Highlights Newsletter

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 of Lifespan faith Development
Francoise H. Ateto, Director of Religious Exploration
Betsy Jo Angebranndt, Minister of Music
Christol Medley, Church Administrator/Editor

Eric Kaminetzky, Intern Minister

Susan Eckert, Members Services Coordinator

Lori Frederick, Office Assistant/DRE Assistant

Renee Larkins, Coffee Server

John Jennings, Custodian

Church Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Next News Deadline: midnight, 02/06/2008

Next Mailing: 02/12/2007

Volume 51, Issue 2

January 22, 2008

ADORE (A Dialogue On Race and Ethnicity)

A Dialogue On Race and Ethnicity (ADORE) has been meeting monthly for nine years at All Souls Church as an open community offering a safe space for all of them to discuss race and ethnicity as frankly and thoughtfully as they can. We at UUCA are hoping to build on their success and begin the dialogue here. The programs founder Paula Cole-Jones will facilitate the dialogue. We begin Jan 24^th and our next meeting will be Feb 28^th and will continue to meet the 4^th Thursday of the month at 6:30pm. We invite you to bring a small dish to share and will begin our dialogue at 7pm. And end at 9pm. Consider joining ADORE regularly or irregularly, help us explore matters of race and ethnicity at UUCA and in the broader culture, and help dismantle racism. For more information, contact Marlene Brown at Browne@usna.edu, Tatiana Johanning at Fiufa1@aol.com or Kathryn Hope at kathryn_hope@comcast.net

GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION GROUP RETURNS

The 2008 series of Foreign Policy Association subjects for discussion are available in the usual book form – now $18 each. The order will be sent in early February for delivery by the February 24 first session. Please contact Audrey Zimmer at 410-263-6227 before Feb. 3 to order your copy.

The Great Decisions group meets the fourth Sunday of each month from February through September. The video that accompanies the discussion will be shown the first half hour and discussion follows. During the winter, the group meets from 12:30 to 2 pm; during the summer months, the time will be from 11:30 to 1 pm.

This series is being brought to the church by the UUCA UN Global Justice Committee. Any questions, call Audrey Zimmer at 410-263-6227.

Special Congregational Meeting – January 27^th, 2008

1. The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis is calling a Special Congregational Meeting in accordance with Article V (C) of the Constitution for the purpose of debating and voting on a single motion: the calling of Rev. Amber Beland to be an Associate Minister of the church. The meeting will be held at 10:30 on Sunday, January 27^th, in place of the second service.

2. Standing Rules: Debate on the motion will be permitted for up to 40 minutes. There will be three microphones marked ‘Pro’, ‘Con’ and ‘Procedure’. ‘Procedure’ questions have priority over ‘Pro’ and ‘Con’ speakers. Speakers at the ‘Pro’ and ‘Con’ microphones will alternate turns speaking. Speakers are limited to 2 minutes each. No one may speak more than once unless every other speaker has had a chance to speak and there is time remaining for discussion. Discussion will end, even if there is time remaining for discussion, when there are no speakers remaining at either the ‘Pro’ or ‘Con’ microphone (i.e. there are speakers at the ‘Pro’ microphone but none at the ‘Con’, or vice versa.) Calling the question will be unprivileged while there is still time remaining for discussion and while there are still speakers at both the ‘Pro’ and ‘Con’ microphones.

3. Voting: Voting will be anonymous and by secret ballot. Voting Members (defined in Article III of the Constitution as those who have been members for more than 30 days) will be given a voting card immediately before the meeting. Voting will only be carried out by secret card vote at the meeting: no Absentee votes nor Proxy votes will be permitted, there being no provision for these in the Constitution or By-laws. When discussion is closed by the Moderator, and prior to people marking their voting cards, we will ascertain that a quorum is present. If a quorum is present, the vote will be taken.

4. Snow Day: If a quorum is not present, or snow interferes with attendance that morning, the meeting will reconvene the following Sunday, February 3^rd at the same time.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis

Board of Trustees

Bryan Barrett

Vice President, Board of Trustees

Upcoming Sermons

January 27

“A Pilgrim Among Us”

Rev Amber Beland, Assistant Minister

Reverend Amber Beland reflects on her ministry in our midst. What does it mean to be a pilgrim? How can we embrace change and transition? Music by UUCA Choir

Special Congregational Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis is calling a Special Congregational Meeting in accordance with Article V (C) of the Constitution for the purpose of debating and voting on a single motion: the calling of Rev. Amber Beland to be an Associate Minister of the church. The meeting will be held at 10:30 on Sunday, January 27^th, in place of the second service.

