Sunday Services for July. | |
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Sunday, July 7, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rev. Bob Murphy
"Hurricane Sunday"
The season for hot weather and hurricanes has started. Climate change is changing everything. Rev. Bob Murphy is a Unitarian Universalist minister in Florida. He'll discuss ancient rituals and modern activities for the summer months. Rev. Bob will have information about the General Assembly and climate justice.
The article below helps to introduce Rev. Bob Murphy to the congregation. (Rev. Murphy will be filling in once a month with our services). "It explains my ministry. My environmental justice ministry with the Unitarian Universalists started during the early 1990s with Marjorie Bowens Wheatley. She was a UU minister in Tampa for a few years. Marjorie is still a source of inspiration."
Title: "Father Murphy and the Goats and the Sheep"
Author: Rev. Robert (Bob) Murphy
I’m not Father Murphy. Let me explain.
Back in the 1990s, I taught at a Jesuit school in Boston. I mentioned my experience to a group of Unitarian Universalists. Some folks assumed that I was a former Jesuit. For better or for worse, I never had that experience. I was raised in a family that was part Protestant and part Roman Catholic. I loved and respected both sides, but there was too much conflict about religious statements. As an adult, I chose the Unitarian Universalists.
I'm not a pastor. Let me explain.
Yes, I’m a Unitarian Universalist minister. I help people of faith in several communities. Including Unitarian Universalists in Key West, Charlotte County, and in the Tampa Bay Area. However, I seldom use the word "pastor" to describe my ministry.
Pastors are for sheep. They can be found in some religious groups, although sheep are seldom seen at Unitarian Universalist gatherings. Unitarian Universalists have some cats, and trying to herd cats is beyond mortal ability. We have some goats in our congregations. The goats can be quirky and curious and sometimes rambunctious.
I was with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa last March to discuss voting rights and the defense of democracy. No sheep were involved. Sheep won't defend democracy. They’ll wait for instructions from the shepherd. In the near future, I’ll be with congregation members to discuss the ways in which the climate change discussion is changing for Florida and the Caribbean. You can wear a wool coat when you come to the conversations, although you'll probably be more comfortable if the dress for the season. Last summer was hot and the summer of 2024 may be hotter.
I'm a fundamentalist. Let me explain.
Our Unitarian Universalist Association has a set of Bylaws. Article Two explains the purpose of our Association. The national Association is supposed to serve the member societies. Religious, educational, and humanitarian activities are mentioned in the Bylaws. Our goal is to overcome systems of power, privilege, and oppression that have created barriers for persons with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. These are among the fundamentals for our Association.
As a fundamentalist among the Unitarian Universalists, I’ll stay with the basics as explained in our current Bylaws. Feed the goats. Feed the sheep. Help the goldfish and the cats. Same message for people on the left and people on the right. If we insist on too much control, too much conformity, and too much political correctness, the goats will tear the prayer tent apart and the pastors and other creatures will go bananas. Give a catechism to a bunch of goats and they’ll eat the document for lunch. What they need is something that's nourishing and desirable. Keep it appetizing and good. We can help each other and our neighbors.
- END -
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Sunday, July 14, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rev. Charles McKenzie
"The Great Polarity"
Why the Dichotomy?
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Saturday, July 20, 2024
7:30pm -
CUUPS Full Moon Celebration
July Full Moon
Join Exordium as we channel our inner Muse to share the story of “The Three Fates.” Sage will be out in front of the large dome at 7 PM and our Ritual begins at 7:30 PM.
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Sunday, July 21, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rukmini Potdar
"The Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office
Representing Florida's Abused, Abandoned and Neglected Children"
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Sunday, July 28, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rev Charles McKenzie
"God never stops talking"
On the last Sunday of the month, following this service: Conversations with The Board. Members of the Board of Trustees will be present for conversation after church today from 11:45 to 12 p.m. The purpose is to open communication and share ideas. Come with questions and ideas but always with an open mind.
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Board News
“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” — Abraham Maslow
Change comes to all of us and to all things. Sometimes it is welcome and joyfully received, like a job promotion or a new baby. Other times we struggle against change. It can arrive unexpectedly and disrupt our lives. We may try to avoid change and the necessary work that often accompanies it. Yet, we all know that change is a part of life and sooner or later, knocks on our door, often bringing with it both challenges and positive growth. We at UUCT are now facing change and challenge as we experience the unexpected departure of our minister. How can we make the most of this time as we heal and move forward? How can we face the challenges ahead together?
These will be the questions that your Board of Trustees and our members will be answering as we process this loss, and find our way forward. Each of us will experience this change differently and we wish to make space for those different experiences. At times of stress and change, it is vital that we treat ourselves and others with extra care and compassion. Now is the time to allow space for listening respectfully and acting thoughtfully.
