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

LaVonne Rineholt, Office Assistant/DRE Assistant

 

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

Next News Deadline: midnight, 02/21/2007

Next Mailing: 02/27/2007

Volume 50, Issue 3

February 13, 2007

 

Be a Hero, Help Save a Life - Red Cross Blood Drive

The 6th Annual Wintertime Red Cross-UUCA Blood Drive takes place Saturday, February 24.  You can sign up for any of 16 hourly slots from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m.  In recent years, as increasingly stringent rules have eliminated many formerly eligible donors, blood supplies are often stretched to the crisis point. 

Over the years, we've heard two basic comments while encouraging people to donate.  "I don't have time for this, I'm an extremely important busy person."  And, "The needle hurts."

If that sounds like you, let me put you in touch with some folks that are desperately waiting for donors.

If you are not sure whether or not you are eligible to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE and ask - they can answer any question.

To sign up to donate blood call or email Wendi Winters at wendi@quantumstep.com or 410.349.0945. If you'd like to bring in baked goodies for the volunteers and donors, we'd love it.  Thank you very much.

 

 

 

Habitat for Humanity

Our Cornish-Hatch project is progressing wonderfully.  We began on 01/13 with framing the deck.  On 01/20, we raised the exterior walls, installed the roof trusses, and covered them with plywood and felt paper.  On the 27th, we installed the interior walls and covered the roof with shingles.  We have been blessed with excellent weather for our efforts, so that we are on schedule thus far.  We have received complimentary remarks from the Habitat leaders about how much they enjoy working with all of us from the four participating churches.  And the lunches have been fantastic!  Be sure to sign up at the Habitat table in the rear of the sanctuary following Sunday services to work on the construction or prepare lunches for the crew.  Questions?  Contact Pat Fleeharty at 410/268-9038 or pfleeharty@hotmail.com. 

 

 

 

 

               

Upcoming Sermons

 

 

 

february 18

 holding in faith

By Theresa Novak, Intern Minister

Sometimes we are so afraid of losing something or someone we love that we hold on much too tightly.  If we are not careful, we can squeeze the very life out of what is most precious to us.  As Unitarian Universalists, our faith tradition calls us to hold on to what we love in a very different way, both as individuals and as a religious community.

 

February 25

Making the Sacred

By Rev. Amber Beland, Asst. Minister

It can be said that every great act we do in our lives requires something of us.  Some commitment, some choice that makes us move when we could have stayed still.  There are many people who choose to work towards justice, give of their time and sometimes their lives to work towards something because they must.  Come explore why many of us feel called to give of ourselves.

 

 

March 4

“From Rava With Love"

Partner Church Sunday

This service will feature video, pictures, and audio of the people of Rava, gathered by those who traveled to Rava this past October.  The choir will participate in both services.

March 11       

“Why We Do What We Do (When We Do it)”

By Rev. Fred Muir, Sr. Minister

Unitarian Universalist Sunday worship has changed quite a bit during my years of ministry – overall and here at UUCA.  Our rituals and liturgy are meaningful, but not in the same way for everyone.  Let’s look at why we do what we do (when we do it).

 

March 18      

“What Was in that Comma?”

By Rev. Fred Muir, Sr. Minister

Join me to reflect on the fourth anniversary of the Iraq War.

 

March 25      

Anti-racism Transformation Team Sunday

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

Keeping the Faith

 

As some of you know, last month at the 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Dinner, I received the MLK Peace Maker Award for “For substantial and sustained leadership in furthering the cause of social justice in our community.”  I was honored and humbled to be awarded this recognition.  There were about 800 at the dinner, and after receiving the plaque I had an opportunity to say something.  Some have asked what I said and though I didn’t write my comments down, here’s a paraphrasing:

      I noted that having lived in Anne Arundel County for 24 years, and during this time having supported a variety of justice-related groups, events, and causes, I thought of the MLK honor as a “life time achievement” award summarizing a body of work and effort from which I have received deep friendships and meaning.

      I also said that my recognition would have been impossible without the support, urging, and expectations of the congregation I have served for 24 years (that’s you, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis).  It has been a gift – a blessing – to be part of such a visionary, progressive, and engaging group of committed individuals and families.  In this sense, the award was a reflection of our deepening and on-going relationship; I know that the award is as much UUCA’s as it is mine.

