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, Member’s 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, 03/19/2008

Next Mailing: 03/25/2007

Volume 51, Issue 5

March 11, 2008

 

 

First Sunday Outreach Collection Report. 

On Sunday, March 2, 2008 the congregation provided $1056.50 for March Outreach Giving. These funds will be used to support our Partner Church Ministry in Rava, Romania.

 

CHALICE LIGHTER GRANTS     

The UU Fellowship at Easton, MD has received two $20,000 grants to assist them with their new building, which was recently dedicated, and to help refurbish their old quarters. Now they are ready to have a full-time minister. Another success story.

 WellSprings Congregation, Chester Springs, PA, has received four grants in the past year to assist them with starting up. They just celebrated the first anniversary of starting Sunday Services. This group is also supported by UUA and the Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA, and now has an average of  100 attendees each Sunday, plus children in the RE program. And another.

  Grants given this time went to the UU Congregation of the Chesapeake, California, MD for new congregation organizing; and to the UU Fellowship at Salisbury, MD to support a half-time minister.

   During the year, the Joseph Priestley District Chalice Lighter program issues $20,000 grants to UU congregations throughout the District. Members of the Chalice Lighter program donate 3 times per year to support the giving program. This is how we shine our UU light throughout our area. Some give $50 per call; some give less. But all donations are welcome. Look in the information alcove to pick up a brochure and fill it out, and send with your donation. You, too, can wear proudly, the Chalice Lighter sticker on your name badge. For more information on the program, talk to Darrel Nash or any of the people who are wearing the orange sticker on their name tag.

 

 

 

 

 

               

Upcoming Sermons

 

 

 

 

March 16

UUCA Choir Service: “Come Into the Circle of Love and Justice”

Do we have a place at our welcome table for the poor families in our community? What if we cannot sing like angels or speak before thousands? Can we help these families build assets that will enable them to raise children who are physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively healthy? Please join the UUCA choir this Sunday to explore these challenges in music and inspirational words.

 

March 23

“Easter Sunday”

Intergenerational    Service

No R. E. Childcare only

Music by UUCa Choir

This Easter Sunday we’ll observe our annual Flower Communion in an intergenerational service. So remember to bring a flower or a favorite sprig of nature to share with others.

 

March 30

Young  Religious  Unitarian Universalist

(YRUU) Sunday

Please join us for this annual service celebrating the learnings of our Young  Religious  Unitarian Universalist (YRUU)

 

April 6

Anti-racism Transformation Team  Sunday Guest Minister

John Crestwell

 

Annual

Congregational Meeting Notice

On April 6th there will be the Annual Congregational Meeting at the church called in accordance with Article V of our Constitution at 10:30 in place of the second service. The agenda will be published on the bulletin board two weeks before the meeting.

 

 

Bryan Barrett

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

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.

 

ALL-CHURCH RETREAT –Early Bird Registration Ends March 16

April 25-27, 2008 in Westminster, MD one hundred plus members and friends will be enjoying the beauty of Hashawha Environmental Center and an opportunity to revel in the camaraderie of fellow congregants for our annual All-Church Retreat.   Registration is now open!  Check out the ‘New Online Registration’ on our church home page and get more info about the Retreat as well as an opportunity to register online with a credit card.  Or, download the forms and mail or drop off with your check (put ‘Retreat’ in the memo line) to the church office.  Cost are: Adults $60; children (5-13) $55.  Remember, sign up by March 16 to get $5 off each person registered!  (Adult $55; child $50)

 We want to extend a special invitation to those new to the congregation –this is an outstanding way to deepen relationships and connect with the rest of our UUCA family.   This is for all ages with or without children.  Come and check out all the fun!  For more info contact Debbie Cole (debcole.email@yahoo.com) or Lisa Combs (lisacombs@verizon.net).

