October 2008

 

Sunday, Oct. 5	Worship Service  Meet and Greet for Newcomers	10:30 a.m.
	Swap It Exchange,  Manna Food Collection
Tuesday, Oct.7	Board Meeting	6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 8	Senior Lunch at Jamaican Café on Fairfield	1 p.m.
	Choir Rehearsal	6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10	Mid-South District Conference in Birmingham, AL
	Friday Frolic	7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 11	Mid-South District Conference in Birmingham, AL
Sunday, Oct. 12	Worship Service  Association Sunday	10:30 a.m.
	Potluck Luncheon - following service
	Chalice Circle	12-2 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct.14	Chalice Circle at Hannelore's	1-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct 15	Peacemaking Tie-Dye Party	6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 16	Women's' Spirituality Circle	6:30-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18	Compassionate Communication Workshop	10:00 - noon
Sunday, Oct. 19	Worship Service	10:30 a.m.
	Peacemaking Team Meeting - following service
Tuesday, Oct . 21	Chalice Circle	6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday Oct.23	Chalice Circle at the Hemmye home	6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct.26	Worship Service   Amendment 2 Presentation	10:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct 31	Trunk or Treat, Haunted House, Altar Building Workshop	6: p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2	Worship Service   Remember Daylight Savings! Family Outreach Session	10:30 a.m.

FIRST SUNDAY REMINDERS

 

“Swap It” Exchange, Sunday, Oct. 5       (Back Porch)

Share your previously loved items and claim some new treasures!  “Swap It” is open on the first Sunday of each month, both before and after service. Take any item placed in swap – and it is yours. Leave any item (non-living and non-contraband) and it is free to whoever wants to take it. Unclaimed items are donated the following day to a worthy charity. Please do not drop off any items prior to 6 p.m. the night before “Swap It.”  Thanks to Rose Coon for coordinating.

 

Manna Memo 

Remember to bring canned and dry items for our local food bank the first Sunday of every month. Manna thanks the church for its generous donation in the amount of 28 pounds in the month of September.    

                                                                - Frank Wood

             

Julie’s Notes

 

We are off to such a wonderful start to the new church year! We have been welcoming new members and their families. The Board and the Council of Ministry Team Leaders have been having great conversations about the growth and vitality of our church community, and looking forward to the year ahead.

 

Two years ago I facilitated a brainstorming session for two church areas—Music and Publicity. Out of the sessions we were able to identify the need for a full time accompanist. When we brought in Melissa Gilbert as our church musician, we got the added benefits of her choral direction skills with both adults and children. We also identified our need to increase our publicity and visibility in Pensacola. Both of these efforts were supported by the congregation as a whole in our budgeting process and with the added funds we received last year from the Mid-South district Chalice Lighters grant.

 

This year we will be brainstorming in two new areas—Outreach to Families and Church Growth. As you can see in Jack’s column of “President’s Notes” on page 4, we are forming a Growth Study Group to research and generate ideas that could be particularly applicable to our congregation.

 

I will be facilitating a brainstorming and planning session for Family Outreach after the service on Sunday, November 2nd. We want to know all of your responses to these two questions: What do you most appreciate about how UUCP currently welcomes and meets the needs of families with children and youth? What are ways we might better welcome and meet the needs of families with children and youth? The session will go from 12-1 p.m. We will have lunch and childcare available with activities for the kids. If you cannot attend, please share your responses with us anyway!

 

Yours in Faith,

Julie

 

 

Sunday Services                                        10:30 a.m.

October 5 - “Compassionate Communication”   Rev. Julie Kain

Based on the work of Marshall Rosenberg and his approach to Nonviolent Communication, the third in a sermon series on Peacemaking, will introduce the key concepts of this groundbreaking technique. Julie will then offer a Saturday workshop on October 18 for those who would like to try out the technique within the context of a small group. After the service, there will be a Meet and Greet session for Newcomers with Rev. Julie. Reminder: Bring items for Manna Food Bank and Swap It Exchange.

 

October 12 - “Do Overs”                                       Rev. Julie Kain

We will celebrate a Yom Kippur tradition from the Jewish High Holy Days to let go of our disappointments from the previous year and make a new beginning. During the offering on this Sunday only, to make a contribution to support the UUA nationwide publicity campaign, write “Association Sunday” on the subject line of your check or envelope with cash.

