FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES...

Transcription

1 HIGHLIGHTS Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis Volume 58, Issue 12 December 2015 Costco & the Seven Principles Hannah Roberts Villnave In This Issue: Congregational Meeting Reminder p. 3 Welcome Newcomers p. 3 Middle Hour for Adults p. 4 Share-the-Plate p. 5 Inclement Weather p. 5 Upcoming Services p. 6 December Events p. 7 December Calendar p. 8 Staff Contacts p. 10 Next Highlights Deadline: December 15 highlights@uuannapolis.org The other day, I was having lunch with a friend. As we were getting ready to part ways, I confessed that my big project for that Monday afternoon was to go to Costco. I told her that the reason I went at 1:00 PM on a Monday was that Costco on a Saturday tests my ability to live out our irst Unitarian Universalist Principle that each person has inherent worth and dignity. There is just something about the throngs of people that try my patience, no matter how good of a deal that lat of paper towels is. This conversation got me thinking about the other places where I struggle to live out our UU Principles. And so, here it is my (somewhat serious) list of the top three places in which I ind it hardest to live out our UU Principles: -Costco (or any big box store) on a Saturday -The Red Line on Washington DC s Metro during rush hour -Airport Security As I thought about what these three places have in common, I realized that in each of those venues I start to think more about myself and less about other people. I focus on how everyone else is in my way, how everyone else is blocking the door that I need, or how everyone else is taking too darn long to put their shoes back on. But Unitarian Universalism calls me to approach life differently. My UU faith calls me to begin from the premise that each person has worth and that we are all interconnected. And so I wonder: How might my experience of these dif icult or stressful places change when I begin from our 7 Principles rather than my own self-interest? This question has led me to a practice I m going to try out this month. Our Christian siblings are about to enter the season of Advent, which consists of the four Sundays before Christmas, starting on November 29. They use that time to prepare for the Incarnation or the birth of Jesus. For me, the divine is not incarnate in any one speci ic place or time. Instead, the divine is incarnate or made real when we live into a calling to something beyond ourselves. For my own UU Advent, I will be preparing to manifest the divine by approaching places and activities that normally make me grumpy and sel ish with the 7 Principles at the front of my mind. I hope to be able to report back about what I've learned in my January blog. If this sounds intriguing to you, I encourage you to give it a try! Choose a few places (or people or times) that you tend to act more from selfinterest than from our highest values. From November 29 until December 25, do your best to put our UU values at the front of your mind in those situations. Keep a journal or other record of what changes! I look forward to sharing my re lections with you in the New Year! -Hannah [This blog entry was originally published on November 11, 2015.] (con t)

