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September Domelight
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF TAMPA'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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Sunday Services for September.
Our Theme will be Invitation.
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Sunday, September 1, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Theme: Labor Day and our Water Communion
Guest Speaker - Rev. Bob Murphy
This is the Sunday for our annual water communion.
You're invited to bring with you a small sample of water from some source, someplace that you actually visited in the past year, or someplace you wished you had been able to visit in the past year. In case you forget, we’ll have some extra water that you’ll be able to designate as having come from anywhere on earth.“Children will attend the first part of the service with their families, then exit to RE classes after the water ceremony.”
The Labor Day weekend has also arrived. Rev. Bob Murphy will bring both themes together. How do we feed the hungry and bring drinking water to the needy? How do we move from charity to empowerment?
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Sunday, September 8, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rev. Charles McKenzie
"God is not a Being"
The source of all things is not an amorphous deity. It is sentient, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.
It is pure and unconditional love.
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Saturday, September 14, 2024
7:30pm - 10:30pm
CUUPS Full Moon Celebration
Please, join us for a Special Mabon Meditation
in the multi-purpose building at 6pm led by our CUUPS facilitator, Ruth Morris.
7pm meet in front of the large dome for Sage and our 7:30pm Mabon Full Moon Celebration
led by Sherry Beck and Friends. Sherry brings her special talents to guide us through a time that encompasses both balance and transition as the darkness begins to defeat the light.
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Sunday, September 15, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Alex Furnari
'Free to Be Me: My experience with
UU’s Youth Group'
This presentation will include a brief history of UU Youth groups. It will address how LRY made a lasting impact on my life and that of many other youth. What is the value of youth engagement in UU congregations to the youth and to the congregation? Are we missing opportunities to support and engage youth?
Alex Furnari’s family joined the Unitarian church in Miami around 1960; she was President of the LRY (Liberal Religious Youth), was active in a UU college group at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and was volunteer teacher of religious education in Miami and Tallahassee and a volunteer Director of Tampa’s religious education program in the early 1970’s for several years. She was also a member of the church Board for several years in the 70’s. Her career has included leading several local nonprofit organizations, 13 years in various positions at the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Vice-President for Community Impact at the United Way of El Paso, and is in her 6th year as Senior Grant Writer for the Children’s Home Society of Florida.
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Sunday, September 22, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Guest Speaker - Rev. Charles McKenzie
'We are God'
Even as the ocean is its waves and fingers are the hand. We are singular outpourings of universal life. We are triune entities.
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Sunday, September 29, 2024
Service at 10:30 am
Membership Sunday
Presentation by our Membership Committee Members and Christine Smith, Chair
2024-25 is our 70th year in operation! All are invited to a very special service. Share the past and make new connections! Our service will be followed by a Birthday Brunch celebration in the multipurpose building.See the announcement below.
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
Phew! We made it! September at last! The kids are back in school. Halloween advertisements and merchandise have been on display for a month now. Cool, crisp mornings will come soon (well, pretty soon). So, obviously, we are ready to settle down again and look for new things to experience and learn. How about choosing a new volunteer experience at UUCT?
How about taking up the role of greeter, the first person a new visitor meets at UUCT? The greeters present that first welcoming smile that we all experienced when we walked through the red doors for the first time. The greeters arrive by 10 am before the service at 10:30. They make sure new people can get the information they may need: visitor information cards, information about membership, and descriptions of Pathways to Membership and New to UU sessions. They help visitors get oriented by pointing out the seating areas on the main floor and balcony. They point out the restrooms and invite people to coffee hour. They provide nametags and collect guest cards. After the service, greeters help people get to the multipurpose building and meet people at coffee hour. The greeters also keep track of the totals of visitors, adults, and children.
The ushers present that second welcoming smile as they hand us an Order of Service, help us find seats, and connect newcomers to people in the sanctuary. When the service starts, they stay in the foyer for 10-15 minutes to shush any raucous talkers out there because the sound carries into the sanctuary and up to the balcony. After the service, the ushers also help people find their way to coffee hour and get involved there. Either role, greeter or usher, takes little more time than someone would usually spend at UUCT on a Sunday morning. To get started, express your interest by emailing membership@uutampa.org.