February 3

“100 Years and Going Strong!”

Rev. Fred Muir,

Senior Minister

Recently, the 100th anniversary of Pentecostalism was noted by many. A significant event in the history of religion and for UUs since we have more in common with the Pentecostal movement than you might imagine. Come give a shout (!) and join me as I look at what Pentecostal religion has to teach us. Music by Janell Sitton-Coats

February 10

“Darwin SunDay”

Rev Fred Muir,

Senior Pastor

Join me for our annual Darwin Sunday. Music by the UUCA Choir.

February 17

Eric Kaminetzky,

Intern Minister

Music by Brian & Dylan Ganz

February 24

“Ministry SunDay”

Rev Fred Muir,

Senior Pastor

Music by the UUCA Choir.

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

Bad Weather Policy

On inclement Sundays, turn on your radio to WNAV (1430) or WBAL(1090) and listen for an announcement regarding cancellation of UUCA Sunday services. You may also call the church to hear if there is a recorded message (410 266-8044).

On inclement weekdays, the UUCA office will shorten office hours exactly as does the public schools in Anne Arundel County. If schools announce a one hour delay, the office will open at 10AM instead of 9AM. If there is a two hour delay, we will open at 11AM. If schools close early, the office will close early (normal closing time is 4PM). If the schools close, the office will be closed — office volunteers should NOT report to the office if schools are closed.

For all other events held in the church, such as 333 Coffeehouse, Full Circle services, committee meetings, room rentals, etc., please call the person responsible for the event or listen to the radio to learn if the event has been cancelled.

R.E. flections

By Fran Ateto, Director of Religious Exploration

In just a few days I will be going on sabbatical leave. The past few months have been busy, as I worked hard to set in place structures to ensure that the Religious Exploration program will go on without a glitch. It is now in the good hands of a sabbatical committee which has divided the tasks, and will carry them out with support from the staff, particularly Lori Frederick, the DRE Assistant. I am ready, and it is time for me to disengage from the day to day work at church, and pursue other interests for a while. I am most grateful for the opportunity which is offered to me – and to you as well. I read somewhere that during a sabbatical, a congregation has a chance to “recharge its own leadership batteries.” Seize the opportunity!

Several months ago, I created a Curriculum Review Committee to take a look at the programs we are offering for children and youth. The members of the committee - Vicki Barstow, Marlene Browne, Jane Burns, Carol Lamb, Jeff Livas, Meg Murray Fleming, Teresa Voshell, Kathryn Wilber (and sometimes Amber Beland) - have been meeting with me regularly to discuss different perspectives and models for R.E., and eventually define a direction for our own program. They have designed a comprehensive survey, and want to hear from everyone be sure that the recommendations they will make reflect the thoughts and desires of the congregation as a whole. This important survey is well-designed and will provide precious information ; I urge you to fill it out in the next couple of weeks. It is available online at uuca-md.org (look in the lower part of the home page), and only takes a few minutes to fill out - really, I tried it myself!

Now I will part with words borrowed from Robert Walsh in a piece titled “Assignment”:

“While I am away, here are some things I want you to do. I want you to take care of yourself. Button up your overcoat. Fasten your seat belt. Eat your vegetables. (…) I want you to take care of your soul. Keep the different parts of your self in touch with one another. Listen for quiet clues about the path your life should be following. Be aware of what kind of world you are helping to make each day. Take good care.” And remember to fill out the survey!

Fran

Resource Stewardship

As we prepare to finalize the 2007 stewardship commitments, please review your December statements carefully. All stock donations for December may not appear on the statement however your final Tax Contribution record will include cash, stock and outreach donations. If our records do not match your records please contact the office immediately. Final tax contributions letters were mailed this week. Thank you

Sing Schubert with the Choir

The choir will sing Schubert’s Mass in G, accompanied by a string quartet, on Sunday, April 13^th. We invite all UUCA singers to rehearse and sing this beautiful music with us. The schedule is as follows: starting Wednesday, February 13^th, Schubert singers will join our regular rehearsals at 7:30 PM to warm up and rehearse the Schubert until our mid-rehearsal break. After the break the choir will rehearse music for other services. On April 9^th we will rehearse with the strings from 7:30 – 9:30 PM.

