September Domelight

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Service at 10:30 am

Guest Speaker - Rev. Bob Murphy

"Water Communion"  

Bring a small container of water from a place that has been important for you during recent weeks.  It can be water from your kitchen,  a summer job,  or a river that you've visited while on vacation. There are many possibilities.  All of the water will be poured into a large bowl to celebrate our annual water communion. Rev. Bob Murphy will also discuss wellness and the spiritual joys of summer gardening.  



Guest Rev. Bob Murphy is a UU community minister for Florida. Bob asks people to love and care for each other and their natural environment during some difficult days for planet Earth.  

There will be a New to UU session Sunday September 6 at 11:45 in the Teen Room(rm 5) of the Multipurpose Building. This is an informal 15-20 minute session to answer questions about UUism, how to get connected here at UUCT, as well as the next steps to becoming a UUCT member.

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Service at 10:30 am

Guest Speaker - Glenn Brown

"Sharing Stories"

Readings and a brief discussion of stories from Whispering Oaks and Other Stories of Love, Life and Loss. Beginnings are generally inseparable from ends. Fiction is a means of exploring questions as an observer, not necessarily providing a right or wrong answer, but facilitating conversations and possibly perspectives on our human experience. 



Our guest Glenn Brown is a writer, anthropologist, and longtime community advocate whose work has centered on understanding the lives, struggles, and resilience of ordinary people. Glenn studied creative writing at the University of Montana and earned a BA in liberal arts. His career took him through a diverse range of experiences—from working in restaurants and serving as a counselor in a maximum-security psychiatric prison and, after earning a MA degree in Anthropology, to helping strengthen services for children and families in the Tampa Bay area. For more than two decades, he worked with nonprofit organizations, local government, and community partners to improve the well-being of children and families through collaboration, research, and public investment.

His first collection, Whispering Oaks and Other Stories of Love, Life, and Loss, brings together stories that range from quiet realism to speculative fiction, each inviting readers to reflect on the shared human experiences that connect us across cultures, beliefs, and generations.

A lifelong student of history, philosophy, and world religions, Glenn believes stories are among humanity's oldest way of exploring life's questions not by providing easy answers, but by helping us see ourselves and one another with greater compassion. He lives in the Tampa Bay area, where he continues to write, study, and enjoy meals.

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Service at 10:30 am

Guest Speaker - Dr. Andy LaPage

"Blessed to be a Blessing"

Have you ever thought about how Blessing works? Those who are Blessed always speak words of Blessing, wherever they go and in whatever they do. Yet, Blessing is not from the ego, rather, it is from the heart. Why is Blessing important? From where does Blessing obtain its energy? How do we Bless others? What happens if others refuse our Blessing? These and other questions deserve adequate answers which we hope to bring to light in Sunday’s Service.

Guest Dr. Andy LePage, a PhD psychologist and former priest, has taught in the U.S. and in Australia, and has mentored teachers in several states. His book, Transforming Education: The New 3 R's (Reverence, Renewal and Responsibility) was endorsed by academics, parents, and the Secretary of Education at the United Nations. He is also a contributing author to the Cooperative Discipline Book and Teacher Education Program used in many schools. Andy taught Practical Classroom Management Skills to teachers (and a few administrators!) for over 27 years. For a change of pace, he opened and ran a sandwich shop at the beach for ten years! Today, Andy officiates several Weddings and Life Celebrations each year, and works to help get homeless people in jobs and housing. He is in his 9th year of leading semi-monthly spirituality workshops. He began attending the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines in Brooksville in 2014.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

7:00 Sage; 7:30pm -10:30pm

CUUPS Full Moon Celebration

Exordium invites you to Put on your Cat Ears!

