The Communicator
November 2019 Volume 36 Issue 11
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The Humanist Forum
meets every Sunday at 9:15 AM in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.
Our
Sunday Service begins at 10:30 AM in the Miller Sanctuary. This week we bring you a Buddhist oriented service entitled
Celebrate Small.
Our
Community Sharing
partner for November is the
Fair Food Program.
Do you want all food to be Fair Food? Support the
Fair Food Program
by giving during the offering in the month of November. The Program aims to guarantee dignity and better wages through a new model of social responsibility. It allows workers to be the frontline monitors of their own rights without fear of retaliation. You can learn more about this Program by visiting the Social Justice Table in Hobart Hall during Social Hour. The Fair Food Program has been lauded by the New York Times and the Washington Post. They wrote: NYT, 2014" "This is the best workplace-monitoring program I've seen in the U.S." ~Janice R. Fine, Professor at Rutgers. The WP, 2012: "The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is one of the great human rights success stories of our day." From the UN: "Must be considered as an international benchmark for ending modern-day slavery." To learn more visit:
https://www.fairfoodprogram.org/
This Sunday, we will have a single multi-generational service for all. At the Intention Table, you're invited to make a paper flower to reflect on the small gifts in life. Our next
Many Windows
Sunday
will be on November 10th.
Sunday's
Social Hour
happens after the service every week at 11:45 AM. Come join us for coffee and snacks. Newcomers, visitors, friends, and members are all welcome. Sponsoring groups are the Women's Circle and CUUPs. Donations of food, snacks, or cash are welcome.
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Veterans Day Service
Through A Sergeant Major’s Eyes
Sunday, November 10th, 10:30 AM
Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Javier Duarte, USMC
This Veterans Day Sunday we salute and remember those who supported the deepest held values upon which the Republic was founded and honor their service and sacrifice. Joining us will be Sergeant Major (Ret.) Javier Duarte who will share his reflections on his experiences.
Sergeant Major (Ret.) Javier Duarte was born in Miami, FL, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June, 1995. He completed Basic Training at Camp Lejeune South Carolina graduating as an Honor Graduate. Over his 24 year career in the Marine Corps he has been deployed to all parts to the globe including Afghanistan in support of the Marine Expeditionary Unit; to Colombia, South America, in support of the Southern Command’s mission to strenthen bonds between the United States and Colombia; and to the South Pacific in support of Operations; et. al.. Sergeant Major Duarte retired in April 2019.
Among Sergeant Major Duarte’s personal awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Good Conduct Medal and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Sergeant Major Duarte lives in Cape Coral and is married to Angie Duarte. They have a son Aiden (15) and a daughter Madelin (1). They have 2 Pugs and 1 Boston Terrier named Chili, Pepper, and Wasabi.
Veterans Day Blue Star Family Talk
A Military Family’s Journey
A Talk by Ms. Angie Duarte
Sunday, November 10th, 12:15 PM
Hobart Hall
It is often said of military families that “They also serve,” meaning that while our troops are deployed, their families must carry on and shoulder the burdens of their absence. Ms. Angie Duarte will speak of the challenges and heartaches military families face during times of deployment.
Ms. Angie Duarte was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was raised in Stafford, VA. She served in the Marine Corps from 2007 to 2011. Angie earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota in Genetics Cell Biology and Development. She has completed a Latent Prints Internship with the Dougherty County Jail in GA and worked for the MCLB Marine Corps Police Department. She currently works for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as a Forensic Technologist in the Biology Section of the lab. She hopes to one day be a Biology Analyst in the lab.
Pachamama of SWFL:
Be there Thursday, November 7th from 6:30-8:00 PM in Hobart Hall for an eye-and heart-opening Game Changer gathering that will stimulate our senses.
What a beautiful relationship we can share in nature, and what an amazing connection we all share...like this lion and this dandelion, we are innately connected.
Come learn about the stimulating precepts of Project Nature! Dr. Janet R Weisberg, whose doctorate is in Philosophy of Applied Ecopsychology, is our presenter. As she says, “Our collective journey to rediscover and reclaim our original state of wholeness is the single most important cooperative action for our future. We’re being challenged to remember, connect and reclaim our innate biological 54 senses. These senses are the window to the world and our intelligence in relationship with all life."
Dr. Weisberg has had 15 years of personal engagement living in cooperation with all living systems, first as a student, now as a guide. She will show us how to apply the mind, body, and spirit to reconnect with nature, and all who are ready to engage their communities by joining together into our next evolutionary paradigm. Snacks
are welcome. We
have coffee, tea,
and water
on hand.
