 

 I look forward to learning of your Vision/s! 

Rev. Kenn

RESTORATIVE CIRCLES CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A WEEKEND TRAINING:

September 30th, 7 PM - 9:30 PM; October 1, 9 AM - 5 PM;

October 2, 10 AM - 4 PM

The Restorative Circles process has been described as a straightforward problem-solving and nonviolent restoration method that demonstrates how community members can resolve their own conflicts when provided with a constructive forum to do so. The establishment of a restorative system empowers communities to consciously choose how they would like to respond to conflict before it occurs – a form of

proactive, preventative conflict transformation. It enables them to choose a nonviolent response to conflict that involves the whole community in discovering their own sustainable strategies by addressing immediate as well as underlying long

term causes. Restorative Circles are being used with great long-term success in schools, justice systems, and communities in this country and around the world. Facilitator Duke Duchscherer is a Certified Nonviolent Communication Trainer and is on the Board of Directors for the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. He has facilitated trainings in Restorative Circles and/or Nonviolent Communication in India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Canada and the United States. He taught at the European Peace University in Austria and the World Peace Academy in Switzerland, which draws students from all over the world. Duke's trainings and experience builds capacity in areas of peacebuilding, conflict transformation, trauma healing, restorative processes and reconciliation. For more information/Registrar: Mercedes Frace, flanvc @ gmail.com.  For more information on Restorative Circles: www.restorativecircles.org

Unitarian Universalists will have special gatherings at the event to share experiences, ground this learning in our faith and relationships, and plan action steps.