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, Summer Minister

Susan Eckert, Members Services Coordinator

Lori Frederick Office/DRE  Assistant

vacant, Coffee Server

 

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

Next News Deadline: midnight, 08/01/2007

Next Mailing: 08/14/2007

Volume 50, Issue 14

July 24, 2007

 

 

 

DIGNITY PLAYERS TO PRODUCE PROVOCATiVE DRAMA, PERMANENT COLLECTION

 

Because of the important anti-racism message in their next production, UUCA’s Dignity Players will partner with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Fund Committee to help promote their next production Permanent Collection to the African-American community.  In addition, the UUCA Anti-Racism Transformation Team (ARTT) will conduct audience discussions following the performances of Aug. 4 and 11. 

Written by playwright Thomas Gibbons, and directed by Terry Averill, Dignity Players will present seven afternoon and evening performances of the play during the first two weekends in August.  According to Los Angeles Times theater critic, Kathleen Foley, “Gibbons’ intellectually charged drama is a beautifully balanced dialectic that treats a complicated and emotional issue without cheap conclusions . . .”

Loosely based on an actual controversy at Philadelphia’s famous Barnes Foundation when it faced charges of racism while under the leadership of a black director, the play examines heated racial controversy instigated by insensitive comments.  In the play, the marketing director, African-American Sterling North clashes with art historian Paul Barrow about the director’s desire to display some of the museum’s previously unexhibited collection of African art.  While the dispute between North and Barrow begins with art, the dispute soon demonstrates unspoken resentments between the two.

Permanent Collection will be performed Aug. 3 at 8:00 pm, Aug. 4 at 2:00 pm, Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 9, 10 and 11 at 8:00 pm, Aug. 12 at 2:00 pm.   Ticket prices are $20 for Friday and Saturday evenings; Thursday and Sunday evenings, $15; Saturday and Sunday matinees, $10.  Senior Citizens and Students receive a $5.00 discount off any performance.

 

 

 

UUCA will Return to 2 Services Beginning Sunday,  September 16 with Services at 9 & 11

 

Town Hall Meeting

Sunday, August 5th

11:20 A.M

Meeting in the Sanctuary

On the first Sunday of each month, UUCA’s Board of Trustees holds an open Town Hall meeting so the congregation – you – have an open forum to talk with the board.  In every meeting, we look at one part of the church’s Governing Policy and discuss what that policy means, what it should mean and how we can shape the vision of the church.  All are invited to attend and share their views.  Members of the Board of Trustees will be facilitating the meeting and will bring your views to the next board meeting as we review the church policy.  This is a great way to make sure your opinions are heard as we work together to plan a vision for our beloved community.

The topic for August is Stewardship.  We will be looking at the current policy and discussing what our vision of stewardship is for our church.  With the current discussion about church growth and development, this is sure to be a lively and important discussion.

We will meet in the sanctuary after service on August 5th, and from there move to the Angebranndt Room for brunch and discussion.

 

 

1st Sunday Outreach Collection

 

 

On Sunday, August 5, the Sunday offertory will be shared with the Unitarian Universalist Affordable Housing Corporation (UUAHC).

The UUAHC is a community development loan fund that brings together socially responsible investments to finance affordable housing in the Washington D.C./Baltimore region.  Since 1989, UUAHC has

Financed the creation or preservation of 3,800 units of housing

Created 42 child care spaces

Provided $16 million in financing

Most of the loans go to non-profit developers who serve a remarkable array of communities, families and individuals.  Some provide affordable housing for entry-level workers who would otherwise not be able to live in the communities they serve. Others offer transitional housing to families recovering from homelessness or addiction, or those suffering from AIDS or mental illness.

Check out their website at www.uuahc.org—you may even want to volunteer to work on their Second Saturday projects rehabilitating homes and apartments!

 

 

              

Upcoming Sermons

 

July 29 

Islam, a Faith of      Liberation

Theresa Novak

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. This is not necessarily a cause for fear and consternation.  We will look at the influence of Islam in African American history to learn some of the reasons why. 

