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, 10/18/06

Next Mailing: 10/24/06

Volume 49, Issue 19

October 10, 2006

Indigenous Peoples Day

In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on Oct. 12th, we have a special feature on the UUA home page -- UU-Supported Community-Based Investing Helps First Nations People Return to Their homes by Sassy Smallman, Member, First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Kennebunk, Maine

At the age of 62 Viola Cotta, a Penobscot Indian born on Maine's Indian Island, did something she had always dreamed of doing: she bought a home on Indian Island and returned to live with her tribe. Viola's dream, realized four years ago, became a reality with a mortgage from Four Directions Development Corporation, a non-profit, Native-governed community development financial institution (CDFI).

Four Directions raises the capital to make loans from public and private sources. Two years ago, Four Directions and the Maine Council of Churches (MCC) joined forces to create the Giving Winds Capital Campaign as a means of outreach to communities of faith.

To read the whole story go to http://www.uua.org/ or scroll to the end of this message.

To learn more about Community Investing, sing up for the UUA Committee on Socially Responsible Investing's Teleconference on Community Investing on Oct. 14. See http://www.uua.org/finance/sri/ for details.

The Mid-Term Elections Are One Month Away: We've got resources to help you bring your faith into action!

Religious individuals and groups have played a prophetic role in public life throughout history by calling attention to oppression, demanding change, and holding leaders and institutions accountable for their actions and policies. While this is still true in the United States today, too many people are under the false impression that religious organizations cannot have a voice in the public policy arena, fearing that such activities would violate either the Constitutional separation of church and state or Internal Revenue Service regulations. In reality, there is a great deal of public policy and election-related work that any religious group can do without jeopardizing its nonprofit tax-exempt status. Unitarian Universalists have a rich history of working to vitalize democratic participation in our political system, dating back to the earliest days of American government. Our fifth principle reads, "We will covenant to affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large." We have long been committed to the belief that our democracy will be enhanced and improved by greater participation.

Faithful Democracy: UU Congregations and the 2006 Elections, authored by the UUA Washington Office for Advocacy, provides the resources you need to put together a complete and successful voting project in your congregation. You will find in-depth information on forming community partnerships and interfaith coalitions and on holding joint voter registration drives. Most resources listed in this resource are web-based.

There are restrictions on certain kinds of political actions that can be taken by religious organizations, but the range of what is acceptable is wide enough to exhaust the time and resources of any congregation without crossing any legal lines. The links below offer a variety of suggestions and tools that can be helpful to you and your congregation as we approach the time when US citizens will exercise that most important of democratic principles - the right to vote.

Upcoming Sermons

Oct 15

Water Wars

UUCA Choir

Why are we at war with the planet when we should be celebrating its blessings? Water, the ultimate renewable resource, is causing strife and devastation around the globe. The choir will present a program of readings and songs to inspire us to respect, protect, and share our resources in accordance with UU principles. (Or can the choir really “walk on water”?)

Program: Phil Tawes

Music: UUCA Choir

Oct 22

"Life Abundant"

Rev. Fred Muir

It's been suggested that living a life of abundance occurs as the intersection of the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. Some have also said that this intersection is called ministry.   Join me this morning as I explore that place in our lives called ministryMUSIC: Jason Stearns

Oct 29

"For Want of Pennies"

Rev. Fred Muir

    Very few things are as basic as a penny; it is essential to daily living.  Very few things are as basic to life as peace and sustainability, which all people must have in order to feel there is a meaningful future.  This service continues the UUCA United Nations Global Justice Committee's international weekend. The All Children's Chorus of Annapolis will sing at the 9 AM service and the UUCA Choir at the 11 AM service.

MUSIC: All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis

Announcing: fire drills

On Sunday, October 15, shortly after each service, there will be a fire drill.   Please treat this seriously, as a real fire drill. Adults as well as children are expected to participate. If you are in the sanctuary, at the sound of the alarm, please go out of the building, and gather on and along the path between the main building and the Fahs House, not near the doors or on the parking lot, until you are notified that the drill is over.

      If you have children downstairs, do not go downstairs to get them.  Your presence on the stairs is a fire hazard.  The teachers have been instructed in fire drill safety.