If you are interested, contact Nancy Somers (410-647-9429 or nancysomers@verizon.net) as soon as possible so that we can order enough music for all. You may be asked for a modest sum to help pay for the music.

Give all of us the pleasure of singing with a “large” group and yourself the chance to sing with the choir without a big time commitment.

UUCA TEA & THEE!

Please join us for a Valentines Day Tea where you will find tea, libations, goodies and congeniality.

WHERE: Narthex at UUCA

WHEN: Thursday, February 14, 2008

TIME: 2:00 to 4:00 PM

RSVP BY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Transportation can be arranged as needed.

PRAXIS: A Hard Theory Put Into Practice

By Eric Kaminetzky, Intern Minister

To be of service. To spend ones self well and thoroughly on something worthy.

There’s a goal.

I hope to be spending myself well and thoroughly in New Orleans this Spring doing some Katrina clean-up work with folks just exactly like you. UU’s from UUCA-MD.

Never done anything quite like this. I’ve worked on Habitat projects, done bits of home improvement, worked in service agencies. But this time, it feels a little more serious. A little more sober.

If all works out, we’ll be in New Orleans staying downtown at the UU church from May 10-17, working through the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in their joint effort with the Unitarian Universalist Association.

If all works out, we will be up close and personal with a reconstruction effort that has been going on for quite some time.

It is nowhere near finished.

It won’t get finished while we’re there either.

But, we will help.

We will be of service.

Unitarian Universalists putting our ideals into action.

As for me, I’m not your real handy fellow. I’m at my best with a cel phone, a credit card, and a keyboard. But, I can grill chicken and flip eggs with the best of them.

So, my contribution may wind up being more kitchen oriented, as we will be feeding ourselves.

The accommodations are not deluxe. But, you’ll have a place to sleep, some meals to eat, and an indoor shower.

Shoot, if someone talks me into swinging a hammer you may even be introduced to some of the more creative and expressive parts of my vocabulary.

That ought to be worth the price of admission.

Let me know if you are interested.

I think it’ll be an eye-opener.

We will go to be of service.

And we will serve.

Book Recommendation

During the upcoming years, UUCA will be headed into uncharted waters with many issues to resolve. How will we handle our growth and simultaneously diversify the congregation? Hopefully this transition will be thoughtful, inclusive and most importantly continue to inspire congregants towards their own spiritual growth and search for purpose and meaning. To this end, the UUCA Worship Lay Ministers would like to strongly encourage members to read an excellent, thought provoking book, "The Almost Church" by Michael Durall (available in our bookstore.) Please engage us and others about where the UU Faith is headed.

Lay Worship Ministers

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

GET TO KNOW YOUR PASTORAL CARE TEAM

The Pastoral Care Team works with our ministers, religious exploration director and the community to provide a ministry of hope and caring for all members of our congregation. We are there to support, visit and comfort those who are ill or disabled, going through a life crisis or transition, unable to attend church, caregivers, or bereaved.

Our volunteers provide rides, meals, respite care, small household tasks, miscellaneous errands and help with memorial services. If you need support or know of a member of the congregation who does, call Susan Eckert at the church (410) 266-8044, Becky Morris (410) 544-2738, or Kathy Hughes (410) 798-4719.

This year we are sponsoring programs for the congregation and the local community on elder care, elder issues, legal concerns of aging, and parenting issues. We will continue to sponsor teas. The first one held last November was a great success.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS and watch for news of others to be announced.

“Tea and Thee” - February 14, 2008, 2-4 p.m. in the church narthex. A purely social and fun event for Valentine’s Day.

Caring for Aging Loved Ones - March 11, 2008, 7-9 p.m. presented by Mary C. Fridley. Mary is a registered nurse, board certified in gerontology, with more than 20 years in the geriatric health field. She is a columnist, speaker and consultant. Her expertise includes caregiver, eldercare, and aging issues. She is the owner of Gero-Resources, a business dedicated to empowering caregivers, preventing elder abuse, and promoting successful aging. Mary is the author caregiver advice columns and articles that appear in newspapers (including the Capital Gazettes), magazines and the World Wide Web. Join us and bring your friends. The program is free and refreshments will be provided.

Issues of Interest to Elders for Successful Aging April 16, 2008, 12-3 p.m. The program is the second of three presented by Mary Fridley. Lunch will be served from 12-1 and the program will follow. Bring your friends. There is no charge.