 

October 19 –  “Beyond Ego and Division: An Introduction to Sri Aurobindo”           Dr. M. Lal Goel, UUCP Member

Few Americans have heard of Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950), but he is among the greatest twentieth century thinkers and philosophers. Prior to Gandhi's emergence, Sri Aurobindo was a leader of the nationalist movement to liberate India from British imperialism. After leaving politics, he realized that the inner revolution must come first. He taught that it is possible through yogic discipline to outgrow our present human nature and to move in the world with a soul-based awareness that is beyond egoistic division.

After the service, the Peacemaking team will meet.

 

October 26 –  “To Honor Our Loss”                    Rev. Julie Kain

Grief is a mysterious process for many of us. We will look at ways to understand and honor our losses, including the building of memorial displays (altars), as we prepare for the celebration of All Souls Day the following Sunday. After the service,  a presentation on Amendment 2 will be offered by Doug Landreth with ACLU.

 

November 2 – “The Blessings of Ancestors”        Rev. Julie Kain

In our All Souls Day ceremony we will celebrate those who have died and left us with significant gifts that continue to bless our lives. After the service, a Family Outreach planning session will be held (see page 2). Remember Daylight Savings!

   

 

President’s Notes

We are moving quickly into fall and the cooler weather, and UUCP church life is in full swing.  The UUCP Board has outlined a number of priorities for this church year and has broken them down into the following attainable goals. 

Church Growth Study Group: As we watch the many disturbing things happening within our country, we realize how important it is to spread the UU message of embracing diversity and helping one other.  We want our church to grow, but we want this to be done in a responsible way so we can keep our welcoming and supportive community.  We are developing a growth study group that will review UUA literature and videos on how to grow a mid size church such as ours.  Please do not hesitate to contact Julie or me if you are interested in being part of this group.

Finance Team Review:  A separate group of church members will get together to evaluate the current financial tasks within the church.  They will work to clarify responsibilities between the existing Ways and Means Team and a newly recreated Finance Team.  They will also discuss how to handle the book-keeping responsibilities in the future, as well as fundraising and other financial aspects of the church.

Administrative Support Team:  Another priority is to get Rev. Julie a volunteer member support team to assist with administrative duties such as keeping up the membership data base, editing and producing The Light, and other items to keep the administrative side of the church running smoothly.  If you are interested in volunteering to be part of this team, please contact Julie or myself.

We are also starting an Emergency Preparedness Plan to make sure we are well organized in case of an emergency of any type.  We are identifying primary contacts and a phone tree for contacting people during hurricanes or other disasters.  We will also be discussing other church security issues.

If that is not enough, we will also propose some bylaws changes, promote last year’s Long Range Plan, and complete our responsibilities for the Chalice Lighters Grant.

 

As you can see, we have a full year planned! These goals also require a significant effort from the ministry teams and many of the church members.  Please contact us if you would like to be involved in assisting with any of these teams.

 

Let the music play on,

Jack Wolverton

 

 

Upcoming  Gatherings

Monthly Senior Lunch on Wednesday, October 8 at 1 p.m.

 

Say NO-BOO-SAY when you see Nobusei Japanese Restaurant on Ninth Avenue just north of Creighton (uphill from Winn-Dixie), and think "no better bargain" for lunch in this part of town. After two kimono clad ladies at the next table left, we eight had one waiter to ourselves, for the soup, small salads and of course entree, mostly on hot sizzling metal plates — five to six different dishes — but all commented favorably on their choice (and the price and service too.) For October, deep into fall on Wednesday the 8th, we're going to try the Jamaican Cafe at 7700 West Fairfield. It was reviewed favorably about three weeks ago in the PNJ, Friday paper. The location Googles out to about half way around Fairfield between Mobile Highway and the road to Lillian. Should attract a few westerners; the rest of us can car pool. As usual, questions/comments to Hugh Ed, 478-2373 or huturn@juno.com

 

Choir Rehearsal, October 8 at 6 p.m.

All are welcome to join in singing with the church choir. Melissa Gilbert will lead rehearsals every Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. before the weekly church service, and once a month for an extended rehearsal on a Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Contact Melissa with any questions, or to inquire about individual piano or music lessons for adults or children. Melissa can be reached at meligilbert@gmail.com, or by leaving a message on the phone in the church office, 475-9077.

 

Friday Frolic Returns October 10 at 7 p.m.

End your week with restorative yoga (rest, relax, rejuvenate.) Wear comfortable clothes, bring towel, pillows, and a calm mood. See Valerie Session, 626-1152, if you have questions.

 

Interested in the November Friday Frolic?

Bob Ortiz is planning the Friday Frolic for November 21st. The theme is “My Life In Song.” If you are interested in joining Bob in this musical event, contact him at 934-5442 or email ortiz42@mchsi.com for details.