The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans:
Saturday, November 9:
Samhain ritual
, 6:30 gathering. Deep honoring to our ancestors, welcome the new year. This is an adult event- some themes are not appropriate for children unless parents are in supervision.
Yule celebration
, Saturday, December 21, 7pm gathering. Welcome to all, community sharing feast with open mic for music and mirth. No charge for this. Bring a dish to share and sing, dance, play or perform. We will call in the sun.
Mark calendars for the new year, January 31-feb 2 will be an Imbolc gathering. Fire and Ice, camping, workshops, ritual to honor Bridget, lady of poetry, hearth and forge. More information soon. This is also open to all. There will be child friendly activities.
The FUUn BUUnch
is back, so bring your appetites to Mimi's (at Bell Tower) on Saturday night, 6:00 PM on November 9th. All of you old-timers who've participated before know that this is a great way to meet others from UUCFM, so newcomers, please join us so we can all get acquainted. Those attending will be able to order from Mimi's menu, and everyone will pick up his/her own tab. Please RSVP by November 3rd to Linda Jensen,
[email protected]
or 215.880-1433. I must give Mimi's a definite number by then.
Art Fair Returns in December
December 1st and 8th will see the return of our Member Art Fair after the Sunday service.
Come support our "Artists In Residence" booths. It's an excellent time to bring
neighbors and friends.
NEW this year: Doorprizes-ongoing each Sunday, a $5. Quiche Lunch, green salad, fruit salad, quiche, beverage, and desserts available for purchase. No Bake Sale this year.
NEXT-TO-NEW table, just bring your priced donations early to Hobart Hall each Sunday. Others may enjoy your good cast offs for Christmas gifts.
Volunteers needed. Contact Patricia Linhoff, for artist booths, 612-382-5927
[email protected]
, or Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020,
10th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist Women’s Retreat
April 3-5, 2020
DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
A Weekend Gathering of UU Women
• Friday evening we will get to know one another and create community
• Saturday one-hour workshops offer choices
• Sunday we share a UU Service bringing it all together
DaySpring Conference Center is conveniently located off I-75 just north of Sarasota on Florida’s West Coast. The beautiful campus nestled under ancient oaks and located on a cove of the Manatee River offers a serene setting for our annual retreat. Take a look.
http://Dayspring.dioswfl.org
.
$220 per person covers expenses for a semi-private room and meals. 8 women share a cozy cottage with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, a screened porch and common area. A limited number of single rooms are available at $292 each.
A non-refundable deposit of $20 for a semi-private room or $30 for a private room will reserve your place. Final payment is due January 15, 2020. Scholarships are available.
Come join us for an enriching and memorable weekend. To register or for more information contact Helen Leddy:
[email protected]
Deeper Than The Skin: Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway in a musical presentation on Race in America
When:
Saturday November 16, 2019 6:30pm
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers
Tickets available from the office, any music team member, or at the door. Suggested donation $10.
On Saturday November 16th, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers will present
Deeper Than The Skin
, a musical presentation on Race in America by Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway. Reggie and Greg have a unique story. Born three days apart, ancestry flowing through the same portal of history, Richmond, VA. They are on a pilgrimage together - one that began three decades ago. The racial divisions that are the reality of America started them in two different worlds, but the amazing bonds of music, mutual respect, sheer admiration, and shared vision have brought them together as friends and colleagues.
Their stories together form the quintessential American story. The music that flowed from these experiences is powered by unadorned truth, raw and riveting, beautiful and uplifting.Echoing Gandhi, they believe that in telling our truths, we are able to rise up from the past and build bridges to the each other and the future. The presentation will be interactive and there will be time at the end for discussion.
Reggie Harris is a Woodrow Wilson Scholar and the Co-Chair of the
Living Legacy
Project of the Unitarian Universalist Association, co-leading tours through the historic sites of the Civil Rights movement in the South. Solo, and in the duo, Kim and Reggie Harris, he has led hundreds of programs on Race and Social Justice. Greg Greenway has been heard on NPR’s
All Things Considered, Mountain Stage,
and
Car Talk.
He’s played Carnegie Hall and had the honor for two years of having his song, “Rosa Parks,” play when
rosaparks.com
was opened. For eight years , he was one third of the successful Folk Trio,
Brother Sun.
Together and individually, Reggie and Greg have brought the issue of race before audiences around the world.
