Our Vision: An inclusive religious community, a beacon for reason, meaning and bold social action. Our Mission: To celebrate dignity and respect for all, nurture lifelong spiritual growth, act for justice and equality, and serve the wider community. 

The Octagram

Friday, October 16, 2026



Sunday Service

October 18, 2026

10:30 am - 11:30 am

In the Octagon and on Zoom


Murmurations - How We Move Together 

Erin Powers, Guest Speaker


In the midst of these constantly shifting times, it’s difficult to know what to do next. How do we chart a way forward when everything feels chaotic? 


Erin Powers (they/them) is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator and seminarian based in Tampa, Florida. Erin graduates in May and is ready to begin the next steps towards ordination. Trans justice is how Erin works to build the world we dream about. Erin is guided and inspired by our interconnections with the greater living world. 


Ed Kraemer, Worship Associate


CLICK HERE FOR THE ORDER OF SERVICE

Zoom link shown below is the same for all Sunday services


https://zoom.us/j/93790031827

Meeting ID: 937 9003 1827


You can also join from your landline or cell phone by calling 301 715 8592 and

entering 937 9003 1827 when prompted to enter the meeting ID


Coming October 25th - Community Sunday! Selections:




Title: Is Democracy Dying?

Facilitators: Judy Toth and David Thornton

Location: Maxwell Library

 

Title: Qigong: Eight Pieces of Brocade 

Facilitator: Barbara Hammond

Location: Patio Room

 

Title: Self-compassion

Facilitator: Aryna Ryan

Location: Chorale Room


Title: Halloween Fun

Facilitators: Barb Tobin and Jocelyn Ganoza

Location: Surti Hall and the Octagon

 

Title: The Courage to Hope

Facilitator: Margie Manning

Location: Westwood Room and Zoom

We love babies! You and your little ones are welcome in our sanctuary (yes, even when fussy!). However, if you prefer, you may also utilize our nursery which has a broadcast of our service, comfy seating, and toys for kids. 



Open Issues

Sunday, October 18, 2026

9:30 - 10:25

Patio Room



Hamlet says "there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." Do you agree?


Last Sunday's conversation continues; what is good or evil, and applications to current issues. Discussion will be facilitated by Paul Burnore. Paul is a former member of UU St. Pete and UU Sarasota and a new friend of UUC".


Rev. Amy is away this month from October 8 - 19. (This is NOT for an emergency.) If you need to speak to someone, please contact Jeanay Johnson, our Ministerial Intern who is an excellent listener and has vast experience in a UU setting. Jeanay’s email is intern@uuc.org or call the UUC office and Anne will put you in touch with Jeanay.

Make connections at UUC...


Pathfinders

Sunday, October 18

After the service to 1 pm


Are you new to UUC? Whether this is your first time or you’ve been a few times, you likely are curious about other people here and perhaps looking forward to making connections. One of the best ways to do that is through Pathfinders, a monthly discussion group focused on exploring our spiritual paths. It is a small group gathering with readings and a facilitated discussion that promises to be both lively and enlightening.


The theme for this month's meeting is “Courage”. Please get a beverage and/or snack in the Social Hall and join us in the library. We’ll end by 1 pm., and we do ask that you stay for the full meeting. In addition to the discussion, there will be a chance to find out more about upcoming activities at UUC and ask any questions you have about the congregation.


Pathfinders is open to all UUC visitors and guests, and also to UUC members who are not already part of a Covenant Group. You can come to one Pathfinders meeting or several. There’s a different discussion topic at each meeting. If you have any questions about Pathfinders, please contact Margie Manning at membership@uuc.org


Shorts at Seven...You pop the corn; we supply the film. On the third Sunday of the month, participants will view and discuss a short film via Zoom. Hosts are Lore Eargle and Ray Williamson. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to view the film prior to meeting. 


Showing Sunday, October 18, 7-8 pm: A double feature:


Sally Jesse Raphael - Toby: neuter, genderless person (10 min)

Click HERE to view film.


Exit Strategy by Travis Bible: A scientist manipulates time loops to prevent a fatal forest fire, constantly facing new obstacles from the universe itself. Seeking help from a estranged sibling, they attempt to break the cycle and find a way out of the maze. (12 min) Click HERE to view film.


Zoom link for every month is https://zoom.us/j/99991435483

Building Your Own Theology and More!


Wednesdays October 21,

and November 18 and

third session, date to be determined

5:30 - 7:30 pm in the Patio Room


Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater

2470 Nursery Road Clearwater, 33764


Announcing a new class to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. One of our core values is pluralism, the idea that we of different spiritual beliefs (or none) can coexist peacefully in a religious community striving to make a difference in ourselves and the broader

society. The experience is best if a person can commit to attending all

three evenings. All are welcome to bring a sack “dinner.” 


Please RSVP to minister@uuc.org by October 20th

Come hear immigration activist, Sarah Trowle discuss her book "Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands" on Thursday, October 28th at 6 pm in the Social Hall, at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater. This event is free. Everyone is invited to attend.



Click HERE for Rev. Amy's

Letter for October


"Quiet Courage"



FYI - If you reach the bottom of this email and it appears to be cutoff, check for a message at the bottom of the screen that reads: "[Message clipped] View entire message" or something similar. This will open the entire email...we don't want you to miss anything!

No more melt-y chocolate! Help with our annual trick-or-treat celebration This year we’re bringing it INSIDE! Volunteer below to bring candy for trick-or-treaters that you’ll hand out at a table in Surti Hall after service. Click HERE to volunteer. Thanks!

