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

Stephanie Meredith, Sunday Assistant/DRE Assistant

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

Next News Deadline: midnight, 12/6/2006

Next Mailing: 12/13/06

Volume 49, Issue 22

November 28, 2006

R.E. flections

"Honoring the Many Gifts We Bring" was the theme for the Liberal Religious Educators' Association (LREDA) Fall Conference which I attended last month.  The title echoed the vision statement of LREDA's "Integrity Team" who planned that conference.  The Team's vision for LREDA is: "an inclusive organization that is intentionally willing to struggle to dismantle legal and social barriers to equal association, act with integrity, and honor the many gifts we bring."

The keynote speaker, the Rev. William Jones, was part of a generation of African-American UU ministers who, after they graduated from seminary in the 1950s and 60s, were never given the opportunity to serve a congregation of their own.  It was a painful experience, in a troubled period for Unitarian Universalism, in the context of the American Civil Rights movement.  The issues were never really addressed or resolved.  So when the Rev. Bill Jones talks about diversity, pluralism and oppression in our churches, he draws from personal experience followed by many years of reflection.  In spite of the disappointment he undoubtedly felt, he chose to remain a Unitarian Universalist and to become an agent for change.  He points out however that change alone is not enough.  For example, he says, if the left tire on your car is flat, and you switch it with the tire on the right side, it IS a change - but it doesn't do much good.  His point is that, wh en it comes to oppression, there are only two choices: to correct or to conserve.  We all face a "Y" in the road - either take action to correct oppression, or keep quiet and preserve and protect it.  I can't imagine that, as UUs, we would deliberately choose the latter option.

Oppression can take many subtle forms, it is not always obvious.  But covering a festering wound does not cure it.  Here at UUCA I am grateful for the leadership of the Anti-Racism Transformation Team, as they guide us in the arduous work of identifying, facing and eventually dismantling oppression within our own institution.  Let us keep our ears, minds and hearts open to their message and honor the gifts each of us brings to this congregation.

Fran

Upcoming Sermons

December 3

Where is Our Holy Church?

Amber Beland

Who are we and where are we going? As we come together this day to vote on the future of our next church year through the budget for 2007 Join our Assistant Minister in thinking about our faith and how we live it out in community.

December 3

Annual Budget

Meeting

At 11: 00a.m. in the Sanctuary the Board of Trustees will present the 2007 Proposed Budget all Members are encourage to attend. We will not have a second service as to encourage your attendance at this very important

congregational event.

Dec. 10

Music Sunday

“Welcome A Child”

The UUCA Choir will present the “Magnificat” by Antonio Vivaldi as the major work on our December Christmas Music service. The choir and Solo ensembles will be accompanied by strings, flutes, and keyboard. Also included in the service will be music from Finland (The Piae Cantiones of 1580), and selections by the Women’s Ensemble. Welcome in the Holidays season with this variety of music and texts.

Dec. 17

THE SYMBOLS OF

DECEMBER

The Intergenerational Services on Sunday, December 17 will explore the various symbols which are woven into the celebrations of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and the winter solstice with the sharing of songs and stories.  Special music will be provided by the Intergenerational Choir directed by Lynn Rose.  The entire family is invited to attend!

Dec 24

Christmas Eve

“Have Yourself A merry UU Christmas”

One Service @ 9 a.m.

There are some who believe that Unitarians and Universalists saved Christmas. This Christmas Eve morning, join Fred Muir as he exposes the truth of this legend!

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

For all that is Our Life

The cycles of the seasons can remind us of the ongoing changes that are always happening in our own lives. Chronological age is only that. The rich warmth of religious community can nurture our continued change and growth no matter how grey our hair or tender our years.

The following poem came to me the other day…

Seasons of Leaves

The leaves fall quietly in mid-summer.

Small green things drifting down

To rest thoughtfully

On the grass,

a soft butterfly kiss f possibility.

Autumn is a different matter.

Brilliant and wild,

The leaf birds fly in the wind.

Impatient with change,

Bright messengers,

“Now! Today! Don’t Wait!”

They cry.

Brittle and brown the winter way.

Crunchy underfoot,

Crowding the garden pathways,

Floating on the icy edges.