 

 

 

 

Keep the Faith

By Fred Muir, Senior Minister

 

Easter will soon be here; it’s early this year (March 23).  For people of faith who observe and find meaning in the Eastertide, the themes of resurrection, rebirth, and transcendence are rich and transforming.  For some, these themes aren’t limited to once a year; for many, we need to be reminded of Easter themes that are present everyday.   I was reminded last week.

      As I pulled into the church’s parking lot, a neighborhood jogger had stopped to read the “vision flags” that decorate our building’s entrance – of the 160 who participated in the Revisioning workshops, most wrote their hopes on a small piece of fabric which, as flags, fly by the front doors to the church.  “Good morning, Reverend” he called out to me (we know each other from a variety of places).  “I’ve been reading these.  I’ve got to admit, they’re really inspirational.  I’ve never been to your place, but if these say anything about the members of this congregation then I’ve got to meet them.”  So, I told him a little about how the flags came to be; but I could tell he was being polite, he was eager to tell me something more.

      “There’s several in particular that I was attracted to, which I’m going to tell my wife about.  We just learned that her sister has cancer and so she’s flying to be with her – it doesn’t look good.  It’s as though … how can I say this … it’s like these – what did you call them, flags? – it’s like I was meant to see these flags, like they were here for me, for my wife.  I feel renewed, I feel hopeful, I can’t wait to tell her.  Especially the one that talks about comforting the afflicted, and there’s another one that speaks of courage.  Reverend, you’ve made my day.  Thanks.”

      An Easter moment – resurrection, rebirth, transcendence, right there in the UUCA parking lot.  Amazing, or maybe it’s not.  Maybe I just don’t pay enough attention to what’s going on around me.  Maybe there really are Easter moments every day.  Let it be so.

 

      See you soon and keep the faith,

                        Fred

 

ENDOWMENT FUND GRANT SUPPORTS PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE

The UUCA Endowment Fund was established by several members of the church with the stated purpose of funding activities that fit the mission of UUCA, but can not be supported through the normal church budget. One of the activities funded for 2008 is a project of the UUCA Pastoral Care Team (PCT). Using funds from the grant, the PCT will organize workshops addressing issues of interest to caregivers of the sick and elderly. Specifically, PCT plans to sponsor the following workshops: one for caregivers of the sick and elderly; a workshop addressing issues of concern to elders; another workshop either for caregivers or the elderly; a workshop for grandparents coping with children and their modern issues; and finally 2 workshops for parents with topics based on a survey of parents in the congregation.

The UUCA Endowment Fund Board thanks those who have contributed to the fund which allows us to support a variety of worthwhile projects. Please consider a contribution or bequest to the Endowment Fund to continue and expand this type of support. For information on the Endowment Fund, contact Jackie Heimbuch (jheimbuch@hospicechesapeake.org)

 

 

     

 

 

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5-K Walk/Race for the Kids

 

On April 26th the Old Mill Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society (SHH) will be holding their third annual 5-K Walk/Race for the Kids. The proceeds of the race fund schools in third world nations. There will be prizes to the top finishers in each age group. It is a great and fun way to support global education while getting fit.

 If you are interested contact the SHH advisor, Kim Spence, at kmnelson@aacps.org or at (410) 969-9010 x225. You may also contact the race organizer, Daniel Weller, at kicking.chaos@verizon.net or (410) 923-6973.

 

 

 

