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

Joyce Palmer, Intern Minister

Susan Eckert, Members Services Coordinator

Lori Frederick, Office Assistant

Stephanie Meredith, Newsletter/DRE Assistant

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

Next News Deadline: midnight, 8/2/06

Next Mailing: 8/8/06

Volume 49, Issue 14

July 25, 2006

General Assembly Delegates Pass

Anti-Racism Resolution

"Resolved, that the Delegates to General Assembly are charged to work with their congregations to hold at least one program over the next year to address racism or classism, and to report on that program at next year's General Assembly."

The bylaws of the UUA

(http://www.uua.org/administration/bylaws.html#section4.16.) provide for responsive resolutions in response to a substantive portion of a report delivered at the GA either by an officer of the Association or a committee. The resolution above was moved and passed in response to reports presented by officers at the 2006 GA and the report of the Special Review Commission appointed by the UUA President and Moderator to review the events surrounding the 2005 General Assembly in Fort Worth, Texas (http://www.uua.org/TRUS/apr06/D2a-src.pdf). Both the relevant 2006 officers' reports and the Special Review Commission report concerned events at the General Assemblies that affected Unitarian Universalist communities of color, especially youth of color.

Some of our member congregations have done significant work on issues of racism, classism, and multiculturalism using resources provided by both the UUA and other sources of expertise. If your congregation has done such work, this resolution provides an opportunity to share your efforts and accomplishments with other congregations in your cluster or district so they can benefit from your experience. Resources and suggestions for programs provided by the UUA can be found at http://www.uua.org/actions/responsive/06racism/

This resolution was not on the GA agenda. It was written by a GA delegate, offered as a responsive resolution, and overwhelmingly supported by the delegates from over 600 UU congregations. I urge you to use this resolution as an opportunity to reflect on how your congregation is engaging with the issues of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism. When delegates representing our congregations gather at 2007 General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, we will have an opportunity to share our experiences in congregationally-based programs on issues of racism and classism.

As we approach the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we are reminded that racism and classism remain problems in our society that we, as people of faith, are called to address. Our experiences together in community show that we have much work to do to live our UU principles more fully.

In Faith,

Paul Rickter

UUA Secretary, Board of Trustees

Upcoming Sermons

July 30

“Prison Ministry/Restorative Justice”

Joyce Palmer

Joyce Palmer and UUCA members involved in prison ministry will share with you their experience, plans, and hopes for working with offenders and victims. What is our role as a faith community in healing the wounds which create and result from crime?

Aug 6

“Chasing Shadows”

Joyce Palmer

The text for the sermon is from the Hunter’s Allegory by Olive Schreiner. It’s the story of a lone hunter’s lifetime quest for Truth. We will explore what the hunter’s quest can teach us about our own spiritual journey. What pitfalls and blunders should we expect to encounter along the way and what resources may help us meet the challenge?

Aug 13

Joyce Palmer

Aug 20

“Roots and Wings”

Joyce Palmer

In a wonderful little book entitled Deeply Woven Roots, Gary Gunderson presents the strengths of the church. Come celebrate the strengths I have found in this congregation and some ideas about how strengths can help us soar into the future. This will be my final worship service as your Intern/Summer Minister.

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

With Head and Heart

What is it that the congregation has a right to expect of me that no one else can or likely will provide? I encountered this question during a recent class on church administration and church leadership. It’s a question that really gets my attention; I’m especially intrigued by the ideas contained in the phrase “has a right to expect”. What do we have a right to expect from our leadership and from one another? Church studies show that an absence of meaningful expectations of church leadership and members is an unfortunate fact today. In low expectation churches, members lose interest and distance themselves from the church because there are few opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute to the life of the church and surrounding community. In a tradition where we are often accused of having low expectations of membership I wonder how well we communicate our expectations of one another and how you, the members, receive those messages. In our church community newcomers and inquirers receive an orientation about their responsibilities and what they can expect from the congregation. You can find these listed and elaborated upon on the church website. The responsibilities of membership include: attending church regularly, working on your spiritual development, serving the church, making generous pledges, serving others, connecting to the wider UU movement, and honoring and celebrating diversity. The expectations of membership: support and comfort, opportunities for growth, tolerance and acceptance, religious education for children, and becoming part of a community. As you reflect on your own involvement in the life of this community, how are we doing in meeting your expectations and how are you doing in meeting your responsibilities as a member?

