THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF SAVANNAH
Weekly Newsletter 
October 08 , 2017
In This Issue
Minister and Staff

Minister
917-664-4027

Office Hours
Sunday, 1:00-4:00 pm; Wednesday, 3:00-6:00 pm; Thursday, 3:00-6:00 pm

Director of Music
912-713-7975

Nancy Arteberry
Director of Religious Education
912-234-0980

Alan Kindler
Office Administrator
912-234-0980 

Office Hours
Sun 8 - 11 AM
Mon/Wed/Fri 5-6 PM

Marc Coulombe
Sexton
912-234-0980 
Maria Martinez
Bookkeeper
912-234-0980


Gordon Matthews
President

Jessica Leavitt
Vice President/President-Elect

Robin Lonscak
Treasurer

Margaret Hall
Secretary of the Board

John Cook
Trustee At Large

Erin Roma
Trustee At Large

Bill Rolfes
Trustee At Large
Contacts and Deadlines
 
Reverend Dave will be on Sabbatical from July 1 through September 30.

Pastoral care requests can be sent at any time to: pastoralcare@uusavannah.org
Our Pastoral Care Leader will coordinate response including emergency ministerial coverage if necessary.

Administrative questions can be sent to:
Where our Office Administrator will assist or direct your inquiry to the appropriate ministry leader.

Governance-related questions may be directed to the congregation's president at:

 The deadline for the Order of Service, Weekly Newsletter, and Sunday Announcements: 
Tuesday at Noon
submitted to admin@uusavannah.org
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Worship This Sunday
October 8, 2017, 
9:30 and 11:00 am

"Things We Don't Want Admit About Our Pets (and ourselves)"
Rev. David H. Messner

A day for the wild ones with us and within us!

Both Services will be All-Ages

The 9:30 am service will be held inside the sanctuary, with no pets present.

The 11 am service will be held on Troup Square, with all humans and animals invited! Please have dogs on leash and smaller animals in carriers as appropriate. In case of rain we will move indoors, creatures and all.

Also this Sunday:
  • 12:45 - 2:15 pm: Second Sunday Covenant Groups, various rooms 
  • 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Songs for Support, Sanctuary 
  • 7:30 - 8:30 pm: True Colors AA Meeting (in Phillippa's Place) 
                                         
Music Notes
Kelly Blackmarr

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Fall is my favorite season.  It heralds new beginnings, brings coolness to our summer-wearied souls, and gifts us with a kaleidoscope of rust and golden hues. Ah...
Our UU music ministry is back in full swing now, reminding us that we have gathered to celebrate in worship and song all the gifts autumn will bestow. Here are some of the exciting things on tap for the music ministry this October (with a couple of sneak peeks into November, too):

Sunday, October 8 at 4pm:  Songs for Support: Hurricane Relief Concert  The UU Music Alliance and the UU Social Justice Committee are collaborating to present Guitarist Bill Smith, Bassist Marc Chesanow and me (Kelly Blackmarr) in a benefit concert of treasured favorites in all styles, including classical, jazz, American Songbook, folk, and rock. Proceeds will go to the United Way local hurricane relief fund.  This is a great cause, so come on out, enjoy the music, and be a part of the effort to support those in need.

Sunday, October 29th at 1pm:My Favorite Sings: with Les Taylor and Friends  UU member Les Taylor will present an hour of favorite tunes from various Broadway musicals, including Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Peter Pan, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, and others. Taylor will be joined by a host of other local talents, including Kelly Blackmarr, Laura Dutton, Chris Bass, Larry Carlile, Jamie Keena, and Angela Taylor. This concert promises to be both impressively virtuosic and giddy. How many opportunities will you get to experience those two qualities in one concert?? Don't miss it.  Love offerings (suggested $10) will go to support the UU Church music and other ministries.

*Important note for October 29th: Our UU Sounds & Spirits sponsorship campaign ends  and raffle tickets for our three fabulous prizes will be drawn at the concert that afternoon!

A Sneak Peek at early November

Sunday, November 5th at 12:40 pm: UU Children's Choir All UU children ages 8 to 12 are invited to participate in a children's choir which will sing in worship services on various occasions throughout the year. Rehearsals begin Sunday, November 5th at last from 12:40 to 1:10 p.m.

Sunday, November 12th at 12:20: UU Children's Song Time Kelly will begin her monthly visits to the PreK class, teaching them simple songs which resonate with our UU principles and purposes. It's never too early to get started, either with music or with learning to practice being of service in our world.

Sunday, November 12th at 4:00 pm: Genius Born, 1685: Works of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti Savannah Baroque will present the kick-off concert for our Sounds & Spirits series. Put it on your calendar now!

