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

Carli Gross, Office Assitant

Stephanie Meredith, Newsletter/DRE Assistant

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

Next News Deadline: midnight, 9/19/06

Next Mailing: 9/26/06

Volume 49, Issue 17

September 12, 2006

News from Westport, Connecticut

Friends, I wanted to let you know that I had the great good fortune of being called last spring as Associate Minister by the congregation of the Unitarian Church in Westport, Connecticut. This is a tremendously gifted and visionary congregation of more than 700 members located in a vibrant town on the coast of Long Island Sound about an hour’s drive north of New York City. My partner Nancy and I are settling into a three bedroom rental house nearby in the Black Rock area of Bridgeport. The house is on a dead-end street a block from Black Rock Harbor. We have a little water view from our kitchen and back porch. The dogs have a nice fenced in yard and we have plenty of room to welcome guests. That means you! I am so incredibly happy to finally be living close to Cape Cod, to my sister’s family in Freedom, NH and to family and friends all along the East Coast. Nancy will begin a 9-month chaplaincy residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital on September 5th. She is planning her ordination at the auburn-Lewiston (ME) UU Church for October 15th. Next summer, she will enter her own search for a UU ministry (nearby, we hope!).

I started work August 15th on a great ministry team that includes Senior Minister Frank Hall, Minster of Music Ed Thompson, RE Director Jamie Forbes, Social Justice Director David Vita, and Youth Program Director Karen Wright. The lay leadership here is full of energy and ready to engage the amazing 25-yea vision they began to articulate a few years ago with the help of well-known futurist Watts Wacker, a member of the church. I have been brought on to help guide that process, develop a stronger large church infrastructure, develop new structures and practices for Pastoral Care, Membership and Small Group Ministry. These are the biggies among other projects “in my portfolio”. The service of Installations, to which all are welcome, is scheduled for October 29th at 4:00 P.M.

I can’t Imagine a better place to start my professional ministry career and it is with deep gratitude for all I have learned when I was among you that I bring you news of my new situation.

Margaret Haynes Allen (Margie)

Upcoming Sermons

Sept 17

Start of 2 services

9am &11am

“An Excess of Certitude”

Rev. Fred Muir

There are those in our faith – Unitarian Universalism – who would bristle at what this sermon title suggests. Many UUs take pride and refuge in our faith’s tradition of reason and knowing. Yet, can there be too much reason, too much knowing? Let’s look at this together.

Sept 24

“Going For Broke”

Rev. Fred Muir

As a nation and as individuals, we live with brokenness and the disappointments that come with always being short of the wholeness we seek. In this annual recognition of Judaism’s High Holy Days, join me as I explore and give voice to the promise of going for broke.

Oct 1

“Open Minds, Soaring Spirits, Welcoming Hearts”

Rev. Fred Muir

Stewardship Sunday is a highlight of the year for me, actually it’s one of my five favorite Sunday services; it’s a time when we celebrate and renew our community, commitments, and common vision. Plan to be with us for a grand morning.

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

Uuca welcomes new intern minister

A native Californian, this is the first time I have lived in another state. I am currently a student at Starr King School for the Ministry and expect to graduate next spring. My goal is to become a parish minister. I have a BA in demography and a MA in sociology, both from the University of California, Berkeley. Yes, I was there in the late 1960's and have some stories from that exciting time. For 25 years, I worked for the Social Security Administration(SSA), primarily in management positions. Visits to Baltimore and SSA’s headquarters were a significant part of my work life, so I am somewhat familiar with this part of Maryland. I took an early retirement option in 2001.

My partner, Anne Spatola, and I became a couple in 1975. We have three children, David (1984), Daniel, and Rebecca (twins - 1988). Anne recently retired from her long term career with California’s Department of Social Services. Our children are all in college, but they will visit during the year.

I was an active lay leader in my home congregation, serving as vice-president of the board as well as on numerous committees. I have been a GLBT and antiwar activist and am also very interested in racial and economic justice issues. Before retiring from government service, I was also the national president of a professional organization of SSA’s line managers. For recreation, I enjoy writing poetry, camping, hiking, playing cards, and having dinner with friends. A couple of weeks before we left California, some friends took my partner and I sailing on the San Francisco Bay. We had blue skies, blue water, and then watched the fog glide beneath the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun was setting. After the long drive across country, it was nice to finally reach Annapolis and to see and smell the ocean again. It is not exactly the same ocean as the one I left, of course, but it is familiar none-the-less. Attending worship at UUCA was a similar experience, different (and wonderful!) from my home congregation, but also familiar. The sermons, the liturgy, the music, the sharing, touched my heart and moved my spirit. I look forward to this learning year with you as your intern minister.