Web of Life

By Amber Beland, Assistant Minister for Lifespan Faith Development

One of my favorite things to do is read books; it is part of my night routine to read.  Often the books I read are part of my study and reflection as a minister and this past year I took on the challenge of reading a daily devotional.  These books, if you are not familiar with them, are meant to be reflective and are often spiritual in nature.  Every night for a year you read a page and many of these books include short, thoughtful questions that you can use as a place from which to reflect on deeper questions.  I have often picked up devotional books and meant to read them every night and somewhere in the middle of the year I forget, get behind and give up on it.  Last year I picked up a book called the Intellectual Devotional by David Kidder and Noah Oppenheim.  In it they offer short readings on seven different topics ranging from music to philosophy.  A few weeks ago I finished my year’s reading and I learned a few things that I want to share with you.  Although I learned lots about the topics and actually added to my list of books, future classes, and plays that I would like to see the biggest thing I learned was less about outside things than inside changes.  I had to take that book on trips, it came with me to friend’s houses, one night I forgot to read it until after the lights were out and I read it under the covers by flashlight.  It became important for me to keep my promise to myself and it became an important discipline.  When I read the last page, I had a bit of missed feelings.  I was excited that I had succeeded in the goal I set myself but at the same time I wondered what would be the next thing for me to read nightly.  That book had traveled with me to friend’s houses, a foreign country and to many UU events; it had become familiar and I would miss it.  As part of my experience with this book I have decided to pass it on to a friend who will be receiving it as a birthday gift and I hope that she will read it through the year and then when she is done pass it on.  It is a funny thing how a book can change you, your thoughts, your ideas, your expectations.  I knew this and yet this year of devotional reading taught me more than I imagined when I set myself the goal.  Perhaps you have had this experience yourself with something in your own life.  As you welcome the spring I recommend trying something new, setting goals that you can reach, and maybe even trying a daily devotional, as I learned this year these experiences can change you in subtle and yet profound ways.

 

Happy spring,

 

Amber

 

 

 

UUCA Book Club

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

 Our selections are as follows: March 18 is The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Moshin Hamid. 

April 15 Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

If you have questions contact Jackie Rocca at 410-349-8351.

All are welcome to join us!

 

 

UUCA OUTDOOR CLUB 

Saturday, April 5   9:00am-3:00pm  Walk in Piney Orchard Nature Preserve to visit the heron rookery and look for other signs of spring.  Meet at 9:00am at Park and Ride at I-97 and Benfield Blvd (by Severna Park Racquetball and Fitness Club).  Easy walk followed by lunch at a local restaurant.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Eloise Hoyt 410-768-4932 or ehoyt@toadmail.com Saturday, April 26  Bike Ride (details to be announced)

 

 

 

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

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– April 6, after the 9 a.m. service or April 13, 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, April 12, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 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.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Resource Stewardship

 

Finance Notes – Stewardship 2009  Campaigns

It might seem early to you, but major planning is happening now for the next Stewardship Campaigns.  And yes, I do mean “Campaigns” because we are planning for two, not just one.

Our Annual Budget Drive - which will fund UUCA for Calendar Year 2009 - will kick off in September.  Under the current schedule for building expansion, our Capital Campaign will begin about six months after that.  Both efforts are vital to our future, and you should know what will be happening.

UUCA has hired Dave Rickart as a consultant to help with the two fundraising campaigns.  Dave works for the UUA (out of Boston) and is an expert on Capital Campaigns – he has helped over 100 UU churches with fundraising for new buildings, and he really knows how to do it.  Dave tells us that we can use the same organizational scheme for both campaigns.  The Stewardship & Capital Campaign Committee – being put in place now – will be larger and better organized than any fundraising effort UUCA has ever seen.

Evelyn Spurgin and Peter Crilly are serving as co-chairs for capital fundraising, and they will be supported by individual leaders who will handle (1) publicity and publications, (2) events, (3) leadership gifts, (4) general gifts, (5) follow-up, and (6) tracking.  The actual “ask” will be done in face-to-face meetings by “visiting stewards,” who will receive training.  Perhaps the key to campaign success is that each job is well defined and manageable.  By recruiting a big team for the overall task, each person’s task can be accomplished without great effort.  Each visiting steward will have a relatively short list of contacts to make, and, after a reasonable effort has been made, unsuccessful contacts will be forwarded to the “Follow-Up Group”.