     When the drill is over, parents of children in nursery through grade 3 should pick them up immediately in their classrooms; students in the upper grades will be dismissed by their teachers; others may go back inside and have a cup of coffee!

Celebrating Our Beloved Community

Keeping the Faith

Another anniversary? Yes, believe it or not we are approaching another monumental anniversary date. This one is October 16 and marks one year of PBG (Policy Based Governance)! It was a year ago that the Board “flipped the switch” to a new form of church governance, one more commensurate with our size, goals, and emerging philosophy.

Now, I understand that our PBG Anniversary might not grab you in quite the same way as did our just completed 50^th Anniversary, but one day it might be looked at as just as meaningful. At nearly 600 members, we are a small, large church (550 members is the UUA’s starting point for being “large”). The Board chose PBG as a proactive step – trying to stay ahead of our growth curve. But frankly, sometimes it feels like we a still growing into it, kind of like buying shoes that are a half size too big for a growing child (the first couple of months can be uncomfortable with a bit of sliding around). Eventually, sooner than later, we will catch up to PBG’s paradigm for successful and meaningful governance, but not without some struggle. For example:

Policy Based Governance has meant adjusting to a new way of leadership from the Board, staff, and ministers. The Board’s work under PBG includes visioning (the future of the church), assessing its own work and membership, and monitoring the work of the Senior Minister (me). The Board does not address the day-to-day activities of UUCA; this is the work of staff and ministers. Each member of the Management Team has a portfolio that includes programs, councils, and other responsibilities. The Team meets at least once a week to review its work. This is a dramatically different way of “doing church.” In the past, the Board was “hands on” with committees, teams, councils, and in just about every facet of congregational life – but no more, expect through conversation with the Senior Minister.

While this is our first anniversary of PBG (and some might think that after twelve months everything would be working without a hitch), we’re all still adjusting to the change in church culture – after 50 years we don’t change in twelve months without some stumbles or mistakes. So, bear with us as we feel our way into UUCA’s future. And if you have questions, I urge you to ask me, any members of the Management Team, or any Board member.

Keep the faith and seen you soon,

Fred

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 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.

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.

Take part in out December holiday service

Singers are needed for the Intergenerational Choir– children (6 years old and up), parents and other adults. Rehearsals will be held between services (10:20-10:55 AM) most Sundays beginning November 5 in the Angebranndt Room. Contact Lynn Rose at (410) 244-6044 for sign-ups.

Children, ages 5 and up, are needed to participate with non-speaking roles in other parts of this colorful service. There will be one MANDATORY rehearsal on Saturday, December 16 in the Sanctuary from 9 to 11 AM. Please call Fran Ateto at (410) 266—8044, ext. 101 or email her at dre@uuca-md.org for sign-ups.

Welcoming, Caring & Connecting

The New UU– October 22 –12:30 Pm to 2:30 pm in the sanctuary

“The New UU” is designed for newcomers and new members. It offers an introduction to Unitarian Universalism’s theology and history and provides an opportunity to learn more about the programs and activities of this congregation-the UU Church of Annapolis. Anyone thinking of becoming a member of the congregation is strongly encouraged to attend. We will meet in the Sanctuary. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about Unitarian Universalism. Please call Susan Eckert, at (410) 266-8044 x110 to let us know that you will be attending and/or to request childcare.

Pastoral Care Team News

UUCA PASTORAL CARE TEAM IS HERE FOR YOU!

During the month of September Team Care Providers:

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

Ran an errand for a church member who is homebound

Visited a member recovering at home to help assess needs

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

Mailed eight cards 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:

Upcoming Program: In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, the Pastoral Care Team is hosting an evening workshop on coping with stress and loss. The program is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 6-9 p.m. Further details are forthcoming.

Care Minister Coordinators:

Susan Eckert (410) 266-8044 (weekdays)

Carol Friend (410) 544-2846 (evenings, weekends)

Care Ministers:

Pat Fleeharty Bill Hope

Doris Hansen Kathy Hughes

Kathy Higdon

♥Please be sure to register as a Unitarian Universalist if you are admitted to Anne Arundel Medical Center. Due to regulations, it may be the only way our Care Ministers will know to check on you and offer support.♥

UUCA Book Club

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

For October 17 we have chosen Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone’s Out of the Flames, a story of Unitarian’s own 16th century Michael Servetus. Our selection for November 21 is Naguib Mahfouz’s Palace Walk, a novel set in early 20th-century Egypt.