September 26, 2026, Join us for a Full Moon honoring the cats that live in the wild. ”Warriors”  by Erin Hunter, brings to light this secret world for our exploration.This ritual is written by a literary fan of this amazing world. So, come on down to the MPB at 6 pm for our free class “Stewardship with Animals” with Megan, then come over to the large dome for sage cleansing at 7pm. Ritual will be at 7:30pm with Feasting to Follow! Bring a Dish if you would like and enjoy the Fun!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Service at 10:30 am

Guest Speaker - Nancy Wileden

"Our Shared Story: Membership Through the Decades"

Every congregation has a story, and each of us is part of it. Join us on Sunday, September 27 for Our Shared Story: Membership Through the Decades, a service exploring UUCT's history and how our Unitarian Universalist community has evolved over the years. During the service a representative member from each decade since the 70's through the 2020's will share the highlights of their first years as members. Together we'll reflect on the traditions that have shaped us, the changes we've embraced, and the ways we continue to build a welcoming, vibrant congregation for today and tomorrow. Whether you've been here for decades or just recently found your way to our community, your story is part of our shared journey. We hope you'll join us for this meaningful time of reflection, connection, and celebration.

Following this service (On the last Sunday of the month, following this service after coffee time we hold a monthly meeting) 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.

Our Fifth Annual UUCT Poetry Service is Sunday, November 9. This is your opportunity to read a poem that has special meaning to you to the congregation. We welcome all poems that can be read within three minutes and support our UU principles. Please submit your poem and name of poet to poetry@uutampa.org by September 30. If you do not receive a reply within 48 hours, prefer an alternate way to submit your poem or have questions, please contact Mary Wolgemuth or Karen Zindell. We look forward to your participation in this worship service.

The Board of Trustees wishes to announce the election of Lula Dovi and Robert Capellini to the status of Emeritus Member. Both have been outstanding contributors to UUCT's programs over the years. We want to keep them close to us.  The privileges of membership and their listings in the church directory will be maintained.

Message from the Board

Our UU principles talk about democracy. Our Board of Trustees has to put that democracy idea into practice. This year the board had to grapple with some complicated issues, like how to create a membership category for longtime members who can no longer participate or attend services, how to make the Minister’s Discretionary Fund more beneficial for our members, and, of all things, could we finally resolve what to do with that land we somehow own (or think we own) in Minnesota. The endowment investment matured, so how do we help make our money grow the best? Can there be any future for the small dome (we hear people sighing, oh no, not the small dome again)? How should we discharge our part of the responsibility to help find a new minister? And then there have been the crises, the loss of people we’ve loved and depended on for many years, endless trees that get hit by a mere puff of wind but fall down anyway, relentless and wily termites returning to the balcony to hold more cellulose banquets.

Every board member comes with all the knowledge they bring from outside and all their energy to help UUCT. Yet, the new board starts with a disadvantage. People can stay on committees for many years, but board members come and go on a schedule. Despite each board’s newness, decisions are needed pretty quickly once September gets rolling.

This year’s board was courageous and surprising. At our first orientation session on a Saturday last fall, they right away said, hey, we like talking in person, not just by zoom. Hence, over the course of the year, we met more times than I want to count on Saturday mornings, not to have a formal, official meeting but just to talk freeform about issues facing the church. Board members sacrificed free time, lost opportunities to sleep in, rearranged their work schedules to be there. I’ve seen every board member get their footing and make a unique contribution. Pat Keller developed a specialty shepherding projects that new church members wanted to start. Al Theberge helped us think about a future for the small dome and imagine how we could create more storage. Catherine Ripley bravely took on learning how to function in the treasurer role. Kim McDonald gifted us with her knowledge and experience from her past time on the board. Christine Smith brought valuable understanding from her years of leadership experience and brought AI-generated samples for major policies we addressed. A steady, wise presence, Kim Robe spoke thoughtfully about our issues and supported everyone’s efforts. Robin Rodriguez brought a connection to CUUPS that we needed. In addition, too often when we had regular board meetings on Thursday evenings, Robin would have to tune in by phone, sitting in the dark in her car somewhere between Tampa and St. Petersburg, because she was still trying to get home after work.

