September ……. Anniversaries of celebration and sorrow will be on our minds this fall. As I write this, in early August, there are already enumerable discussions of how we will deal as a nation with the first anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies.  Many of these discussions center around how this year has affected each of us in different ways.  Many of us feel more vulnerable in our own country than we may have felt before.  Some of us have been reminded that much of the rest of the world, during our lifetime, has always felt this vulnerable.  As this date approaches we will see again and again the horrifying pictures from last fall.  And yet for us UUers here in Valdosta this is also a time to celebrate five years in our lovely new church building.  It promises too to be a fall of new beginnings, perhaps with a new minister.  Increased attendance and excitement about possibilities has been the theme of the summer.  Come when you can and may our programs and community both excite you and comfort you as we together meet our varied needs.

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Ministerial Candidate to Visit!

We are pleased to announce that the Rev. Albert Boyce, a candidate for our part-time ministerial position, will be in Valdosta the weekend of September 7-8. Please join us for a potluck dinner at the church on Saturday evening, September 7, at 6:30 P.M. to welcome Rev. Boyce to Valdosta. We know you will want to attend our 10:45 A.M. Sunday service on September 8 when Rev. Boyce will deliver the sermon. Mark your calendar and invite a friend. (Please note a change: there will NOT be a potluck meal after the service.)

The Rev. Boyce has been a Unitarian Universalist minister since 1990. He has served congregations in Miami, FL and Plainfield, NJ. He also worked as a medical researcher at Harvard University from 1981-1988. His outstanding strengths and skills are in the areas of community building, social action, preaching, spiritual guidance, religious education, and membership growth.

Special Notice for Members

There will be a called business meeting of the membership immediately following the service on September 8, 2002 for the special purpose of discussing the candidacy of the Rev. Albert Boyce. All members are encouraged to attend.

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Jack Ford Speaks at Fifth Anniversary Celebration

            Jack Ford will  be back to visit with us on September 22 to help us celebrate our fifth anniversary in our “new” building.  Jack’s sermon title, borrowed from George Leonard's book , is "Walking On the Edge of the World."  Jack says this title sounds appropriate for Unitarian Universalists, for the conditions of our times, and for the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy.  Some of you may recall that George Leonard is Charles Leonard's nephew.  Charles was one of our original members and an editor of this newsletter for many years. Jack will use this tie-in for the 5th anniversary in our building.

Jack, Kathy, and Lauren will be traveling to New York City on Sept.12-16. Fresh from their trip and its experiences, Jack expects to incorporate the first anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy in his comments.

Jack says that he will be discussing the human condition, the challenge of reinventing the perception we have of life and people and our hope for the future.  He will be exploring with us the source of our hope.  Come and share the excitement of our Fifth Anniversary celebration!

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Sunday Programs

Leigh Touchton will speak at our Labor Day weekend service to usher in the month.  Her topic “Ethical Responsibility Of Management and Labor,”  will no doubt relate to her personal experiences in this area including her recent work with the Living Wage campaign at VSU.  Leigh is a community activist and is currently the President of the local chapter of the NAACP.  The respect with which her activism in the community is viewed may be seen in the fact that she, as a south Georgia woman of no color, holds this position here in south Georgia.  Leigh is a Laboratory Coordinator in the Biology Department at VSU.

The first day of Rosh Hashanah is September 7.  Yom Kippur is on September 16. Louie Schmier, President of the Temple Israel congregation here in Valdosta, will help us understand these important dates in the Jewish calendar, Dr. Schmier is a professor of history at VSU and has been a guest speaker for our congregation many times.

  Charles Judah will lead our traditional Water Communion Service on September 15.  Bring the water you collected over the summer to the service, where you will have the opportunity to pool your sample with others, symbolizing the reconnecting of community this fall.  You will have the opportunity to share the intellectual, moral, spiritual or other story that makes the water special for you. 

Cliff Landis expects to be seeing us more regularly now that he is back in this area.  Add Cliff back to your members and friends list.  He will be speaking the last Sunday of the month on "Pagan Guidelines for Interfaith Discussion,”  Cliff is a 2nd Solar Student of the Faerie Faith.  He recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Landae University with a degree in Philosophy with a concentration in Religious Studies.  His undergraduate thesis, “The Faerie Faith and the Beth-Luis-Nion System of the Celtic Lunar Tree Calendar,” was published by Auburn University in May of 2002 in partial completion of his title as University Honors Scholar.  Cliff is 22 years old and enjoys reading, dancing, gardening, and talking about metaphysics with his friends.   Welcome Cliff back and come hear what he has to share with us later this month.

Religious Education

Lars Leader, Religious Education Coordinator, and Virginia Branan have been seeking input all summer about fall curricula for adult and youth religious education classes. Please continue to contact them as you have suggestions.

Youth R.E   Youth religious education will be meeting on second and fourth Sundays at 9:30 AM.. Lessons will be crafts and activity-centered as our youth explore their creative talents in accord with UU principles 1, 3, 4, and 7.  [Your challenge: recall these--or you can look on the back of this newsletter!]  Adults who enjoy teaching crafts or leading field trips should contact Lars Leader or Virginia Branan. So far the projects are origami, making ink from natural materials, friendship bracelets and a field trip to the science museum in Tallahassee.