 

August 5 

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Theresa Novak

When we reject the concept of original sin and embrace the inherent worth and dignity of all, it is important to remember just who and what we are as humans, living in an imperfect and glorious world.

 

August 12

TGIF

Theresa Novak

 Thank God it’s Friday.  Time flies when you are having fun, but it is not always helpful to live only in the moment. 

 

August 19

Etched into my Heart

Theresa Novak

This will be Theresa Novak’s last sermon here at UUCA before she leaves for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, Utah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

 

R.E. flections

 

For the past three years, General Assembly for me has meant “LREDA” – the Liberal Religious Educators’ Association, a continental professional organization where I served as Trustee in charge of GA events.  Originally my role was to make arrangements for one workshop, a luncheon and a membership meeting, to coordinate with the committee planning the annual Sophia Fahs Lecture, and to run the LREDA booth in the exhibit hall.  Two years ago a Professional Day was added to my responsibilities, and I also had to set up  a worship service, a keynote address, four workshops and two more meals.  The workload had increased tremendously, and there were additional late evenings sending e-mails or reading reports in preparation for meetings.

Now that my term has ended - and I have time to think about it - I have no regrets about saying “yes!”  While it has been a lot of work, the rewards  have been many: interacting with the most wonderful, dedicated and supportive colleagues, learning a lot, connecting with a variety of people, feeling appreciated, and giving back to an organization which has done so much for religious education and religious educators. ..

Volunteering for LREDA often limited the choice and number of events I could attend at GA in the past few years.  The Fahs Lecture was always a priority though, and this year’s speaker, Dr. William Doherty, was most inspiring.  In his address, titled “Home Grown Religion,” he stressed how crucial it is for families to take initiative and leadership as citizens of their religious communities.  He talked about the Family Chalice Project which he started at First Universalist Church in Minneapolis, an effort to connect home and church through rituals and conversations.  The lecture was followed by a reception for UU professionals, an opportunity for us to engage directly in a conversation with Dr. Doherty on the theme of “Faith Development in a Too Much of Everything World.”  What I remember best is a catchy phrase that I plan to keep repeating: professionals must be “on tap, not on top” he said; they are only resources and catalysts, and families “must be engaged as co-producers of initiatives (…) not just a clients or consumers of services.”

I was so impressed with Dr. Doherty’s ideas (and his great sense of humor in the delivery) that I purchased the recording of the Fahs Lecture.  If you’d like to listen to it, you certainly are welcome to borrow it.

Fran

 

 

Who Am I?

The first African-American graduate of Meadville Theological School (1906), our Unitarian seminary, which has since become Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago–affiliated with both the University of Chicago and the Unitarian Universalist Association.

 

UUCA New Website to be Launched September 1

On September 1, UUCA will launch its new website.  We are asking all programs of the church to update and submit their information no later then August 15, 2007.  Please send all updates to Christol Medley, Church Administrator at  admin@uuca-md.org. All changes will be reviewed and approved by the management team before they are uploaded to the new site.

We are currently looking for pictures that reflect the rich history and culture of UUCA, these pictures will be used on our new site. If you have pictures that you would like to share please send them to Christol Medley via e-mail  to admin@uuca-md.org Hard copies and storage devices can be mailed  or dropped off at  the church.

If you have a new program and would like to have a page on the website  please submit your information to Christol Medley, Church Administrator, admin@uuca-md.org pictures and graphics are welcomed.

 

 

 

UUCA Book Club

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

For August 21 we have selected East of Eden by John Steinbeck. This classic novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families in California’s Salinas Valley.

Our choice for September 18 is Losing the Race by John McWhorter. The author -- who is black -- argues that blacks lag not not so much as a result of white prejudice but because of their own counterproductive beliefs.

