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, 03/07/2007

Next Mailing: 03/13/2007

Volume 50, Issue 4

February 27, 2007

All CHURCH RETREAT 2007

Registration is now being taken for our All-Church Retreat 2007, April 27-29, 2007. Special All-Church Retreat t-shirts may be available for purchase for those who register early! (Watch for more info coming soon!)

The retreat was full to overflowing last year, so this year we have DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF CABINS!!! This leads to great potential for small group gatherings with plenty of meeting space. For all those who have been before, this means we will have use of BOTH buildings. We will also see the return of our Egg-citing challenge with the Egg-citing Stunt Show which will include more than just a simple building challenge! We always have lots of opportunities for team work and self discovery through the many activities and spontaneous interactions among those who join us. These activities may vary from game sharing to meditation, or enjoyment of a nature program from the nearby Bear Branch Nature Center. An annual favorite is making s’mores over an open fire. Come join us, deepen relationships and make connections. This is a special event not to be missed, but we only have room for 144 people so register early.

The costs are $55 per adult, $50 for children (5 – 16) --those 4 and under are free. This price includes two nights accommodations (in heated dormitory-style cabins), all meals Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Limited scholarships will be available as needed. Please contact Debbie Cole (debcole@cablespeed.com or 410-969-7986), Lisa Combs (lisacombs@verizon.net or 410/267-6987) or Robert Cole (especially for the egg-citing stunt show-- robertcole.email@yahoo.com) for more information or to sign up for our information e-list. Be brave, come share yourself at the 2007 All-Church Retreat –we’d love to spend some time with you!

Annual Congregational Meeting

The UUCA Board of Trustees hereby gives notice to the Congregation that the Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday April 1st, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.  20% of the voting membership constitutes a quorum at all Congregational Meetings.  Voting rights are restricted to those who have been members for at least thirty days.  It is important that voting
members of UUCA attend this Annual Congregational Meeting. Child care will be provided. A congregational brunch will begin at 10:15 am, members are asked to bring "Heavy" finger food to share with others. The business meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 am. Childcare will begin immediately following the R. E. program, and members are asked to also provide "heavy" finger food for the R.E. children.

Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist
Church of Annapolis
Phil Tawes, Secretary

1st Sunday Town Hall Meetings

What is your vision for UUCA in transforming our local community and the world? Come to the next Town Meeting on March 4th between services (10:20-10:50) to share your views on UUCA's community outreach. Meet at the front of the sanctuary with Phil Tawes and then move to a quiet room for discussion.

Upcoming Sermons

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

April 1

Annual Meeting

One service at 9 am

the Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday April 1st, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.  20% of the voting membership constitutes a quorum at all congregational meetings.  Voting rights are restricted to those who have been members for at least thirty days.  It is important that voting members of UUCA attend this Annual Congregational Meeting. Child care will be provided. A congregational brunch will begin at 10:15 am, members are asked to bring "Heavy" finger food to share with others. The business meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 am. Childcare will begin immediately following the R. E. program, and members are asked to also provide "heavy" finger food for the R.E. children.

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

R.E. flections

How many times have you thought that you communicated clearly with someone, only to find out that there was a misunderstanding, that there was a wide difference between what you said and what was heard? It happens all the time, and the results can range from amusing to disastrous, and anywhere in between.

Sometimes the issue is not miscommunication, but a complete lack of communication – not an unusual problem in an age when we can be overwhelmed with the amount of information we have to process and respond to. Long before e-mail was invented, Joseph Priestley observed that “the more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.”

In my role as Director of Religious Exploration it has been a challenge to be in dialogue with a broad representation of parents, and to get a good sense of the congregation’s desires regarding the R.E. program. I recently formed a “DRE Relations Committee” whose purpose includes, in part, to serve “as a conduit of information from within the congregation on matters concerning the Religious Exploration program.” I encourage you to get to know the members of the Committee - Jen Dawson, Tatiana Johanning, Chris Kinkade, Andy McIntire and Rob Wallace – and to be in conversation with them. They are committed to keeping their ears and eyes open to your suggestions and wishes in regard to R.E.; they will share with me what they find out, and urge you to talk to me directly in person, over the phone or via e-mail. All your ideas will be carefully considered within the limits of our time, and our human and financial resources.