We are working, as a Board, and with other committees to create a process that will help our congregation express their thoughts and feelings. We are also taking baby steps to make plans for our future, including congregational meetings in which members can voice their thoughts on ministerial guidance and programmatic direction. We hope to have more details to share soon.
On the positive side, we are seeing the resiliency and determination to thrive that is the heart of our congregation. Our members and committee leadership have stepped forward to continue the services and programs that we cherish. In particular, this month, the Board of Trustees wishes to thank Diana Stevens for taking over the coordination of Friday Game Night and Potluck supper. The Board also wishes to recognize Pat Benedict for her invaluable work in creating meaningful services for our congregation. We are inviting all interested members to attend a brainstorming session on July 28th after services to share ideas and plans for fundraising.
In what can feel like a sea of change and very uncertain times, we can count our own inner wisdom and kindness and that of other church members. May we step forward into growth together.
Kim Robe, Secretary BOT
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The New Member Ceremony led by Kim Robe was a joyous occasion. The New Member Reception that followed was filled with food, fun and fellowship. Welcome all the new 2024 UUCT members! | |
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Membership Corner
Your membership committee is alive and well.
But, we desperately need greeters and ushers. If you are willing to help with this simple task, please write kimkanney2@yahoo.com.
Are you new to the church or do you know someone who would like to know more about our church? Interested individuals should contact membership@uutampa.org or attend New to UU information sessions which are held after the service on the second Sunday of each month and are led by Alex Furnari. Stop by to learn about our church.
Christine Smith
Membership Chair
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Join Us Tuesday Nights For Our Mindfulness Meditation Group
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for an hour of calm in a busy week. There are readings, silent meditation, Loving Kindness blessing, and discussion.
We meet In the large dome or on zoom
Zoom Link (new 2024 link)
Meeting ID: 811 3060 4729; Passcode: 632102
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Sunday Mornings
Adult RE: with Grant Wilson
"The Living Universe"
9:30-10:15 am
Join us in the multi-purpose building.
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Meeting randomly
Random Acts of Kindness Group
Sunday, June 9
@ 12:00 pm
The group members each donate $10 per month, and then one lucky member gets to give it away to a worthy cause or an unsuspecting individual. Text Kim McDonald 813.380.2628
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2nd Monday of the Month!
Monday Night mUUsic
July 8; 7:30 pm
Grab your instrument, or just bring your voice and get ready.
Once a month we will gather for song and music. Join Us for a fun sing-a-long.
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Tuesday
Mindfulness Meditation Group
6:30 pm -7:30 pm
- weekly - In the large dome or on zoom
Zoom Link (new 2024 link)
Meeting ID: 811 3060 4729; Passcode: 632102
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Wednesday
Choir Rehearsals-6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Contact person: James Hemphill, choir@uutampa.org
July Summer Schedule:
Wed. July 3rd - No Practice
Wed. July 10th - Practice 6:30 pm
Wed. July 17th - Practice 6:30 pm
Wed. July 24th - No Practice
Wed. July 31st - No Practice
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4th Thursday of the month
A Women’s Drum Circle
July 25; 12:30 pm
Our UUCT drum circle will also promote community by starting at 12:30pm with a bring-your-own brown bag luncheon and, of course, checking in with our sisters for fun and support.
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First Friday of the month
Vegan Dinner & Karaoke!
Friday, July 5
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
New to our monthly calendar. give this new event a try. Bring a vegan dish to share and your best singing voice!
The Chins 941.822.2947
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3rd Friday of the month
July 19
Potluck Dinner @ 6:30 pm
and
Game Night @ 7:30 pm
Come and enjoy good conversations, good food, and games.
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Care Committee at: CareTeam@uutampa.org
Team members can provide you with support during/after an illness, a death in the family, or other loss or hardship. Use the email address to keep us up to date.
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2nd Saturday of the month
Buildings and Grounds
Clean-Up Day
Saturday, July 13; 9:00 am - noon
Help us once a month with the small jobs that keep the UUCT buildings and ground looking good.
Trevor Chin uuctgrounds@uutampa.org
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4th Saturday of the month
UUCT Women's Book Club
Saturday, July 27 @ 3:00 pm
click here: Zoom meeting link
Meeting ID: 865 9887 3568 - Passcode: bookclub
For more information please contact Evelyn Cape at handlady@gmail.com happy reading.
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Religious Exploration
RE for Children and Youth
RE is excited to provide weekly sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age.
RE Teen Group meets next on August 4th. RE Teen group is a safe place for individuals ages 13-19 to be educated and empowered in the Unitarian Universalist traditions of inclusiveness and compassion. Michelle Stover, a high school teacher, and Beth Brownell, a clinical therapist, will be leading the program.