Caregiver Program July 21, 2008, 7-9 p.m. This is the third of Mary Fridley’s presentations. Bring friends. Refreshments will be served. There is no charge.

Internet Safety for Young People – June 3, 2008, 7-9 p.m. Presented by Adam Bixler through the TEACH Institute of Anne Arundel Community College. This session is free and open to all people in the community. Refreshments will be served.

Balancing Work and Family Life – July 30, 2008, 7-9 p.m. This seminar, also provided by the TEACH Institute, will be presented by Virginia Ricketts. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

PLEASE RSVP TO SUSAN ECKERT AT THE CHURCH FOR EACH OF THESE EVENTS (410) 266-8044 so that we can plan food and space.

Pastoral Care Team

Coordinators: Kathy Hughes and Becky Morris Nancy Eaton, Susan Eckert, Pat Fleeharty, Dave Hackett, Marge Matthews and Rob Slawson

We also have more than 60 volunteers who provide support and services. WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN THEM?

All-Church Retreat April 25-27^th

It’s time to add all those important dates to your new 2008 calendar and I don’t want you to miss out on all the fun we’ll be having at the All-Church Retreat this year! Please reserve April 25-27, 2008 for s’mores and singing around the campfire, the egg-citing challenge, hiking, fishing and enjoying each others company. (No RE that Sunday) We had an amazing time last year and would like you to join us this year. We have 4 cabins for adults, children, families and friends. The cost is $60 per adult and $55 per child (5-13) with a $5 discount for those who sign up by March 16^th. Some scholarships available as necessary. Registration begins February 10th. For additional information contact Debbie Cole (debcole.email@yahoo.com ; 410-969-7986) or Lisa Combs (lisacombs@verizon.net; 410-267-6987).

Additional Volunteer Opportunities for Social Hour Goodies:

Please stop by the signup sheet in the kitchen and, if you haven’t done so recently, please add your name to one of the open slots. You don’t need to do anything about coffee; just bring some food to share. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Barrett at 410-263-9191. Many thanks to all those who have already volunteered.

Faith Development

R.e. news

Religious Exploration Survey: a special RE Curriculum Review Committee has been hard at work for several months and has designed a survey of the entire congregation – adults with no children enrolled in the RE program as well as parents. The responses will give us precious information to set a direction for the R.E. program in years to come. You are urged to fill it out online - it only takes about 10-15 minutes to do it. The survey was sent out via e-mail last week, and is available on the UUCA website at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fjTStJhePUEYBeo1GzkPlQ_3d_3d

ARE YOU NEW TO UUCA?

Please join us for these opportunities to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the UU Church of Annapolis:

Newcomer Talk & Tour– February 3, after the 9 a.m. service or February 10, after the 11 a.m. service, provides an introduction to the programs and activities of the church as well as how to find your way around the buildings and grounds. We meet in the Library immediately following the service.

The New UU– Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. covers UU theology and UU history. This program meets in the Sanctuary.

Path to Membership – Saturday, February 2, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. For those interested in joining the church; this class will focus on programs, history, governance and the meaning of membership at UUCA. An opportunity to sign the membership book will follow the class. Refreshments will be offered. Attending a New UU class is required prior to Path to Membership.

Childcare can be arranged with advance notice for The New UU or Path to Membership. Please contact Susan Eckert for further information or if you have questions 410-266-8044, x110; membership@uuca-md.org.

Articulating Your UU Faith

Why is it so hard to describe Unitarian Universalism? How do I talk about how I fit into it?

Articulating Your Unitarian Universalist Faith will provide you with powerful tools for saying who we are, and what Unitarian Universalism means to you.

This course is designed to help UU’s speak more effectively about our liberal religion and their particular perspectives on it. There will be active participation and role-play. Over six weeks we will write personal belief statements and practice sharing them with others. In the process, we will also learn about Unitarian Universalist history and explore different ways of explaining Unitarian Universalism to those unfamiliar with our faith tradition.