2 WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE BELIEVE At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, we are seekers of the truth. We invite all persons of every faith, creed, culture and background to engage in a search for truth with us. We believe in the dignity and worth of every human being and in freedom of expression. We welcome and celebrate all people, be they straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. We are committed to this church as an institution, to social justice, to liberal religious exploration and education for all ages, to mutual caring and support, and to the value of diversity. We strive to care about each other and the health of our community and the world. We are an environmentally sensitive, green community. This church is a place of safety for each person s mind, body and spirit. Toward that end, we covenant to af irm and promote: Honesty and authenticity in our relationships; words that are supportive and caring, not belittling or demeaning; a welcoming and non-judgmental attitude; respect for each person s boundaries of mind, body and spirit; and listening to one another. In order to serve the congregation and the greater community, we also strive to create an environment that challenges, inspires, encourages and supports the quest for religious ful illment. Please join us! Cram Course in Mindful Ethics Makes for all-maryland Community Phyllis Culham A couple of dozen people from St. Mary s College in the south to Cecil County and Frederick in the north came to UUCA on Saturday, October 24 to study Thich Nhat Hanh s Five Mindfulness Trainings, his version of the Buddhist precepts on ethical lay conduct. (The attendee from the UU Congregation of Frederick facilitates their ledgling Meditation Group.) Barbra Esher, ordained in Thich Nhat Hanh s lay Order of Interbeing, led the Day of Study along with two aspirants to the Order. The goal was to enable sangha-friends in Annapolis as well as more isolated practitioners to study to Receive the Precepts at the annual Transmission Ceremony at the Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax at the UU Congregation of Fairfax on January 2, The alternative to this event would be commuting to Fairfax or to Silver Spring once a week for ive or six weeks in November and December for a multi-part course in the Mindfulness Trainings. Attendees spent most of the Day in small groups between the opening meditation and the closing circle, with time out for Mindful Eating at lunch, followed by Mindful Walking. We followed the same rhythm for each of the Mindfulness Trainings: reading aloud, meditating for a few minutes, journaling on the question What in that Mindfulness Training lives in you? and discussion within their small groups. The Five Mindfulness Trainings discuss, in sequence, respect for life, practicing generosity, responsible sexuality, mindful speaking and listening, and mindful consumption. Barbra also led a qigong break during the afternoon. Sharing grew ever deeper in the small groups, and the serene setting and Walking meditation during the Day of Study. sanctuary space of UUCA were greatly admired. A number of attendees declared their intention to apply to participate in the Transmission Ceremony at which they can receive Dharma names. Those who form that intention are supposed to keep up with their journaling on the Five Mindfulness Trainings and to meditate with a sangha, even if they can only form one by Skype. By mid-december they ll write short essays explaining how they see the Five Mindfulness Trainings supporting their spiritual paths and practices. Those sangha-friends who plan to attend look forward to a reunion in Fairfax with some of our new friends from the Day of Study /

3 FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES... Questions or comments for the Board? Contact Heather Millar, Board Secretary at UPCOMING CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 10:30 AM Please make note of the Congregational Meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 10:30 AM to 12:15 PM. The primary purpose of the meeting is to review and approve the proposed budget for Two additional items on the agenda are updates on the planning for the church-wide Visioning process and the work of the Building Expansion Exploratory Committee. The importance of attending the meeting is not only to provide the quorum necessary to conduct business, but also to join together in the process of endorsing the proposed budget to sustain the wonderful work being done by UUCA through There will be only one service on Sunday, December 6, at 9:00 AM. There will be no Middle Hour or RE classes. Childcare will be provided for the meeting. If you have any questions about the meeting or any of the agenda items prior to the meeting, contact the Board; board@uuannapolis.org. Welcome New Members! Please welcome the following individuals who signed the Membership Book after completing our irst series of the new Inquirers classes! Congratulations! Olga Pabon Ellen Olsen Chad Baxter Chelsea Baxter Beverly Klimkowsky Rick Foley Stephanie Anderson Jack Anderson Patricia Beatley-Patterson Morgan Gilpatrick Carole Brown Jim Brown We also welcome Staff Warren, who signed the Book this past August. If you are interested in joining......then consider attending the Inquirers series, which is held during Middle Hour each Sunday. There are 8 sessions total; you do not need to take them in any speci ic order nor do you have to complete them all during one cycle. We have a special passport system to keep track of the classes you have attended. Drop by the visitors table just inside the front entrance for more detailed information, or contact the Newcomer Support Team; membership@uuannapolis.org. Right: New Member Ceremony, 9:00 AM, Sunday, November 15. HIGHLIGHTS December

