HighLights

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis (UUCA)
333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD 21401; Phone: 410/266-8044; Fax: 410/266-6910
mailto:newsletter@uuca-md.org Web site: The Home Page at: http://www.uuca-md.org

Staff:
Reverend Dr. Fredric J. Muir, Parish Minister

Reverend Amber Beland, Assistant Minister
Francoise H. Ateto, Director of Religious Exploration
Betsy Jo Angebranndt, Minister of Music
Christol Medley, Church Administrator/Editor

Theresa Novak, Intern Minister

Susan Eckert, Members Services Coordinator

Lori Frederick, Office Assistant

Carli Gross, Office Assitant

Stephanie Meredith, Newsletter/DRE Assistant

Church Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Next News Deadline: midnight, 10/04/06

Next Mailing: 10/10/06

Volume 49, Issue 18

September 26, 2006

US Holocaust Memorial museum Honors Unitarians

A somber, rainy morning provided a fitting backdrop for a ceremony held at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to honor the late Martha and the Rev. Waitstill Sharp. The Museum dedicated a plaque recognizing the Sharps on its "Rescuers Wall" in the black granite room where an eternal flame burns. Others who were named Righteous Among the Nations by Israel's Yad Vashem memorial are similarly memorialized in the room.

In June of 2006, Yad Vashem recognized the Sharps—only the second and third Americans to be honored at Yad Vashem—as "Righteous Among Nations." This honor, recognizing the few individuals who courageously acted to save lives in the face of genocide, is the highest honor that the nation of Israel can bestow on non-Jews on behalf of the Jewish people.

Among those in attendance for the Washington ceremony were the Sharps' daughter, Martha Sharp Joukowsky and other family members; their grandson, Artemis Joukowsky III, who is principally responsible for the recognition of the Sharps as Righteous Among the Nations; several survivors of the Holocaust; Sara Bloomfield, Director of the U.S. Holocaust Museum; John Heffernan, Director of the Museum's Committee on Conscience (COC); US Senator Jack Reed (D-RI); Dr. Charlie Clements, president of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC); the Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, chair of the Board of Trustees for the UUSC; and the Rev. William G. Sinkford, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Sinkford delivered the invocation at the ceremony. Sinkford spoke of the Sharps' spirit, recognizing that they saw beyond the boundaries of religious identity, and, referring to the religious divisions that are present in our world said, "we are called in the same way to find a means to make real the promise of one human family and to fight, day by day, the energy that would work against and kill members of that family."

Senator Reed, in recounting the Sharps' accomplishments, announced that the US Senate had chosen, on September 8, 2006, to "honor the heroic efforts of the Rev. Waitstill Sharp and Martha Sharp with a resolution recognizing them as genuine American heroes ." Dr. Schulz introduced a documentary film on the Sharps, "Heroes of the Spirit," noting that the US Holocaust Memorial Museum had received thousands of papers, letters, and reports documenting the heroic work of the Sharps. Schulz spoke of the greatness of the Sharps as reflected by their moral choices.

The twenty-minute film was produced by the UUSC and Artemis Joukowsky III. Joukowsky noted that his grandparents were modest people who "did not see themselves as heroes. They did what the circumstances called them to do, and would have expected that anyone else would have done the same." Other speakers pointed out that, heroic as the Sharps were, they did not and could not have acted alone. Support came from their church—members of whom looked after their two small children while they were away—and from Unitarians across the country who made contributions to aid the Sharps' rescue work as they could.

Upcoming Sermons

Oct 1

“Open Minds, Soaring Spirits, Welcoming Hearts”

Rev. Fred Muir

Stewardship Sunday is a highlight of the year for me, actually it’s one of my five favorite Sunday services; it’s a time when we celebrate and renew our community, commitments, and common vision. Plan to be with us for a grand morning.

Music: UUCA Choir

Oct 8

“Please To See You”

Theresa Novak, Intern Minister

As the particularities of our individual lives weave together in religious community, we are often changed in the process. There can be both challenge and deep joy in this weaving.

Music: Brian Ganz and son, Dylan

Oct 15

Choir on Water

Oct 22

Ministry Sunday

Oct 29

UN Sunday

Nov. 5

Young Adults

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

R.E. flections

We’ll never know until we try it,” I often say. So in the past few years, we have tried a number of new options to meet requests and recommendations, and offer alternatives or supplements to Roots and Wings, the main Religious Exploration program. There were programs for all ages such as Wonder Hour, Early Wonder, and Together Time. There was Touchstones, a teen discussion Group. They were good ideas, and most of the new programs did well for a while, but in the long run they did not pass the test of sustainability.