And so the fall kicks off!  I am excited about - and looking forward to - living out this full music ministry.

In Harmony,
Kelly Blackmarr

Worship Next Sunday
October 15, 2017, 
9:30 and 11:00 am

"Dealing with Unreasonable People (like ourselves)"
Rev. David H. Messner

You may not have any unreasonable people in your life, but some day you might, so come and get prepared...

Also next Sunday:
  • 3:00 - 5:00 pm: WRUU Host Meeting, Rahn Hall 
  • 4:00 - 6:00 pm: Inner City Night Shelter, 124 Arnold St. 
  • 7:30 - 8:30 pm: True Colors AA Meeting (in Phillippa's Place)
Fia and Olivia display edible acorns created at Kids' Night Out. Yum!
Religious Education
Kids Enjoy Night Out

Sixteen children enjoyed a parent-free night on Friday, thanks to the generous volunteers of our religious education program. Children ate pizza, played games, created a special dessert, sparred with light sabers, and watched movies. Kids' Night Out, organized by the RE department, takes place three times a year and is a fundraiser for the church. Mark your calendars for our next Kids' Night Out on January 26.


Look at all the events happening at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah!

Choose one or two of these right now to become a part of!


Vigil for Las Vegas
Tonight, Thursday, October 5, 7 pm
Fountain at Forsyth


A chance to gather in prayerful peace tomorrow (Thursday night). Rev. Dave will be one of many speakers from the community. Organized by Savannah Taking Action for Resistance.
 
Seeing our Racial Selves Through Film Discussion Group
This Saturday at noon

Adult Religious Education Opportunity    
Led by Dr. Dorothy Holmes
Saturdays: Oct 7, Dec 9, Feb 10, April 7 and June 9
Noon to 3:30PM in Rahn Hall
 
A series of five films, Selma, Moonlight, Fences, Hidden Figures, and Get Out, followed by discussion and then fellowship. Each film will have a moderator, to set the stage, briefly, with opening reflections and framing questions. Potluck refreshments will be provided by the participants. Sign up in Rahn Hall.

Hurricane Recovery Concert
Sunday Oct. 8, 4 - 6 pm, in the Sanctuary

Vocalist Kelly Blackmarr teams up with guitarist Bill Smith and Bassist Marc Chesanow to present "Songs for Support," an ecclectic concert of various musical styles, including Classical, Jazz, American Songbook, Folk and even a little old fashiomed Rock (think Beatles). 

Proceeds will support hurricane survivors through the United Way of the Coastal Empire.

UU Book Club
October 10, 6 - 7:30 pm, Rahn Hall
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of every month.  

The UU Book Club  will read both fiction and non-fiction, confronting topics like race, religious pluralism, social justice, violence, native peoples, American exceptionalism, health, gender, and the environment. 

The book for October is "The Painted Drum" by Louis Erdrich.  Compelling and unforgettable, bestselling author Louise Erdrich's Painted Drum explores the often fraught relationship between mothers and daughters, the strength of family, and the intricate rhythms of grief with all the grace, wit, and startling beauty that characterizes this acclaimed author's finest work.

If you would like to join us in our readings, but can not attend book club meetings, please sign up for a weekly email. Emails can include short videos, music, articles and links that expand upon the text. You can sign up and drop out of emails anytime.  Many of our future books  will be available for sale at the UU Bookstore in Rahn Hall. For all things Book Club related, please email Kelsey Buckner at  kelseykate@gmail.com

In December the UU book group has chosen to read: Centering: Navigating Race, Power and Authenticity in Ministry .  If you would like to order your copy from our Church bookstore, please let Caroline Hopkinson know, either e-mail her at  Carohopkinson@gmail.com  or stop by the bookstore and sign up for the group purchase (profits from sales benefit the Church's operating fund.)

Social Justice and Action 
October 15 and 28

Inner City Night Shelter
We need some people to make sandwiches for  Sunday, October 15  for the night meal. They are served a nice hot meal and they take the sandwiches home so that they have food for the evening and next day. Sign up at the Social Justice Bulletin Board (not the engagement table) or contact me,  jimrosch@gmail.com  or at  518-232-1005    Thank you.

Savannah Pride
We are looking for people to share this day with us. We have a booth for 
Saturday, October 28th at City Market. We will be handing out information about our church and also giving out goodies. We need people to "hang out" with us and share our support for the LBGTQ community. Sign up at the Social Justice Bulletin Board (not the engagement table) or conntact  kirkjobsluder@fastmail.fm or  jimrosch@gmail.com

Underground Tour; 
Slaves in the City
Sunday, October 15, 1:00 pm.
Cost: $15, any age
Location: Meet in Franklin Square
Led by: Patt Gunn of the Gullah Geechee Group, the Salt Wata Players

This is an opportunity to learn about slavery and the slave trade as it took place in Savannah before the Civil War. There will be eight stops ending at The Baracoons on the lower level of Factor's Walk/River Street.
 
