Our Vision: An inclusive religious community, a beacon for reason, meaning and bold social action. Our Mission: To celebrate dignity and respect for all, nurture lifelong spiritual growth, act for justice and equality, and serve the wider community. | | |
The Octagram
Friday, October 23, 2026
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Community Sunday
October 25, 2026
10:30 am - 11:40 am
In the Octagon and on Zoom
This is the popular Sunday gathering when we meet in the Octagon for a brief welcome. At that point, adults, children, congregants and guests are invited to attend a breakout workshop of choice. We hope you can join us!
Worship Host, Peggy Tanney
Title: Is Democracy Dying?
As the midterm elections approach, the New York Times article asks this question. It cites five reasons why it is in danger and why it is sliding toward competitive authoritarianism. What happens when the quest for power replaces laws and principles? What can be done to restore it and why it is our great strength and our greatest weakness. Finally, what is our role in restoring our democracy? Author Anne Applebaum says we must reframe our world view and learn to fight back. What does she mean?
Facilitators: Judy Toth and David Thornton
Location: Maxwell Library
Title: Qigong: Eight Pieces of Brocade
This is one of the oldest practiced forms of medical Qigong. Originating nearly 1,000 years ago during the Song Dynasty, the practice enhances the flow of internal energy (Qi), improves balance, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress.
Facilitator: Barbara Hammond
Location: Patio Room
Title: Actualizing Self-Compassion
Learn a remarkable effective technique combining psychology and Buddhist meditation.
Facilitator: Aryna Ryan
Location: Chorale Room
Title: Halloween Fun
Join the children in helping set up for the Trick-or-Table event in Surti Hall, followed by ghost stories!
Facilitators: Barb Tobin and Jocelyn Ganoza
Location: Surti Hall and the Octagon
Title: The Courage to Hope
Unitarian Universalism views hope not as passive wishful thinking or a guarantee of easy outcomes, but as an active, courageous choice to work for love, justice, and connection in a complex and often broken world. This mini-worship service is designed for our visitors and guests, and everyone who is curious about the UU faith. It will be available to our Zoom participants as well.
Facilitator: Margie Manning
Location: Westwood Room and Zoom
CLICK HERE FOR THE ORDER OF SERVICE
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Zoom link shown below is the same for all Sunday services
https://zoom.us/j/93790031827
Meeting ID: 937 9003 1827
You can also join from your landline or cell phone by calling 301 715 8592 and
entering 937 9003 1827 when prompted to enter the meeting ID
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We love babies! You and your little ones are welcome in our sanctuary (yes, even when fussy!). However, if you prefer, you may also utilize our nursery which has a broadcast of our service, comfy seating, and toys for kids.
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Open Issues
Sunday, October 25, 2026
9:30 - 10:25
Patio Room
"Three Stages of Aging."
Paul Burnore will lead the conversation.
Please come with your sense of humor!
| | No more melt-y chocolate! Help with our annual trick-or-treat celebration This year we’re bringing it INSIDE! Volunteer below to bring candy for trick-or-treaters that you’ll hand out at a table in Surti Hall after service. Click HERE to volunteer. Thanks! | |
Join Us for the FAST
Annual Assembly!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 • 7:00 PM
Holy Family Catholic Church
200 78th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg
Join UUC’s Justice Ministry and fellow members of FAST (Faith and Action for Strength Together) for an exciting evening of community action and social justice!
Everyone is welcome! If you’re not a UUC Justice Ministry member but would like to learn more about FAST, please join us. Representatives from FAST’s 40 congregations will vote to select from the list below, two priority issues for the coming year:
- Rent and housing affordability
- Daycare and child care costs
- Homelessness
- School bullying and violence
- Elder care
Questions? Contact Linda Stoller or Kristin Geeslin at socialjustice@uuc.org.
Come join us and make a difference!
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Click HERE for Rev. Amy's
Letter for October
"Quiet Courage"
| | FYI - If you reach the bottom of this email and it appears to be cutoff, check for a message at the bottom of the screen that reads: "[Message clipped] View entire message" or something similar. This will open the entire email...we don't want you to miss anything! | |
Our October Community Outreach Recipient, Equal Ground Education Fund, is a Florida 501c3 community-centered organization engaging the rising American electorate through equal access to education about voting and empowerment. They fight for the issues they believe in, from equality, a living wage, healthcare, to fair elections, climate change and social justice. See this page for their Voter Toolkit.
"Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender."
Keith Ellison
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To our generous UUCers:
Please donate via Breeze and donations baskets only during a recipient's designated month, and thereafter directly to the recipient via either its website or check to its physical address.
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Write ON! Vote Early!
A special shout out to Donna Polhamus and Barbara Hammond for making our postcard writing project such a success. All the postcards have been picked up. If you picked up cards please complete them and mail them NOW!
Our sticky note writing project continues. People who are dropping “get out the vote” literature with the organization Voter Action Pinellas need handwritten sticky notes to put on the literature. Our own, Daivid Thornton, is walking his precinct and could use our help. Packs of sticky notes and directions for completion are available in the social hall after service. Completed packs should be returned after service as soon as possible.