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Minister's Column
Developmental Ministry Q&A
Q: What is Developmental Ministry?
A: Developmental Ministry is a type of transitional ministry that occurs typically between two long-term called/settled ministries. It’s ideal for a congregation that has specific goals (often as many as five) it wants to work on before calling its next long-term minister. The goals are set by the congregational leadership. Based on those specific goals, the congregation is matched with a minister who can help them achieve their goals. The minister is hired by the congregation’s board of directors and has a contract with them. The congregation leadership often consults with the wider congregation to seek its guidance on the best direction to take.
Q: What is the difference between Interim Ministry and Developmental Ministry?
A: As you can see in the chart below, the two types of transitional ministries are similar in a number of ways. Important differences are listed first. Comparison of Developmental Ministry and Interim Ministry
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Q: How does the pool of candidates differ for these two types of ministries?
A: Developmental Ministry draws on a larger pool of candidates than Interim Ministry. In addition to the pool of approximately 60 Interim Ministers, there is a pool of ministerial candidates that are in very different circumstances than the specialized pool of Interim Ministers. The Transitions Office is in conversation with all ministers who are in transition or considering a transition. This larger pool includes talented settled ministers, Assistant and Associate Ministers, and others who may find a multi-year developmental commitment attractive for a variety of reasons. In addition, the Transitions Office will help winnow the pool down to the most eligible candidates given the nature of the assignment (the articulated goals, the profile of the congregation, the presenting issues which create “stuckness” within the congregation). Some ministers may see the developmental assignment as a career-building opportunity.
Q: What are the qualifications for these two types of ministers?
A: Both types of ministries draw on a pool of candidates with The Accredited Interim Minister (AIM) designation or Accredited Interim Minister in Training (AIMIT) designation and/or settled minister experience. Accredited Interim Ministers (AIMs) are credentialed ministers who trained and specialize in interim ministry. Accreditation is awarded by the UUA Transitions Office and advanced training is taken through the Interim Ministry Network (IMN). The basis for accreditation is proven competence in interim ministry, advanced training, and continuing education. The designation is conferred on ministers who complete the Interim Ministry program, attesting to their competence both in parish ministry and as resident consultants, able to assist congregations in reviewing and revitalizing their operations.
In addition to experience carrying out the normal responsibilities of congregational ministry, such as worship and pastoral care; both types of transitional ministers possess specific skills in assisting congregations during a transitional period.
To be considered for admission to the status of Accredited Interim Minister in Training (AIMIT), a minister must be in Final Fellowship with the UUA; however, the Transitions Director may admit ministers in preliminary fellowship on the basis of relevant experience, skills, and training. They must demonstrate competence in worship, preaching, counseling, working with volunteers, and church administration; have completed the Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry and/or
Orientation to Interim Ministry; have served effectively as an interim minister; and exhibit appropriate personal qualities such as self-differentiation, personal security, emotional stability, flexibility, resilience and resourcefulness, comfort with beginnings and endings, the ability to listen attentively and to ask searching questions, patience, empathy, understanding, hopefulness - a positive approach to life, physical vitality, entrepreneurial energy on behalf of congregations.
Q: Why do congregations consider developmental ministry?
A: There are several reasons congregations consider developmental ministry:
1) A developmental ministry fits a need to create a successful bridge between ministries particularly when there are structural or organizational impediments within the congregation that inhibit the community from being the best possible place for the next settled ministry. One of the goals of the developmental ministry could be to revise the structures, policies and processes necessary to help the church become more vibrant and growing. The advantage of developmental ministry is its clear intention of employing a shared ministry model that empowers lay leaders and fully leverages the talents of our existing staff; as well as tapping the regional UUA and Cluster resources.
2) A developmental ministry encourages forward momentum on specific goals; while a traditional interim ministry often lacks the necessary time needed to launch and sustain such initiatives.
3) The benefit of a developmental model is the goals are articulated, developed and the progress is tracked over time. The efficacy of the developmental period is as good as the earnestness and effort put into them by the congregation to ameliorate chronic conditions which inhibit its advancement.
Q: What goals would UUCFM designate for a developmental ministry?
A: The developmental goals are still be articulated and refined. Among the areas of concern identified as a result of the Interim Startup recently held with Rev. Keith Kron included: sustainability; stewardship; clarifying roles, relationships, communication and organizational structure; discovering who we are; what we are; who was want to be; reinventing UUCFM to meet the demands of the culture; creating a safe community that allows growth and fulfillment for all; follow our covenant; creating a culture that encourages curiosity over Judgement; et. al. Typically three to five developmental goals are articulated and incorporated into a contract between the congregation, the developmental minister and the UUA.