Louise Frazier will be collecting  money this S unday, October 8 in Rahn Hall during the fellowship hour -- checks or cash only, please. There is a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall and on the church website: Underground Tour

For further information contact 
Louise Frazier  louise_31419@yahoo.com  or Jim Rosch  jimrosch@gmail.com  from the Social Justice and Action Committee.

Member Book Signing 
Sunday, October 22, 12:30 pm, Sanctuary

Perhaps you've heard Robert Pawlicki speak at Church or on WRUU, read his newspaper articles or his first book.  If so you know Robert draws on the science of positive psychology, the practiced, common sense of a good therapist, plus some contagious optimism and good humor to deliver sound advice on how to increase our happiness. 

Robert's latest work, of which he is most proud, is the book  Control What You Can Control: A Path to Happiness. 
 
Yoga and Meditation Group
Four week Series: Oct. 27- Nov. 17
Led by Sara Breyfogle, yoga teacher and music therapist

Fridays 6-7:30pm Phillippa's Place (in one of our buildings just behind the church) Together in this group, we will share in the special practice of yoga: move on the mat through simple yoga poses, learn breathing practices, chant ancient Sanskrit mantras, and delve into meditation. As a group we will come together in sangha, or togetherness, to cultivate spiritual awareness.

Sign up in Rahn Hall or on the website:  Yoga and Meditation Group

Conrad Aiken Festival - Snow
Saturday, October 28, 7 pm.

Our second annual festival celebrating the life and work of writer Conrad Aiken, a Unitarian, a Pulitzer Prize winning poet and Poet Laureate of the United States, who was born and died in Savannah (1889-1973).  An evening of poetry and prose readings, words to inspire curious minds and an ice cream social, all centered on the writer's brilliant short story "Silent Snow, Secret Snow." Hosted by Orlando Montoya, an award-winning radio producer, and the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Savannah.  Also tune into "Listening to Literature" with Leigh Rich on Friday, October 20th at 12:05pm on community radio WRUU 107.5 FM and WRUU.ORG . The program will feature Montoya talking about Aiken and rare recordings of the writer himself. Free event.

Short and Sweet Concert
Sunday October 29, 1:00 -2:00 pm, Sanctuary
Les Taylor

A must for your calendar!...

Les Taylor,  celebrated Savannah theater celebrity, baritone, and UU choir member presents UU Short-n-Sweet Concert:

My Favorite 'Sings', a smorgasbord of show tunes from Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, Les Miserable, Sweeney Todd, Spamalot and more. Flanked by a host of fellow Savannah celebrities, including Rebecca and Dan Flaherty, Kelly Blackmarr, Larry Carlile, Chris Bass, Laura Dutton and others, this one hour concert will be jammed with entertaining and beautiful music. Warning: Some of it will be downright silly. Just what we all need for a post hurricane pick-me-up!

Love Offerings encouraged ($10  suggested)

UU Sounds and Spirits Concert Series 2017 - 2018

Genius Born, 1685: Works of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti - Sunday. Nov 12, 2017, 4pm

Uncommon Collective: Inspiring Measures - Saturday, December 9, 2017, 7pm

This Time the Dream's On Me: Songs of Mercer and Arlen - Sunday, Jan 21, 2018, 4pm

Classical, With a Twist: Rags, Waltzes, and Modern Music -  Saturday, Feb 3, 2018, 7pm

Divas Are Forever: It's Complicated - Sunday, Mar 4, 2018, 4pm

All About the Blues  - Saturday, Apr 14, 2018, 7pm

Women's Work - Saturday, May 12, 2018, 7pm

Be a UU Music Sponsor...Be a Winner!

When you support our UU Sounds & Spirits Concert Series you will see your name in our concert programs,  enjoy a tax deduction for your contribution  and, best of all,  be entered into a raffle drawing for three fabulous prizes!

Prizes to be awarded at the Short-n-Sweet Concert on October 29th:
  • Dinner for two at the iconic gourmet restaurant, Elizabeth on 37th ($250 value)
  • Two-night stay at a beautiful Tybee condo ($500 value)*
  • Interior design consult for kitchen or bath with floor plan draw up ($1,000 value)
The more you give, the more chances you have to win a prize
Levels of Support Perks
DOLCE $100-199 Name(s) in program and one entry in the raffle
FORTE $200-299 Name(s) in program and two entries in the raffle
MAESTOSO $300-399 Name(s) in program and three entries in the raffle
GRANDIOSO $400-above Name(s) in program and four+ entries in the raffle

Become a Sponsor Today! (Deadline Oct 22).  Please see a Music Alliance representative in Rahn Hall after the worship service. Checks, credit  cards and cash accepted. You may also mail a check to the church at 311 E. Harris Street, 31401,  ATT: Judy Dinehart, Music Alliance.