Don’t forget to vote. If you have questions about your ballot check out the voter guide available at https://voteractionpinellas.org or https:www.vote411.org
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Saturday, November 7th
9:00-12:00
"Spruce Up Day" at UUC
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Envisioning Our Memorial Garden
What do you envision for our Memorial Garden? 🌿
We’d love to hear your ideas and welcome donations of native plants to help our garden grow and flourish.
Our next Spruce Up Day is November 7, and there’s always something to be done! Some projects, like improving the pond and compost area, will take a bit of muscle and a sturdy pair of gloves. Others may be as simple as washing windows, planting containers, or adding a little color and life to our surroundings.
Whatever your interests, abilities, or energy level, there’s a way to help!
Bring your ideas, your gardening spirit, and your vision for sprucing up our shared spaces. Together, we can make our Memorial Garden and grounds even more beautiful and welcoming for everyone.
Please email Chris Mueller if you have questions.
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UUC Member Art Show
The Octagon Gallery
2470 Nursery Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764
Now through November 5, 2026
The exhibit is up, thanks to the participation of Rev. Amy Kindred, Melissa Miller-Nece, Dennis Krohn, Barbara Tobin, Sue Hand, Taelynna Czech, Barbara Murphey, and the two children of Stephanie Winner, Parker and Sierra Shipman. Please take time to view the art and thank the artists.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 - noon (it is recommended that you call first to ensure availability @ 727-531-7704);
Sundays, before/after the 10:30 service
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The Green Team Tours ...
Waste Connections -
St. Petersberg Recycling Facility
1190 20th Street North, St. Petersburg
Wednesday, November 11
10 am - 11 am
Free
Safety first! No shorts or open-toed shoes
Email Alan Nitzman if you have questions or want to carpool from church.
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The Friday Morning Book Club Returns!
Organizational Meeting
Friday, November 20
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Maxwell Library
On the agenda:
- Select Email Coordinator
- Schedule books to read and discuss
Please bring suggestions!
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Please check the calendar on our website for Zoom links and contact information for these monthly activities.
UU Writers: On Zoom every second Tuesday at 7 and third Monday at 7:30; sharing personal reflective writings within a supportive group.
Pathfinders: Once a month on a Sunday; a facilitated discussion focusing on spiritual topics, with a different topic each month, designed to deepen our relationships with each other. Check calendar for date.
Shorts at Seven: On Zoom every third Sunday at 7; view a short film followed by discussion.
Women's Lunch: Every third Monday 12:30 to 1:30 at Benedict's on Belcher
Humanist Group Book Club: Fourth Saturday of the month from noon to 2 in the Maxwell Library; check calendar for book title.
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Sweet or Savory...
Snacks Needed for Social Hour
It's so easy! Zoraida Santana, our custodian, will prepare the coffee, help you set up snacks and clean up afterwards. Covenant groups, committees, or individuals, please consider volunteering. Any purchases can be reimbursed. Click HERE to sign up for a Sunday or use the signup sheet to the left in the hallway going into the social hall. Any questions, you can contact Rich Cann at vicepresident@uuc.org
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If you would like to submit a JOY or SORROW to share at Sunday service, click HERE.
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We offer options for FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING UUC. Click HERE to find what method will work best for you and make a contribution. Thank you!
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If you would like to contribute FLOWERS for a service, click HERE to email Ana "Soledad" Vaquer to coordinate. Deadline is the Wednesday before the Sunday you choose.
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What else is happening at UUC next week?
Want more information? Who's the contact person? Where? Check the CALENDAR tab on the website, where all will be revealed!
Friday, October 23:
1 - 3 pm: Speaking Plainly on Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/98613138312
Saturday, October 24:
10 - 11 am: Chair yoga (Surti Hall) Instructor - Barbara Shimer
Suggested donation is $6
7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)
Monday, October 26: Campus Closed
Tuesday, October 27:
5:30 - 8:30 pm: Exhale Meditation (Chorale room and Zoom)
https://zoom.us/j/98773208692
7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)
Wednesday, October 28: Noon: Deadline for all publications
7 - 9 pm: Monthly UUC Board of Trustees meeting (Zoom)
https://zoom.us/j/92570744634
Thursday, October 29:
6 - 8 pm: Choir rehearsal (Octagon)
7:30 - 8:30 pm: Unity AA group (Patio Room)
Friday, October 30:
1 - 3 pm: Speaking Plainly (Zoom) https://zoom.us/j/98613138312
Saturday, October 31:
9:30 - Noon: Monthly Social Justice Council meeting (Zoom)
https://zoom.us/j/97869604806
10 - 11 am: Yoga (Surti Hall) Instructor - Barbara Shimer
Suggested donation is $6
Noon - 2 pm: Humanist Group Book Club - Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell (Maxwell Library)
7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)
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All organizational documents and reports are posted on our website under the MEMBER section. If you are a Member or Pledging Friend but don't have the password, please contact the Office Administrator at admin@uuc.org
You do not need to be a Member or Pledging Friend to get The Octagram, UUC's free weekly newsletter. Click HERE to subscribe.
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