Theresa

Keep the faith

I know I shouldn’t say it, but “Welcome back!” From your summer break, that is. What’s awkward or erroneous about saying this is that many of you didn’t leave, you never left, there’s nothing to welcome you back from. In fact, the summer months at church have been very, very full with everything you would see and know as during the other nine months (or what we often thing of as the regular church program year), with many of you participating, and with lots of newcomers arriving at UUCA for the first time.

But you see, the fall is my season; I love the fall. For me, it’s a beginning regardless of what has preceded it. Blame it on an abundance of academic first semesters, in the fall I feel a rush of freshness, energy, and anticipation; the change in temperatures, turning leaves, muted light, and migrating birds have never provoked in me a sense of death or ending, but just the opposite; I feel renewed, invigorated, blessed. I love the fall.

And so as we turn the corner on the seasons, and even though I know it may just be in my mind, it feels like we’re starting up again and it’s in that spirit that I say “Welcome back!” As we put a cap on our 50^th Anniversary observance and celebration, as we continue basking in the afterglow of being named a UUA Breakthrough Congregation, as we welcome our new intern minister Theresa Novak (see her words of introduction in this newsletter), as events, people, and programs emerge, it is my hope that you will step forward into the light of this faith community and let it seep into your body and spirit. It’s a great place to be; it’s a great place to become.

See you soon, keep the faith, and welcome back!

Fred

Consider Joining Salim’s Team

We are a small group of church and community members who assist a lovely lady from Afghanistan get back and forth to St. Mary’s High School for her ESL classes Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 pm. Please contact Nancy Eaton at 410-990-1135 or nurtznancy@aol.com for further information

UUCA Outdoor Club

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

Saturday, October 14 9:30 am Bike the BWI Bike Trail. Bike Ride around BWI followed by lunch at Garry’s Grill in Glen Burnie. Meet at the Tom Dixon Aircraft Observation Area on Dorsey Road, west of I-p7 at 9:30 am. Provide own helmet, and bike. Bring water and snacks.

Saturday, October 14 8:30 am-3:30 pm Kayak/Canoe Tuckahoe Creek, Eastern Shore. Provide your own watercraft. Bring boat, paddle, life preserver, water, and snack. We will eat lunch at an Eastern Shore restaurant. Meet at the church at 8:30 am.

Saturday, November 11 Hike in Glendening Preserve by Jug Bay Wetlands

Saturday, December 2 Walk in Ellicott City Historic District.

Uuca youth sole member of UUCC at GA

Montana Winters Geimer, 13, was the sole Maryland UU in the UUCC (UU Children’s Chorus) at the General Assembly in St. Louis in June. She was also a member of UUCC at the Boston, GA in 2003. she was accepted in both after an audition process.

As before, her mom, Wendi Winters, the family’s defiant non-musician, tagged along as a chaperone and was responsible for 7 girls from all over the country. Along with Neal Watzman, a UU from Cincinnati, , she spent her spare time during the evenings in the luxury dorm rooms setting up a website documenting the kids’ activities during their week on the St. Louis University campus. Wendi handles all the writing and about 95% of the photography, while Neal commanded the heavy computer stuff. The fun results can be found at www.watzmanassociates.com/uucc.

LOOKING FOR A NEW FUN HOLIDAY?

Com to the 49th Urbanna Oyster Festival on November 3rd and 4th and start a tradition. Urbanna is a charming historical town located on the Rappahannock River close to the Chesapeake Bay. You’ll find oysters any way you want them, of course-and art, live music, fine crafts, a model boat exhibit, a carnival, a children’s activity center, antique dealers, and parades. There’s something for everyone.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock are opening their homes to accommodate you with bed and breakfast. Golfing is available in the area. An evening sail on the river is alos a possibility. All of the proceeds will be donated to our Home of Our Own” building project. For further information, please contact Marj, 804-758-3367; Shirley, 804-462-6168; or Elaine, 804-462-0035.

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

Fourth annual book swap

One Day Only– Sunday, October 15. Bring your unwanted books, videos, CDs, DVDs to the church on Sunday morning, October 15. 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 October 15 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, and take down. (Rain Date-Sunday, October 22) For more information, contact Eloise Hoyt at (410)768-4932 or ehoyt@toadmail.com.