 

Peacemaking Tie Dye Party - Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to join Kate Wolverton as she does some tie-dying. Kate has combined a peace sign with a chalice to make a unique design she is silk-screening onto t-shirts that are then tie-dyed. Kate has already taken about seven orders for these shirts and hopes to get many more. Examples of the shirt are hanging in the lobby next to the order form. The shirts are $20 and you can order your size and color preferences. Kate will dye the shirt or you can tie-dye it yourself on the 15^th. Peacemaking team members will be joining Kate to tie-dye tote bags and bandanas that we plan to sell at the Peace Festival coming up on November 15. Anyone who helps tie-dye is also invited to dye one item of their own if they wish to do so. At the same time Mark Robinson will be constructing “Peace Sign Porch Lights” from irrigation tubing and Christmas lights. Everyone is invited to help and learn how to make these great inventions. For more information contact Kate Wolverton 995-9366, Mark Robinson 435-6807 or Steve Ferry 324-3995. Please come have fun and help the Peacemaking team in this fundraising project.

 

Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat with added Haunted House and Day of the Dead Altar-Building - Friday, October 31 at 6 p.m.

 

Join us for a howling ghoul time!  This year we are adding a Haunted House created by the teen group and pizza for dinner while we are preparing for the festivities. As usual, we will have a costume contest, best trunk contest, and games especially for the kids.  Bring snacks to share with all.  Decorate your car trunk.  If you do not have a trunk, you can decorate a parking space.  Bring candy for the kids to go from trunk to trunk getting their Halloween treats.  If it rains, we will move inside.  Sign-up sheet is in the foyer.  Sign-up for your parking spot now. For more info, contact Lisa Hudson at 433-1759 or pixiewillow72@yahoo.com.

 

 

In the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition of honoring our loved ones who have passed, we will build small altars with sentimental objects in preparation for the Sunday service celebrating All Souls on November 2. Bring to the workshop photos and objects connected to your loved ones along with craft materials you enjoy using. You will be guided through the process of building your altar. Some building materials will be provided. This workshop is offered by Rev. Julie Kain and Carol Hemmye.

 

 

 

Welcome New Members!

From Sunday Ceremony on September 14

 

Marcia Alvarez (son Bryce)

Corrina and Sean Henschen (daughter Ashley and son David)

Linda Lewis

Tammy Morrill

Charles and Jennifer Tow

Christopher Yow

 

About New Members

 

Charles and Jennifer Tow

Navy veteran and master electrician Charles Tow has been a resident of Pensacola since 1988, returning with his wife, Carla, to the area where they had met and married, and where Charles completed his Navy service in 1980.

Charles is a construction supervisor for Greg Williams Electric, and on weekends runs his own construction company. On that schedule: “I enjoy bass fishing whenever I get a chance, but spend most of my time working.’’

Charles was born in Longmont, Colo., and raised in Pikes National Forest southwest of Denver near the small town of Shawnee. He attended Platte Canyon School, dropped out in 1970, and in 1971 received his GED and enlisted in the Navy. He trained in advanced electronics and served aboard the USS Ticonderoga, the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Towers. He transferred to Pensacola in 1978. Together, he and Carla moved to Oklahoma City and then Lafayette, Colo. Their daughter Jennifer was born in Colorado in 1983 – an event Charles describes as “truly the greatest moment of my life.’’

The family returned to Pensacola to help care for Carla’s parents, Sam and Ethel Lawrence.  Here, too, Charles pursued his new career as electrical worker, and received his master electrician certification in 1991. His introduction to Unitarian Universalism came through his daughter, who occasionally had attended the UU Church in Tallahassee. Comments Charles: “The come-as-you-are, believe in what you believe, and share with all, is a concept I can support.’’

 

Jennifer Tow,  formally introduced as a new member along with her father, Charles Tow, on Sept. 14, is a fourth-grade teacher at Bellview Elementary. It’s her third year as a teacher there, but that’s not the only reason that Bellview feels like home!

Bellview was where Jennifer went to elementary school; it was also her mother’s elementary school, and it is the school where her grandmother taught in the 1930s!

Jennifer’s “dream job,’’ however, is to teach for the Department of Defense at a base school abroad. “I am keeping my fingers crossed for an interview this coming year. This is the time of my life that I can travel and take time to see the world.’’ She loves to travel, and recently discovered cruises.