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

 

 

Youth Coordinator for Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church

Approx. 5 hours/week, September -June

The Youth Coordinator provides support to the Director of Religious Exploration for Children and Youth in creating, supporting and maintaining a vital, balanced program of Youth Ministry at Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church for High School and Middle School Youth groups.  Responsibilities include attendance of monthly Sunday morning meetings, information gathering (via internet) on opportunities for youth involvement,  and communications with D.R.E., Youth Advisors, Youth and parents via email lists, list serves and phone calls. Occasional attendance at youth conferences, events, overnights and additional meetings may also be required.

Qualifications:

Age 25 or older; familiarity with/interest in Youth Ministry; strong written, electronic, and verbal communications skills; and the ability to work both independently from home and in collaboration with church staff, volunteers, and youth group members.

If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to:

Carla Miller, Director of Religious Exploration

Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church

3215 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD 20783-1096

wk: 301-937-3666  hm: 301-725-5545

 

 

 

For All That Is Our Life

 

Theresa Novak, Summer Minister

It is summertime, and the living is easy.  The warm days stretch endlessly and twilight lasts for hours.  There is not a care in the world; all is soft and gentle, wrapped in the warm breath of the sun.    Fantasyland that is, perhaps, but it is good live in a dream sometimes, to forget all the things that worry us, all the things that need to be done.  It is good to just be lazy for a time. Sip some iced tea, have a slice of melon, and watch the grass grow.

Most of us don’t really have summers full of days like that, and many of us never did.  Summertime for farmers, migrant workers, construction workers, truckers, shopkeepers, and restaurant employees can be the season of long days and hard work.  You earn overtime if you are lucky and maybe enough money to tide you over the leaner times, the cold times.  Even if you are an office worker, you might have to scramble in the summer, backing up coworkers who are on vacation or catching up on all the work that did not get done while you yourself were away.

 Summer seems to move slower, though, even if one is busier. The heat and humidity here create part of that sensation.  Doing hard work in the hot sun, you have to stop and drink water.  The body just refuses to race; if you move more slowly, you stay cooler. 

Some folks are on vacation, at least part of the time.  School is out.  Summer can also be a waiting time, a between time for many of us.  And, like any time, it can be a good time for reflection.  What is important?  What is worth doing on this hot day?  Where would I rather be?  Who do I want to be with?  Why am I here?  What difference does it make?

We each will have our own answers to those questions, and more questions than answers.

 Whether you are mowing the grass or just watching it grow, try to spend some time in reflection this summer.  Share your questions and your answers with a friend.  Share some iced tea or cold water too.  Blessings to all of you, and may the rest of summer be sweet.

 

 

 

PASTORAL CARE TEAM NEWS

6TH Annual Wellness Day for Caregivers

Sponsored by Anne Arundel County

Department of Aging & Disabilities

Family Caregiver Support Program

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Annapolis Senior Activity Center

A special day for caregivers to get away, learn to care for themselves and be pampered –

and it’s free!

Free Adult Day Care and Transportation Services

by reservation only

Registration deadline: August 24, 2007.

For additional information contact the

National Family Caregiver Support Program

410-2666-4465; www.aacounty.org/Aging

 

Security Alert

 

For the safety of our members, friends and  outside users of the building we ask all users to observe the following rules:

            1.         Do not prop open the door, ask group members to arrive within 15 minutes of the start of your scheduled meeting or to contact                       group leaders in advance of the meeting if they will be arriving late.

            2.         Do not share your key code with other members of your group. All group leaders needing access to the building have been                               assigned a key code. If a problem arises the owner of the code will be asked to provide details about the date in question.

            3.         If your group is planning a large public event please contact Christol Medley, Church Administrator to make arrangements for               the doors to be deactivated and reactivated for your event.

            4.         The sanctuary is not energy  efficient and requires us all to work together to keep costs down. The thermostat has been set for                    us to be comfortable (occasionally there’s an error).  Please do not reset or place the thermostat on hold.