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

Photo Directories Have Arrived!

At long-last the Olan Mills photo directories are here.  If you had your portrait taken for the directory, your FREE copy of the directory is available for pick-up in the church office on Sunday mornings and weekdays during office hours.  The directories are labeled and in alphabetical order, so please be sure to take your copy and not one that is labeled for someone else.

Faith Development

Re news

Worship for All Ages is held most Sundays at 10:30 AM in the RE Sanctuary. All are invited! However there will be no Worship for All Ages on Sunday, October 15, due to the fire drill between services. It will resume on October 22.

F.L.A.M.E. stands for “Fun, Learning, Action, Meaning making and Embracing community.” It is a multi-age program for children offered during the second service. The children attend the first part of the service in the sanctuary with their family, until they are “sung out” to go downstairs and participate in activities echoing the theme of the Worship for All Ages.

Support the efforts of UNICEF! On Sunday, October 22, children will circulate among the adults during the social hour between services, and collect for UNICEF. Please bring plenty of change as you may be solicited more than once! Collection boxes will also be distributed in all RE groups for youth to take home if they wish to collect for UNICEF on Halloween night. Remember that every donation can make a lifesaving difference, because 91% of the funds raised go to programs helping children!

Come Celebrate “Hallows” in the Ancient Way

Come Families, Women, Men and Children

Thursday, October 26^th, 6-9 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Irish immigrants brought  Halloween to the U.S.  This ancient Celtic tradition honors the end of summer, when the flocks were brought back from the fields.  Samhain, another name for Hallows, means “summer’s end”.  This was when the natural world appeared to die.

It is also the Celtic New Year, belonging to neither this year nor the next.  It was believed that communications with the dead was possible, because the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. The two themes are celebrating the dead and divining for the future, so both seriousness and revelry abound.

In Mexico the ancient festival of the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a joyful celebration.  So join ours – we will honor our ancestors and loved ones, walk an indoor labyrinth and feast with a Mexican style vegetarian potluck. 

You are invited to gather materials to build your own altar for loved ones who have passed on or bring a carved pumpkin and candle to represent the faces of spirits.  Bring treats for the living in the form of a savory or sweet meatless dish to share for the potluck feast.  For information about creating an ancestor altar, Google “Dia de los Muertos”.

6:00 p.m. Altar Preparation and Crafts

7:00 p.m. Sacred Circle and Labyrinth Walk

8:00 p.m. Feasting

Questions? Contact Carol Lamb at (410) 987-7395; carol.lamb@comcast.net

The 21st Century “Appreciative Inquiry” Lens

An acclaimed multi-media interactive workshop at Paint Branch UU Church, open to all UUs and the public on Sunday, October 22, 2:00–5:00 pm.
(Cost: $15 at the door, no pre-registration required.)
Led by Jaco ten Hove, Paint Branch co-minister, who presented on this subject as theme speaker at this past July’s UUMAC conference (UU Mid-Atlantic Community).
“Appreciative Inquiry” (A.I.) is a creative and exciting philosophy/technique that encourages individuals and groups toward positive goals by strengthening methods and building relationships. Very coherent with progressive values, it is helpful on many levels, from the dinner table to system change. A.I. believes that the questions we ask matter. In relatively simple and intuitive ways, it urges a positive view of the past, present and future without ignoring problems, but not letting them dominate, either.
This workshop offers a solid (and visual!) grounding in A.I., including both theory and demonstrations. After attending, you will be able to productively integrate A.I. into your life and work.
Jaco ten Hove has Foundations training in A.I. and has been actively applying it in various settings since 1998. Paint Branch UU Church is at 3215 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, MD. Phone: 301-937-3666. E-mail: pbuuc@verizon.net. Web site (with directions): www.pbuuc.org.

