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Exploring Our Shared UU Values
When Greg and I were at General Assembly this past June, we got a preview into the work of the UUA Commission that was formed to propose changes to Article 2 of our UUA Bylaws. This is the section that contains our principles, sources, and purposes.
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Indeed, it provides a covenant we all agree to when our congregations join the UUA. At General Assembly (GA) 2017, held in New Orleans, there was discussion of amending the Principles to add an 8th Principle, addressing racism, and an amended 1st Principle, addressing non-human life. Additionally the 5th Principle was the subject of a report in 2009, which dealt with the ways in which GA and other Unitarian Universalist (UU) gatherings do and don’t embody an inclusive democratic process. The 7th Principle has also been the subject of discussions about possible amendments.
There have been many projects, resolutions, task forces and other strategies that have come from the Board, Commission on Appraisal and grassroots groups which encourage us to look at our principles, purposes, bylaws and rules. It was way past time for us to do a review and make changes so that we are living into the Unitarian Universalism of the future, a Unitarian Universalism that holds us in times of great need and ethical, moral and spiritual crises. We are in one of those times now.
In response to those discussions, the UUA Board committed to establishing this Article II Study Commission to consider possible amendments to this Article. With the advice of counsel, the Article II Study Commission, having been fully seated and convened in the Fall of 2020, will conduct it's study through the Fall of 2022 and present its recommendations to the Board of Trustees no later than January 2023 which will then be placed on the 2023 General Assembly Business Agenda for the first vote.
So they are continuing to study this. And there will be votes – at the 2023 General Assembly and two following that before it becomes official. Though they have been studying for two years and have surveyed and talked with UUs all over the Association to get to this point, what I am sharing and exploring with you this fall is definitely a DRAFT of their work so far. At this point, they are organizing around shared UU Values – and then writing statements of covenant that support those values.
They surveyed over a 1000 UUs and did lots of interviews with groups – and – with the help of such things as word clouds and other computer analyses, they identified SEVEN shared values of UUs. They gave no particular order for these – but Love was in the Center.
SO – I decided for my fall theme to explore these with you. Each of the Sundays that I’m with you, I’ll explore a different value. We will look at how we live these values in our lives, with a special emphasis on how we live these values in our congregation and what we might covenant to do together as a result of this shared value. Of course, I placed GENEROSITY on our Stewardship Sunday kickoff on September 18.
You can find out more about the services this month in the article about our programs in this newsletter. I hope we can all gain some renewed energy and enthusiasm as we move into our new program year! Yes, COVID continues – but SO DO WE!!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Jane
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For information about our IN-PERSON SERVICE please see our Covid guidelines below the service descriptions OR at uuacg.org.
If you prefer to attend online, the service will be offered at this zoom link:
uuma.zoom.us/j/479-325-3254
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September 4
"Equity"
Rev. Jane Page
The first in an exploration of our shared UU values as identified in a DRAFT by the UUA committee for revising our 2nd article in the bylaws which currently contains our principles and sources. The first value explored is "Equity." Because we value equity, what should we covenant to do?
Anthem: "Give Thanks"
September 11
"Russia / Ukraine"
Dr. Greg Brock, Professor of Economics at GA Southern and member of UUCG
Russian Tanks in Vilnius in 1991 and what it means for Ukraine in 2022.
Anthem: "Jubilate, Sing Praise"
September 18
"Generosity"
Rev. Jane Page
This service on generosity will be our kickoff for our stewardship campaign. Because we value generosity, what do we DO as members and friends of this congregation?
Anthem: "This Church Flows On"
September 25
"Bridging the Binaries: Sacred and the Practical"
Beth Sutton
Anthem: "Draw the Circle Wide"
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Covid
We do monitor the level of Covid-19 cases in our area and now have a system in place to post on the door the current mask requirement in our building. We appreciate everyone abiding by these guidelines when in our building.
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So much happening at UUCG -- many people to thank from Sharon Ehle who alerted us to our newest air conditioner issues to June Sherwood, Kent Goering and Ted Davis who have been working with tree and property issues -- and those that have kept us going all summer: Barbara Sprouse, Beth Sutton and the program team, John Cowlishaw gearing up for the start of our choir, Kim Merck and our ever improving technology. Find someone this month to thank heartily and maybe with a hug as we manage our way thoughtfully through COVID.
We are heading into our generosity season where we all -- members and friends -- complete pledge forms so we have a sense of our income for 2023 and can create a budget. Lots of reasons to be generous -- coastal Georgia needs us and we need each other are probably right up there on my list of reasons. If you think very practically -- 2 more reasons to pledge: 1) if you usually just "give cash at the service" consider doing a pledge this year so we can include you in our budget and 2) if you are a member, our bylaws actually note that contributing financially as you are able is part of a commitment to membership. Look for the pledge materials coming in September -- and a chance to share your hopes and dreams for our wonderful community. If you want to find a place to be part of UUCG beyond just attending services -- we are powered by our people -- reach out to me or Rev. Jane and we can brainstorm where you want to focus your time and passions.
In beloved community,
Beth Stevenson
[email protected]
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GRAY HVAC MEMORIAL FUND
In loving memory of Judith Longfield's husband Jay Gray, Judith is asking that people contribute to finish a project that Jay was helping UUCG with... badly needed new HVAC systems. If you'd like to contribute please make checks payable to and mail to:
UUCG
P.O. Box 1056
Brunswick, GA 31521
Be sure to put "Gray HVAC Fund" in the memo line of the check and/or on your envelope.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed
and who plans to contribute.