Summer is over. Let's show up in our UUC tee shirts with signs supporting our immigrant neighbors and encouraging folks to VOTE Early

Our October Community Outreach Recipient, Equal Ground Education Fund, is a Florida 501c3 community-centered organization engaging the rising American electorate through equal access to education about voting and empowerment. They fight for the issues they believe in, from equality, a living wage, healthcare, to fair elections, climate change and social justice. See this page for their Voter Toolkit.


"Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender."

Keith Ellison

To our generous UUCers:

Please donate via Breeze and donations baskets only during a recipient's designated month, and thereafter directly to the recipient via either its website or check to its physical address.

Write ON! Vote Early!


A special shout out to Donna Polhamus and Barbara Hammond for making our postcard writing project such a success. All the postcards have been picked up. If you picked up cards please complete them and mail them NOW!


Our sticky note writing project continues. People who are dropping “get out the vote” literature with the organization Voter Action Pinellas need handwritten sticky notes to put on the literature. Our own, Daivid Thornton, is walking his precinct and could use our help. Packs of sticky notes and directions for completion are available in the social hall after service. Completed packs should be returned after service as soon as possible.


Don’t forget to vote. If you have questions about your ballot check out the voter guide available at https://voteractionpinellas.org or https:www.vote411.org


Be sure to check out the Social Justice page on UUC's website at:

https://www.uuc.org/socialjustice and the UUC SJ Immediate Response Team page on Facebook

UUC Member Art Show

The Octagon Gallery

2470 Nursery Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764


Now through November 5, 2026


The exhibit is up, thanks to the participation of Rev. Amy Kindred, Melissa Miller-Nece, Dennis Krohn, Barbara Tobin, Sue Hand, Taelynna Czech, Barbara Murphey, and the two children of Stephanie Winner, Parker and Sierra Shipman. Please take time to view the art and thank the artists.


Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 - noon (it is recommended that you call first to ensure availability @ 727-531-7704);

Sundays, before/after the 10:30 service


Please check the calendar on our website for Zoom links and contact information for these monthly activities.



UU Writers: On Zoom every second Tuesday at 7 and third Monday at 7:30; sharing personal reflective writings within a supportive group.

Pathfinders: Once a month on a Sunday; a facilitated discussion focusing on spiritual topics, with a different topic each month, designed to deepen our relationships with each other. Check calendar for date.

Shorts at Seven: On Zoom every third Sunday at 7; view a short film followed by discussion.

Women's Lunch: Every third Monday 12:30 to 1:30 at Benedict's on Belcher

Humanist Group Book Club: Fourth Saturday of the month from noon to 2 in the Maxwell Library; check calendar for book title.

Saturday, November 7th

9:00-12:00

"Spruce Up Day" at UUC

Details coming soon!


Compost area before

Compost area after

Sweet or Savory...

Snacks Needed for Social Hour


It's so easy! Zoraida Santana, our custodian, will prepare the coffee, help you set up snacks and clean up afterwards. Covenant groups, committees, or individuals, please consider volunteering. Any purchases can be reimbursed. Click HERE to sign up for a Sunday or use the signup sheet to the left in the hallway going into the social hall. Any questions, you can contact Rich Cann at vicepresident@uuc.org

If you would like to submit a JOY or SORROW to share at Sunday service, click HERE.

money_bag_tree.jpg

We offer options for FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING UUC. Click HERE to find what method will work best for you and make a contribution. Thank you!

If you would like to contribute FLOWERS for a service, click HERE to email Ana "Soledad" Vaquer to coordinate. Deadline is the Wednesday before the Sunday you choose.


Daytime meditation returns!

Weekly on Thursdays, 11:30 to 12:30 in the

 Patio Room.

What else is happening at UUC next week?

Want more information? Who's the contact person? Where? Check the CALENDAR tab on the website, where all will be revealed!



Friday, October 16:

1 - 3 pm: Speaking Plainly on Zoom

https://zoom.us/j/98613138312

6 - 9 pm: Hispanic Women's Coalition (Surti Hall)


Saturday, October 17:

10 - 11 am: Chair yoga (Surti Hall) Instructor - Barbara Shimer

Suggested donation is $6

2 - 4 pm: Coalition for Human Rights & End 289(g) agreements (Surti Hall)

7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)


Monday, October 19: Campus Closed

12:30 - 1:30 pm: Women's Lunch at Benedict's on Belcher (Contact Anne Burnham)

7:30 - 8:30 pm: UU Writers Group (Zoom) Contact learn@uuc.org


Tuesday, October 20:

5:30 - 8:30 pm: Exhale Meditation (Chorale room and Zoom)

https://zoom.us/j/98773208692

7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)


Wednesday, October 21: Noon: Deadline for all publications


Thursday, October 22:

6 - 8 pm: Choir rehearsal (Octagon)

7:30 - 8:30 pm: Unity AA group (Patio Room)


Friday, October 23:

1 - 3 pm: Speaking Plainly (Zoom) https://zoom.us/j/98613138312


Saturday, October 24:

10 - 11 am: Yoga (Surti Hall) Instructor - Barbara Shimer

Suggested donation is $6

7 - 8 pm: Free to Be Me, AA group (Patio Room)

All organizational documents and reports are posted on our website under the MEMBER section. If you are a Member or Pledging Friend but don't have the password, please contact the Office Administrator at admin@uuc.org


You do not need to be a Member or Pledging Friend to get The Octagram, UUC's free weekly newsletter. Click HERE to subscribe.

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