      Finally, I named just two of the many areas where I feel we have made significant contributions to the larger community, work that MLK would have thought was vital to his vision of the Beloved Community.  I noted our efforts at addressing issues of racism at many different levels – through tutoring children and youth to marching and witnessing against the KKK; from addressing our own institutional (church) racism to serving on the Annapolis Human Relations Commission.  I also held up our efforts to “affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of all people” by naming the work we have done in combating homophobia, something that many congregations will not do, an issue that MLK was never able to address by name, but one that Coretta Scott King named as important for any group earnest about civil rights.

      It was a rewarding and fun evening, one that I will remember for years to come.  I thank you for all you have done to support our justice-making ministry.

      Keep the faith and see you soon,

            Fred

 

 

 

 

UUCA Outdoor Club

February 24, 2007  Patapsco Valley State Park Hike   9:00am-3:00pm  Meet at  9:00am at Park & Ride at I-97 and Benfield Blvd (by Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness  Club).  Moderate hike on the Grist Mill Trail from the Orange Grove Area.  Lunch at a local restaurant.  Dress in layers for the cold weather.

UUCA Outdoor Club is open to all members and friends of UUCA who wish to enjoy the fellowship of UU’s in the setting of an outdoor activity.  For more information or to sign up for an activity, please contact Eloise Hoyt 410-768-4932 or ehoyt@toadmail.com

 

Web of Life

 

Have you ever gone on vacation and decided to be someone else?  I don’t mean that you actually changed your name or your personality but rather you decide to let go of some everyday habits and quirks just for the vacation.  Maybe you try out a new schedule, getting up before the sun rises and watching the birds fly across the beach.  Perhaps you eat different foods, become more adventurous hiking a glacier or two.  You can speak in a foreign language, laugh more or less, be quietly contemplative or sing at the top of your lungs.  It is possible in these small moments of time away from our regular life when we are removed from our jobs, coworkers, stress, and our regular responsibilities that we can try to work on something in ourselves.  We may not set out to do that on vacations but often we come back refreshed and lose it in the first ten minutes of phone calls, emails and housecleaning.  What would it look like if we tried to hold on to some of these changes, if instead of falling back into our old habits we changed maybe something very minor, gave ourselves the room to try some of these things we had enjoyed when we were away, at home.  An even bigger challenge is how do we try some new things in our everyday life without having to take a vacation?  With this in mind I am planning on attempting this during February, I figure if nothing else I will try to change something for this month only, allowing myself the chance to go back to old habits if the change is simply too scary.  So this month maybe you can see if there is something you want to change and it being a short month you might find how to practice being a different person, if only for a little while.

 

Blessings,

 

UUA President Honored Among Most Influential Black Spiritual  Leaders

 

The Rev. William G. Sinkford is the first African-American to head the Unitarian Universalist Association, a largely white, liberal denomination. This Boston-based minister has been a particularly vocal proponent of legalizing gay marriage—a position in keeping with his organization’s historical support of same-sex couples and their families—and he recently wrote a letter to President Bush vehemently opposing his decision to send 21,500 extra troops to Iraq

 

The bay winds band Concert March 4 Free at Anne Arundel Community College Pascal Center, Arnold, maryland

Bay Winds, Anne Arundel's community concert band is holding a free concert on Sunday March 4 at Anne Arundel Community College's Pascal Center for Performing Arts in at the Arnold campus.  Several members of the band have been associate with UUCA. Currently, Tim Barnum, oboe, Jesse Fussell, clarinet and Fred Geil, clarinet and bass associated with the church and will be performing in this concert.

Normally Bay Winds performs at community centers and retirement homes but the band is experimenting with holding this free concert which should be fun for all ages.  The music will range from selections of Sound of Music and the Music Man to jazz.  There will be some solos and a jazz Saxophone Quintet with Fred Geil on bass. The band is open for anyone to join.  Michael Svec, band and orchestra leader of the Annapolis High School is the conductor.

For further information, call Tim Barnum at 410-421-9522 or see the website: BayWindsBand.org

 

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 3, 2007, 10 am to 2 pm at the UU Church of Delaware County, Media, PA (easy access from Rte. I95 or I476.)  Learn 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.  Cost is $15 per person if paid by Feb. 21; $20 at the door.  Space is limited.  Send your check made out to The JPD of the UUA to Anne Slater, 2753 Morris RD, Ardmore, PA 19003.  Questions?  Call Anne at 610-896-6468. 

 

 

 

UUCA Book Club

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

Our selection for February 20 is Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, a novel set in 19th century China. For March 20 we have chosen Asne Seierstad’s The Bookseller of Kabul, a non-fiction observation of Afghanistan through the eyes of a post-U.S. invasion family.

If you have questions, contact Jackie Rocca at 410-349-8351. All are welcome to join us.