Born in Colorado, she was raised in Pensacola. After high school, she moved to Tallahassee for college, graduating from FSU in 2005 with a degree in elementary education. She’s now working on her master’s in reading education at UWF. She also finds time to share her nurturing skills outside the classroom, as a volunteer for the Children’s Home Society mentoring program.  She spends time weekly with an eight-year-old girl; this summer they visited area landmarks, and they’re looking forward to joining Girl Scouts “together.”

While in Tallahassee, Jennifer attended the Unitarian Universalist Church several times, and “the community felt like home. As a child I went to church with friends, but stopped going when I was 10, because I did not feel like my questions were being answered. I have always had an urge to belong to a group of people who were spiritually connected but did not necessarily want to be forced to believe a specific doctrine.

   “I think my favorite part of UUCP is the sense of fellowship felt at the service every Sunday – especially during the Joys and Concerns portion. It’s definitely a time when you can take a moment and feel happiness or sorrow for another person.’’

                                                                                                                                -Charlotte Crane

Pensacola Peace Festival 2008

Save the Date! Saturday, November 15 at Bayview Park, 1 – 4 p.m.

 

The Peacemaking Team has been busy making preparations for this community-wide event that the UU Church of Pensacola is sponsoring. Join the fun at our next planning meeting on Sunday, October 19, after the service. Pick up a brochure in the entryway for more details. In the meantime, the Peacemaking Team has several groups who would welcome your participation:

 

Program Group to schedule workshops, lectures and performers.

Contact Steve Ferry or Jack Wolverton

 

Tabling Group to organize booths for rent.

Contact Helen Hudson, Eleanor Cutts or Maggie Lovins

 

Crafts Group to organize production and sales of Peace items.

Contact Kate Wolverton or Mark Robinson

 

Food Group to organize refreshments for sale.

Contact Maggie Lovins

You can join the Peacemaking Yahoo Group to get in on the action. Watch for details!

 

 

Our Caring Community

 

Longtime members Bev Thum and Edna and Joe Dunayer have moved to be closer to family members. Bev’s new address is 502 Dale St, Columbia, MS 39429. Edna and Joe can be reached on a new cell phone: 703-663-0945. We will share their new address when we receive it. We’ll miss you all! Best wishes in your new homes. Keep in touch….

 

Condolences to Kaye and Monty Mountcastle on the death of Kaye’s father.

 

Loving thoughts to Anne and Frank Wood as Anne’s mother passed after a short time in hospice.

 

We offer wishes of quick recovery to Annabelle Miller and John Buker who were recently hospitalized,

and to Jerry Thompson who continues through the toughest part of his cancer treatments.

 

Congratulations on successful heart surgery for Merridith May, daughter of Regina and Elise.

 

Bravo to Joe Nangle who received one of the highest scores in his flight training division.

 

Linda Logan appreciates the greetings and support from her Pensacola friends as she and her husband Al struggle with health issues in Tallahassee. We look forward to seeing Linda when she is in town next.

 

We received the news that former UUCP member Kathleen Gesner died peacefully in her sleep in a nursing home in Deland, FL on August 6. Her husband Norman is in good health and was able to visit with her over the many months prior to her passing. Kathleen and Norman were active members from 1991 until 1998, when they moved to be near family.

 

We are pleased to report on the generosity of caring by members and friends responding to the needs of others.

UUCP donated $326 from our Fifth Sunday “Share the Plate” offering to PACE Center for Girls. We have sent $495 to the UUA Knoxville Relief Fund. We are well on our way to replenishing the UUCP Members Assistance Fund. Thanks again for your generosity and your caring!

Religious Education News

Our religious education classes have started off with several new families joining us. Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!is a busy month for us. We will be putting together a short piece to be performed with the choir on November 2nd. Please come every week this month so that we will all feel comfortable on the second. We even have opportunities for those who would prefer not to sing.will also be making a story quilt to go along with a service later in November. , young and young at heart, will want to come and enjoy our exciting Halloween Trunk or Treat — complete with anspace walk.more information, see the Fun and Fellowship portion of The Light.

 

Our older youth will be coming around during October with clipboards in an effort to get everyone signed up to be a second adult in one of our RE classrooms. Best practices indicate that two adults in each room provide a safer environment for all. Please respond by signing up for a week or a month. You will not be in charge of the lesson. We are also in need of a teacher for our youngest group. If you are interested please see Linda Cobb.

Adult Education

Adult Religious Education & Explorations classes are intended to enrich the diversity of educational and spiritual experiences at our church.  Everyone is welcome to attend our classes.Most classes are offered for free with material fees charged as required.  Classes meet in the UUCP conference room unless otherwise noted.  We are always looking for leaders for new classes and discussion groups.  For more information, to volunteer, or to suggest classes, contact Carol Hemmye, Adult Education Team Leader.