Now, if you are more of a policy wonk, you might be interested in joining the Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures Committee, which holds meetings on zoom. People often don’t realize that helping to develop our guidelines for being together is a way to think deeply about our principles, to figure out how to translate the principles into action. To develop or refine our policies, committee members often consult with the board, other committees, groups in the church, and/or individuals. Besides meeting with the committee, you might want to be a writer for this group, someone who crafts documents to guide our church life. Contributing to the writing will help communicate the policies in a clear, understandable, and functional way. A well written policy or bylaw creates a foundation of health for our important decisions and helps us avoid favoritism, bias, and arbitrary decision-making. Email bylaws@uutampa.org.
One more – maybe this is your year to become a classroom assistant in the RE program. On your Sunday as an assistant, you arrive at 10:15 and stay until about 11:45, after the kids are signed out. While the teacher is responsible for the day’s activities, you as the assistant help with passing out supplies, cleaning up, monitoring safety on the playground, and occasionally taking walks around the campus. Most volunteers select one date a month to help. You can also help with special events, like the holiday tree trimming, egg hunt, and end of year parties. Whatever role you take, training will be provided. This is an opportunity to contribute to our children’s understanding of Unitarian Universalist and other good principles for living. Email RE@uutampa.org.
Doris Ryan
vp@uutampa.org
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Sunday, August 11, after church, we had our fundraising workshop. It was well attended by an enthusiastic group with lots of great ideas. Our goal is to raise $8000 between now and the end of December 2024 to make up for the gap in our fundraising budget. As we put the ideas on the flip chart, it became evident that the majority would fit beautifully into a year-end auction. We settled on Saturday, December 7th, for the auction. Now, all we need are volunteers willing to help with planning and the implementation of the projects. Below is a list of projects we identified and the people who have already volunteered to work on the projects or provide content.
If you are interested in serving on a planning committee or would just like more information about a project or want to help with set-up contact
Lynn Parrish cell: 813-494-2630 texts or Lynn.parrish04@gmail.com
- Auction December 7, 2024: Al Therberge, Lynn Parrish, Kim Robe, Kathy Reddy, Russ Patterson, and J Kelly
a. Potential auction items
i.Dinners in member’s homes, Pecan Pies, Art, Yule baskets, Christmas-themed crafts, rentals, objects, car wash, and other services, to name a few.
- Talent Night: Jamie and Kim Robe
- Plant & yard sale: this is potentially scheduled for February 2025: Kathy Reddy, Pat Keller
- Board of Trustees Breakfast: Lynn Parrish
- CUUPS Witches Ball the last weekend in October: Contact Ruth Morris, J. Kelly
- Bingo: Barbara Burghardt needs some research
- Valentines Dance: February 2025
- Fall picnic
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Our Third Annual Poetry Service is Sunday, November 3.
Would you like to read to the congregation a poem that has special meaning to you? We need 10-12 people who will each read a poem with a brief introduction at the service for a total time of less than three minutes. The poem must support UU principles and be appropriate for all ages. Submitted poems will be aggregated and available to the congregation prior to the November 3 service via a link. If more than twelve poems are submitted, those poems received early will receive priority. Please submit your poem and name of poet to poetry@uutampaorg by September 30. Please contact Mary Wolgemuth for alternate ways to submit your poem and questions.
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Small Group Ministries Have Openings
Are you new to UUCT, or want to deepen your connection? One of the most rewarding ways to do that is to join a small group ministry. SGM's meet in-person and/or on Zoom, monthly from October through June.
- Magnolias (women's group): 7-8:30 p.m. on the first Monday
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Mangroves (men's group): 7-9 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month or join us for an informal lunch about 2 weeks after our formal meeting.
- Elms: noon-2 p.m. on the first Thursday
Don't see a convenient time listed? Why not start a new group? Facilitator training, support, and materials are readily available.
For more information, click here: https://uutampa.org/get-involved/small-group-ministries/
or contact Karen Zindell at SGMcoordinator@uutampa.org.
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First Friday of the month, September 6
Vegan Potluck & Karaoke! 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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The Random Acts of Kindness group has added some new members, but we have also lost Richard Isinghood. Richard recently used his turn at giving to help a homeless man pay for a hotel room after the man was treated at a hospital for an infection. Richard was also responsible for finding the Random Acts of Kindness sign hanging in the MPB. The group will miss Richard's ideas and his generosity.