4 FAITH DEVELOPMENT AT UUCA Rev. Christina Leone Tracy, Faith Development Minister Middle Hour for Adults - December December 6 - No Middle Hour Join us at 10:30 AM (children and youth will have childcare or other opportunities to keep them busy) in the sanctuary for a Congregational Meeting. December 13 - Sanctuary - Board of Trustees Open Session Join the UUCA Board of Trustees for an open session as they hear your joys and concerns, and explore the plans for an upcoming formal "visioning" process. RE Sanctuary - Inquirers Series, #2 UU History, Principles, and Sources Intern Minister Hannah will lead this session (*required* if you're interested in joining the church as a member), complete with history of this congregation, and an exploration of our deepest values. Young Room - UU Legislative Ministry of Maryland The UULM-MD is a program of this church that brings together UUs from across the state to advocate for our liberal religious values in the state legislative process. Find out what we're working on this year and how you can help! Library - Going Deeper This session is led every Sunday by that day's Worship Lay Minister, to discuss themes from the service and how they might apply in your own life. December 20 - Sanctuary - Full Circle "Earth Centered Spirituality" Solstice Celebration Our UUCA Full Circle group meets monthly for celebrations and practices of Earth-Centered spirituality. Today they'll welcome you all for a Winter Solstice ritual and celebration. RE Sanctuary - Inquirers Series, #4 Faith Development Join Rev. Christina and Elise Berrocal, our Faith Development staff, in learning more about what we offer for Religious Exploration for all ages, including young children, youth, and adults! Young Room - UU Theism Group This group is getting off the ground-- They meet on designated Sundays before the irst service, and occasionally during Middle Hour, like today! Anyone is welcome who believes in a higher power or a god, or who is contemplating what those beliefs might mean for them. Intern Minister Hannah will support the group today. Library - Going Deeper December 27 - Sanctuary - Emotional Literacy Skills Practice Alethea Shiplett will lead practice in Emotional Literacy and Nonviolent Communication skills: We all know that we should speak with love and compassion, and that our communication impacts our relationships, but HOW do we do that well? Learn from Ale', who is a member of Rev. John's Life Coaching Class, and an active leader in our Prison Ministry Nonviolent Communication program! RE Sanctuary - Inquirers Series, #5 Worship and the Liturgical Year Rev. Fred, our Senior Minister, will explore the principles of UU worship life. Young Room - "Boxing Day" Crafts Join Intern Minister Hannah for some fun and crafts this "Sunday after Christmas." Bring your greeting cards-- she might have you make something fun out of them! Library - Going Deeper /

5 Year-End Contributions DID YOU KNOW...Transfers of appreciated stocks or mutual funds can be a tax ef icient way to contribute to the church since neither you nor the church pays tax on the capital gain. Also, transfers for next year's budget can be made now to give you the tax deduction in For further information, contact the UUCA broker, Ed Adams at edward_adams@glic.com or call or The end of the year will be here before we know it. If you are planning to make a year-end donation this year for tax purposes, please note that it must be postmarked, transacted electronically, or hand-delivered to the church of ice by close of business on December 31. IRS rules do not allow for back dating contributions received or postmarked after December 31. You can contact Susan Eckert; seckert@uuannapolis.org for information about contributions or your pledge status. Holiday Gifts for Music Lovers The Fourth Friday Concert Series continues in 2016, so why not give the music-lovers on your list the gift of music? You can purchase a 5-Pack concert ticket for $60, allowing the receiver to attend 5 concerts, or use the ticket to bring guests to any performance. Series tickets are available for purchase at concerts, or in the church of ice. Makes a great birthday or anniversary gift too! SHARE-THE-PLATE COLLECTION The October Share-the-Plate raised a total of $ 1, for El Centro de Ayuda (The Center of Help) The amount for November s collection will be reported in the next issue. The Share-the-Plate recipient for December will be the Anne Arundel Con lict Resolution Center (AACRC). AACRC is a non-pro it organization committed to providing mediation free of charge and relies on the services of volunteer mediators, some of whom are UUCA members. Mediation allows individuals or groups who are in con lict to ind solutions that meet the needs of everyone involved--neighbors, family members, landlord and tenant, co-workers, parents desiring to raise their children in separate households, and offenders preparing to return to the community. AACRC also provides anger management classes at the Jennifer Road Detention Center and facilitates IEP meetings in the public schools. Want to help this win-win process reduce the use of courts and their adversarial results? Talk to Don Patterson or Caroline Hadley. Every Sunday, the plate collection will be divided evenly between the chosen recipient and UUCA s operating budget. Therefore, if you place a check in the offering plate, you must indicate pledge or outreach on the memo line. If a check is without notation, it will automatically be applied to the plate share. Once the funds have been transferred to the charity, your contribution cannot be reallocated to your pledge. Thank you for your generosity. If you have any questions about Share-the-Plate charities, contact Diane Goforth; dsgoforth@aol.com; for questions about Share-the- Plate policies, contact the Church Of ice; mreese@uuannapolis.org. HIGHLIGHTS December 2015 INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY In the event of inclement weather- Visit where a pop-up box will appear with any relevant cancellations. You can also call the of ice at for a recorded announcement. For weekday meetings, you should contact the individual responsible for whatever you plan to attend. Often, those cancellations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions about the policy, contact the Church Of ice. 5