 

Chalice Circles

It’s not too late to sign up with a group. If you enjoy small sharing groups with a theme and a facilitator, this may be just the opportunity you were looking for! Currently, four groups are meeting once a month and discuss topics that tie in to the messages that Rev. Julie presents on Sundays. Sign up for a group near you! Meetings are at church on the second Sunday and third Tuesday of each month, and in homes on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of the month. Call Carol Hemmye, 438-3736 or the church office for more information. Be part of this small-group experience.

 

Women’s Spirituality Circle

Join our Women’s Spirituality Circle as we explore the feminine divine as it manifests in our lives. Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday from 6:30-9:00 in the evening at church.  The group is open for women to attend at any time. Feel free to bring a snack to share. Look for upcoming topics in the church bulletin.  Contact Donna Gibson, 477-0699, or moonsisters@cox.net, for more info.

 

Compassionate Communication Introductory Workshop

Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-12 noon

Rev. Julie will lead activities to practice the key concepts in a small group setting based on the books of Marshall Rosenberg. Participation is open to all. You may choose to observe activities you are not comfortable trying. Starting in February, Rev. Julie will facilitate an eight session practice group that will meet on first and fourth Tuesday evenings through May.

 

“Many Faiths and No Faith at All”: Contemporary Authors Study Group

"Many Faiths and No Faith at All" book conversation group will not meet in October, but will resume on the fourth Sunday in November at noon in the conference room.The book was to be announced at the September meeting, and we will send out a special announcement with respect to the November meeting. If you have questions or comments, contact Billye Cutchen, 626-2500, or bcutchen@bellsouth.net.

 

“The Art of Aging” Book Group in November

In meetings to be held four Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m., Rev. Bob Eddy will lead a group of seniors and those with aging parents to discuss “The Art of Aging” by Sherwin Nuland, paperback, 2007. Contact Bob to sign up or for more info.

 

Keep Your Eyes Open for Upcoming AE Program Offerings

In next month’s “The Light” you will have an opportunity to suggest ideas for new classes and workshops and let the AE Team know where we can best serve you. Also, if fall is in the air, that means that our Classics Book Group will be starting up again. Watch for more news.

Fair Trade Exchange

Fair Trade coffees, teas and chocolates are available for purchase in the church office.

See Elise May for more information.

The mission of UUCP is to embrace diversity,

to live our beliefs, to learn and grow, and to serve others.

Healthy Congregation

Conference

October 10-11, 2008 (Friday and Saturday)

in Birmingham, Alabama

at the UU Church of Birmingham

 

Conference Theme:

"Growing Beloved Community"

Keynote Speaker: Gini Courter- UUA Moderator

 

     All congregations are encouraged to send teams of leaders so that a congregation can have attendees at all the various workshops!

     If you are interested in going, contact Penny Steffens or John Rowland, Denominational Affairs Team Leaders. For more details go to www.msduua.org. 

Memorial Garden Plaque

 

As the time of year when we remember those persons who have passed away approaches, it is most appropriate to draw to our collective attention those we may wish to recognize on the memorial plaque that marks the entrance to the Memorial Garden.

 

Your gift of any amount will go toward the purchase of a bronze name plate for the plaque.  The cost of each name plate is $300.  Members who are being currently considered are:

Don Bullock

Rodney Wells

Joy Williams

Claudia Wright

 

Persons who have passed away and who were not members of the church can also be memorialized in the UUCP Memorial Book that is on display in the lobby of the church.

 

Making a donation is easy – use the form available in the lobby of the church.  Checks should be made out to the UUCP Charitable Trust.  Please note “Memorial Garden” and the name of the person for whom you’d wish your gift to be used.

 

For more information – contact

Laurie Winterberg

LAWinterberg@bellsouth.net

434-3811

Be Active in Politics and Plan to Vote

Each election cycle, the IRS reminds 501.c3 organizations (such as churches and charities) to protect their non-profit tax status by refraining from campaign activities such as advocating for specific candidates. Non-profits may educate and lobby around issues, such as the upcoming Florida State Amendment 2. The so-called “Marriage Protection Act” would likely lead to the loss of domestic partner rights for thousands of heterosexual seniors in Florida who choose not to marry for financial or legal reasons, as similar legislation has done in other states. On October 26, Doug Landreth from the ACLU will offer a presentation and discussion on Amendment 2 following the Sunday service.