The last meeting of the Committee was devoted to finding other ways to improve communication, and for a start, a quick brainstorm produced the following:

• An “idea box” will be available in the narthex for you to leave your comments and suggestions; although the notes could be anonymous, it would be helpful to have your name and contact information to facilitate further conversation.

• Potluck lunches could offer an opportunity for parents to get better acquainted with each other and with the facilitators of the group(s) in which their children are involved.

• When the church website is re-designed, it could include an interactive webpage for R.E. where comments could be posted, as well as information

Any other ideas? The DRE Relations Committee and I are listening…

Fran

For All That Is Our Life

I would like to share with you a poem I wrote while Fred and I attended a two day meeting several weeks ago at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA. Although I wrote the poem to share with other student ministers, I believe that we all are called to do some type of ministry and to “serve the holy fire.” Stay warm.

Holy Fire

How shall we enter the fire?

Tossed like matchsticks,

Crumbled newsprint with ink barely dry,

Must we be consumed

Turned to dust to ash,

Quick flames as quickly gone?

Let us also not be forged like steel,

Melted down and hardened,

Shining in our armor,

At best reflecting an outward flame.

Brilliant the diamond

Fired by pressure,

Crushed beneath the load,

Refracting light amazing,

But sharp edges are too cold

To feel or feed the warmth

That is the purpose of the fire.

May we be more like old candle wax.

Melted, yes, but ever flowing,

Changing, soft in steady presence,

Casting spires of fragile possibility

Out beyond what has been known.

Flowing with all our broken pieces,

Colored by the crayons of our days,

Our nights, our dreams.

Melt and flow, cool and bend,

The tears, the blood, the sweat,

May we mix our own with those we serve.

Everlasting candles, new each moment.

Keep the flame burning,

Warming, healing.

Prophetic holy fire,

Of mercy and of justice

May we serve you well and long.

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 associated with UUCA. Currently, Tim Barnum, oboe, Jesse Fussell, clarinet and Fred Geil, clarinet and bass are 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

UUCA Outdoor Club

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

Thank You Sarah!!

We would like to thank Sarah Thibault for her 3 years of service as the UUCA coffee server. Sarah has served hundred of cups of Fairly Traded Coffee and will be greatly missed. Stephanie Meredith will be our new coffee server.

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 March 20 is Asne Seierstad’s The Bookseller of Kabul, a non-fiction look at a family in post U.S. invasion Afghanistan. For April 17 we have chosen The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards, a moral-dilemma tale crafted around the lie of one man.

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

Recital

A recital of art songs written by our Minister of Music, Betsy Jo Angebranndt, will be presented by soprano Charlotte Woolf at 7:30 Saturday evening , March 24 here at the church. Music included on the program will be a set of Mystical Songs which were commissioned by the Maryland State Music Teachers Association, songs using texts by Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson and songs from musicals written by Betsy Jo. The accompanist will be Louise Huddleston. A reception will follow the performance.

Charlotte Woolf is a resident of Madison, Wisconsin where she is an active member of the Madison UU Church and Choir.

Computer help Needed

Linda Greenlaw is looking for someone to help her set up her computer for internet access and help connecting it to a printer. If you are interested in assisting her please contact her at 410-849-3022 or you can talk to her after any Sunday Service.

Thank you very much !

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.

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

“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.

First Sunday Outreach Collection

Unitarian Universalism is a faith rooted in a spirit of abundance; ours is a faith community that shares itself not only with its members, but with the community-at-large. UUCA’s good works and generosity have meant a great deal of financial support (along with volunteerism, goods and services) for social justice action and outreach. It is our hope to strengthen, deepen and focus our giving to those in the larger community whose mission and vision reflect UU Principles by implementing the First Sunday Outreach Collection. The offering on the first Sunday will be split between the church and a community project or program (selected and announced ahead of time by the Outreach Collection Committee). The recipient outreach project or program will receive one-half of the Sunday collection. To contribute to the Outreach Collection with a check, make it out to the order of UU Church of Annapolis; if it is your wish that the check not be split, but the total amount go the outreach program, indicate this in the memo line. To designate your contribution as your church pledge, please use a pledge envelope or note “pledge” in the check memo line.