Do not forget me.

Forget them.

They are gone.

Until the tight green buds

Spring forth again

Fed by seasons past.

Theresa Novak, Intern Minister

Annual Finance Meeting Scheduled for Dec. 3.

Notice – Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006 11:00 a.m. ( No second service)

The UUCA Board of Trustees hereby gives notice to the Congregation that the Annual Budget Meeting will be held on Sunday December 3, 2006 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 Budget 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

The Gift That Gives

For those on your gift list who are hard to please, we have the perfect Christmas gift. Tree ornaments with the lighthouses of the Chesapeake Bay are again available from the Light House Shelter for a donation of 20 dollars. (All proceeds from the sale of these goes to support the work of the Shelter.) This year’s ornament features the Sandy Point Light; a few from last year with the Thomas Point Light are also available. You may purchase ornaments from Al or Jacque Pulsifer, 410-626-1163 or ajpulsifer@verizon.net. We will be available between services on December 10 and 17.

Holiday Intergenerational Services

Sunday, December 3 is the last chance to sign up! Look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex – we are recruiting participants 5 years old and up for a variety of non-speaking parts. One mandatory rehearsal on Saturday, December 16, 9-11:30 AM. Contact Fran Ateto (410-266-8044 x101).

Introducing Second Sunday Potlucks

Mark your calendar now for Saturday January the 13th from 4-7pm in the Sanctuary.

Join your fellow UUCA members & friends (of all ages) for an InterGenerational Celebration of Fun, Food & Fellowship.

Bring a Covered Dish and an Open Heart!

We will mix & meet to laugh & eat from 4-7pm on the Second Saturday of January 2007 (Second Sundays beginning in February).

For more information or to volunteer please contact:  Teresa@uuhe.org or Lisa@uuhe.org.

To register please go to: http://public.serviceu.com/registration/default.asp?OrgID=2929&EventID=2571359&OccID=75282037

Second Sundays are brought to you by UUCA's own Unitarian Universalist Home Educators group.

UUCA Outdoor Club

Saturday, December 2 9:00am-3:00pm Walk in Ellicott City Historic District. Meet at the church at 9:00am to carpool. We will eat lunch at a local restaurant .UUCA Outdoor Club is open to all members and friends of UUCA who wish to enjoy the fellowship of UUs 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

UUCA Book Club

Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the church library.

In December there will be no meeting. Our book selection for January 16 is American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin. This award-winning biography of Oppenheimer, known as “the father of the atomic bomb.”

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

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

PASTORAL CARE TEAM NEWS

UUCA PASTORAL CARE TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

During the month of October Team Care Providers:

Made five visits to UU’s at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Helped a family in need with a household task

Provided transportation for various members on 3 occasions

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

Mailed two cards from the Care Corner

On October 29, we had an ingathering of Care Providers with approximately 25 in attendance. It was a nice opportunity to meet one another, learn more about the pastoral care process and sharing helpful suggestions for performing the role of Care Provider.

We would like to welcome two new Care Ministers to the Pastoral Care Team. Marge Matthews and Jerri Kohler joined the Team in October. Jerri is developing a new aspect of our pastoral care program to benefit people with chronic or long-term needs. She is already working with two church families.

We also would like to express our thanks to Andrea Germain and Doris Hansen who are retiring from the Team. Andrea served as Care Minister for 2 years, Doris for 1-1/2 years. We are grateful for their dedication to our church community.

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

Care Minister Coordinators:

Susan Eckert (410) 266-8044 (weekdays)

Carol Friend

Kathy Hughes

Care Ministers:

Pat Fleeharty Jerri Kohler

Kathy Higdon Marge Matthews

Bill Hope

Calling All Pianist

Students studying piano are invited to share a holiday selection as part of the intergenerational Holiday Service on Sunday, Dec. 17. If interested please contact Betsy Jo Angebranndt at 301-464-0479.

Faith Development

Holiday Services

December 24

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service

There are three Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. At 5:00 p.m. is a family service: Families with younger children are encouraged to attend (it’s a bit shorter too). The services at 7:00 and 9:00 are a more traditional UU service with readings and music. All three services light candles. See you Christmas Eve!