PASTORAL CARE TEAM NEWS

UUCA PASTORAL CARE TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

During the month of August Team Care Providers:

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

Provided transportation to medical appointments on four occasions

Ran an errand for a church member who is homebound

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

Mailed one card from the Care Corner

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 someone, perhaps a friend, neighbor or relative affiliated with the UUCA, 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 (410) 544-2846 (evenings, weekends)

Care Ministers:

Pat Fleeharty Kathy Higdon

Doris Hansen Bill Hope

Andrea Germain Kathy Hughes

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:

September 19: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

October 17: Out of the Flames by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone

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

Faith Development

Full circle completes a decade of celebrations

We held our first women’s full moon circle in September, 1996. That night, we planted the Cornelian cherry dogwood that is near the playground fence. Since then, Full Circle has celebrated more than 200 circles of women, men, and children. Full moons were dedicated to creating sacred space for women. The solar holidays, consisting of solstices, equinoxes, and cross quarter days, included men and families. Weavers, a women’s covenant group, was added in 2003. A new project, Spinners, will begin in October, 2006.

Full Circle is an earth-centered spirituality program of UUCA which explores and celebrates the cycles of nature through ritual, creative play, diverse spiritual; traditions, reflections. We strive to be more aware of natural cycles within ourselves and the world around us. Awareness of those cycles can open paths to spiritual and physical healing and wholeness. Full Circle is a chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs).

RE News

Religious Exploration: this Sunday, September 17, we return to two services. Plans for children and youth programs follow.

Infants and Babies: at 9:00 or 11:00 AM parents may leave their children 6-9 months to 2-4 years old in the nursery before going to the sanctuary for the Morning Celebration. Parents may keep their infants with them through the service in the sanctuary, with the understanding that, should their baby get noisy, they will go out into the foyer, where a loudspeaker allows them to hear the service.

Roots and Wings at 9:00 AM: children and youth in pre-K through grade 12 are asked to stay with their family in the sanctuary for the Dedication Ceremony honoring all RE Leaders at the beginning of the Morning Celebration; after the ceremony, they will be sung out and follow the adult leaders to the meeting rooms.

At 11:00 AM: childcare will be available during the service. If registration is sufficient, a new program (F.L.A.M.E.) will start on October 1.

Another successful Summer R.E. program ended a couple of Sundays ago. Many thanks to Katie Michaelson and Hallie Andrew who shared the responsibility of planning and leading the Children’s Program based on stories from Keepers of the Earth. By all accounts, they did a superb job of engaging everyone – not a small feat with a large multi-age group. A big thank you also to Raven Pray, John Balano, Jane Burns, Kathryn Hope and Peter Bergstrom who designed and led several sessions for the Tweens group, and to the team of YRUU Advisors (Kristina Korona, John Gregory, John Balano and Bob Ertman) who made sure that there were activities for the high school group over the summer. And we are very grateful to the many adults who came forward, often spontaneously, to assist with the various groups.

Trick or Treat for UNIcef

It’s not too early to think of Halloween! UNICEF collection boxes will be distributed to the church school on October 22 0r 29. If your child plans to collect in your neighborhood, it might be a good idea to announce it in your community newsletter so that people know it is legitimate and have money ready.

Mention the name of the church, and it will also be good publicity.

Full Circle

Full Circle is UUCA’s earth-centered spirituality program, started in 1996. It has several components: women’s full moon circles, Spinners, Weavers, and Sun Circles for men, women, and youth. Other projects have included the Peace Pole and the Labyrinth. Full Circle is a chapter of CUUPs, the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. For more information on any Full Circle programs, contact Brenda Gilmore at 410-729-0883 or brendagilmore13@hotmail.com

Full Circle Spinners –new for fall 2006

Spinners is a personal growth and renewal course for women requiring a commitment for four full moons: October 6, November 5, December 4, and January 3. No previous experience in earth-centered spirituality is needed. For details, see the Spinner flier in the narthex. During this period, full moon circles will be closed to drop-in participants, allowing a closer community to develop.

Full Circle Weavers

An earth-centered women's group dedicated to learning to weave an inclusive community of women. They plan and lead full moon women's circles and other programs. Members of Weavers need experience in earth-centered ritual and a high level of commitment to the group and the work. Meetings include all new and full moons and additional time online.

Introduction to Full Circle

These one-hour sessions will be offered periodically on Sundays for those curious about earth-centered spirituality. This experiential workshop is suitable for people of all faith paths.

New books at the library

Small Group Ministry. UU church of Augusta Maine. 2003 Has 27 whole sessions suitable for covenant group use, with opening words, topics, closing words, and space for check-ins and feedback. Look for it on Congregational shelf.

Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry: Saving the World Ten at a Time by Robert Hill, 2003. Hill explains what Small Group Ministry is, why we need it, and how it works. Covenant groups can support our search for intimacy and ultimacy: our need for comfort to through the day and our desire for inspiration to save the world. Small groups recognize our need for spiritual challenge, they attempt to distance our tendency toward argumentation, they accommodate our diversity, and they foster community. Covenant groups-what’s more UU? Look on Congregational shelf.