6 SUNDAY WORSHIP AT UUCA The theme for this season is: LOVE Sunday, December 6: Living With the Meaning of Hanukkah Rev. Fred Muir With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Hanukkah. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Hanukkah. Music by the UUCA Choir. ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 9:00 FOLLOWED BY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AT 10:30 AM. Sunday, December 13: Can t Buy Me Love (or can you?) Rev. Christina Leone Tracy As we continue our seasonal theme of love, today we'll explore whether or not you can "buy" love -- especially at this season of giving that can be so easily commercialized. We'll explore the 5 Love Languages in the context of the holidays. Music by Sara Jones. Sunday, December 20: Living With the Meaning of Christmas Rev. Fred Muir With most religious observances/celebrations, there is a good story behind them. So also with Christmas. The contemporary implications of its story are many, so join us this morning as we unpack life with Christmas. Music by the UUCA Choir. Sunday, December 27: Dark & Light Rev. John Crestwell Today we will examine blackness and whiteness and the language we use to express love and hate. Music by Josh Long and others. AWAKE Service Sunday, December 13 Rev. John Crestwell 4:00 PM Potluck 4:45 PM Worship CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Thursday, December 24 5:00 PM This year s familyfriendly service will be led by Intern Minister Hannah Roberts Villnave. Celebrate the holiday with a service of story and song! The story of Jesus s birth reminds us that every child is holy and calls all of us to radical hospitality. Come re-live and retell the story with us! Music by Betsy Kraning, Marlene Browne, and friends! 7:00 PM Traditional candlelight and carol service with Rev. Fred Muir. Music by Sam Marshall, pianist. 9:00 PM Traditional candlelight and carol service with Rev. Fred Muir. Music by members of the UUCA Choir, with accompaniment by Sam Marshall. Podcasts of weekly sermons are available online at /

7 UPCOMING EVENTS Visit our online calendar for more events and scheduling information. Nifty 50+ Potluck on Saturday, December 5, at 6:00 PM. Come join the seniors for some holiday fun! We will be meeting in the Angebranndt room. Contact: Claire Morgen UUCA s annual holiday tradition Stone Soup - will be held Sunday, December 6, 4:00-7:00 PM. Join us for the Stone Soup story, a great meal, holiday music, crafts, and a Christmas tree! Contact: Elise Berrocal; eberrocal@uuannapolis.org. UU Humanists will meet Monday, December 7 & 21 for a Freethought Film Festival. 6:00 PM - potluck; 6:45 PM - view internet shorts; 7:00 PM - choose ilm to view. Please bring dish, popcorn, drinks to share. Contact: Cliff Andrew; neurol@verizon.net. UU Theism Group - Do you believe in a higher power or God? If so, no matter how you de ine it, we'd love to have you join our group. Sunday, December 13, 8:00-9:00 AM in the Young room. Parents of Little Ones (POLO) Potluck & Discussion - Sunday, December 13, 12:30-2:00 PM. Making the holidays meaningful for families discussion facilitated by Rev. Christina. Contact: Julie Burman; julieinch@yahoo.com. PLEASE NOTE the following schedule changes: Lunch & Video Discussion Group will NOT meet on Tuesday, December 29. The Book Club will NOT meet in December. There is no Fourth Friday Concert in December. The Outdoor Club is on hiatus for an undetermined amount of time. SAVE THE DATE: Brian Ganz Concert - Brian is holding a sneak preview of his upcoming Strathmore Chopin performance here at UUCA on Sunday, January 5, at 8:00 PM. Watch church publications and our homepage for details. UULM-MD Annual Meeting - Saturday, January 23. For those of you interested in social action and legislative issues, join UULM-MD for a day of planning and discussion. Contact info@uulmmd.org for more information. HOLIDAY CLOSINGS The Church Of ice will be closed on Thursday, December 24. We will reopen on Sunday, December 27 at 9:00 AM. [Please bear in mind that the of ice is always closed on Fridays] A BIG Thank You & Congratulations! Over the past few months, members of the Building Expansion Exploratory Committee [BEEC] have spent many hours of their personal time dealing with contractors, painting, plumbing, looring, junk-hauling, etc. in order to see the many projects and renovations to completion. Be sure to offer a big thank you, and a congratulations, to the following individuals for all their hard work and dedication! Dianne Moreau Diane Ratcliff Paul Jorgensen Patti Patterson Craig Beyler Jan Sprinkel HIGHLIGHTS December

