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, 04/16/2008

Next Mailing: 04/22/2007

Volume 51, Issue 7

April 8, 2008

 

 

 

 

Welcome New Board of Trustees Members

Peter Lamb, president

Robert Ertman, Vice President

Dick Roop, Finance Officer

Debbie Cole, Secretary

Richard Avila, Nominating Chair

Pat Simon, Trustee

Lisa Combs, Trustee

Marlene Browne, Trustee

 

 

 

 

The Congregation of All Souls

Church, Unitarian

warmly invites you to celebrate

with us as we ordain

JOYCE M. PALMER

Sunday, May 4, 2008, at 4:00 p.m.

A celebratory reception

will follow the service

All are welcome

Please RSVP

to jmpordination@gmail.com or

202‐544‐0639

Childcare will be provided

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

Upcoming Sermons

 

 

 

 

 

April 13

Music Sunday

 

The UUCA Choir will perform Schubert's Mass in G and selections from his German Mass in F, accompanied by a string quartet.

 

April 20

“Life Shaped By

Nature”

Peter Bergstrom, Debbie Cole &

Fred Muir

This Sunday’s service is planned by UUCA’s Green Sanctuary Committee and is in recognition of Earth Day (April 22).  Join us as to celebrate the commitment we have made to be a Green Sanctuary!

 

 

April 27

Eric Kaminetzky,

Intern Minister

 

 

May 4

All in Good Time

Rev. Amber Beland,

Assistant Minister for Life-Span faith  Development

In this busy and ever changing world of ours where information and opportunities come at us fast and furious how do we begin to focus our energy and our commitment.  As a church community, we get the chance to step out of the world and together create something of an alternative.  What might we accomplish if we say no to some of the norms that others follow and instead challenge them?  Come dream of what our beloved community might look like.

 

 

 

 

 

May 11

Rev. Fred Muir

Senior Minister

 

 

 

 

 

May 18

Ministry Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

ALL-CHURCH RETREAT – Last Chance!!!

Sunday, April 13th is the last day to register for the All-Church Retreat  to be held April 25-27, 2008 at the Hashawha Environmental Center in Westminster, MD.   Don’t be left out!!  The EGGciting  Challenge, s’mores and singing around the campfire just won’t be the same without you.  The nature walks and deepening sense of community are also not to be missed.   You can join us after work on Friday and stay to enjoy yourself until noon on Sunday.   Cost: Adults (13+) $60; Child (5-12) $55.  For more information contact Debbie Cole (debcole.email@yahoo.com; 410-969-7986) or Lisa Combs (lisacombs@verizon.net; 410-267-6987) REGISTER ON-LINE at  www.uuca-md.org   scroll down to the lower right hand side of the home page and click on ‘Registration’ under NEW FEATURE.

 

 

 

UU Singles News

UU Singles of Howard County invites all single people to join our activities.  Events include monthly potluck socials, movie nights, dinners out and attending happenings at other area UU churches.  For an email newsletter, contact Lindsay at   strohlin@verizon.net.

 

Keeping the Faith

Our lives are shaped and given direction in a myriad of ways.  One of the most simple of ways can also be the most difficult: To listen – just to listen to someone, maybe someone you don’t know very well, as they tell you about you. In the last month, I’ve had three opportunities to listen.

You may know that the church’s staff went to the UUA’s Large Church Conference (large is at least 550 members).  Professionals and laity gathered in Louisville for three days.  One of the exercises we did was this: Pick an issue you really want to work on in your congregation; what is your desired outcome; and who will you need to succeed.  Then we had to pick 2-3 others, not from our church, to present to and then to listen to them as they said what they heard us say.  Their comments were insightful and revealing.

Then last week we had a visitor to UUCA.  From Thursday to Saturday the UU minister from Des Moines, Iowa was here.  The congregation he serves is about where we were 10 years ago and he wanted to know what he might learn from us since we’d already been through the transition his congregation is about to experience.  Of course, I was eager to share my wisdom!  What I hadn’t anticipated was the feedback he gave me after speaking with two other staff members and attending a couple of church committee meetings.  I listened and appreciated his insights.

Finally, I participate in a monthly Annapolis interfaith group: Christian, Muslim, Catholic, and Baha’i are among those represented so far (it’s still growing).  At our first gathering, the group decided that at each meeting we would hear from two clergy persons as they introduced their faith community to the group (in 20 minutes!).  Last week it was my turn.  I think my presentation went well.  After I finished, I listened to questions, responses, and comments.  There was nothing antagonistic or facetious said; it was wonderful to hear what I said (they listened very well) repeated back to me through the lens of another faith.  It was a great (and humbling) opportunity and a chance to learn.