Adult R.E. Adult R.E. participants have decided to meet every Sunday at 9:30 AM. They will continue their study using  Robert Anton Williams, "Quantum Psychology". The class is led by Hue Jacobs using the activities and discussions in Williams' workbook.

The next adult topic will be led by Lars Leader, also using a workbook/decision making planning guide format. The topic is "Final Health Care Decisions." Adults face this on a personal level and often with family or friends. Topics to be explored include talking about death, views on prolonging life, organ donation, financial concerns for terminal illness, medical decisions by the patient's personal agent, decisions about the disposition of the body after death and any special memorials/services. The planning guide and workbook is free, but we will need to order them. Please see Lars to reserve a copy.

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Ministerial Search Committee 

Contact a member of the committee if you have questions or suggestions. Jim Ingram(Chair), Rosie Asbury, Virginia Branan, Betty Derrick, René Kerr, and Dee Tait.

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Social Action Activities

Break Bread Together

Our date for meal deliveries with the Break Bread Together program is the 2^nd Monday of each month.  If you can deliver meals on this day beginning about 11:00 AM, please contact Virginia Branan.

Habitat For Humanity Proposal

The active minds of our congregation are at work.  Virginia Branan e-mailed that as she sat at her computer to recommend this idea to our President she says  “ lo and behold!, Charles Judah beat me to it by an hour and fifteen minutes.”   What  John and Virginia Branan and Charles Judah are suggesting is that we should once again become active in supporting Habitat for Humanity. This would be a very positive community outreach project for our congregation and a way for us to practice our principles.  Charles Judah points out that Habitat for Humanity is having a Jimmy Carter year in 2003 and recommends that we be a part of it.  Let the Board know of your interest in such a project.

 

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Treasurer’s Report

July

Outstanding Debts

   Mortgage:               $35522.85

   UUA:                                $0.00

                                    $35522.85

Savings:  $3074.32

 

Income:

   Pledge:                     $1150.00

   Plate:              $126.81

   Rent:               $240.00

   Donation:                  $3000.00

                                      $4516.81

 

Expenses:

   Mortgage:                   $500.00

   Utilities:                       $217.49

   Speakers:                   $276.53

   GA:                 $570.00

 Pamphlets:                    $24.05

   Music:                         $25.00

   Stamps:                      $57.32

                                      $1670.39

Your Treasurer, René Kerr

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President’s Column

Charles Green

 

“Come to the dance.”

August 5, 2002

I’ve been preparing for  the September newsletter and I received inspiration from Rev. Jack Ford’s service on August 4^th.  The words of inspiration were:

 

1.      “Come to the dance.”

2.      The more you participate, the better the search.

3.      Be challenged to search for the truth.

 

A little background would be helpful for my personal “search for the truth.” I have prepared and practiced several readings of other UU leaders and ministers in the past year. I found if I was proficient enough to stand and read other’s sermons that it challenged me to have a deeper understanding of the subject than a mere first time reading would normally yield for me. Rereading and practicing the text caused me to compare the subject to my own life’s experiences and then during discussion, I shared my own examples that I felt were appropriate,.

 

A popular song last year had the lyrics: “If you have the choice to sit it out or dance, I HOPE YOU DANCE.” This seems to imply to me that first you must be present and receptive to the information. If you are not present, you have missed an opportunity to be exposed to the words and grow as a person. Also, you need to be willing to be challenged to discern the “truth” for you of the message you hear.

 

In my experiences with UU of Valdosta Fellowship, I have developed an extended family and continued my search for the truth. This journey I’m on, along a road less traveled, would have been lost had it not been for one of the members simply inviting me to visit. “Why don’t you join us next Sunday? “ was his offer. I believe there are many in our area that need that same invitation.

 

My experience was deepened by my physical presence. I believe there is no substitute for “being there and participating”. I was timid at first to volunteer and was content to watch and listen. Then an amazing transformation happened for me. I started to raise my hand and tell how I felt on issues discussed on Sunday mornings. Much to my delight, I found that I was not criticized for my opinions even when I said statements that were contrary to others beliefs. I found acceptance, not just tolerance. A big difference for me. The fact is you must “come to the dance”.

 

I believe we are at a crossroad in the history of the fellowship. All members can and must help as they are able, with this new initiative. I feel we are on the threshold of a renewed commitment by attracting and keeping a permanent minister. He/she cannot grow this extended family unless we participate and continue to reach out our hand and ask: “Why don’t you join us next Sunday?”

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Programming Plans

Charles Judah

Remember these programs, already planned, which you need to help make happen!

Musical Communion Service

A Musical Communion service is in the planning stages for later in the year. Let Charles Judah know what your favorite song is, along with the story about why it is your favorite.  You can bring the song on tape or CD or if you will give Charles the title or artist he  will get it off the net.  Some of the people who have already responded are Charles Judah, Marcia Bauer,  and Hue Jacobs.