8 December 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 12:00 PM Lunch & Video Discussion Group :00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Mindfulness Practice Group 6:00 PM Nifty 50+ Potluck :30 AM Intro to 6:00 PM UU Humanists Mindfulness 9:00 AM Worship/CC 7:30 PM Drum Circle 10:30 AM Congregational Meeting/CC 4:00 PM Stone Soup 12:00 PM Lunch & Video Discussion Group 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Mindfulness Practice Group 8:00 AM UU Theists :30 AM Intro to 12:00 PM Lunch & Video 7:00 PM Mindfulness 7:00 PM Full Moon 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal Mindfulness Discussion Group Practice Group Celebration 9:00 AM Worship/CC 7:30 PM Bridge Club 10:10 AM Middle Hour 11:15 AM Worship/CC 12:30 PM POLO Potluck 4:00 PM AWAKE/CC OFFICE CLOSED :30 AM Intro to Mindfulness 6:00 PM UU Humanists 12:00 PM Lunch & Video Discussion Group 9:00 AM Worship/CC 7:30 PM Drum Circle 10:10 AM Middle Hour 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 5:00 PM Family Worship 7:00 PM Candlelight Worship 9:00 PM Candlelight Worship 11:15 AM Worship/CC :30 AM Intro to Mindfulness 9:00 AM Worship/CC 10:10 AM Middle Hour 11:15 AM Worship/CC /