*Condo use excludes holidays
UU Auction!
 
Save the date!  November 11th  for the  2017 UU Auction . You will be receiving an email with donation ideas and a description of the plans. If you would like to help with the Auction, contact Bill or Donne Rolfes at  billrolfes@gmail.com

It's gonna be fun!

WRUU - Spotlight
Worship Services on Sunday

WRUU features worship services from two great congregations in downtown Savannah every Sunday morning, with more to come!

The service from the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Savannah is broadcast on a two-week delay from 11-12 noon each Sunday morning. This features music, stories, poetry and sermons by Rev. David Messner or other visiting ministers. The unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah, our church, is striving to be a beacon. Our radio station is one of the ways we can reach new people.

From Noon until 1 pm, WRUU broadcasts the worship service from the First Baptist Church of Savannah.   The First Baptist Church is a welcoming and affirming congregation. They believe Jesus treated everyone with a spirit of love and equality. They are an inclusive family of faith seeking to follow Jesus, who turned no one away. Their 60 min weekly service includes hymns w/ organ, scripture readings & a sermon.

Supporting the Church While You Shop
 
The UU Church of Savannah is now enrolled in the Kroger Community Rewards Program!

Simply visit krogercommunityrewards.com and register with your Kroger Plus card - complete and detailed directions are below. (If you do not have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the Customer Service Desk at any Kroger location. If you use your phone number at the register, simply call (800) 576-4377 and press 4 to hear your Kroger Plus card number.) Once you've completed this quick and easy sign up, every time you use your Kroger Plus card, the church will earn gift money from the Kroger Foundation. Please take a moment to sign up for this easy and consistent way to help the church! It only takes a minute and can help us all year long. While you're at Kroger, consider buying something for the Backpack Buddies Donation Box, found in Rahn Hall.

To sign up:
- Go to krogercommunityrewards.com and have your Kroger Plus number handy.
- Click on Sign In/Register
- If you haven't yet registered your Kroger Plus card online, click on "SIGN UP TODAY" in the 'New Customer' box. If you have registered, skip the next step.
- Enter the required information, then check your email inbox for a message from Kroger - click on the link in the body of the email.
- Click on "My Account" and login.
- Click on "Edit Kroger Community Rewards" information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
- Enter Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah or choose our organization name from the drop down menu. WE ARE #55051
- Go shopping and use your Kroger Plus card at check out!

Readers Recommend 

From  Julie Gillart  comes this recommendation:

The Wolf Border - fiction  by Sarah Hall

Rachel Caine is a zoologist working in Nez Perce, Idaho, as part of a wolf recovery project. She spends days, and often nights, tracking the every move of a wild wolf pack. It is a solitary existence, but Rachel is content. When she receives a call from a wealthy and mysterious Earl of Annerdale, who is interested in reintroducing the grey wolf to Northern England. Rachel agrees to a meeting. Earl's estate is close to the village where Rachel grew up and her aging mother  now lives in a care facility. It has been far too long since Rachel has gone home, and so she returns to face the ghosts of her past. It is a breathtaking story about the frontier of human spirit. 

Send your personal recommendations in two (or so) sentences, to admin@uusavannah. org
 
Note, the UU Bookstore will be closed Sunday, October 8th, but Caroline will be back on the 15th to meet all of your reading needs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Currently we have a need for help with the  UU Auction!  Save the date, November 11th for the 2017 UU Auction . You will be receiving an email with donation ideas and a description of the plans. If you would like to help with the Auction, contact Bill or Donne Rolfes at  billrolfes@gmail.com . It's gonna be fun.
Mark Your Calendars for the Coming Week

Sunday, October 1st
  • Worship Services, 9:30 and 11 am, Sanctuary
  • True Colors AA Meeting, 7:30 - 8:30 pm, Phillippa's Place 
Tuesday, October 3rd
  • WRUU Volunteer Orientation, 6 - 7 pm, Rahn Hall
Wednesday, October 4th
  • Qigong Practice, 11 am - 12 pm, Rahn Hall
  • WRUU Infrastructure Team Meeting, 6 - 7:30 pm, Rahn Hall
  • Choir and Vocal Ensemble Rehearsal,  6 -8 pm, Sanctuary
Thursday, October 5th
  • #Stand 4 Forests Meeting, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Rahn Hall
Saturday, October 7th
  • Film Series, Seeing Our Racial Selves Through Film, 12:30 - 3:00 pm, Rahn Hall