In the months to come, Susan Eckert, Membership Coordinator will meet with a small group of members to assess these questions and others regarding our community. Membership is also an area I will be working with closely in my new position as Director or Membership and Lay Ministry at All Souls Church, Unitarian in Washington, D.C. Developing and deepening participation in the life the community is work I am very excited about pursuing. May we find ways to commit to our faith in meaningful and creative ways.

Joyce

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

Don’t Miss the 2nd Annual Summer Blood drive

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 30th in a nifty BLOODMOBILE parked outside the Fahs House, next to the Unitarian Universalist Church located at 333 Dubois Road, just off Bestgate Road in Annapolis.  The zip is 21401.

If you want to check your eligibility to donate before signing up, it's easy.  Just click on to www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

When you come to donate blood, please bring a form of photo I.D. with you.  If you are a teen, your parent must sign all the paperwork in the proper spaces.  

If you are new to this, the actual donation takes 8 - 10 minutes; however, the entire process from registration to check-out and refreshment takes about an hour.

If you can't give blood for any reason, we still need your help.  We are grateful for volunteers who bring in baked goodies for the donors, other volunteers and Red Cross staff to nibble on throughout the long day; volunteers to "person" the front desk as greeters; and volunteers in the canteen or to write thank you notes.

Wendi Winters, 410.349.0945 - land line, or wendi@quantumstep.com

Elder Co-housing: A Natural Fit for UUs 55 and Over."

Attend a free informational talk on Elder Co-housing at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 9601 Cedar Lane in Bethesda, MD on Tuesday, August 1 from 10 am-12 noon. The talk will be followed by a complimentary lunch and informal discussion for all attendees. We will also offer an optional guided tour of two green built co-housing communities, Eastern Village Co-housing in Silver Spring, MD, and Takoma Village in Washington, DC. (The two communities are 15 minutes apart and people will be asked to drive their own cars. Carpooling is, of course, encouraged.)

At the August 1 talk at Cedar Lane, we will also be joined by Don Tucker, president of Eco Housing Corp. of Bethesda, MD. Don is an award-winning environmental architect and developer who specializes in affordable senior housing and developed the two co-housing communities mentioned above. He is part of our professional development team.

Space is limited so we ask that you RSVP to info@ElderCohousing.org or call us at (303) 413-8066. We look forward to hearing from you!

First Sunday Town Hall Meeting

UUCA’s Board of Trustees recognizes that there is no forum for members to raise issues outside of congregational meetings. Congregational meetings are for motions and notes, not for general discussions. On Sunday, August 6 we will have a Town Hall Meeting to be attended by board members and staff, and all interested church members. The topic to be reviewed at the upcoming Board Meeting will be announced, but this is an open forum for discussion of any issue. We plan to meet in the Angebranndt room starting at 11:30am. We hope this will be an effective means of communication.

UUCA Book Club

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

Our upcoming selections are as follows:

August 15 The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghessan Boyle

September 19 Out of the Flames by Lawrence & Nancy Goldstone.

If you have questions, please contact Jackie Rocca . All are welcome to join us!

Faith Development

Summer Religious Exploration Program

Every Sunday 10:00 AM-11:15 AM June 18 through September 3

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.

Keepers of the Earth , a multi-age program for 3-4 to 10-year olds. Children sit with their family for the first part of the service until they are sung out of the sanctuary to participate in activities downstairs. Parents are asked to pick up their children by 11:15 AM. All sessions will be led by Hallie Andrew or Katie Michaelson, Children’s Program Coordinators, assisted by adult volunteers.

July 30: The topic will be "Seasons", led by Katie Michaelson with assistants Melissa Nortman and Vincent/Melissa Odell.

August 6: The topic will be "Plants", led by Hallie Andrew with assistants Rob/Charlotte Wallace and Don/Sheri Price.