            5.         Please close and lock all windows and fire exit doors at the end of your scheduled event.

 

 

Amber’s Program Ministry

 

Amber’s primary duties as Assistant Minister are to help manage and oversee the many programs that are part of the mission at the UUCA. Since many members only see her on the occasional Sunday when she preaches, some may not understand her full involvement in fulfilling her primary contractual duties. The details of her many activities are much too numerous to mention here. This past year she has been highly involved in the following program areas.

          •       Oversee Lifespan Faith Development (including Pathwork and Adult RE program)

          •       Young Adult and Campus Ministry

          •       Leadership, support and guidance to Covenant   Groups

          •       Sunday morning worship responsibilities

          •       Pastoral care for church members

          •       Help plan for and assist with Passage-of-life       services

          •       Work as one of the members of the UUCA

                   management team

          •       Work to help renew the Welcoming

                   Congregation Covenant

          •       Serve on the Anti-Racist Transformation Team

          •       Be active on the District JPD

                   Baltimore/Washington Growth Committee

All UU churches must evaluate Ministers each year during their first 3 years. This is a formal probationary period before receiving Final Fellowship. The committee that helps provide input to the UUA in Boston is your local COPMAM (Committee on Professional Ministry for the Assistant Minister). This committee meets monthly to receive and evaluate monthly activity reports from Amber, and to prepare part of her annual evaluation.  This complements evaluations by the Senior Minister and her Self-Evaluation. Coffee with Amber meetings are being scheduled monthly after a worship service on Sundays to give everyone a better chance to get to know about Amber and her activities.  Congregational input on job performance is encouraged throughout the year. Her second annual written evaluation is submitted in August. Current COPMAM committee  members are Alan Adams, Stephanie Alig, Lisa Combs, Bob Ertman, Scott Gledhill, Henry Ledbetter and Gwen Schindler.

 

 

 

 

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

 

Welcome New Members

We would like to welcome our newest member, Winfield (Win) M. Decker, who signed the Membership Book on July 15.  It’s good to have you with us!

 

 

 

Are You New to UUCA?

Please join us for these opportunities to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the UU Church of Annapolis.  The New UU – Sunday, July 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. covers UU theology, UU history and the UU Church of Annapolis.  Anyone thinking of becoming a member of the congregation is strongly encouraged to attend the New UU class.  The “Newcomer Talk & Tour”– Sunday, August 26, after the morning celebration, provides an introduction to the programs and activities of the church as well as how to find your way around the buildings and grounds.  Please contact Susan Eckert for further information or to request childcare 410-266-8044, x110.

 

JOIN THE CHOIR

The UUCA Choir will be resuming our fall schedule of rehearsals on Wednesday, September 5.  On that evening we will have a pot luck supper for old and prospective new members at 6:30 PM followed by a rehearsal at 7:30.
     The Choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings and sings for Sunday morning services, usually every other week.  We also present at least two all music services each season.  In addition, this past April we offered a Cabaret show of Broadway hits highlighting the varied talents of our members.
     Music reading skills are not necessary but members should be able to carry a tune and hold their vocal part.  Our repertoire covers a wide variety of styles and musical traditions from pre-Bach to contemporary.  All ages and all voice parts are welcome!!  For more information talk with and Choir member or, better yet, come give us a try!!!

     Betsy Jo Angebranndt, Choir Director  410-224-0335

 

 

Coffee Server Needed

Do you know someone who would be interested in providing Sunday morning coffee service? Responsibilities includes making large quantities of coffee, ordering supplies and cleaning the coffee area after use. Applicant must have strong organizational skills, good time management and be able to work with little supervision. Pays $50 per Sunday. Must be able to start in August. If interested please contact Christol Medley at 410-266-8044 ext 102.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Development

 

Religious Exploration News

The Summer Religious

Exploration Program Continues!

Every Sunday 10:00 AM-11:15 AM through September 2

 

Nursery for children 2-4 years old and younger: children may be left in the Nursery at 10 AM and picked up by 11:15 AM.