 

Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian& Transgender (bglt) Community Gathering in the Narthex ­

 

February 27, 2007 6:30-8:30PM

Bring a dish to share at this social gathering for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender folks and their children. This will be a time to meet each other, have fun, and talk about activities we might like to see at UUCA.  Contact Theresa Novak, Intern Minister, with any questions.

 

Help My computer is down and I can not get it up!

Are you a computer techie? Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the church? Are you interested in helping the staff resolve ongoing computer problems? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we want to hear from you.

Robert Cole, UUCA Computer Systems Administrator and Christol Medley, Church Administrator are looking for a few computer specialist to serve on the Information Technology Council. This council would be assisting the Management team with IT related decisions.  As UUCA continues to grow and technology continues to change, we often find ourselves trying to catch up. We would like to complete an analysis of our current system and relocate some of our existing equipment in the near future. If you are interested in working on this council please contact Robert Cole at wireless@uuca-md.org or Christol Medley at 410-266-8044 ext 102 or admin@uuca-md.org.

 

 

Got Wireless?

 

Members who wish to access the UUCA Computer Network and the Internet may do so in two ways:

1.Use the desktop computer at the receptionist’s desk when it is not in use by a staff member or regularly scheduled volunteer.  This computer has parental controls installed.

2. Use a computer system capable of communicating with an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless connection utilizing WPA2 encryption.  To request access to the wireless network, individuals should submit a request to wireless@uuca-md.org and complete a request for UUCA Computer Network Access form. Upon approval, you will receive the WPA2 key necessary to wirelessly access the UUCA network. You will be required to provide your computer’s wireless network adapter’s  MAC (physical) address.

 

 

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

 

Annual Reports

Looking for a way to let church members know what’s going on in your program?

The Annual Report is an excellent way to share your success stories and challenges. UUCA is requesting that all programs and groups of the church submit their Annual Report by March 1, 2007. Electronic copies of the Annual Report forms can be found on our website, paper copies or available in the office area.

If you have questions about who should submit an Annual Report please contact your Management Team Representative for guidance.

 

 

 

 “The New UU”

Saturday, March 31

8:45 AM – 12 Noon

“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 and a continental breakfast will be provided.    It’s a wonderful way to learn more about Unitarian Universalism as well as a chance to meet church leaders and staff.  Please call Susan Eckert, at 410.266.8044 x110 to let us know that you will be attending and/or to request childcare.

 

 

 

 

 

“Newcomer Talk & Tour”– Sunday, February 25, 12: 30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

You don’t have to wait until the next New UU class to get to know the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.  This 1-hour introduction provides an opportunity for newcomers to learn about the many programs and activities of the church as well as how to find your way around the buildings and grounds.  Advance registration is not required; all are invited to attend – please join us!

Susan

 

 

 

Potluck & Popcorn: 2006 Breakthrough Congregations Video Screening

UUCAnnapolis was one of four "Breakthrough Congregations" selected by UUA in 2006.  Perhaps you saw the video submitted by this congregation - or you played a cameo role in its production! 

But ... have you seen the stories of the other three churches selected?

Come out Friday Evening, February 23, at 7 p.m. for Potluck and Popcorn - and a screening of all four delightful and informative videos.  Bring a potluck dish, salad or dessert AND bring the beverage you wish to drink - we'll provide the popcorn.

Socializing and dinner at 7, screening at 8.

Space is limited and RSVPs are necessary.  Contact Wendi Winters by February 21 at wendi@quantumstep.com or 410.349.0945.

 

Bad Weather Policy

 

Emergency Closings: On inclement Sundays, turn on your radio and listen to WNAV (1430) or WBAL(1090) for an announcement regarding cancellation of UUCA Sunday services.  You may also call the church to check for a recorded message (410 266-8044).  If the driveway and streets are clear, we will hold services.

On weekdays, if public schools close in Anne Arundel County, the UUCA office will close.  Volunteers should NOT report to the office if schools are closed.  The office will also shorten office hours in accordance with the public schools.  If public schools announce a one-hour delay, the office will open one hour late.  If schools close early, the office will close early (normal hours are 9:00AM to 4:00PM).  

For all other events held in the church, such as 333 Coffeehouse, Full Circle services, or committee meetings, please call the contact person or listen to the radio for news.