If there is a program or project that you would like to recommend receive the Outreach Collection, please speak with one of the Outreach Collection Committee members (Diane Goforth, Betty Crowley, or Virginia Cushing) to obtain an application or ask for additional information at the church office.

Who am I?

I was the first African-American minister to be ordained by the Universalist denomination.

New UUCA Staff

Some of you may have already noticed that there is a new face in the office. LaVonne Rineholt has recently joined our staff as our new office assistant and she will be in the office fulltime. LaVonne lives in Millersville with her partner Melanie and also attends University of Maryland University College where she is a senior psychology major. She hopes to pursue a masters degree in counseling upon completion of her bachelors degree.

Resource Stewardship

Finance Notes

Because UUCA was recognized last year as a “breakthrough congregation,” other churches sometimes contact us for advice or to discover why we have been successful.  In the finance realm, the Endowment Fund is one thing UUCA has done that I think is remarkable, and the congregation should know more about it.
Starting about 8 years ago, a small group of members wanted another way – a long-term way – to help UUCA’s financially health.  They donated and solicited funds and created “an endowment to assure the long-term financial future of the church, help the church manage and survive financial emergencies, and to fund capital needs
and special projects that further the mission of the church.”
UUCA created its endowment in May 2000, along with the Endowment Board that manages the enterprise.  Currently, funds in the endowment are invested, and some of the income generated is used to make grants that further UUCA’s social justice and community outreach efforts.  Examples of work supported by our Endowment include prison ministry and restorative justice work done by Art Hansen and projects for women’s empowerment and water development in the Philippines.
In this newsletter, I’m very happy to NOT be talking about funds needed for our operating budget.  But I do think that contributing to UUCA’s endowment is something that every member should seriously consider.  A few visionary people starting this, but with reinvestment and continued giving, the endowment fund has now grown to over $260,000!  The beauty of an endowment is that the funds keep working year after year.  Even very small contributions make a long-term difference, especially if the hundreds of people in our community give something.
At the Congregational Meeting on April 1, the Endowment Board will co-host the event (with the Board of Trustees), and you will have a chance to learn about the past and current good work accomplished with our endowment.  You can also find out about the possibilities for contributing, either directly or through bequests.  I urge you to take time and learn more about this enterprise that is making our church special and consider your role in making it happen.

Dick Roop, Finance Officer

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.

Faith Development

Religious exploration News

Our 19th Annual Passover Seder is scheduled for Friday, April 6 at 6:00 PM. Mark your calendars, and join us for this multigenerational evening filled with Jewish traditions. Seating is limited! Sign up will start on March 11, and continue on following Sundays, after each service.

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.

Calling all Young Adults between the ages of 18 to 35!

Come and join us for a potluck and brainstorming session where we will get to know each other, talk, laugh and eat as a community. This is your chance to be a part of the future of our Young Adult and Campus Ministries. Lyn Cox from the district is coming to be with us and help us dream big.

When: Sunday, March 18 1:30 to 4 pm

Where: In the Sanctuary

What to Bring: Please bring your ideas and dreams along with a dish to share with 4-6 people.

RSVP: Please let Amber Beland know you are attending by calling the church at 410-266-8044 ext 107 or email assistant@uuca-md.org. I especially need to know if you need childcare.

See you there!

Social Justice & Outreach

March is UUCA’s month to stock the Lighthouse Shelter Pantry!