Churches who have used this organizational model for fundraising have found that, not only is it successful, it fosters clarity and satisfaction for members.  I urge you to consider joining the Stewardship Campaigns – rather than contemplating the nearest escape route at the thought of fundraising, I suspect that you will find it a great opportunity to put your spiritual values into action.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dick Roop

 

Support Coming of Age RE Program...

Purchase cute UU-themed items designed by Coming of Age youth.  This year the Coming of Age (COA) RE program is hosting a new fundraiser to support our annual trip to Boston. Youth from the group have designed UU-themed items such as t-shirts, teddy bears, keychains, coffee mugs, and much more. The items are available for purchase online at www.cafepress.com/uucacoa. Cafepress is a secure shopping website. COA will also host a fundraising table between services on March 16 where you can purchase items in person. Orders made online will arrive faster than orders made at the March 16 sale. If you have any questions contact Raven Bishop ravenbishop707@yahoo.com

 

General Assembly 08

GA 2008 will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from June 25 through 29 at the beautiful Greater Fort Lauderdale Broward County Convention Center. UUCA will be sending 11 delegates as well as other attendees. If you intend to go to GA or would like to know more about it, please see Bryan Barrett. He will be coordinating the delegates and the schedule for UUCA attendees. Registration for GA opens on Saturday March 1st through the UUA website www.uua.org. where you can also book accommodation. If you are going to GA, you are recommended to book your accommodation as soon as possible as the hotels nearest to the Convention Center get booked up immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Development

R.e. news

GUEST AT YOUR TABLE is ending soon.  If you wish to participate in the annual fund-raising campaign of the UU Service Committee, please remember to bring back your boxes on Sunday, March 16 (or the following week).  The U. U. Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, New York will match individual or family gifts of $75 or more, and $40 or more will make you a UUSC member.  We would be grateful if you could count the coins that you have collected, and write a check (payable to UUSC) for the total amount instead of bringing in all change.  Meanwhile GAYT boxes and brochures are still available in the Narthex.  

 

 

 

A Chosen Faith

 

This course is a 6-session program exploring  the book Our Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by John A. Buehrens and Forrester Church.   Through this course you will become familiar with some of the theology and traditions of the Unitarian and Universalist faiths, be able to understand and articulate your own faith journey, and consider your own beliefs and experiences in light of the sources of the living tradition of Unitarian Universalism.  Please get the book from Susan Eckert before the class starts and read foreword, preface and introduction.

 

DATES: six sessions starting Tuesday, March 25

TIME: 7—8:30pm

FACILITATORS: Susan Eckert and Amber Beland

 

Building Your Own Theology

This ten week course invites each person to write their spiritual odyssey and examines a structure for a liberal theological model, varieties of religious experience, human nature, ultimate reality,  history, ethics and religious meaning.  Weekly journal writing as well as the class meetings assist participants in their work towards their own personal “credo statement”.

 

DATES: 10 sessions starting Wednesday, April 2

TIME: 7-9pm

FACILITATORS:  Jim Langston

 

 

 

 

Social Justice  & Outreach

 

 

You can make a difference!

Your help is needed now as the Maryland legislators complete their preliminary work on our legislative priorities.  We want to encourage them to take actions to support our positions on Marriage Equality and Global Warming Solutions.  Your personal contacts can make a difference.   Personal emails, phone calls, visits, or written notes are often acknowledged and appreciated by them whereas form letters are only counted.

 

Our two priorities are those of the UU Legislative Ministry of MD (UULM-MD).  Their   website (www.uulmmd.org) has bill information, talking points, UULM-MD's testimony, link to find your legislator, and more. You can also get on the mailing list by going to:  info@uulmmd.org.

 

The Global Warming Solutions - Reductions in Greenhouse Gases bill (HB 712 & SB 309) requires the state to implement a series of clean energy and smart-growth policies.  The Governor and the major environmental organizations support this legislation.  More info can also be obtained at the Alliance for Global Warming at: www.alliancemd.org   Dave Hackett and Bill Crowley are UUCA contacts.