 

Pastoral Care Team News

UUCA PASTORAL CARE TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

During the month of January Team Care Providers:

Provided transportation on 3 occasions

Made 2 home visits to an ill church member relocating out of state

Helped a church family with a small household task

Made numerous phone calls to follow up on various individual care needs

Mailed 17 cards from the Care Corner

 

On January 14, the Pastoral Care Team hosted a Listening Skills Workshop and Sunday Supper.  The workshop explored many facets of listening and communication with over 30 people in attendance.

We would like to express our thanks to Bill Hope who has retired from the Team in anticipation of a move to upstate New York next month.  Bill served as Care Minister for 2-1/2 years.  We are grateful for his dedication to our church community and wish him well.

Are you in need of a caring friend who will listen, empathize, encourage and provide confidential care and patiently support you as you work through a crisis or difficult time?  Do you know a church member who could benefit from this type of care?  Then contact one of our Coordinators.  They can tell you more about our Pastoral Care Ministry and how you can be matched with a Care Minister.

 

 

Faith Development

 

Religious exploration News

Web of the Woods: planning for our spring mini-mester will start soon.  WOW is an intergenerational, mostly outdoors program held in our woods, to learn about the ecosystem and enjoy the beauty of nature.  All are invited to come and share ideas.  If you’d like to be involved either in the planning or in leading sessions (or both!), please let Fran know.  This year WOW will be held on Sundays, May 6, 13 and 20. 

 

The Church of the Larger Fellowship

 

Invite A friend to check us out!

Do you know someone who

      • would benefit by a spiritual Community available 24/7?

      • works on a Sunday morning?

      • lives in an isolated area?

      • does not have access to a local UU church?

      • is housebound and unable to attend a local church?

      • is an active member of a local congregation who wants even more?

      • is a church staff person or religious professional who would enjoy a congregation of their own?

To check out the Church of

Larger Fellowship (CLF)

Go to www.clfuu.org

Click on the Welcome Banner across the screen

 

 

 

The Joseph Priestly District of the UUA Presents:

The all new

Intergenerational

2007 Spring Conference

Spreading the Faith

April 27-29, 2007

 

Harrisburg Hilton

One North SeconD Street

Harrisburg, PA 17101

 

Featuring:

Keynote Speaker

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Uua Director for Large Congregations

 

Online registration available at; www.jpduua.org

 

 

 

Chart Your Course With PathWork

 

Would you like to

Enjoy a deeper connection to our UUCA community? 

Achieve a better understanding of our Unitarian Universalist experience? 

Reflect our UU principles in your daily life? 

For adults who wish an intentional journey toward knowing and understanding our congregation, our faith and our individual roles in the world, UUCA is pleased to offer a series of Adult Religious Exploration programs known as PathWork.  The new quarterly brochure will be available soon. Visit the display table in the Narthex today to sign up for a course or for more information.  

If you are interested in being a part of the dynamic PathWork Planning Team or would like to offer a course, please call Amber Beland at 410-266-8044 x107.  Listed below is a description for the course offered this coming quarter:

 

Perfect Love, Imperfect relationship

Mondays starting March 5 from

7 – 8:30 pm

This 6-week course will use the book Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships: Healing the Wound of the Heart by John Welwood.   We will explore our “core wounding around love that affects not only our personal relationships but the quality of life in our world as a whole.”  Through reading and sharing the exercises in this book, we will work toward a deepened understanding of ourselves and a knowledge of “how we have direct access to the love and happiness we most long for, our very essence.”  The book should be available soon through the church bookstore.  

Evensong 2

Tuesdays starting February 20 from 7:30 – 9 pm

This second set of sessions continue to guide participants in an exploration of individual life journeys as they share their thoughts, experiences, doubts, and beliefs about traditional religious concepts.  The core of Evensong is listening.  Through songs, readings, and sharing, the participants build personal relationships while using “deep listening” to hear and ask serious religious questions related to various life topics. In order to achieve the highest benefit from the program and to build relationships with the other participants, attendance is expected at all meetings.  This course will meet for 8 weeks.  Occasional absences should be reported to group leaders prior to the meeting.  

The Bible: An In Depth Look Part Two

Tuesdays starting February 20 from 7 – 8:30 pm

Like the Puritan movement that morphed into the Unitarian church, the Bible study course has morphed into a review of the history and theology of the formation of American Unitarianism. The course will be 4 sessions and we will be using A Stream of Light edited by Conrad Wright as our text. This text picks up on many of the theological issues that came up in the Bible study last fall.  We will be exploring Charles Chauncy’s rational response to the excesses of the “Great Awakening” lead by Jonathan Edwards. This controversy of the 18th Century continues to the present day in American society. We will next move on to the Transcendentalists of the 19th century. Our third session will examine the formation of a denomination from a movement that distrusted organization from the start. Our Final session will look at the development of the denomination during the 20th century.