This year’s board recognized that the newbies for 2026-2027 would benefit by getting involved right away to be ready for the fall. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them – Candie Acosta, Nancy Harms, Shae Lynch, John Tiller – and feel confident they will bring a lot to the table. They already have. As I leave the board, I’m aware the best moments for me have been the ones when I could see people being enthusiastic about an issue, stepping up to contribute something to the church, and telling me how much the church means to them. That last comment I heard quite often. It was the most motivating and made me feel the best. 

Doris Ryan, outgoing President of the UUCT Board of Trustees

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 of the month

Mangroves (men's group): currently at capacity, sponsors a "Men's Lunch" on the middle Wednesday of the month at noon (location to be announced) 

You don't need to be a member to join, all are welcome!

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. (If you do not receive a reply within 72 hours, please contact her directly.)

Pathways to Membership Session Saturday, September 26, 2026; 9am-1pm 

If you are interested in learning more about UUCT and what membership means, join us for the opportunity to ask questions, make connections and begin to develop your own identity as Unitarian Universalist. This workshop will explore a little about UU history, our principles, sources, and covenant, ways to connect and become involved at UUCT, and the benefits and responsibilities of membership.

Once you are sure about joining our community, you may sign our membership book and fill out the personal information pledge forms.

We will meet in the Multipurpose Building, Room 2, from 9:00 -1:00.

Coffee and donuts as well as lunch will be provided, so please let us know of any dietary restrictions when making your reservation. In order to plan for materials and food, we ask that you make a reservation at membership@uutampa.org.

Healthy Relations Team HRT

Practice Reflective Listening with the Healthy Relations Team!

The Healthy Relations Team (HRT) will hold its next Sharing Reflections session after the church service on Sunday, September 20th at 11:45 in Room 5 of the Multipurpose Building. 

The topic is “What's an experience from growing up when you realized your parents didn't have all the answers?”

Please join us to practice reflective listening skills, discuss your feelings and choices, and learn from others in our church community.

The Healthy Relations Team provides education about conflict resolution and helps congregants solve conflicts themselves. If you think you may need assistance from the HRT, please contact one of our team members: Ed Benedict, Lindi Budd (chair), Nancy Wileden, Mary Wolgemuth or Karen Zindell.

The care team wishes a Happy September Birthday to these UUCT members!

James Barfoot, Sandy Cunnagin, Josh Randall, Donald Hunter, Joan Lund, Ruth Morris, Evelyn Cape, Kathy Hunter, Ernie Moldanado, Brian Slattery-Gaston, Stephanie Rataj, and Ed Benedict.

~

Happy Anniversary to

Joyce and Richard Formica!

Email the Care Team to keep us informed at: CareTeam@uutampa.org

The Care Team celebrates birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, and other milestones. We provide members with support during or after:

• a challenge or hardship 
• an illness or injury, 
• a death in the family, or other loss, or
• a need for conversation.

With your permission, support from team members may be provided by text, email, phone call, visits or cards.  Link

Religious Education for Children and Youth

Our Children’s Religious Exploration program took a couple of vacation days in August to regroup and reorganize for the upcoming 2026 – 2027 year.  We begin September with our intergeneration Water Communion on the First Sunday of the month. This is our annual ritual where we invite the community to bring small amounts of water from places that are meaningful to them and to pour these waters into a central bowl. It is a ceremony that starts the new church year and symbolizes unity and interconnectedness. The water can be symbolic, snow for example would be difficult to keep. Other Sundays will have classes with topics that include Unitarian Universalist history along with stories and ideas from Earth based beliefs. If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see as part of the program or have an interest in volunteering, please reach out to Judy Lane at: RE@uutampa.org. 

Sunday Schedule for September

9/6 - 1st Sunday, Intergenerational Service, Water Communion

9/13 - Children's RE, UU Values & History

9/20 - Children’s RE, Earth Centered Exploration

9/27 – In Service, Membership Celebration, No RE