Roots and Wings remains the core of our R.E. program. A solid, well-established curriculum, it tries to provide a balance of education (Jewish and Christian heritages, world religions), spiritual experiences, fellowship, and social and community action, all framed in Unitarian Universalist principles and values. It is not stale because we introduce into it new ideas, materials and resources as they become available, because the children and youth move into its various sections from year to year, and because the facilitators infuse into it their own talents and personalities. In a short hour each week, we provide children, youth and families with a place to start conversations about the important questions of life. It works because it is sustainable and requires a realistic level of time and commitment from staff and volunteers.

Does it mean we don’t need anything else? Of course not. I have given it a lot of thought, and I have reached the conclusion that our first priority should be to support the main R.E. program currently offered at 9 AM (since it is obviously the time our families prefer) as it is. Then we need supplement it with other programs, in function of the time and resources available. They may grow, remain stable or fizzle, but they will serve their purpose as long as they last.

Starting October 1, we will kick-off Worship for All Ages, a 20-minute service led by Amber Beland and I; it will be held most Sundays at 10:30 AM in the RE Sanctuary. It will offer an opportunity for parents to worship with their children, for all adults to interact with young people and for the 9 AM “early birds” to be together with those who attend the 11 AM service. I hope you will come – you’ll never know if it’s for you until you try!

Fran

UUCA Outdoor Club

UUCA Outdoor Club is open to all members and friends of UUCA who wish to enjoy the fellowship of UUs in the setting of an outdoor activity.  For more information or to sign up for an activity, please contact Eloise Hoyt ehoyt@toadmail.com

Saturday, October 7 9:30 am Bike the BWI Bike Trail. Bike Ride around BWI followed by lunch at Garry’s Grill in Glen Burnie. Meet at the Tom Dixon Aircraft Observation Area on Dorsey Road, west of I-97 at 9:30 am. Provide own helmet, and bike. Bring water and snacks. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Nancy Somers nancysomers@verizon.net.

Saturday, October 14 8:30 am-3:30 pm Kayak/Canoe Tuckahoe Creek, Eastern Shore. Provide your own watercraft. Bring boat, paddle, life preserver, water, and snack. We will eat lunch at an Eastern Shore restaurant. Meet at the church at 8:30 am.

Saturday, November 11 Hike in Glendening Preserve by Jug Bay Wetlands

Saturday, December 2 Walk in Ellicott City Historic District.

For All That is our life

New to Maryland, I have been continually struck by the awesome natural beauty of this place. How lucky we are to live here. It is such a gift to be able to live in a place near the sea, with many trees that will change to a rainbow of colors in the fall, with so many birds and other wildlife. I try each day to take several moments to simply breathe in my surroundings, and, paraphrasing John Muir, to let “Nature’s peace flow into me as sunshine flows into trees.”

Nature is not always peaceful, of course. There are earthquakes in California where I come from; hurricanes are a reality here. Human nature is like that too, a mixture of both blessings and disasters. We rejoice in love, in compassion, in beauty, in joy and in laughter. We suffer from hatred, from war, from racism, from fear, and from indifference. It is important to remember our connection to each other, to nature, and to the divine spirit that I believe flows through the universe. Mary Oliver speaks to this in her poem below. Let us be grateful for the geese and for what they can teach us.

Theresa

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

Mary Oliver

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

Fourth annual book swap

One Day Only– Sunday, October 15. Bring your unwanted books, videos, CDs, DVDs to the church on Sunday morning, October 15. After each service you can browse through the books and music and take a new supply home with you. FREE!! Please do not bring books before October 15 due to lack of storage space. Leftover books will be donated to a local charity.

On Sunday morning, volunteers are welcome to help setup, organize, and take down. (Rain Date-Sunday, October 22) For more information, contact Eloise Hoyt at ehoyt@toadmail.com.

The New UU

“The New UU” is designed for newcomers and new members. It offers an introduction to Unitarian Universalism’s theology and history and provides an opportunity to learn more about the programs and activities of this congregation-the UU Church of Annapolis. Anyone thinking of becoming a member of the congregation is strongly encouraged to attend. We will meet in the Sanctuary. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about Unitarian Universalism. Please call Susan Eckert, at (410) 266-8044 x110 to let us know that you will be attending and/or to request childcare.