9 ONGOING EVENTS Amnesty International: The Annapolis Chapter of Amnesty International meets on the second Sunday of each month at 1:00 PM in the Emerson Room of the Fahs House. All are invited, especially members of the UUCA congregation who believe that one person can make a difference. Come check us out. Book Club: meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the church library. Contact Jean Gruber Bridge Club: meets the third Friday each month at 7:30 PM in the Emerson Room of the Fahs House. Contact Anne Hays for information; annehays1933@gmail.com. Full Circle: meets monthly at 7:00 PM on the Friday night closest to the full moon. An experiential earth-based celebration open to all women over age 18. Contact Jodi Delaney; jodimonkey@verizon.net. Gallery at 333: The Gallery at 333 is open Mon.-Thurs. from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Contact Debbie Boudra; dancindebart@comcast.net. Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation: Beginner-friendly session every Sunday at 8:30 AM in the Emerson Room. For those who want to learn the basics of meditation and those who just want another opportunity to practice with a group. Contact Phyllis Culham at mpg@uuannapolis.org. Inquirers Series - Classes for Newcomers: A program to educate and integrate newcomers and to serve as a refresher for long-timers. The series is eight (8) one-hour classes led by ministers, staff and church members during Middle Hour or after church service in the summer months. For more information visit The Inquirers Series. Contact: Newcomer Support Team; membership@uuannapolis.org. Light House Shelter Meals: If you are interested in helping with meals for the Shelter, contact Carrie Kotcho; ; ckotcho@verizon.net. Mindfulness Practice Group: meets every Thursday in the sanctuary at 7:00 PM for meditation and dharma discussion. Contact Phyllis Culham at mpg@uuannapolis.org. Nifty Fifties +: A social group for seniors, that meets periodically for dinners, game nights, and other outings. Contact Claire Morgen at cfriday@aol.com. Partner Church Ministry: Based upon our common religious principles and ideals, this multigenerational group develops and sustains a relationship between UUCA and the communities of our partner congregations in Transylvania; the Unitarian Church of Homorodalmas (Almas) and the Unitarian Church of Rava. Contact Heather Millar; heathermillar@gmail.com. Rainbow School: a cooperative, Montessori-based program for young children that teaches the 7 Rainbow Principles of the UU faith. Meets Tuesday & Thursday mornings, 9:30- Noon. Also includes a Parent Workshop on the irst Thursday of the month; 6:30 PM. Both held in the RE sanctuary. Contact: Alethea Shiplett; feymeadowsfarm@gmail.com. Spirit Singers Open to all musicians! Led by co-directors Betsy Kraning and Josh Long, this group provides diverse, intergenerational, multicultural, contemporary music once a month for worship services. Contact Betsy Kraning, Music Director at bkraning@uuannapolis.org. The Tuesday Noon Brown Bag Lunch & Video Discussion Group: Meets weekly mid-september through May in the narthex. Bring your lunch to eat during the half-hour social time, watch the half-hour Religion and Ethics video and join in the half-hour of discussion afterward until 1:30 PM. All are welcome. Led by the intern minister. Contact Phil Tawes; pwtawes@aol.com. UUCA Choir: with director Peter Jacobson; rehearses September-May every Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Provides relevant music twice a month for Sunday services. New members always welcome. Contact: Jan Sprinkel; jansprink@verizon.net. UUCA Community Drum Circle: Looking to connect with others in a spiritual yet visceral way? Try the Drum Circle! No musical experience necessary. Meets on the second Monday and fourth Tuesday in the sanctuary at 7:30 PM.. Contact Jim Langston at jimlaauu@gmail.com. UU Legislative Ministry of MD (UULM-MD): UULM-MD is a statewide advocacy network comprised of individual members and af iliated UU congregations. UULM-MD provides a voice in legislative action for UU values, principles and traditions. UUCA provides leadership, resources and support to UULM-MD. info@uulmmd.org or call , ext UU Humanists: Naturalism-Science- Reason-Wonder-Compassion- Community-Respect. Book discussions and ilm viewings as announced. Meets the irst and third Monday of the month; 6:00 PM potluck and 7:00 PM discussion; in the narthex. Contact Cliff Andrew at or neurol@verizon.net. HIGHLIGHTS December

10 HIGHLIGHTS Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis 333 Dubois Rd. Annapolis MD Return Service Requested Dated Material; Please deliver by 11/28/15 Next Issue Deadline: 12/15/15 Next Mailing: 12/22/15 PROFESSIONAL, PROGRAM, AND CHURCH STAFF Church Of ice Hours: Monday Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Closed Friday and Saturday Phone: Fax: Rev. Dr. Fredric J. Muir Senior Minister Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. Associate Minister Rev. Christina Leone Tracy Faith Development Minister Hannah Roberts Villnave Intern Minister Peter Jacobson Choir Director Elizabeth Kraning Music Director Susan Eckert Administrator Michele Reese Administrative Assistant Elise Berrocal Children s Ministry Coordinator eberrocal@uuannapolis.org Carrie Libowicz Bookkeeper treasurer@uuannapolis.org Paul Berry Youth Coordinator pberry@uuannapolis.org Joshua Long Name Position Address Director of Contemporary Music jlong@uuannapolis.org Board of Trustees Ken Apfel President Linda Rhoads Vice President Heather Millar Secretary board@uuannapolis.org Maury Marks Finance Of icer Gina Williams Trustee Ale Shiplett Trustee Larry Werner Trustee Tony Hipszer Nominating Committee Chair