DATES: Six Tuesdays starting February 5 (2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11)

TIME: 7:00-9:00 pm

FACILITATOR: Eric Kaminetzky

UUCA OUTDOOR CLUB

Saturday, January 26, 2008 Baltimore City Walk 9am-3pm Meet at 9:00am at Park and Ride at I-97 and Benfield Blvd (by Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club). City street walk followed by lunch in the city. For more information or to sign up, please contact Eloise Hoyt 410-768-4932 or ehoyt@toadmail.com

Saturday, February 23 Walk in Patuxent Wildlife Refuge North Tract

Saturday, April 5 Walk in Piney Orchard Nature Preserve contact Eloise Hoyt at ehoyt@toadmail.com

UUCA Book Club

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

For February 19 we have chosen Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. Our selection for March 18 is The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Moshin Hamid

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

Meditation: When do we want it? NOW!

Zen master Steve Hagen discusses the two big barriers to a starting a new meditative practice in the 2007 best-seller Meditation: Now or Never. First is the belief that we must have a perfect handle on our lives or ourselves in order to start a practice, and the second is the assumption that we must always seek silence and solitude for our solo quest. Actually, we start meditating in order to get such a handle on ourselves, and we need the support of a group or practice center in order to stick with the challenge. Hagen says, "There's the mistaken notion that meditation is solely for people of high spiritual caliber, whatever that may mean. In fact, meditation is for anyone and everyone. Every conscious human being is capable of it, worthy of it, and fully equipped to do it."

If not now, when? Share your difficulties and successes in practice with the Mindfulness Practice Group of Annapolis. Introduction to Meditation at 11 AM on Sundays offers 20 min. of guided meditation for beginners followed by a brief talk and discussion in the Fahs House, parking lot side.(Experienced meditators who can sit for 40 minutes without guidance may want to try the sessions each Thurs. in the sanctuary at 7 PM.)

Drum out the doldrums! Beat away the blahs!

The Facilitators’ Circle of the Joseph Priestly District Women and Religion invites the women of your congregation to A Drumming Circle for Women on Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10 am to 1 pm at the UU Fellowship of Pottstown, PA (www.uupottstown.org). Join Marcy Francis, Minister of Healing through Music, Movement and Touch at The Christian Association at Penn, as she and her professional team lead a drumming circle in learning the rhythms and sounds of the African traditions of drumming and whole-body involvement as a way to shake out unhappiness and suck in the unbridled joy of celebrating life! Pack a brown bag lunch; wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes. Bring your own hand-held rhythm or percussion instrument. If you don’t own one, Marcy will provide instruments for you to use. Cost is $15 per person if paid by Feb. 22; $20 at the door. Space is limited. Send your check made out to The JPD of the UUA to Jennifer Mossholder, 110 Ava Circle, Gilbertsville, PA 19525. Questions? Call Jenn at 610-906-1928.

*Winter Escape Retreat*

February 15th-18th, Deep Creek Lake, MD

The Winter Escape is a weekend getaway providing a wide range of winter fun and fellowship: outdoors, like watching the stars from the comfort of a hot tub, or zooming down the snowy slopes on skis, snow boards or inner tubes; or indoors, like rowdy games of foosball/billiards, or just relaxing by the fire, crafting, watching movies or playing games - all the while enjoying the company of fellow UUs.

The Escape is held in 5-6 rented vacation houses in the ski area of Deep Creek Lake, in the panhandle of Maryland. It's always Presidents' Day weekend, which, in 2008, is February 15th-18th. The cost for accommodation is a sliding scale from $85-130, depending on what the participant can pay and what they think the weekend is worth.

The Young Adults have a dedicated house apart from the Escape members of Generation X. The YA house will feature additional activities, including yoga, kitchen activities, games and small group worship opportunities. Food will be provided to those in the Young Adult house for an additional fee.

http://users.erols.com/pdahl/winterescape/. For general Winter Escape information, contact Peter, the registrar, atwinter-escape-registrar@fellowshipx.org. For questions regarding YA programing, e-mail the the UU Church of Arlington Young Adults atUUCA_YALeadershipTeam@googlegroups.com. Registration is open now and available on the website. Register soon to save your place on the Escape and to express your bedding preferences!