UUCA Book Club

The Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the church library.

For October 17 we have chosen Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone’s Out of the Flames, a story of Unitarian’s own 16th century Michael Servetus. Our selection for November 21 is Naguib Mahfouz’s Palace Walk, a novel set in early 20th-century Egypt.

If you have questions, please contact Jackie Rocca . All are welcome to join us!

Deposit Lowered on UUAHC Cruise

UU Affordable Housing Corp. has managed to extend the deadline on its 9-night fall foliage fund-raising cruise through New England and Canada. Sign up by October 31 with a new, low deposit and reserve your spot on the Royal Caribbean ship departing Baltimore Sept. 21, 2007.  These cruises sell out fast! Support UUAHC and UUs for Social Justice: call Susan Randolph at 703-757-2220 or visit www.uuahc.org for more information.  

Photo Directories Have Arrived!

At long-last the Olan Mills photo directories are here.  If you had your portrait taken for the directory, your FREE copy of the directory is available for pick-up in the church office on Sunday mornings and weekdays during office hours.  The directories are labeled and in alphabetical order, so please be sure to take your copy and not one that is labeled for someone else.

Faith Development

Religious Exploration Registration

We are trying to finalize the group lists for 2006-2007, and you can help! If you expect that your children (from Nursery through Grade 12) will attend the Religious Exploration program more than three times this year, and haven’t registered them yet, please do so today (forms are available in the Info Alcove and online at www.uuca-md.org). Children and youth who are not registered are not included on the class lists, and may miss out on mailings that are sent to their peers.

Neighboring Faiths (Tweens) Parent Orientation

Sunday, October 1 at 9 AM in the Susan B. Anthony Room of the Fahs House.

RE News

Religious Exploration Logistics:

Nursery care is provided during both services. Parents may drop off their children (6-9 months to 2-4 years of age) in the nursery at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM; they may keep their infants with them through the service in the sanctuary, with the understanding that, should their baby get too noisy, they will go out into the foyer, where a loudspeaker allows them to hear the service.

Children in all groups Pre-K through Tweens sit with their family in the sanctuary for the first part of the service at 9:00 AM most Sundays.

At 9:00 AM, Roots and Wings includes programs for children and youth in Nursery through grade 12. Most groups meet until 10:15 AM – children are to be picked up as close to that time as possible (not much earlier or later). Children in grade 3 and younger will not be released unless they are picked up by a parent (or a designated adult known by the facilitator). Parents and their children in grade 4 need to agree on a place to meet when the R.E. session ends.

At 11:00 AM, childcare for children 5 to 10 years old will be available on September 17 and 24. If there is sufficient interest, a new program (F.L.A.M.E.) will start on October 1.

We want to make sure that everyone is safe! Children are under their parents’ supervision at all times unless they are in a group meeting. R.E. facilitators come in early to set up their room – they cannot (and should not be expected to) watch children who are playing in the central area downstairs, or on the playground.

Trick or Treat for UNIcef

It’s not too early to think of Halloween! UNICEF collection boxes will be distributed to the church school on October 22 0r 29. If your child plans to collect in your neighborhood, it might be a good idea to announce it in your community newsletter so that people know it is legitimate and have money ready.

Mention the name of the church, and it will also be good publicity.

Full Circle

Full Circle is UUCA’s earth-centered spirituality program, started in 1996. It has several components: women’s full moon circles, Spinners, Weavers, and Sun Circles for men, women, and youth. Other projects have included the Peace Pole and the Labyrinth. Full Circle is a chapter of CUUPs, the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. For more information on any Full Circle programs, contact Brenda Gilmore at 410-729-0883 or brendagilmore13@hotmail.com

Full Circle Spinners –new for fall 2006

Spinners is a personal growth and renewal course for women requiring a commitment for four full moons: October 6, November 5, December 4, and January 3. No previous experience in earth-centered spirituality is needed. For details, see the Spinner flier in the narthex. During this period, full moon circles will be closed to drop-in participants, allowing a closer community to develop.