Sunday Service Music

The Board hopes to soon arrange for a pianist for our Sunday services.     Ab  and Cindy Roesel continue to be willing to work with the pianist to lead singing and provide much needed specials during the services. If you have musical talent and would like to be included see them or Charles Judah. Program presenters should provide our music leaders with the program topic ahead of time. Two hymns and one special would fit nicely in our morning worship service. 

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!!!Social Events!!!

Invitations!

We are looking for people to host social events in October. Please see Charles Judah, Dee Tait,  Diane Holliman, or Virginia Branan to get on the calendar.

 

Saturday, September 7,   7:00 PM     

Movie postponed due to ministerial candidate visit!

Movie “The Last Temptation Of Christ”

The Last Temptation of Christ, is a motion picture about the final days of the life of Jesus Christ and his temptation by the Devil, based on the 1951 novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. Released in 1988, this controversial, critically acclaimed film was directed by Martin Scorsese. Jesus realizes he has been chosen to carry the messages of God, including tolerance and forgiveness, and is faced with great self-doubt. The Devil takes advantage of the situation, and Jesus is visited on the cross with hallucinations of what it might have been like had he chosen to lead an ordinary life. This film was released amid great protest by conservative Christian groups that objected to scenes about Jesus’ self-doubts and his hallucinatory visions of him enjoying sexual relations in a marriage with Mary Magdalene.  This well made, provocative film is worth seeing and will no doubt generate an interesting discussion.

 

Saturday, September 21,  7:00 PM Covered Dish Supper & Book Discussion

“Year Of Wonders ”

John and Virginia Branan’s Home

 “Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks is the "story of ordinary people struggling to cope with extraordinary circumstances" according to an Amazon.com reviewer.  The reviewer goes on to say that Geraldine Brooks  describes the "17th-century plague that is carried from London to a small Derbyshire village by an itinerant tailor. As villagers begin, one by one, to die, the rest face a choice: do they flee their village in hope of outrunning the plague or do they stay? This is a skillfully constructed story of the village inhabitants' struggle to retain their humanity in the face of the disaster."  Bring a dish and join the discussion whether you’ve read the book or not.  Invite a friend.

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Congratulations­¯¯­

v     To Rhonda Crawford on her recent promotion to Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Rhonda, who is stationed at Moody Air Force Base, also had a job promotion to Base Infrastructure Flight Chief (Construction and Civil Engineering Services).  Currently she is pursuing her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. We're glad to welcome Rhonda to Valdosta and our church activities.

v     To Julie Halter, who despite a tough summer, finished her graduate degree at VSU.  Way to go girl!!

v     To Sharon McKenzie and Best Wishes to her and her fiancé Stephen on their fall wedding plans.  Stephen is a UU from South Carolina.  He will be moving to Valdosta.

v     To the Saint Francis Metropolitan Community Church of Valdosta on  their  5 Year Anniversary Homecoming  August 11.  St Francis MCC meets at our church on Sunday evenings.  Best Wishes to Pastor Jerry Ethridge and his congregation on their success "Celebrating God's love through diversity". 

Keep in Your Thoughts

….members and friends with health concerns and other issues of concern.

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Building and Grounds Information – Frank Asbury reports that several people have agreed to be responsible for cleaning the building this year.  Thank you to these folks for doing this necessary work:

·        Hue Jacobs – R.E Building

·        André Asbury – Sanctuary

·        Dee Tait  and Bobbie Dixon – Kitchen

·        Jim Ingram – Grounds

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Working with Beacon Press: The UUA is encouraging us to use Beacon Press books and services for our worship and discussion groups in an effort to save this publishing house.  See www.uua.org/bookstore for what there is to offer.   You’ll be impressed!

Chalice Lighters, a program sponsored by the UU Florida District, allows member churches to apply for funds for various programs and projects.  Our church received such funds to help with our building program.  By joining Chalice Lighters you agree to donate $10 up to a maximum of three times per year and have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped a church in our district.  Speak to Virginia Branan about the program or pick up a yellow brochure in the foyer.

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UU Activities and Announcements

 Further information is posted on the bulletin board at the church.

August 30-Sept.1 “Yoga-A Journey Within,” The Mountain

August 30-September 2 Celebrating Labor Day – an Intergenerational Weekend event

September 22-28 Florida Leadership School 2002, Oveido, FL

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At the Church-in-the-Woods

Tai Chi – Monday and Thursday Evenings.  Beginner’s group-5:30 PM; Continuing group-6:30 PM.  A new Saturday Beginner’s Group will start August 24.  It will meet 10-12 AM.  Eric Nielsen will be the instructor.  A Seniors in Retirement session led by Bobbie Dixon will begin soon. Contact Dennis Bogyo.

Metropolitan Community Church - Sunday evenings: Choir practice at 5:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM

Women’s Group Those, who self-identify as female, are invited to join this group for good food and great company.   This month the group will resume its regular gatherings on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday at 7:00 PM.  Bring a snack or potluck dish and ideas for discussion or just yourself!  Contact René Kerr 

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Newsletter Staff

Editor:  Betty Derrick

Production/Mailing:  Sharon McKenzie, Charles Green

Website:  Carol Stiles

September 15: deadline for the October newsletter.