Covenant Groups

Are you looking for closer relationships with church members? If so, you may want to join a Covenant Group! New session starts October . It’s not a social club (but it may be a deep social experience). It is not a class (but you may learn a lot). It not therapy (but it may be therapeutic).

What is it? A covenant group is a small relational group of people who meet regularly to share spiritual and personal experiences in an open and honest forum. Covenant groups encourage people to talk, learn, and play together over time. Member may tell their life stories, offer support, and engage in work to serve the larger community. Covenant groups offer expanding opportunities for growth, caring, and connection within our congregation. UUCA Covenant groups are intended to be long-term. The minimum commitment is a 4-moonth trimester.

Interested in signing up or learning more? Sign up in the Narthex after services on Sunday, September 17 and Sunday, September 24. a list of groups will be available. Talk to current Covenant Group leaders or members, also look for their special nametags. You may also call or email Amber Beland, Assistant Minister for Lifespan Faith Development at church.

Dedication Ceremony

This Sunday, September 17, all RE Leaders (Facilitators and Advisors) for 2006-2007 are asked to go to the sanctuary at 9:00 AM to attend the traditional ceremony in their honor. After the ceremony, facilitators and advisors will lead their respective groups to the meeting rooms.

What’s new this year?

Worship for All Ages will be held most Sundays, 10:30-10:55 AM in the RE Sanctuary starting October 1. All are invited! The short service will offer an opportunity for parents to worship with their children, for all adults to interact with young people and for the 9 AM “early birds” to be together with those who attend the 11 AM service.

F.L.A.M.E. is an acronym for: Fun, Learning, Action, Meaning-making and Embracing community. Those words describe a program of activities echoing the theme of the Worship for All Ages that precedes it. It will be held immediately after the worship if there is enough interest, as indicated by registration. If there is not a sufficient number of children enrolled, only childcare will be available at 11 AM. Contact Fran Ateto (410-266-8044 x101) if you have any questions

Web of Life

Community, what does it mean to be in covenant together as a church, as a congregation? I am reminded each week as you share your lives in worship that this is a place where people come to be together. New members often ask what it is that makes this place a church and why do people come here. I can only answer from my own life and family experience. Church is the place where you walk with others on life’s path, a place where likeminded people can be together, worship together, sing and laugh together and during the hard times support each other. This is a place to grow, to be both challenged and comforted, it is a place to draw from as we do work in the world. For me our churches provide deep spiritual meaning that I can access at my own pace. We have not a creed but a covenant to be together in the struggle and the celebration of this life. I cannot imagine how different my life would have been without church. As we walk together this year we have an opportunity to deepen our relationships by attending worship, spending time together in social hour, teaching or mentoring our youth and children, sharing a moment in service to the community, practicing our spirituality, learning about our faith … There are more opportunities in this congregation than time in a week. Ask yourself what it is that church community means to you? Ask how you are involved today and how you might want to deepen that involvement in the year to come? I would love to hear what this church means to you and how it fills your spirit. As we look towards a new church year let us imagine together how we can be a beloved community.

Amber

Social justice & Outreach

Arts in the woods: dignity players

Dignity Players invites you to join us for a “Triumph of Love” at the UUCA at 8 pm of September 22, 23, 29, 30, at 2:30 pm on September 24 and 30, and at 7:30 pm on October 1. Based on the play by Marvieaux, “Triumph of Love” is a raucous musical farce involving 3 seductions, 4 disguises, and 15 musical numbers that unlock every heart and prove that love won’t take no for an answer. Directed by Dignity Players Artistic Director Mickey Handwerger with Musical Direction by Mark Hildebrand, the musical stars 7 of Annapolis’ most sought after actors, and will have you laughing from start to finish. Tickets go on sale Sunday August 27 following the morning service and cost $20 for general admission, $15 for students and senior citizens. Visit www.artsinwoods.com for more information on the show.

Partner church project meeting

The next meeting for all who are interested in our Partner Church Project is Sunday, September 17, from 12:30-2:30 in the Anthony Room of the Fahs House. The agenda includes a report from those who traveled to The Philippines and plans for Partner Church Sunday, which is scheduled for March 4, 2007. We shall also have an update on the trip planned for October to visit our partners in Rava, Romania. A light lunch will be provided. Newcomers re welcomed. Contact Heather Millar at (410) 544-8973 or heathermillar@gmail.com for additional information.

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Wake up to a cup of Fairly Traded Coffee

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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

Decaf (Organic)—Balanced with full body, rich flavor, & sweet overtones $8.00

The Gallery at 333