And what about you?  Have you recently had the opportunity to listen – to listen as someone (maybe someone you don’t know so well) told you what they heard you say?  If not, give it a try.  This is one of the ways our living is deepened and made more meaningful.

See you soon and keep the faith,               

   Fred

*Virgina Church seeks Applicants for Membership Coordinator*

 

     Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church is seeking to hire a membership coordinator to facilitate growth in this liberal congregation in Burke, Va. An outgoing, organized, motivated person is wanted to help Accotink welcome newcomers, integrate new members into the church community, and help to coordinate the work of volunteers. This person will consult with church committees and the minister. This is a year-round paid position at $15 per hour. Hours will include three Sundays a month and some evenings. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and respect for confidentiality are essential. Knowledge and background in Unitarian Universalism is preferred. Please e-mail resumes to:

auucmembership@yahoo.com, attention: Membership Coordinator Search Task Force. Applications will be accepted through April 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UUCA’s Pastoral Care Team presents:

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Luncheon: 12 Noon—1:00 p.m.

Seminar: 1:00—3:00 p.m.

 

Issues of Interest to Elders

For Successful Aging

Presented by Mary C. Fridley, RN, BSN, BC

Mary will cover a number of topics and issues of interest to elders including:

Advance Directives for Health Care

Durable Powers of Attorney

Do Not Resuscitate Orders

Wills

Resources and Services

Emotional Health in Later Years

 

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.

 

Join us and bring your friends. The program is free and lunch

 will be provided.  Advance sign-up is required to attend the luncheon

OR come just for the seminar from 1—3 p.m.

.

  Contact Susan Eckert: 410-266-8044, Ext. 110; membership@uuca-md.org

OR Sign-up after each Service in the Narthex at the Care Corner

 

♥This program is made possible by a generous grant from the

 Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis Endowment Fund.♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UUCA Book Club

 

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

 April 15 Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

May 20 Water for Elephants   Sara Gruen

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

All are welcome to join us

 

 

 

 

 

UUCA OUTDOOR CLUB 

Join us on a bike ride Saturday, April 26.  We will meet at FUUCA at 9:30, drive over the Bay Bridge, and then bike the new (2006) Kent Island South Trail (12 miles r/t). We will stop for lunch at Kentmoor Restaurant. There will be an optional 10 mile ride on the old Kent Island trail to Kent Narrows after lunch. For more information or to sign up, please contact Caroline Hadley or Ken Apfel at 410-849-2608 or chadley11@comcast.net.

 

 

 

 

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

 

First Sunday Outreach Collection

On Sunday April 6, 2008, we collected $ 1,168. to be  shared with the County’s Family Support Centers and Early Head Start Program.

Thank You for your generosity.

 

 

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 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– Tuesday, May 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, June 7, 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.

SPRING  BOOK SWAP

One Day Only – Sunday, April 13.  Bring your unwanted books, videos, CDs, DVDs to the church on Sunday morning, April 13.  After each service you can browse through the books and music and take a new supply home with you.  FREE.  Please do not bring books before April 13 due to lack of storage space.  Leftover books will be donated to a local charity.  On Sunday morning, volunteers are welcome to help setup, organize, take down.

 (Rain Date – Sunday, April 30)  For more information, contact Eloise Hoyt at ehoyt@toadmail.com

 

Plant Sale Time Again

Its time to start potting up your extra perennials and shurbs for the Plant Sale on Sunday, April 20th.  If you need pots please contact Ginny Klocko (Phone: 410/757-2820; e-mail: bgklocko@verizon.net). We especially need shade-loving plants and native plants but will accept anything except orange daylilies.  Please bring your plants in pots and label them by name and by shade- or sun-loving. Bring you plants to the church starting at 8:00 AM.  The sale will start at 8:30 and end at 12:30.  We will have master gardners available to help you select the right for your yard and provide instructions for building a rain garden.  We are a Green Sanctuary and encourage water conservation and the use of native plants.

Hanging baskets will also be on sale.  If you wish to order a basket ahead of time, please call Martha Wilder.  Hanging baskets will range in price form $22 to $25.

We look forward to another great sale and to seeing you there.