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (HB 351 & SB 290) expands civil marriage in MD to include same-sex couples while preserving the rights of religious institutions and leaders to perform and recognize only marriages consistent with the tenets of their faith.  We continue to oppose legislation to add a new section to the MD Constitution to establish that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid in MD (HB 1245 & SB 169)   Additional background can be found at the website of Equality MD:  www.equalitymaryland.org   Ed Adams and Darrel Nash are UUCA contacts.

UUCA and UULM-MD are hosting a MD Citizens' Health Initiative Town Hall Meeting on 3/25 from 7:00 – 9:00 at UUCA.   Meetings are being held around the state to gain input on determining the most effective next steps in the effort to expand health care and build on legislative successes to achieve quality, affordable health care for all Marylanders.  The results will be utilized to draft health care legislation for the next MD General Assembly.  More information on Health Care for All is at:  www.healthcareforall.com.

UUCA members who testified on the above legislation are:  Ed Adams, Dave Hackett, Bill Crowley, Phyllis Marsh, and Betty McGarvie Crowley.  Rev. Fred Muir’s testimony was submitted on the Marriage Equality legislation.   Many others, including youth, have met with legislators, participated in rallies, attended briefings, and contacted legislators.   UUCA members are making a difference!

Stop by the LAT table which is in the Narthex on Sundays or the rack with legislative background (under the UULM-MD banner).  If you would like to assist with our work, please contact us.

Jan Bird (docjbird@yahoo.com) & Betty McGarvie Crowley (bettycrowley@comcast.net)

Co-Chairs of the LAT & UULM-MD

 

 

 

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

 

 

Tips from Green Sanctuary

Did you know that March 5 was the first day of meteorological spring?  That means basically that we’ve finally made it through the three coldest months of the year.  We may not be completely out of the woods yet (we’ve still got to deal with that old “in like a lion” thing for awhile longer), but for many of us, the first whiffs of spring make our hearts turn toward yard and garden. 

So, you may be wondering what you should be doing to green up your lawn - greenly.  Here’s good news:  probably the best thing you can do right now is – nothing.  Spring is not the time to fertilize.  If you really want to, then you should wait til fall.  The grass will green up just fine in the meantime. 

What about weed control?  If you are concerned about weeds (and remember, dandelions really are beautiful little wildflowers!), carefully weigh the costs and benefits of using herbicides. If your lawn is thick and healthy, try the "mow high, let grass lie" approach.  You may well find that you don’t even need weed-killers. If, however, you’ve got stuff in your grass that you really need to deal with, then corn gluten meal, available at www.gardensalive.com, among other places, is a “greener” alternative to most pre-emergent herbicides.  It acts to keep weed seeds from developing roots, without harming established plants, and the second half of March is a good time to apply it in our area.  Check out http://www.pesticide.org/pubs/alts/cgm/cornglutenmeal.html for a detailed discussion. 

Happy Spring!

 

 

 

 

 

ChicoBags for a Green Sanctuary!

ChicoBags are here and they’re wildly popular!  For just $5 you can purchase these great reusable shopping bags that easily fit in a pocket or purse and support the Green Sanctuary efforts here at UUCA.   They come in many fun colors –tell your friends!   You can match your shoes, your purse, or even your personality!    This is a great gift idea, too.  Check the church office to purchase your bags or contact Debbie Cole (debcole.email@yahoo.com or 410-969-7986) for more information or to put your order in now (if you don’t see the color you’re looking for, we might be able to order it.)   To see them online go to www.chicobags.com.  Be part of the solution –bring your own bags wherever you shop!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arts in the Woods

 

 

Gallery at 333

Partner Church Council

“Images of Rava”

March - April

 

Music for Peace & Justice

Concert Series

Musica Novantica Vienna

March 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

 

The 333 Coffeehouse

Lea with Max Ochs &