The course is open to everyone and having attended the first course is not necessary.  Please read the first chapter of the text available in our bookstore before the class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Justice  & Outreach

New Building for the Light House Shelter?

During the past several years, the Light House Shelter has been forced to turn away about half of the applicants who have requested accommodations. Therefore, the Board of Directors of the Annapolis Area Ministries has, for some time, been investigating ways of increasing the size of the shelter. It was wonderful news when, in late fall, the Board offered to purchase property on Hudson Street in Annapolis and this offer was accepted by the current owner. This property is large enough to allow construction of a new facility with adequate parking for staff and volunteers. It also is near city bus lines, allowing clients easy access to the facility.

The Board now has several months to complete purchase of the property. At the present time, feasibility studies are under way to determine if the property is suitable for the type of building needed by the Light House Shelter. If the Board decides to move forward on the project, a design of the building will be completed, building permits obtained, and fund raising will commence. Stay tuned for ways you may help with this exciting project. 

 

 

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?

 

The Light House Shelter provides lunches for 50 to 75 people each weekday. Additional groups who would be willing to do this one day each month (e.g. second Wednesday of each month) are needed. A brown bag lunch containing a sandwich, cookie, fruit, etc. needs to be prepared for each individual, and then delivered to the shelter either the morning before the lunch is served, or the night before. If your group is willing to prepare lunch or has questions, please contact Crystal Brownlee (410-263-1835) at the shelter.

Also, the Light House Shelter badly needs a self-defrosting freezer. If you have one in good working order and are willing to donate it to the shelter, please contact Al or Jacque Pulsifer (410-626-1163).

 

 

VDAY - until the violence stops

 

A V-Day 2007 Worldwide Campaign Event to  Stop Violence Against Women and Girls.

The Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of Columbia

is proud to Present

V Day Columbia 2007

A production of

Eve Ensler’s

The Vagina Monologues

Join us as we celebrate women, raise awareness and envision a world without violence

Saturday, March 3 at 7:00pm and march 4 at 1:30 pm Owen Brown Interfaith Center

7246 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045

Tickets:$15 available at the door or by calling 410-730-0945 or 410-381-0097

Proceeds benefit the domestic Violence Center and The STTAR Center inc.

 

V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and Girls Further information about V-Day can be found at www.vday.org

 

UULM-MD's 1st Annual Clergy-Youth Advocacy Day

DATE: Monday, February 19, 2007

TIME: 12:00--4:00pm

LOCATION: UU Church of Annapolis

TO REGISTER: Email us at info@uulmmd.org

Spend an afternoon with Rev. John Crestwell and UU ministers, youth and activists from across Maryland, taking action to reduce the effects of global warming.
Meet at the UU Church of Annapolis for lunch and advocacy training on the Clean Cars Act, which seeks to reduce carbon dioxide and other toxic emissions in Maryland.
Then go to the State House to meet with Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Maryland legislators. Stay for the evening to participate in the statewide Environmental Lobby Day, if you want!

The Clean Cars Act is House Bill 44 and Senate Bill 51. The House Environmental Matters Committee and Senate Judicial Proceeding Committee have heard testimony on the bills. Click on the link below to contact delegates and senators who are on these committees.

 

Come Dance With Us! Partnership Weekend March 3th and 4th:

 

We have a partner church located in Rava, Romania.  Like most Unitarian churches in Romania, our partners are located in Transylvania in a portion of Romania that used to be part of Hungary.  Our partners are ethnically Hungarian and a minority in their homeland.  To learn more about our partners, we are devoting the first weekend in March to our Partner Church Project.

Our festivities begin Saturday evening, March 3th, with dessert, information, and Hungarian Folk Dancing.  We are honored to have The Tisza Ensemble return to our church with their amazing variety of Hungarian dancing.  They will perform and teach us dances as they did last year.  Desserts will feature Hungarian favorites.  This is a night of participation and fun for the whole family.  Mark your calendars: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the church.

Our weekend continues during the Sunday morning worship services on March 4th.  This service, "From Rava With Love," will feature video, pictures, and audio of the people of Rava, gathered by those who traveled to Rava this past October.  The choir will participate in both services.

It is appropriate for our Partner Church Weekend to be early in March because that is the anniversary of the 1568 Edict of Torda declaring religious tolerance and freedom of conscience, principles which unite Unitarian Universalists in the United States with our Unitarian sisters and brothers in Transylvania.