Q: What is the selection process for a developmental minister?
A: In most congregational by-laws, the board is responsible for hiring a transitional minister, whether interim or developmental. In most congregations, usually the board appoints a small task force to assist with the candidate evaluation/selection process. The UUA Transitions Office will provide the congregation with qualified applicants to interview and evaluate. Initial interviews usually occur via the phone or web conference. The chosen candidate is commonly invited to in-person meetings with lay leadership and staff before finalizing the contract.
If the congregation doesn’t find a developmental ministry candidate that matches the congregation’s needs; it has the option to shift to the traditional interim ministry path or choose a different form a ministry as described in the Transitional Ministry Handbook.
Q: How does a board decide what qualifications and characteristics to look for in a developmental minister?
A:The board typically seeks input from the congregation and incorporates that understanding into the selection criterion of the candidates its seeks to consider. Candidates with the skills and experience required to accomplish the work the congregation needs as set forth in its goals will be provided to the selection Task Force. These criteria are used to assess candidates vis-à-vis the congregation’s needs and priorities.
Q: What if UUCFM doesn’t find suitable candidates?
A: If UUCFM doesn’t find developmental ministry candidates that it believes can meet or exceed its needs and expectations, it will have the opportunity to engage a traditional Interim Ministry candidate.
Q: Who becomes a developmental minister and why?
A: Ministers in many stages of ministry find Developmental Ministry attractive. Factors include: geography, size and the specific set of goals may be of interest to ministers in smaller congregations who want to gain more and varied experiences before seeking a settled ministry. A talented minister working at the assistant or associate level in a large church may find the opportunity attractive for leadership, visibility and impact it offers. Both ministers in their early careers and very experienced ministers have been attracted to developmental ministry assignments.
Q: Why not a one-year interim so we can quickly call and settle a new minister?
A: While this is an option, the UUA has advises congregations who have experienced impediments to growth that it is not the best option for the following reasons --
1) Outcomes are better with a two year interim period. Congregations are more satisfied with their choices and with the process leading them to the selection of their next settled minister.
2) The two-year interim has become the standard because it works. It best enables congregations to make successful transitions between long-term ministries. Recently, of 50+ congregations with Interim Ministers, five or fewer were one year interims, which often involved a retirement and planned succession.
Q: What are the costs associated with each type of ministry? Are we certain we can afford to make the financial commitment?
A: The annual costs for developmental ministry follows the UUA guidelines of salary plus housing allowance and benefits. Absorbing the transitional costs (interview and moving expenses) over the duration of the transitional ministry is a bit easier and saves the congregation the costs associated with a search and settling a new minister (typically $15,000).
Q: What is the track record for developmental ministers accomplishing the articulated goals?
A: Anecdotal data is strong and very favorable. Most developmental ministries appear to accomplish their objectives, which is why this option is gaining in popularity. While formal data is not available, success stories are available here:
Q: What is shared ministry?
A: A culture of shared ministry begins with leadership that embraces and encourages empowerment of our church staff and the membership of the congregation, who have a wealth of talent to share, from our paid staff and proven lay leaders, to up-and-coming lay leaders, to retired ministerial colleagues.
A congregation that shares its strengths through a network of ministry teams (e.g., worship ministry, pastoral care ministry, social justice ministry, etc.) comprised of ministers, staff, and lay members can help all develop more fully as spiritual beings, especially when nurtured and supported with compassion and empathy – not just by the minister, but also by each other.
One of the goals of a developmental ministry can be to transition to a shared ministry model with a reinvigorated and revitalized sense of mission and purpose. The first stage of making the transition to a shared ministry model could include an assessment of the specific changes needed in board policies, operating structure, and by-laws.
Q: What are the prospects for growth?
A: According to the UUA’s publication “Growth for Unitarian Universalism,” growth is inevitable in healthy congregations. To be a healthy congregation is to develop responses that are sound and reasonable. To be healthy is to be vigorous, to have strength, and to use these qualities in taking action. When a congregation sees clearly its place and possibilities and understands its mission and purpose, it will make decisions that serve itself and its community well. Such a congregation will continue growing because of its health. Such a congregation is ready to serve people who need Unitarian Universalism.
To read the article
What is Developmental Ministry
by Rev. Martinez please click
here
.