Tweens (for 11 to 13-year-olds): there are two special sessions remaining: August 13 and 27. For details, look for the bright yellow flier posted by the entrance door downstairs and in the Info Alcove. On other Sundays, Tweens are invited to attend the service with their family, or help out in the Children’s Program.

YRUU (for youth in high school) will meet most Sundays; special activities are planned for June 25, July 16 and August 6. Contacts: Phoenix or Winters Geimer (410-349-0945) or Kristina Korona (410-990-1625).

Social justice & Outreach

UUA Applauds Voting Rights Act Renewal

On July 21, 2006 The United States Senate acted to renew the Voting Rights Act of 1965. By a unanimous vote of 98-0, the Senate extended key provisions of the VRA, which was created to protect minority voting rights, and which has been called one of the most effective pieces of civil rights legislation in history. An identical version of the bill has already been approved by the House, and President Bush supported the legislation, so the Senate's vote marked the final hurdle. Reacting to the decision, UUA President William G. Sinkford wrote:

"As we rejoice in this victory for democracy, let us also take a moment to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who first fought for the passage of the Voting Rights Act forty years ago."

GREEN TIPS from Green Sanctuary

Natural Cleaning Products

So you’ve spent all morning scrubbing – the fridge, the tub, the toilet, the floors – everything’s sparkling. But why don’t you feel so good? Could it be the coughing, sneezing, choking, gasping, awful feeling of having breathed in toxic chemicals all day? Not to mention their lingering effects in your home and your environment? But you’ve got to clean, right?

Of course. But there’s another way – better, safer (for you and the planet), and (guess what!) cheaper, too. All you need to have on hand is a few basics: vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice will take care of most of your cleaning needs. A handful of other household staples, and you’re all set.

A few examples for you:

When your old ammonia glass cleaner spray bottle is empty, refill it with equal parts white vinegar and water (plus a few drops of essential oil, if you like). Use the same way as the old stuff.

Scrub kitchen surfaces with baking soda instead of those old abrasive cleaners. (Just rinse with water to remove residue.)

For the toilet bowl, use ½ cup baking soda, ¼ cup white vinegar (and a few drops of essential oil, if you like). Add to the bowl, swish with a brush, and flush.

There are loads of books and websites available for you to learn about using natural cleaners. Here are a few:

http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/701-cleaning-house.html (what’s bad about many commercial products and what to use instead)

http://www.lakewinds.com/store/Recipes-for-Natural-Household-Cleaners-W4716C18760.aspx (several great “recipes”)

The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier (an excellent reference book to keep on hand)

Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan (ditto)

And even if you don’t want to make your own, there are many good non-toxic commercial cleaners available. In general, you should try to avoid cleansers that contain petroleum products, chlorine, phosphates, anti-bacterials fragrances, and dyes. Go for botanicals, natural minerals like borax and sodium carbonate, and 100% biodegradable ingredients. Check brands like Seventh Generation, Ecover, and Earth Friendly – they’re available at your local natural foods stores, and (more and more) in regular grocery stores.

Trip to Our Partner Church

As we enjoy hearing the bells of Rava each Sunday morning, consider how you may provide joy to the congregation there.  Join your fellow UUCA Partner Church Committee members for a two week, work/travel trip to Romania.

Approximately $2,300 will provide you with all food, lodging, and airfare for a week of travel in Transylvania learning about our roots (and the Count), and a week in the agricultural community of Rava. In Rava you will be helping to renovate a building for a medical clinic. Included in the cost are the services of an American UU guide and his wife who speaks English, Hungarian and Romanian!

This opportunity will begin on October 3 in Bucharest and there is space available for you.  Financial support may be available for those in need.

Contact : Heather Millar or Lynann Rudert.

Run a Marathon, Save a Life

Jennifer Senko (UUCA member) is running the Marine Corps Marathon in October for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and she needs YOUR help! Leukemia is currently the number one disease-related cause of death for children and with your help, LLS is helping these children and their families.  She is in need of monetary donations to help raise my pledge of $1800.  You can also help by looking around your home and donating yard sale items for my September yard sale.  All proceeds of the yard sale will go to LLS.  Please contact Jennifer at 410-991-2493 if you'd like to donate a yard sale item, want more information, or go to her website to make a direct donation www.active.com/donate/tntmd/tntmdJSenko. 