December 31

New Year’s Eve

“Middles and

Muddles”

(One Service at 9 a.m.)

This time of the year we tend to focus on beginnings and endings, and sometimes forget that most of the changes of life are not as simple as turning the last page of a calendar

Religious exploration News

Worship for All Ages at 10:30 AM and F.L.A.M.E., the Religious Education program at 11 AM, will be on hiatus in December and early January to accommodate the many special events during the holiday season. Both programs will resume on January 14.

Pie Sale! Sunday, December 3 after the service in the narthex. The Coming of Age students will bake pies at the church well into the previous night, and you will be able to take home one of their delectable creations. Proceeds will help defray the COA trip to Boston. Thanks for your support!

Stone Soup: Sunday, December 10, 4:30-7:00 PM. Please remember to bring in the morning an unprepared, uncooked ingredient for the soup (see suggestions below*); if you only come in the afternoon for the event, canned or boxed ingredients would be best. You are also asked to bring an appetizer (names starting with M-Z) or a dessert (A-L names) for 12, and $2 per person or $5 per family – free for infants 2 and younger. There will be no infant care. We will make decorations for the Christmas tree, and enjoy caroling, soup and fellowship. Pick up a red flier in the Info Alcove for all the details.

* This year again, our chef will be Stan Robbins. He recommends the following ingredients for Stone Soup: whole raw chickens or chicken breasts with skin on; raw stewing beef; cabbage; onions; carrots; fresh herbs of any kind; turnips, rutabaga, squash or pumpkins of any sort; peppers (mild); potatoes; broccoli; green onions (scallions). If anyone cares to bring some fish or shrimp, clams etc. that would be nice too.

Won’t You Join a R.E. Team? The holidays are upon us, and before we know it, the new year will have arrived, and with it the beginning of the second Religious Exploration semester (January 7-April 29). To meet our goal of having four facilitators on each team, we need a few more adults, especially for Pre-K and K/Grade 1 at the 9 AM session. Facilitators rotate to cover about fifteen Sundays, so you won’t be working every week. Please contact Fran if you have questions (410-266-8044 x101 or dre@uuca-md.org). You do not have to have children enrolled in the R.E. program to participate.

Holiday Dates to Remember

December 3

9 am “Where is our Holy Church” Sunday Service

10-11am Coming of Age Pie Sale

11 am Congregational Budget Meeting

December 10

9 am and 11 am “Welcome a Child” Music Sunday

4:30 pm Stone Soup

December 17

9 am and 11 am “The Symbols of December” Holiday Service

(No Religious Exploration – only Nursery Care)

6-9 pm Yule Celebration – Winter Solstice

December 24

9 am “Have Yourself a Merry UU Christmas” Sunday Service

(No Religious Exploration or Nursery Care)

5 pm – Family Candlelight Service

7 pm and 9 pm – Traditional Candlelight Services

December 31

9 am “Middles and Muddles” Sunday Service

(No Religious Exploration – only Nursery Care)

No FLAME or All Age Worship (10:30 am) this month

The Office will be closed from Dec 25 – Jan 2

Resource Stewardship

Subject --- Fiscal Emergency

Our Church is approaching the end of the current year with a deficit.  At the end of October, expenditures exceeded income by $25,417.  This represents 4% of our annual budget, but I don’t believe I am being alarmist to call this an emergency, for two reasons: (1) UUCA has depleted its reserve funds and (2) this deficit threatens our plans for 2007.  Responding to an emergency now means avoiding a crisis later.

            How did we get here?  UUCA has stretched and grown in its staff and programs to meet the needs, expectations, and vision of the congregation and larger community.  Funding has not kept pace.  For 2005, the congregation approved a budget with a $10,000 deficit; at mid-year, we cut that budget by $6,000.  Even so, we ended the year with a shortfall of several thousand dollars.  In 2006, we failed to budget over $7,000 for our Assistant Minister’s pension* and $3,000 for new accounting software – both mandatory expenses.  We also modestly overspent on our Coffee Hour, 50^th Anniversary celebration, and other costs.  And member contributions have lagged $12,000 below what was pledged and budgeted as has fundraising income to which the congregation committed itself.   The Management Team and others have been frugal in other expen