|
"Who Sided with Justice?
Two leaf-strewn paths diverging in a wooded area with a light dusting of snow on the ground.
The moral component of history, the most necessary component, is simply a single question, asked over and over again: When it mattered, who sided with justice and who sided with power? What makes moments such as this one so dangerous, so clarifying, is that one way or another everyone is forced to answer." - By Omar El Akkad
| |
|
The news seems dire. Our federal and state governments continue to strip down our democracy, targeting those most vulnerable while lining the pockets of those most well off. Within our congregation, many of you have experienced personal losses - loss of family, of a boss, of a cat, of a job.
The work of our congregation is more important than ever. On Labor Day we will come together in support of democracy, forming the words "Unite and Rise" on the St. Pete Pier. On Sept. 13 we will sing along with Emma's Revolution, stoking the flames of hope while strengthening our community. And every day, we will hold one another as we grieve our losses - reminding one another to keep hope alive, reminding one another that we are not alone.
Many of you have come to see me during office hours this past month. Please continue to do so - write me to set up a time, and if my office hours don't work we'll find another time. Love and blessings.
| | | |
|
"St. Pete pastors arrested at 'Black History Matters' mural as FDOT removes city street art"
"Pastors and activists Andy Oliver and Benedict Atherton-Zeman were arrested Friday night during the state's removal of St. Petersburg's "Black History Matters" mural"
Just in: Quote (Rev. Ben Atherton-Zeman):
“I could not stand by while the words ‘Black History Matters’ were erased. My friend Rev. Andy and I knelt in the street and prayed… We kept praying and they hauled us off while we were mid-prayer.”
They have both been released on bond. #GoodTrouble
| | | | | 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. This month's theme is Building Belonging. Next month is Cultivating Compassion. The work we do will always have the foundation of our UUSP Community Covenant. | | |
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, September 28. 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 lend 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.
| | |
Hello Friends! We are back in Soul Matters! One very important announcement, HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO MS. TRISH! Ms. Trish has been with us since August 31, 2015 and continues to provide fruitful art lessons to our elementary students that include making fairy gardens and lovely crafts with recyclable material. Ms. Trish, our UU St. Pete is blessed to have you. Join us in Gilmour Sunday August 31 for something sweet in honor of Ms. Trish!
Dates to Remember (may change with as much notice as possible).
-
September 7 - All teachers present
-
September 14 - All RE staff present
-
September 21 - Erin will be out of the office. Teens will join Ms. Trish's class
-
September 28 All Ages service; Jeanay will be leading worship service; RE WILL BE CLOSED with nursery care available. Miss Fox's last day is the 28th so please give thanks for the two years she has given to UU St. Pete!
(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!)
| |
For decades, Unitarian Universalists have used the title Religious Education to describe our programs for children, youth, and adults. But as we look ahead to 2026, we’re asking: does this name still reflect the spirit of what we do?
Across UU congregations, many are moving from “education” (which can sound like a classroom) toward words like exploration or formation—emphasizing lifelong spiritual growth, discovery, and connection for all ages.
We’d love your input as we consider a fresh name for this vital part of UUSP life.
| |
Active Shooter Preparedness Training Recap
On August 24, 2025, more than 20 UUSP members, leaders, and all staff gathered in the Sanctuary for a 90-minute Active Shooter Preparedness Training led by Officer Chip Wales of the St. Petersburg Police Department.
This vital session offered practical, potentially life-saving guidance for how churches, schools, and community spaces can respond in the event of a crisis. With full staff participation and strong engagement from our leadership and congregants, the training was a meaningful step toward building a safer, more prepared community.
Another training will be scheduled in the spring of 2026 to continue this important work.
| |
|
Meet Board Trustee - Gigi Khalsa
Gigi Khalsa is grateful to serve on UU St Pete's Board of Trustees, where she is the liaison to the Fellowship/Interconnectedness Pillar in our new church structure. In this role she supports programs that build connection and belonging, including the greeters ministry, hospitality, caring outreach, and fellowship groups such as Fellowship on Tap, the LGBTQIA+ Brunch, and the Women's Social Circle. Gigi became a member of UU St Pete in March 2024.
When not at church, Gigi works as a fiduciary & court-appointed guardian, focusing on safeguarding the care and finances of vulnerable adults. She also serves on the board of the Guardian Association of Pinellas County.
For more than 25 years, Gigi trained and practiced as an acupuncturist, first in Massachusetts, then Florida where she returned to after her mother had a stroke in 2012. Gigi ran community acupuncture clinics, providing low-cost, high-volume care in both states. Now retired from acupuncture, she maintains a small telehealth practice in functional medicine that emphasizes nutrition, lifestyle, and advanced lab testing.
Before her work in healthcare, Gigi worked at the National Archives, in research database publishing, and in history museums as a curator—experiences that strengthened her commitment to education and public service.
Gigi is a fifth-generation Floridian whose great-grandparents were some of the original homesteaders in Gulfport.
| | UU Community and Social Justice | | |
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 to 9:55 am every Sunday. Contact Cynthia Patterson at cp3860@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.
| | |
| | |
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. We have tentatively scheduled the next New Member class on Saturday, November 1, from 10 am to 4 pm.
In addition, 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
| | | | UUA and Community Connections | | |
|
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.
| | |
| How did you like this email? | | | | |
Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg
727.898.3294
| |
| | | |