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Development

R.e. news

Sign Up Continues for the Passover Seder! Our 20th Annual Seder will be held on Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited and sign up is required. Look for the Seder table in the Narthex after each service on April 13. You’ll be asked to pay, choose one of the traditional recipes, and volunteer to help in some way. Adults $8; Children 5-12 $4; Children under 5 free. As a Green Sanctuary congregation, we encourage participants to “adopt a table” (bring their own dishes to set one table). Contact Rev. Amber Beland (assistant@uuca-md.org) for more information.

 

Web of the Woods 2008

 

DIRT!

Sundays, May 4 and May 11 from 9-10:15 AM at UUCA

Field Trip on Sunday, May 18 from 9 AM to Noon

 

Web of the Woods (WOW) is an intergenerational Religious Exploration program for celebrating the interconnected web of all existence of which we are a part.

Adults, youth, and children (3 and up), are welcome to participate. At least one parent of children ages 3 to 5 is required to participate in the same activity as the child. Activities are designed for a range of ages and interests.

You may either or both sessions at UUCA. Advance registration is not required for May 4 or 11, but pre-registration will help us plan. Email Susan Still at susan.still@comcast.net if you plan to join us, or sign up in the narthex. If you don’t manage to sign up, come anyway!

Registration is required to go on the May 18 field trip. Forms are available in the narthex.

Nursery and childcare are available at the church for younger children and for those who cannot participate

This year’s WOW theme — DIRT! — will combine exploring the science of soil and the fun of playing with dirt. Special guests this year will be a gang of garbage-eating red worms.

      { On Sunday, May 4: What is dirt?

      What is it made of? Why is it dirty? Who lives in it? Learn about a day in the life of a typical school-age worm. Enjoy a worm puppet show.

      { On Sunday, May 11: Dirt and garbage for dinner!

      Prepare a gourmet meal for worms. Prepare a “soil sundae” that humans can eat. Serve it to your parents. Learn about red worm composting.

      { On Sunday, May 18: Field Trip to Ivy Brand Organic Farm (9 AM-Noon)

Meet in the RE sanctuary at 9 AM to carpool; return to the same place at noon.  All participants are asked to register by May 11; parental permission form required for all under 18 years of age (walk-in registrations will be accepted if there is space in the carpools).

Please use form on the back of this flier.  Childcare will be available at the church for children who cannot attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Justice  & Outreach

 

 

Dignity Players Presents World Premiere Musical "Vanishing Point"

Author Agatha Christie, evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and aviator Amelia Earhart each disappeared during their lifetimes. "Vanishing Point," a musical comedy-fantasy having its world premiere here at UUCA, brings these three women together on a trip through time and space as they recall their past and explore their future. The Dignity Players production runs May 2-11. Tickets are $5-20, $5 for all students, and a special Pay-What-You-Can Preview on May 1. Call 410-266-8044, x127 for reservations.

 

A heartfelt Thank You

Thanks to all the generous people and covenant groups who brought in food to be delivered to the LightHouse Pantry during the month of March.  We delivered 90 bags of food.

 

***Thank You***

 

CHICO BAGS ARE BACK!!

 

We have gotten another order of ChicoBags in so look for more of the “earth” bags as well as assorted colors.  They are still only $5 and still the handiest way to bring your own bag.    They fold into their own attached carrying bag that can be clipped on a purse, a mirror, or just slid into a pocket.   ChicoBags make great earth friendly gifts as well as a wonderful way to live our UU values.    Come see the variety in the church office or, on Sunday, April 20th they will be part of their own table display in the Narthex with other items related to the Green Sanctuary service.   Come check them out!

 

 

 

 

YOUR HELP AGAIN NEEDED AT THE LIGHT HOUSE SHELTER

It is again time for UUCA members to put their office skills to work to help out the Light House Shelter. During the month of May, we provide the office staff for the Light House on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4pm (two shifts, 9am to noon and noon to 4pm). The work is easy and involves door keeping and answering the telephone. A short orientation session will be scheduled in late April. Please contact  Jacque or Al Pulsifer, ajpulsifer@verizon.net, to schedule a shift or if you have questions. UUCA and the Friends Meeting are committed to covering a total of 16 shifts, and we need 2 people per shift.

 

The NAACP Anne Arundel County Branch Education Committee is designing a program to support AACPS Students in their effort to pass the High School Assessments (http://www.aacps.org/testing/index.asp).  We need your support to build this community-based program.

Please volunteer to help or pass this on to someone willing to help.  Please contact Mikio Manuel NAACP Anne Arundel County Branch Education Committee at mikiom@gmail.com or 443-994-5471.