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“As a moral and religious commitment, UUs reject any violations of the human rights and dignity of immigrants, regardless of citizenship status …” Adrienne K. Walker, General Counsel, Unitarian Universalist Association. (read more in the UUA section).
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Greetings beloved UUSP community,
Lucinda and I have returned from a three week vacation in the United Kingdom - thank you all for your well wishes! We returned just in time to have Mimi Coto start as our new Office Coordinator - please take a moment to welcome Mimi if you haven't already.
Lucinda and I couldn't escape the news on our vacation - continued erosion of our democracy here at home, the Israeli government's continued occupation of Gaza and so forth. Our daily reality can be overwhelming - let's stick together and let's stay focused on our UU values. There is work to be done, and our congregation is an excellent place to do it.
This Saturday at 10:30 I'll be attending the Resistance Day of Action alongside many of you, at corner of 34th street and 22nd avenue North. The event ends at noon and is sponsored by NOW and the League of Women Voters, among many others.
Also on Saturday, the UUSP Animal Ministry is sponsoring Stop the Bear Hunt event at UUSP, at 3 PM. Then Sunday's worship "Aging in Place" will take place with me, John Motter, Ruth Bentley and Chris McDonald (music by Liam, Deb, Joanne, Krysia and Robert). Afterwards we'll have Time with the Minister (sponsored by the COM) in the library, also the monthly LGBTQIA+ brunch at Three Birds Tavern.
Next week we are having Fellowship on Tap, and the Covenant of UU Pagans group might be organizing a Lammas service - stay tuned for more specifics about that. Then on Sunday, August 10 from noon to 2, we're having a "Let's Welcome Together" workshop in Conway Hall. Finally on Sunday, August 24 from noon to 1:30 there will be an Active Shooter Preparedness Training with Officer Chip Wales of SPPD.
Again, let's stick together and let's stay focused on our seven UU values: Justice, Equity and Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence and Generosity, all with Love at the center. Let's remember our commitment to one another and to those values; let's remember that we are not alone. Love and blessings, Ben.
See Rev Ben's Weekly Video for July 31 here!
| | | | Upcoming Worship Services at UU St. Pete | | Have you ever wondered where we receive inspiration for our Sunday service themes? We reach into resources like Soul Matters to create monthly themes. We are always welcoming to hear more perspectives for our 'view from the pew' segments during Sunday service. | | |
Do You Do Your Part To Keep the Church Clean?
Please take the time to take your trash to the large kitchen bin. If you see something, do something.
Pour out liquids before putting your cups in the trash. This is a collective effort in showing our building appreciation.
We still need volunteers like you to help get the job done. If you are able to lend a hand for a couple hours, please click the button below to sign up for a task to assist in keeping our church neat.
One hour of your time makes a world of a difference.
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Coffee Hour - First, second, third, and fifth Sundays, Hospitality will provide coffee, tea, and cold drinks only. The fourth Sunday, snacks will be offered.
We welcome contributions of snacks for the fourth Sunday, August 24. Fresh fruit and veggies, cheese and crackers, and sweet treats are popular. It would be helpful to know about the contributions in advance and to have food in the kitchen by 10 am on the fourth Sunday so the team has time to include it in the set up.
You can help! We are currently looking for at least two more people to lending a hand on the third Sunday every month, and two on the occasional fifth Sunday.
To volunteer, click here for more information, email hospitality@uustpete.org, write your name and contact info on the signup sheet at church, or talk to team member Kat Lee.
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Hello Friends! School is coming back in session August 11 so take the time to review this Pinellas County School Calendar to stay updated with your school schedule. Also, be mindful of your routes in the early mornings and afternoons as the bus drivers will be practicing their routes. Be patient and leave on time. The news school year is fast approaching!
Dates to Remember (may change with as much notice as possible).
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August 3 - All teachers present; DRE will be guest speaking at UU Tarpon
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August 10 - All teachers present; Rescheduled Quarterly Meeting at 930am.
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August 17 - All RE staff present
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August 24 - All RE staff present
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August 31 - All Ages service; RE WILL BE CLOSED with nursery care available.
(This information is subject to change, so please keep an eye out for Sunday newsletter announcements as the updates are applied there. Thank you for understanding!)
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Board of Trustees Member Reflection - Todd Wellman
"Our church membership and staff surprise in the best ways: a hug when needed, a thoughtful comment in my Covenant Group, an eagerness to be part of music. In a recent meeting, Sabine von Aulock stopped the start of the agenda and asked if we could check-in as people before getting to business. I was able to share something that was distracting me from focusing; it was a good reminder that we are people first, volunteers second.