THANK YOU!

Jubilee II : a chance to put your faith

in action

Jubilee II is a powerful and transformative workshop that equips participants with an institutional and historical analysis of racism in the U.S.  Exercises in the workshop explore the historical development of racism, the power dynamics of racism, the social construction of racial identity, and an analysis of the three manifestations of racism (individual, institutional, and cultural).  The workshop assists participants in developing a UU spiritual and theological grounding for anti-racist/anti-oppressive action. Also, the workshop provides tools for assessing our 1) congregation’s current justice work, and 2) community-based organizing efforts and other coalitions in which our congregation is involved.

The UUCA's Anti-Racism Transformation Team (ARTT) will host a Jubilee II on Friday evening, October 13 through Sunday afternoon, October 15, 2006.  For more information contact Anti-Racism Transformation Team's co-chairs, Debra Dennis (410-280-2259) or Roxanne Kibben (410-224-9884).

Great Decisions

On August 26, beginning about 11:30pm, the UUCA Global Justice Committee is bringing you another segment of the Great Decisions course as published by the Foreign Affairs Association. The subject for this month is “Turkey.” Bring a sandwich and join in the discussion which ends at 1pm. For further information, please call Virginia Frederick at 410-573-0451.

Chesapeake Pride Festival : Pride not prejudice

The 2006 Chesapeake Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, August 26th from 1 until 7 PM (rain or shine) at the Historic London Town and Gardens (established 1683) located at 839 Londontown Road, in Edgewater, Maryland 21037, USA, near Annapolis, Md. Tickets for the Festival are only $5 in advance or $8 at the gate.  Children 12 and under are free (with adult).  All proceeds from tickets sales go to the Chesapeake Pride Festival General Fund to help pay for Festival expenses, advertising, and such.  Tickets are available by mail, from any Chesapeake Pride Planning Committee Member, or online via Pay Pal

Arts in the Woods

Calendar of Events for the 2006 Program

Watch for the most current performance information in the newsletter and the upcoming Arts in the Woods brochure. All performances are held at UUCA unless otherwise indicated.

All performances are held at UUCA unless otherwise indicated.

All performances are held at UUCA unless otherwise indicated.

July 1—-August 31

Gallery At 333

“Paintings by

UU members & friends “

July 21

333 Coffeehouse

“Green Tree”

August 18

333 Coffeehouse

Tinsmith

Arundel Habitat for Humanity Recruiting for Ameri-Corps

Arundel Habitat for Humanity is now recruiting for 4 Ameri-Corps members to serve in the 2006-2007 service year. The positions include Faith Relations Coordinator, Youth Programs Coordinator, and Construction Assistants. Ameri-Corps members receive a modest living allowance while serving Habitat, and the completion of their service, will receive an educational award to help pay for school or student loans.

One way that we can help the members afford their living expenses throughout the year is to provide them with an affordable place to live. If you are interested in renting out a house, room, apartment, basement, etc. to any of the Ameri-Corps members, please contact Leslie Merwin at 410-384-9212 x18 or leslie@arundelhabitat.org

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333 Coffeehouse at the UU Church of Annapolis

Friday, August 18, 2006, 8:00 PM

Tinsmith

333 favorites Brooke Parkhurst, Rowan Corbett, and Avril Smith play Celtic roots rock on traditional instruments, with elements of rock, blues and jazz

Admission $10 ($8 senior/$5 student) Web site: www.fsgw.org/333

Coming Friday, September 15, 2006: Andy Cohen & Jack Radcliffe

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis is to serve the congregation and the community and to affirm the universal spirit of human dignity by creating an environment that challenges, inspires, encourages and supports the quest for religious fulfillment.

We are committed to the church as an institution, to social justice, to liberal religious education, to mutual caring and support, and to the value of diversity.

We invite all persons of every faith and background to engage in a search for truth. We believe in the dignity and worth of every human being and in freedom of expression. We strive to care about each other and the health of our community and the world.

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