Social Justice & Outreach

Fairly Traded Coffees, Chocolate, Teas & snacks

Café Salvador—full bodied, smooth coffee from small farmer co-ops in El Salvador $7.00

French Roast (Organic)-Dark and delicious with full body and a smooth finish $7.50

Mind Body & Soul (Organic) Medium and Vienna Roast— smooth blend, mild acidity & hints of dark chocolate. From small farmer co-ops in Latin America $7.50

Breakfast Blend—Medium & French Roast sweet and vibrant with full body $7.50

Organic Decaf/Colombian Decaf—Full City Roast—a balanced blend with full body, rich flavor and sweet overtones. Naturally decaffeinated with carbon dioxide $8.00

Organic Chocolate - Very Dark, Milk Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Dark w/ Almonds, Chocolate Espresso Bean, Dark Chocolate w/ pure Cocoa Nibs $3.00

Organic Teas- Green Tea, English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, Green Magic, Rooibos, and Earl Grey $3.50

*New Snacks * Cranberries, Almonds and Pecans $5.00

Music for Peace & Justice Concert Series Presents

The Michael Thomas Quintet

Saturday, February 23^rd 2008

7:30 PM

The Michael Thomas Quintet is a powerful, energetic, and exciting group that is deeply rooted in the rich tradition of jazz but adds today's influences. The Quintet is the Hottest group in Washington, DC!!! The group has been together for nine years. Jazz is AUTHENTIC here!

The Michael Thomas Quartet, led by trumpeter Thomas, delights audiences with its swinging hard-bop style and soulful blues.

For more information contact: Tatiana Johanning at fiufa1@aol.com Tickets are $60 for 2008 Season or $25 general $15 Students for each concert .

Got more money than time? Offer to subsidize some of the groups’ costs.

Live your Unitarian Universalism. Make a difference!

UUCA LEGISLATIVE ACTION TEAM (LAT) UPDATE

Do you want to become involved in making a difference on the issues of Global Warming, Marriage Equality, and Health Care for All? If so, you can influence state legislators and the Governor to learn about, pass legislation, and support public policies on these major issues. It does not take much time nor is it difficult to become involved and make your UU voice be heard in Annapolis. UUCA has a Legislative Action Team (LAT) to assist you and looks forward to working with you. The LAT works collaboratively with UU Legislative Ministry of MD (UULM-MD) on these three priority legislative issues.

When the LAT met on 12/6, it was agreed it will primarily function using a Yahoo group managed by Margery Knight mldknight@verizon.net. The LAT will have an information and action table each Sunday until at least 2/17 with the UULM-MD display and banner to identify it. There is info on the legislature, global warming, Marriage Equality, Health Care for All, and death penalty plus resources for contacting legislators.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY 2008: This is a top priority of LAT and Ed Adams and Darrel Nash serve as the LAT liaisons to the Welcoming Congregation Committee. The LAT and Welcoming Congregation Committee invite you to join us:

For: SUPPER AND LETTER WRITING EVENING

When: FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH at 7 p.m.

Where: UUCA Narthex

What: We will be writing individual letters to our State Delegates and Senators in support of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Act. This landmark bill will allow civil marriage for same sex couples.

Plans: Supper and Writing Materials will be Supplied

Coordinator: Contact Ed Adams edadams5@verizon.net for info or to volunteer to assist.

Rally with UUs at Equality Maryland Lobby Day: Join UUs from across the state at Equality Maryland’s Grassroots Lobby Day on Monday, February 11, 2008. For the first time in Maryland, same-sex marriage advocates will have the opportunity to work for a bill—the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act--that guarantees all Marylanders the right to civil marriage, instead of fighting a bill that restricts that fundamental right.

There are several opportunities to connect with fellow UUs before the rally begins at 5:00 p.m. on Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis, The UU Church of Annapolis is hosting a gathering sponsored by the UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland (UULM-MD). Drop in between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for food, fellowship, a briefing on the bill, and advocacy training. At the rally there will be two UULM-MD banners where you can gather and pick up UULM-MD stickers, posters, and fact sheets. After the rally, participants will meet with legislators from their individual districts in order to advocate for the bill. Be sure to register on Equality Maryland’s website (www.equalitymaryland.org) so that an appointment will be made for you.

In the meantime, please write letters to your legislators. Encourage them to support the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. Check the websites of Equality Maryland and UULM-MD (www.uulmmd.org) frequently for bill information, talking points, a poster to download, and relevant updates as Lobby Day 2008 approaches.

For more information and to volunteer to assist, contact Coordinator for this UU event, Darrel Nash, at darrelnash@verizon.net or UULM-MD at info@uulmmd.org or 410-353-5904.

GLOBAL WARMING: LAT & UULM-MD work with other organizations including the Global Warming Solutions Alliance to advocate for public policies to reduce global warming. Priority legislation for 2008 is the Global Warming Solutions Act. If enacted, this bill will set targeted reductions of global warming emissions of 25% by 2020 and 90%