Wiggle Room(Right next to the Minister’s Office)
Staff are available each Sunday to watch children ages 6 months to 4 years old. Families with infants 0-5 months are welcome to visit the Wiggle Room too. It is stocked with toys, rocking chairs, and a changing table. It is a welcoming space to quiet a restless child during service and still be able to hear the service.
Families who have not yet registered and would like to participate are asked to complete the attached form. RE Registration Form - Once completed you can scan it in an email to re@uutampa.org
Soulful Home: If you can't make it to a live RE session (or even if you can) you may want to engage with the monthly theme by accessing a packet of materials at home. The packets include stories, games, discussion topics, action invitations, craft ideas, and links for further family exploration.
For more information, contact the RE Committee: re@uutampa.org
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Healthy Relations
Upset by something you saw or heard in church? Unsure how to disagree without being disagreeable? Did you know that there is a Healthy Relations Team ready to help?
The Healthy Relations Team provides education about conflict resolution and helps congregants solve conflicts themselves. Members of the team have been trained in a conflict resolution process called Restorative Circles, which teaches the use of listening skills to reach new solutions to problems. Current members of the HRT include Ed Benedict, Kim McDonald, Kim Robe, Doris Ryan (chairperson), Mary Wolgemuth, and Karen Zindell.
If you would like to learn more about Restorative Circles or think you might need assistance from the HRT, please contact the team at healthyrelations@uutampa.org.
“At the core of all anger is a need that is not being fulfilled.” ~ Marshall B. Rosenberg
To read past Domelight articles about actions that block empathy, click here.
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CUUPS Notes:
Our July 20th Full Moon Ritual is entitled. “What is Your Fate?”
Join Exordium as we channel our inner Muse to share the story of “The Three Fates.” Sage will be out in front of the large dome at 7 PM and our Ritual begins at 7:30 PM. Feel free to come in Greco Roman dress if so Inspired. There will be potluck feasting and camaraderie in the multipurpose building after ritual. You will also find our 6 PM Ritual Magic class, which will be held in the multipurpose building prior to ritual, quite interesting whether you are new to the craft or an experienced practitioner looking for a way to share this information. Join us as Stevie Rataj walks us through the steps of Ritual Magick. See You There!
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Our Masquerade Witches Ball planning meetings began on June 15th at 1 PM in room 2 of the multipurpose building and will continue once a month until our big event on October 26, 2024. This will be fun! We are going to have a DJ and dancers and vendors and so much more (at the Witches Ball)! Come and be a part of it and don’t worry if you missed the June 15th meeting, we will have another one on Sunday, July 14th 1:00 pm in room 2. We will keep the information coming. | | | |
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Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE) News
UUCT-HOPE Justice Ministry Team Co-Leads: Robert Boileau and Candy Gale.
The annual DART Justice Ministry Conference will be held July 16-19th in Orlando this year. Hundreds of clergy and lay leaders from across the country will share inspiring stories and other information about building Justice Ministries in their congregations and local communities at this Conference.
Affordable Housing and Mental Health (AH-MH) Issue Update: nothing new to report this month, except that AH opponent Michael Owen, one of the three Republicans elected in November of 2022 to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), resigned from the BOCC on June 11th, and announced plans to run for the Florida House of Representatives.
Care for Creation Issue Update: nothing new to report this month.
Criminal Justice Issue Update: nothing new to report this month.
For all of you who want to help with our efforts to protect the HOPE AH Fund, please email Commissioners Cohen, Kemp and Myers to thank each for their past support and ask each to advocate for keeping ten million dollars in the county’s 2025 budget.
Please, if you have the time and energy, also email Commissioners Cameron-Cepeda, Hagan, and Wostal, to express your disappointment for their opposition, and to encourage each to have a change of heart for the betterment of our county. Please contact Kaitlyn and Jasmine for more information and suggested talking points.
Email addresses:
https://hcfl.gov/government/board-of-county-commissioners/contact-your-commissioner
HOPE’s Individual and Corporate Investment Drives are still in progress. Please read my HOPE article in the latest UUCT Weekly Blast for the most recent information.
If you have not already invested in our work, please visit the HOPE website to invest online at https://www.hillsboroughhope.org/invest via Zeffy (no processing fees). To Invest by check instead, please make it out to HOPE, write our Congregation, UUCT, on the Memo line and mail to: HOPE, 5103 N. Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
If you are interested in being involved in our ongoing Corporate Investment Drive, please let me know. Thank you.
For more information, please contact Robert Boileau or Candy Gale, or kaitlyn@hillsboroughhope.org or jasmine@hillsboroughhope.org
In Community and Justice, Robert Boileau, UUCT-HOPE Team Co-Lead with Candy Gale
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