Full Circle Weavers

An earth-centered women's group dedicated to learning to weave an inclusive community of women. They plan and lead full moon women's circles and other programs. Members of Weavers need experience in earth-centered ritual and a high level of commitment to the group and the work. Meetings include all new and full moons and additional time online.

Introduction to Full Circle

These one-hour sessions will be offered periodically on Sundays for those curious about earth-centered spirituality. This experiential workshop is suitable for people of all faith paths.

New books at the library

Ten Sermons of William Barrett, UUCA Minister 1963-1982. Compiled by Elizabeth Reed for the occasion of UUCA 50th Anniversary. Look on U-U shelf.

Need a quick take on Oriental philosophy? Tao of Pooh and Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff show the relationship of Pooh’s Way with Taoism, a philosophy relevant to the here and now. It’s about appreciating whatever happens in our daily lives and living harmoniously with serenity and humor. Piglet’s Way is from a quieter, more timid place; where Pooh just Is; Piglet Agonizes; Taoism as sympathy for the underdog. Look on Religion-Taoism shelf.

Transylvania, photos and text of the UUCA choir tour from Prague to Rava in July 2004, compiled by Elizabeth Reed. Look on U-U shelf.

This is My God:The Jewish Way of Life by Herman Wouk, 1959. Good primer on Judaism with chapters on history and symbols, faith incl the Sabbath and High Holy Days, marriage and death, and the Law incl the Torah and the Talmud. Wouk brings it all to the present (1959) with the establishment of the new country of Israel. Look on Religion-Judaism shelf.

Young Adult Talk Circle

The UU Young Adults of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis invite you to join our Sunday Talk Circles! These will run every first and third Sunday from 2:00 to 3:30 pm starting October 1st, 2005 at 49 West Street in Annapolis, MD. People ages 18 to 35 are welcome. Here we speak from the heart creating a safe space for spiritual growth through conversation. This is a circle of sharing rather than a roundtable debate. The group is connected to the church and affirms UU principles, but does not require membership in the UUCA. Come and see what everyone is talking about! For more information contact the Assistant Minister: Amber Beland at 410-266-8044 ext. 107 or assistant@uuca-md.org or show up on Sunday.

What’s new this year?

Worship for All Ages will be held most Sundays, 10:30-10:55 AM in the RE Sanctuary starting October 1. All are invited! The short service will offer an opportunity for parents to worship with their children, for all adults to interact with young people and for the 9 AM “early birds” to be together with those who attend the 11 AM service.

F.L.A.M.E. is an acronym for: Fun, Learning, Action, Meaning-making and Embracing community. Those words describe a program of activities echoing the theme of the Worship for All Ages that precedes it. It will be held immediately after the worship if there is enough interest, as indicated by registration. If there is not a sufficient number of children enrolled, only childcare will be available at 11 AM. Contact Fran Ateto (410-266-8044 x101) if you have any questions

Resource Stewardship

Leadership Workshop

Is serving the church important to you? Have you thought your skills would be valuable as a committee head or board member? Would you like to add to your leadership skills and learn more about how the church works?

The Nomination Committee is presenting the third "Leadership Workshop" on November 4th, 2006 from 8:30am to 12:00pm in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Church.

There are sessions on Policy Goverance, The Role of the Board, Running Effective Meetings, Suggested Meeting Requirements, as well as others.

Look for your invitation in the mail next month

Did you know?

Did you know that the church pays over $20,000 dollars per year in heating, cooling and electricity expenses?  Can we count on you to help defray this cost by completing a Self-Clean Checklist?

Office Volunteers Needed

As we begin to prepare for the 2007 Stewardship Campaign, we are soliciting your help with preparing the stewardship mailings. Volunteers are needed to fold and stuff envelopes. If you are interested, please contact Carli Gross at 410-266-8044 ext 104 or rooms@uuca-md.org.

Volunteer for the 2006 Pumpkin Patch to Support the Light house Shelter

The Friends of the Light House Shelter (including 20 Annapolis area churches) will be hosting the annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser again this year to support the programs of the Light House Shelter. The Pumpkin Patch will be held at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, located at 1120 Spa Road in Annapolis.  Your support for this important cause is greatly appreciated. The Patch will be open from Saturday, October 14 through Tuesday, October 31.

UUCA and the Annapolis Friends Meeting (Quakers) are teaming up to operate the Pumpkin Patch on Monday, October 23.  Volunteers are needed to run the Patch and to donate baked