UUCFM Board Meeting Change-
The Board of Trustees meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 PM in the Admin Office. Any questions, please connect with Board Secretary, Allie Carville, at
[email protected]
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Groups & Classes
Mindfulness Meditation-
Come explore the simple and satisfying practices of Mindfulness Meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Please bring intention to quiet the mind and body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet Mondays from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Contact Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.
Wednesday Connection Circle-
Lilibeth Grimes will be facilitating a
once monthly Wednesday evening circle called
Principles of Joy
. The goal for this connection circle is to serve as a bridge between UUCFM and the broader community. This is open each month to all members, family, and friends. Please email by the Monday before each circle to let her know you will be there that month. We'll meet the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.
November 13: Fifth Principle: The Right of Conscience and the Use of the Democratic Process within our Congregations and in Society at Large
December 11: Sixth Principle: The Goal of World Community with Peace, Liberty, and Justice for All
January 8: Seventh Principle: Respect for the Interdependent Web of all Existence of Which we are a Part.
Fall Connection Circle-
begins Nov. 10th! Want to connect on a deep level with other UUCFM members, visitors, and friends? Come to the next 6-session Connection Circle beginning after church on November 10th and continuing every other Sunday ( Nov. 10 and 24; Dec. 8 and 22; and Jan. 5 and 19). Small group Connection Circles promote bonding in a supportive atmosphere through facilitated discussions on spiritual topics as they pertain to you and your life. Discover more about each other...and maybe yourself!
For more info and to register for this circle, contact
[email protected]
or call 401-741-2712.
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Family Gardens Open for
Implantment
Our 2019-2020 growing season has started for the Family Gardens. Especially now, getting out with nature and fellow gardeners makes a great deal of healthful sense. We still have a few 4’x8’ garden beds available. Automatic watering in a wholesome (no chemicals) growing environment. Join our monthly MeetUps hosted by our Master Gardeners. Fees are $75 for the first garden bed and $60 for any additional plus $10/bed for automatic watering. Contact
[email protected]
. All proceeds go to the Church.
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The Women's Circle
starts again on the 4th Tuesday of November. Join us in Hobart Hall on Tuesday, November 26th at noon for a potluck lunch. What interesting tidbit
do you have to share with us?
UUCFM & Caloosahatchee Mindfulness
invite participants to join our weekly meditation book group. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Room 3. Please contact Helen Leddy to make sure the group is meeting each week or if you want to join. All are invited to attend. For more info contact
[email protected]
The UUCFM Book Club
meets Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30 PM in the Library. All are welcome to join in facilitated discussion and group bonding. Our current book is
The Uninhabitable Earth
by David Wallace Wells. This is an important book about climate change.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Come join us in singing!
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 5:45-6:15 pm, and on Sunday mornings at 9:10 in the Sanctuary. Do you play an instrument? Are you interested in playing with the UUCFM band for worship? If so, please schedule an audition time with me by email. Come join us in making music together!
Suellen Kipp, Director of Music
Couch Wanted!
If anyone has a pre-owned couch in good condition, the minister's office needs one! Please call the office at 239-561-2700.
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
As many of you know, the South Fort Myers Food Pantry began a fund drive in June to replace the aging box truck used to transport food from the Harry Chapin Food Bank and area stores to stock the pantry. We at UUCFM moved up the month for the Pantry to be the recipient of our Community Sharing to October so that this donation might be credited to the Truck Replacement Fund. We raised over $950 for the truck fund. Those individuals who would like to make a direct donation can mail checks directly to the Pantry. South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition, Inc.
8360 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33919
. Write "Truck Fund" in the memo line.
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Did You Know that Singing is Good for your Health?
Scientists say singing can have a calming but energizing effect on people, can be a natural antidepressant, improve and strengthen the immune system, alleviate snoring, improve memory and alertness, reduce loneliness, and boost confidence.
What other activity offers so many wonderful benefits? Next time you are in Sunday service, pick up your teal or grey hymnal and sing out with full voice to the morning's hymns. Who knows......you may even learn to like it and decide to join the choir! We would love to have you and your voice join us! For more information on the health benefits of singing described above, visit the link:
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Meet the Minister-
Rev. Carlos will be holding Meet the Minister sessions in November and December. This is an opportunity to share your hopes and dreams for the future of UUCFM. The sessions will happen on Sundays and Wednesdays in the Minister's office. Please choose one session from the following dates:
Sundays 12 noon-1:30 PM: November 3, November 10, December 8.
Sunday, November 24th at noon is reserved for families with children only.