A few weeks back, Michael Rowe responded with an eager "yes" when the Worship Services Music Team needed a hymn leader. A few months ago, forty people shared deep conversations at our annual church retreat. All these moments remind me that we're what our community seeks, even if they don't know it yet. Even if we will always have work to do, together, to ensure we have the welcoming space people may find." - Todd Wellman
| | With regret and best wishes we acknowledge the resignation of Kathleen Rehl from the Board of Endowment as she will be moving her winter residence to Gainesville. Kathleen has been a valued trustee of the Board of Endowment for the past year, prior to which she initiated and developed the congregation’s Legacy Builders program that informs UUSP members and friends about the value of leaving a legacy gift to UUSP. | |
We are delighted to announce that Rebecca Wilson has agreed to join the Board of Endowment to fill the vacancy left by Kathleen and will serve until an election is held for that position at the next congregational annual meeting in 2026.
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Learn how to leave a legacy to our beloved community through the UU Church of St Pete Endowment.
- What do I need to know about the UU St Petersburg Endowment?
- How can I contribute to the UUSP Endowment?
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Finance Committee
John Motter, formerly Financial Secretary, has been approved by the Board of Trustees as a member of the Finance Committee. A former CPA and longtime member of UUSP and active volunteer, John will bring his experience and expertise to assist the committee in advising the board on all financial matters of UUSP.
| | UU Community and Social Justice | |
"One of my favorite things we do for fun is the Fellowship on Tap. It’s a chance to connect to members and friends on a casual level." - Dayna BOT Member | |
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Fellowship On Tap!
Join us for Fellowship on Tap Wednesday, August 6, from 6 to 8 pm at Pee Paw’s Garage Craft Brewery, 6340 49th St N, Pinellas Park.
Any ?’s Call Kat (860) 805-0231!
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Stop the Florida Bear Hunt Postcard Signing And Coloring During Coffee Hour
Every Sunday through August 3rd
UUSP Animal Ministry is having a postcard drive to urge the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to call off the unscientific, unnecessary, and cruel Florida black bear hunt.
Postcards will be available to sign (or color for kids and the young at heart) each week during coffee hour until the FWC's final vote in August. We will stamp and mail them for you. Feel free to take some for your friends. The goal is to send as many postcards as possible to keep the FWC's mailbox full of opposition to this terrible hunt.
Help us protect Florida's beloved black bears!
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Sunday 9:00 a.m. Discussion Group Launches 16th Season!
Sunday, September 7 with The Sustainable Soul: Eco-Spiritual Reflections and Practices by Rebecca James Hecking.
"The Sustainable Soul" is a book and concept focusing on the intersection of spirituality and environmentalism, encouraging a deeper connection with nature and a more sustainable way of living. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one's spiritual life with ecological awareness and responsibility."
Group meets in Conway South and virtually from 9:00 - 9:55 a.m. every Sunday. Contact Cynthia Patterson at cp3860@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.
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Interested in becoming a member here at UU St Pete?
Why not check us out?
We offer two free, no obligation classes three times a year: UU 101, which teaches about Unitarian Universalism, and UUSP 101, which teaches about our church. Be on the look out for classes in the fall.
UUSP 102 Class will be available for those interested in volunteering and learning the inner workings of the church. Everyone benefits from a class like this. The values taught align with our Community Covenant. All members and any people who dedicate their time to the functionality of the church are encouraged to attend. Sign up by clicking here!
Chris McDonald for UUSP Membership Committee
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Check out our new Community Resources page on our website!
This page is a curated collection of local resources serving the wider Pinellas County from arts programs to youth services and everything in between. We’ve gathered this information to support you on your hunt, and we encourage you to explore it at your own discretion.
Thank you for visiting, and we wish you all the best as you connect with the services and support you need.
Click here to check it out!
| | UUA and Various UU Connections | | | | |
Unitarian Universalist Association Responds to U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security
On June 10th, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), along with many other religious and secular nonprofit institutions, received a letter from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security. The letter, which was signed by the Committee’s Chair, U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) and U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability, asked for information related to, in their words, “the improper use of federal funds by NGOs to facilitate illegal immigration.”
“As a moral and religious commitment, UUs reject any violations of the human rights and dignity of immigrants, regardless of citizenship status…”
The UUA responded timely to the Committee by letter. In the letter (full text below), Adrienne K. Walker, the UUA’s General Counsel, says, “As a moral and religious commitment, [Unitarian Universalists] reject any violations of the human rights and dignity of immigrants, regardless of citizenship status, including denial of due process or civil rights protections, the increased risks of human trafficking and exploitation, and violent and capricious immigration law enforcement actions.”
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Opportunities for Growth and Community Service
Our Unitarian Universalist Church is dedicated to supporting youth and young adults who may be at risk or have committed non-violent offenses. We work to provide a safe, welcoming environment where young people and adults can earn community service hours for scholarships and/or probation requirements.
Our program is designed to help teens and young adults develop skills, build confidence, and make positive connections within our community. We offer various volunteer opportunities and activities that foster personal growth and a sense of belonging.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this supportive atmosphere, please reach out to us. Together, we can create a path towards a brighter future.
To apply, click here!
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Thank you for supporting our church! If you have an article, event, or story to share, we welcome your submissions. Please note that the deadline for the order of service is Wednesday at 5 PM.
Monthly newsletter submissions are due by the 21st of each month.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg
727.898.3294
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