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Observing Bisexuality Day
September 23 is designated Bisexuality Day. Bisexuality is defined as having romantic or sexual attraction to both males and females or regardless of gender or sexual identify. Bisexuals are often discriminated against even within the LBGTQ+ community. According to Human Rights Campaign, bisexuals are victims of biphobia, hatred or fear directed toward bisexuals. Bisexuals are often rendered invisible in LGBTQ+ spaces and conversation. The stereotype being that bisexuals are “greedy” or “going through a phase.” Because of biphobia and bi erasure, bisexuals suffer significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety, domestic violence, sexual assault, and poverty than lesbians, gay men, and straight cisgender people.
The Trevor Project website states that bisexual youth statistically face more challenges than lesbian and gay youth. Almost half of bisexual youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. More than one in three bisexual youth reported being bullied at school. The statistics underscore the need for increased understanding and support for bisexual youth.
For more information, please visit the Trevor Project and/or Human Rights websites.
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BATTERIES – AND THEY’RE ALL GOOD!
Hurricane season sends everyone scrambling for flashlights, portable radios, etc. And, of course the batteries are old, leaking, or not to be found. This handy organizer keeps them all in one place. By the time you read this, you might miss the sale at Costco, but pay the extra $2.00 anyway!
And...please put your dead batteries in a secure plastic bag and drop them off at Interstate Battery, 213 Rose Street, Brunswick for recycling.
Stay Safe in the Storm!
Sharon Ehle
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UUs Attend Prayer Vigil Held Before Federal Sentencing | |
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A large group of UUCG members participated in the prayer vigil organized by Glynn Clergy for Equity at St. Marks Episcopal Church on 8/8/22. The vigil preceded the Federal Hate Crimes Sentencing Hearing and was led by several local pastors who called for community unity and led the group in prayers and song.
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Glynn Clergy (and Interfaith Community) for Equity | |
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Several UUs attended the August Equity Dinner organized by Glynn Clergy for Equity on 8/25/22. There were about 60 participants from many local churches at this in person gathering at Sista’s Kitchen, but more minority participation is needed. The next Equity Dinner will be held in early November; look for registration information in the October newsletter.
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Robert S. Abbott Institute’s Monthly Unity in Diversity Virtual Luncheon | |
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On Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 12noon, The Robert S. Abbott Institute’s Monthly Unity in Diversity Virtual Luncheon will feature school board member Audrey Gibbons. Her topic will be “Working to Assure Diversity in the Glynn County School System.” The meeting will be held on Zoom at:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81554174269
Meeting ID: 815 5417 4269
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UUCG Members Attended the Reproductive Rights Rally | |
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On July 30, 2022, UUCG members attended the Reproductive Rights Rally at Mary Ross Park. Women’s Voices of Glynn hosted this response to the overturn of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court. “This is not the time to be quiet. We should be mad. We should be angry and waiting for our opportunity to make our voices heard. So do not take this lightly. Do not give up. Fight.”
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Click on the image to view (or print) a copy of these directories. | |
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Sunday September 18, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
(The special Adult RE Zoom Room information is below.)
Join an intellectually challenging and fun conversation with a
group of ardent readers.
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High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out
by Amanda Ripley
Simon & Schuster, 2021
"When we are baffled by the insanity of the 'other side'-in our politics, at work, or at home-it's because we aren't seeing how the conflict itself has taken over. High conflict is what happens when discord distills into a good- versus-evil kind of feud, the kind with an us and a them. In this state, the normal rules of engagement no longer apply. The brain behaves differently. We feel increasingly certain of our own superiority and, at the same time, more and more mystified by the other side. Amanda Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict-and how they break free."
Assignment for the group is to come up with suggestions for the next read, which will be on the Baha'i faith.
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After our summer break, choir rehearsals began on August 25.
We are eagerly looking for new choir members. If you have flirted with the idea, now is the time to give it serious consideration. You don’t need to read music since the songs have learning tracks online at: https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=kZONbF7ZuBm5xFh0VDhF4hoYwu8ufJA86uSk
About our only requirement is the ability to hold a pitch.
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Here is Chelsea Wilson’s "Singing Tip for Absolute Beginners"
Coordinate your ears with your throat. Make sure that you can find basic pitch and rhythm. Even the most beautiful voice with an angelic tone is no good if you are stumbling through a song and can’t stay on pitch. The first thing you want to accomplish is to match pitch, particularly with the piano. Start in the range of your speaking voice, then hit one note on the piano after another and try to sing with it. The next step is going for a series of notes until you are ready for an easy song. A good drill to start this process is singing the first five tones of a major scale (12345 / DO RE ME FA SOL), step by step in various keys. Doing this will also get you ready to sing a melodically simple song.
John Cowlishaw
UUCG Music Director
Cell: 248.891.4498
[email protected]
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If you wish to become a member of UUCG,
please contact our membership team leader Carolyn Wallace at [email protected].
Greeters Needed
Do you have a warm smile to share? Consider becoming a Greeter to welcome congregants and visitors. Contact Denise Anderson at [email protected]
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Condolences to friends and family of Isaac Davis, Jr., who was well-loved by many in this congregation. Isaac recently departed this life. Information regarding a memorial service will be shared later.
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Rev. Jane Page, Minister
[email protected]
C: 912.682.3566
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Interested in joining UUCG?
Or do you have questions?
Contact...
Rev. Jane Page
OR Carolyn Wallace, Membership Team Leader [email protected]
C: 478.279.2769
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President: Beth Stevenson
Vice President: Judith Longfield
Treasurer: Beth Sutton
Secretary: Mari Perla
Trustee: Peggy Lee
Trustee: Kim Merck
Trustee: Vickie Monti
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We are located at 1710 Gloucester Street - Brunswick, Georgia
PLEASE SEND MAIL TO:
UUCG, P.O. Box 1056, Brunswick, GA 31521
[email protected]
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