Since its formation, the group has donated to Trinity Cafe, which provides meals to the homeless and needy on Busch Boulevard, and also to a nonprofit in Zephyrhills which provides food to those in need. Funds have also been used to stock a school store for kids who earn points and to mini food pantries in Zephyrhills. We also showed UUCT church secretary, Linda Turnipseed, our gratitude with flowers and a gift card. As you all know, Linda is always willing to help with a cheerful smile no matter how many times we ask her to do something for us.
Members have loved being able to do these acts of kindness, and we thank you for the donations we have received in person or in our bank on the coffee table during coffee hour. We are happy to share the fun should you wish to participate, either as a member who contributes and does a giving act or as an ongoing donor. See Kim McDonald for more details, or if you would like to be a member of this group.
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Meeting randomly
Random Acts of Kindness Group
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
September 9; 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
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4th Thursday of the month
A Women’s Drum Circle
August 22; 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 Potluck & Karaoke!
Friday, September 6
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
September 20
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, September 14; 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, September 28 @ 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
Is Inviting Change by welcoming both a new Committee Chair, and an RE Coordinator starting Sept. 1st! Following up on her long term commitment to RE, and upon completion of her most recent board term, Judy Lane has responded to the invitation by volunteering to lead the way! She will be joined by Aileen Habal, who is newly promoted to the position of REC from Wiggle Room worker. Aileen is excited about communicating with families in-person and through social media platforms. You are invited to let them know how much their ministry means to our congregation. You can enhance our program by volunteering to help out. Talk to Aileen or email re@uutampa.org
RE for Children and Youth RE is excited to provide weekly sessions for children aged 5 to 12 years of age, in the multi-purpose building starting at 10:30 am.
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 or bring to Church and give to Aileen.
RE Teen Group meets next on September 29th. 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)
Families with children up to 4 years old are welcome to visit the Wiggle Room. It is stocked with toys, rocking chairs, and a changing table. It is a welcoming space to quiet a restless child during worship and still be able to hear the service. As our collection of volunteers increases, it may be possible to staff the Wiggle Room once again.
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
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Healthy Relations
Next Reflective Listening Sessions (09-15-24)
The Healthy Relations Team (HRT) will hold its next reflective listening sessions after church services on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 11:45am in Room 5 of the Multi-Purpose Buildings. The subject will be Spirituality, a seldom discussed but important subject for us all. Please come and join us that day to practice your reflective listening skills and learn what your fellow church attendees feel about the subject of Spirituality. (Submitted for the HRT by Ed Benedict)
To read past Domelight articles about actions that block empathy, click here.
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Our Masquerade Witches Ball
planning meetings are on Sunday, September 15, 22, 29 at 11:45 am in room 2 of the multipurpose building and will continue 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. We will keep the information coming.
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Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE) News
HOPE's Annual Listening Process began August 18th with our UUCT Justice Ministry Team meeting (Candy Gale, me and HOPE's Kaitlyn Mazariegos) when we planned for the following evening's HOPE-wide Teams Assembly and Listening Process Training Kick-off. During our UUCT Team meeting, Kaitlyn asked if we could host the 6:30 pm October 7th pre-convention Teams Assembly at our church. We agreed, after checking the UUTampa.org Calendar for October, and finding that date/time open for our entire MPB. HOPE's subsequent Annual HOPE Convention is scheduled for October 28th at 7:00 pm at a location TBD/TBA.
Also, during our Team meeting, Candy and I planned four possible UUCT Listening Meetings during September; we subsequently scheduled these three:
Sunday, September 15th at at 3:00 Jay Cortright’s home in Temple Terrace
Sunday, September 22nd in the MPB at UU Church of Tampa at 11:45
Saturday, September 28th at 11:45 Christine and Chuck Smith’s home in Lutz.
Please contact Robert Boileau at red.baron.robert@gmail.com or Candy Gale at candylgale@gmail.com. to RSVP for one of these meetings. Please put "Listening meeting RSVP" in the Subject line. Thank you.
This is your opportunity to discuss challenges you, or someone you know, face in Hillsborough County, get better acquainted with our members and learn about HOPE, and our part in it to improve things locally.
Affordable Housing and Mental Health (AH-MH) Issue Update: please read my latest Weekly Blast article for the most recent information.
Care for Creation Issue Update: please read my latest Weekly Blast article for the most recent information.
Criminal Justice (CJ) Committee Issue Update: nothing new to report as we have currently paused our efforts for this Issue.
HOPE’s Individual and Corporate Investment Drives are almost over; for updates, please read my HOPE article in the latest UUCT Weekly Blast.
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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