 

Picture Book World Religions , a multi-age program for 3-4 to 10-year olds.  Children sit with their family in the sanctuary for the first part of the service, then go to the R.E. sanctuary downstairs.  Parents are asked to pick up their children by 11:15 AM.  All sessions will be led by Katie Michaelson or Anne Scholle, Children’s Program Facilitators, assisted by adult volunteers.

 

July 29: Tenzin’s Deer – The Tibetan tale teaches us to listen to our intuition and be courageous in the face of loss. Led by Anne Scholle. Assistants: Diane/Howard Bedlin and Jennifer Senko.

 

August 5: The Brave Little Parrot – a retelling of a traditional tale from India. Led by Katie Michaelson. Assistants: Lisa Combs and Patricia Wagner.

 

Tweens (for 11 to 13-year-olds) will meet for a program on August 5 entitled “Where in the Universe Are You?”  with Craig Lindberg, Alexis Langsner and John Balano. Draw universal geometric shapes and learn about universal symbols while exploring the diversity of life on Earth, and the uniqueness of human beings in the midst of it all. On August 19 there will be an afternoon-long Middle School Cluster Event.

 

YRUU (for youth in high school) will meet most Sundays; a special activity is planned for August 19.  Contacts: Phoenix Geimer (410-562-3520) or Kristina Korona (410-990-1625).

 

 

 

Coordinator of Religious Education for Goodloe Memorial UU Congregation

On behalf of Goodloe Memerial Unitarian Universalist Congregation. We are currently looking for a part-time Coordinator od religious education (CoRE). The CoRE position would be for 15 hours per week for 44 weeks out of the year with 4 weeks unpaid leave in July and another 4 weeks unpaid leave scattered from September to June by mutual agreement. If a fully qualified person is not available, we will consider other possibilities, such as a CoRE trainee who would work the hours indicated while being coached a few hours per week by an experienced consultant that we would provide. Salary will be consistent with UUA guidelines and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please submit resume to Janet Beebe, Chair, CoRE Search Committee, 1540C Pointer Ridge Place, Bowie MD, 20716 or e-mail to Janethorse13@yahoo.com

 

 

 

Social Justice  & Outreach

First Sunday Outreach Collection

In our last newsletter we reported on the income collected from each First Sunday offertory that was shared with the various programs and organizations that we formerly supported as a line item in the budget.  The Outreach Collection Committee is now ready to take your applications for a program or organization that you want to benefit from this support.  You will be asked the following:

 

1. Describe the purpose and expected results of the program/project.

2. Describe how the program/project will be implemented.

3. How does the program/project support or promote UU Principles & Purposes?

4. How many people are impacted by the program/project?

5. Who are the primary beneficiaries of the program/project?

6. What geographic area is being served?

7. Which members of UUCA are involved in this program/project?

 

To get an application, please email Diane Goforth (DSGoforth@aol.com), committee chair, or call her (410-544-2244) and she’ll mail you one.  The Committee (Sydnia Jacobs, Carrie Kotcho, and Peter Crilly) will review all the applications and schedule them for the coming year.

 

Arts in the Woods

Gallery at 333:

Members & Friends of UUCA

July- August

 

Permanent Collection

August 3, 9, 10, 11 at 8:00pm
August 4 and 12 at 2:00pm
August 5 at 7:30pm

 

 

The 333 Coffeehouse
Scurvy Crew

Friday Aug 17, 2007 at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

 

 

Gallery at 333

Nancy Ostroff,

watercolors, oils,

pastels, acrylics

September-October

 

 

The 333 Coffeehouse
Gina Holsopple & Christina Muir

Friday Sep 21, 2007 at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

 

 

Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde

October 5, 11, 12, 13 at 8:00pm
October 6 and 14 at 2:00pm
October 7 at 7:30pm

 

 

Rachel Gawell, cello

Peabody Conservatory

 Young Soloist

Sunday, October 21 at 3:00pm

 

 

&n