Dinners Go Round Now Forming!
Dinners Go Round are forming for January through April of 2020. These monthly potluck dinners offer you a chance to get to know your fellow UUCFM Members on an informal basis. One dinner is held each month at a host UUCFM member’s home on a date determined by the host and participants. If you didn’t participate last year and would like to do so this year, please Email Denis Jensen by December 15th at
[email protected].
Please include your names, telephone numbers, addresses and email addresses in your Email. Let him know if you would consider being a host for one of the four monthly dinners, if there is one or more of the four months where you would not be able to participate, or if you need wheelchair accessibility.
Caring Network
Congregants are reminded that all of us are part of of the Caring Network. All of us need to be willing to fill out a
‘blue card’
or or if they are aware of someone who is in need of compassion … such as a family emergency or a life crisis, or to connect with those who are unable to attend be present at church due to illness, infirmity, or disability, or comfort the bereaved. We are here to support you, our friends.
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Our UU Story
Origins of Trinity Vs. Unitarianism
One of the earliest controversies over the nature of Christ that involved the propagation of "unitarian" ideas that broke out at Rome during the episcopate of
Victor I
(189–199). This was the so-called "Monarchian controversy", which originated in a revolt against the influential
Logos
theology of
Justin Martyr
and the apologists, who had spoken of Jesus as a second god. Such language was disturbing to some. Justin's language appeared to promote ditheism (two gods). The view, was defended by
Hippolytus of Rome
, saying that the Father and the Logos are two distinct "persons".
Some critics of Justin's theology tried to preserve the unity of God by saying that there is no difference to be discerned between the ‘Son’ and the ‘Father’ (unless ‘Son’ is a name for the physical body or humanity of Christ and ‘Father’ a name for the divine Spirit within). This sort of thinking, known as Modal Monarchianism or
Sabellianism
, would one day lead to a compromise doctrine that the Father and the Son are consubstantial (of the same being).
Other critics preserved the unity of God by saying that Jesus was a man, but differentiated in being indwelt by the Spirit of God to an absolute and unique degree. They denied that Jesus was God or a god. They became known as "
adoptionists
", suggesting that Jesus was adopted by the Father to be his Son.
At this early stage we find evidence of proto-
Arianism
(Justin's view) and proto-
Socinianism
(the Adoptionist view), though they were, as yet, not fully formed. Both of these theologies have similarities to latter day Unitarianism.
When
Theodosius I
took the imperial throne, at the
Council of Constantinople
in 381, the position that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost were all the same being was agreed upon. The formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity was complete. Theodosius outlawed all Nontrinitarian forms of Christianity.
The
Protestant Reformation
of the 16th century saw in many European countries an outbreak of anti-Trinitarian opinion.
Along with the fundamental doctrine, certain characteristics have always marked those who profess unitarianism: a large degree of
tolerance
, a historical study of
scripture
, a minimizing of essentials, and a repugnance to formulated
creed
.
~Edited by Joy F. Sokeitous –
From Wikipedia and from
Beliefs & Principles
, by Mark W. Harris
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Did you know your purchases can help us? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your online shopping by following this special link to Amazon:
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Want to Become a Member?
If you are interested in becoming a new member, please pick up a Membership Kit on Sunday mornings in the Narthex or in the office during the week. Thanks!
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Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai group meets Sundays at 2:00 PM in Room Number 1. We do not meet on 5th Sundays.
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Tribute to Our Veterans Concert
The Southwest Florida Concert Band will perform a concert in our Sanctuary on Sunday, November 17th at 2:00 PM. All UUCFM members are invited to attend. We will have a salute to the Armed Forces, an inspiring tribute to Arlington cemetery, some traditional American folk songs, a swinging Glenn Miller medley, and two rousing Sousa marches. The wide variety of music is certain to appeal to all audience members. Concert is FREE with donations accepted.
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Happy Birthday!
Nov 1 Barbara Moreland
Nov 2 Miriam Jones
Nov 5 Mary Nies
Nov 11 Nancy Hutchins
Nov 17 Denis Jensen
Nov 20 Theresa Bahre
Nov 21 Mary Murray
Nov 23 Mary Dryden
Nov 26 Carolyn Thompson
Nov 28 Bob Krieger
Nov 28 Jennifer McFadden
Nov 29 Liz Taggart
Nov 29 Bob Nies
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UUCFM Staff
Nursery Supervisor
Liza Kellam
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UUCFM | 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers FL 33912
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