Please note that guests most often carry grocery bags by hand; we can get more variety if canned foods are around 15 oz. and peanut butter and spaghetti Sauce jars are no more than 25oz. in size. — The Lighthouse Committee

Cold cereal(16-23 oz boxes)

Powdered milk--(1 qt envelopes)

Spaghetti sauce (15-25 oz and spaghetti noodles

Canned spaghetti or ravioli

Tuna or hamburger helper

Pork and beans

Peanut butter, large (18-28 oz)

Jelly, small jars

Pasta, spaghetti & macaroni

Canned meats (Tuna & Chicken)

Canned stews, chili, hash

Cornbread or other bread mix

Canned vegetables, (green beans, peas, corn)

applesauce & fruit

Canned soups

Crackers

Tea bags or hot chocolate mix

Pork and Beans or Baked Beans

rice, potatoes & pasta (plain or box mixes)

Dessert items (jello, cake mixes, instant puddings)

B items usually in short supply

Thank You!!

While this is the suggested list, please know that anything that you bring will be used and greatly appreciated by the Shelter.

UUCA Statements of Conscience.  The Social Justice Council is proposing to initiate a process whereby UUCA can establish a formal position on important matters of social or political concern in the form of a “UUCA Statement of Conscience”. This will enable the church, members and staff to formally and publicly affirm our position in the knowledge that it represents the view of the church as a whole. At the April 1 Congregational Meeting the Council will brief the congregation on the concept, the process it recommends, and how members can put it to use. The process is currently being finalized by the Council, but this draft provides an outline of how it will work. Forums will be held after the 9:00 Sunday services on March 18 and 25 at which members may offer their views and amendments to the process.

UUCA Statement of Conscience

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis may, from time to time, wish to establish a formal position on some important issues of social or political concern. Once endorsed by vote at a congregational meeting called in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws, members and staff of UUCA can then publicly affirm this view in the knowledge that it represents the formal position of the church as a whole.

Any church member, council or committee may initiate the process of developing a formal UUCA Statement of Conscience, wherein UUCA’s formal position on an issue of social or political concern is stated.

UUCA Statement of Conscience Process

1. Sponsorship and Outline Statement of Conscience. An individual church member or a group (such as a Council, Team o r Committee of the church), hereinafter called the sponsor, produces a first Outline UUCA Statement of Conscience (USOC). This is a short statement of the problem or issue being addressed and an outline of the proposed UUCA position on that issue. This is to be no longer than 50 words.

2. Initial Consideration. This Outline USOC is submitted to the Senior Minister for action. Unless it is sponsored by them, the Senior Minister will refer it to the Outline USOC to relevant Council or Team (such as the Social Justice Council, the Legislative Action Team, the Anti-Racial Transforming Team) for comment as to whether this is deemed an appropriate subject upon which UUCA would wish to take a formal position.

3. Draft UUCA Statement of Conscience. A first draft of the USOC is then prepared by the sponsor in consultation with the appropriate Council and the management team. This statement of 500 words or less will state the issue being addressed and the UUCA formal position relating to it and may recommend actions that the church and its members may take. This Draft USOC is published in Highlights for two successive issues, issued on the website and made available in the church in hard copy. It will seek proposed revisions or amendments to the text. It will include a schedule of the planned approval process.

4. Final Draft UUCA Statement of Conscience. No longer than three months after the initial publishing of the draft in Highlights, the sponsor will incorporate amendments as appropriate and produce a final draft of the text. This is submitted to the relevant Council who will resolve any issues over conflicting amendments, and approve the final text.

5. Informing and Educating the Congregation. The relevant Council and the sponsor will work with the management team to develop some form of training or education program to inform members of the congregation of the issues addressed in the Draft USOC. This could include lectures, workshops, films, articles and reading lists.

6. Obtaining Initial Congregational Support. Before the Draft USOC is brought before the congregation for vote at a congregational meeting, there needs to be evidence of a body of support for the position from the membership. The sponsor, supported by the members of the relevant Council, will be responsible for obtaining at least 100 signatures of members to support the Draft USOC being put on the agenda for the next congregational meeting. The Council will then present the Draft USOC and its supporting material to the Board of Trustees with a request for it to be included in the Agenda for the next Congre