The Bible: An In-Depth Look

Join us as we examine the Bible and look at how it came to be the document we have today. From the editors, who were they and why did they make the choices they did, to how the order and content came to be. We will answer some of the questions about what was left out and how we as liberals can interact with and understand this document. A second course will be offered in January looking at a particular chapter in more depth.

The four sessions begin on Monday, October 23, 2006 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. For more information on this or any other Pathwork course, please contact Amber Beland at (410) 266-8044, ext. 107.

New books at the library

Bury Me Standing: the Gypsies and their Journey by Isabel Fonesca, 1995. The author has traveled with the Roma in Eastern Europe and brings their stories to life-of being outsiders and of relentless persecution since they left India hundreds of years ago. Half million were killed during the Holocaust but while the Jews want us to remember, the Roma want to forget. They remain mostly illiterate, superstitious, different, and defiant. Is there any hope for their acceptance? Look on UU-Transylvania shelf.

God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It by Jim Wallis, 2005. Religion and politics-not to be discussed in polite company? Wallis, a progressive evangelical, writes they are too important not to discuss. Instead of claiming that God is on our side, perhaps we should be concerned if we’re on God’s side. Wallis wants the secular towards Democrats to stop mocking people of faith and join with them to work toward peace and social justice. Look on Religion shelf.

Resource Stewardship

Finance Notes

Between now and December 3, UUCA must develop and approve a budget for next year (Calendar Year ’07). This budget will plan our spending on things like salary increases for staff, studies for expanded facilities, and expenditures for social action and Church programs. It’s no exaggeration to say that this budget is HUGELY important to our Church’s future.

Under Policy Governance, Fred Muir (as senior minister) is responsible for developing the budget. Fred and the Management Team have developed the first cut of the budget, and the Finance Committee and I have reviewed it. Before October 22, Fred hopes to present one or more draft budgets to the congregation for discussion. He wants everybody to have a chance to consider the budget before it’s time to vote at the Congregational Meeting, at 10:30, Sunday December 3. (Another indication of the budget’s importance – there will be no second service that Sunday!)

The biggest challenge with our budget is to project income. The biggest income source – contribution commitments by members and friends – won’t be accurately known until late November – or later? In developing the budget, we have to estimate next year’s income that will come from pledges and other sources. To cope with this uncertainty, there probably will be “high” and “low” budgets, reflecting optimistic and pessimistic estimates of pledge income. The final budget will reflect the balance between our dreams of what we want to accomplish and the realities of what we can afford.

My plea to you is… (no surprise, I’m sure): Please make your contribution commitment, make it as large as possible, and make it as soon as possible. Your generosity will fuel our dreams, and your (early) commitment will give our plans a better chance to succeed.

Dick Roop, Finance Officer

Leadership Workshop

Is serving the church important to you? Have you thought your skills would be valuable as a committee head or board member? Would you like to add to your leadership skills and learn more about how the church works?

The Nomination Committee is presenting the third "Leadership Workshop" on November 4th, 2006 from 8:30am to 12:00pm in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Church.

There are sessions on Policy Goverance, The Role of the Board, Running Effective Meetings, Suggested Meeting Requirements, as well as others.

Look for your invitation in the mail next month

Did you know?

Did you know that the church pays over $20,000 dollars per year in heating, cooling and electricity expenses?  Can we count on you to help defray this cost by completing a Self-Clean Checklist?

Social justice & Outreach

H.A.V.E.N Announcement

People living with HIV/AIDS need your help.  HAVEN--The HIV/AIDS Volunteer Enrichment Network--is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Anne Arundel County.  HAVEN has a busy fall and winter agenda that includes direct service to HIV+ individuals as well as a Holiday Party in December.  HAVEN will have a Volunteer Training on Monday, October 16 at 6 PM in Annapolis.  To register for the training, or to find out how you can help HAVEN help people with HIV, call  410-224-AIDS.  That's 410-224-2437.  Visit HAVEN on the internet at www.HAVENAnnapolis.org or email HAVENinc@aol.com

Unitarian Universalist Social Justice

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice
cordially invites you
 to
 “A Conversation with Susan Leslie”
 UUA’s Director for Congregational Advocacy and Witness
On 
Wednesday, October 11, 7:30-9:00 pm 
at 
The Chapel, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane