October 2021 News from UUFS

October 2021

Our Mission Statement

As a welcoming congregation, we work and worship together to become people of open minds, loving hearts, and helping hands. We honor the transformative power of love in our individual lives and broader communities.

Regarding COVID 19

Due to the increased cases of the Covid Delta variant in our area, we have moved back to "online only" services until our situation improves. We know that this continues to be frustrating for all of us, especially since our congregation has been so careful and probably all followed the guidelines, including getting vaccinated when eligible. Yet, we really need to model what we hope all in this community will do. I encourage you to share our decision with folks in other churches and encourage everyone you know to get vaccinated. If you know health care workers, please tell them what we are doing to support them. Be safe and well!

Thank you for your understanding, as we try to protect one another.

Coming Out

Thirty-two years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, the first National Coming Out Day was observed as a reminder that one of the most basic tools for the LGBTQ+ Community is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10. And getting to know folks can make a powerful difference in other ways, as well.

Several years ago, I invited J’abriel Walthour to come speak to our congregation and share her story as a transgender woman living in rural southeast Georgia. After she shared, many in the congregation wanted to help her on her journey to fulfill her dream of having the surgery that she had been desiring. With gifts from others and her own efforts working more than one job, she shared with me recently that she has reached her goal. Here is an excerpt from her message accompanied by a picture she sent to me.

I just wanted to share this brief update with you, and everyone who supported me at the UU congregations in Statesboro and Brunswick. I am now scheduled to move forward with my surgery on October 15th (which is one day before my actual birthday). God truly has a sense of humor. 😊

And I’m so grateful to all of you for supporting me through this last effort to reach my goal and continue on to whatever God has “next” for me. I will be in California October 10-30 for preparation, surgery, and recovery. So (whenever it may cross your mind) please send up a prayer of “swift and total” recovery. I thank each of you.

With Love and Humility,

Ms. Ja’Briel

Although Ja’Briel did not mention it, this is occurring not only during her birthday month, but also National Coming Out Month. That adds to the serendipity and the joy.

In honor of National Coming Out Month, I’ll be sharing a message on October 10 entitled, “Romance and Love In a More Welcoming World.” Check out our other good services and activities in this newsletter.

Peace, love and courage!

Jane

October 3

"Personhood: Looking to Pop Culture for Guidance”

Julie Gittinger, guest speaker

Personhood, that is “What is human? Who has rights? Who is valued?” is a topic that runs through many popular culture films and literature, especially in science fiction. But this provocative question is crucial to our world today and touches on global human rights, from immigration to healthcare. This talk will introduce the concept and definitions of “personhood,” how religion and ethics play a key role, and the lessons we might find in popular culture examples.

ONLINE service will be available via our UUFS Zoom Room: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5915836890

October 10

"Romance and Love in a More Welcoming World!"

Rev. Jane Page.

Rev. Jane will celebrate National Coming Out Month with a message about romance and love.

ONLINE service will be available via our UUFS Zoom Room: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5915836890

October 17

"What's the Point (of Religion)?"

Dave Hudson, guest speaker

What is the point of religion for those who don’t believe in God, we ask? A clue is found in The Latin root of the word—relegare—which means ‘to bind together.’ This service explores that idea.

ONLINE service will be available via our UUFS Zoom Room: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5915836890

October 24

"Resurrection, Reincarnation, and Other Ways to Resist the Reaper"

Rev. Jane Page

As we near the time of the year when many religions focus on death, Rev. Jane shares a message connected to her "We R UUs" theme entitled "Resurrection, Reincarnation, and Other Ways to Resist the Reaper." Come explore these ideas regarding an "afterlife," admittedly brought to you by one who chooses to focus on THIS life.

ONLINE service will be available via our UUFS Zoom Room: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5915836890

Your Committee on Shared Ministry

will host another outdoor gathering on the

4th Sunday of October (the 24th)

at 4:30 p.m.

(weather permitting)

Join us on the playground for a safely distanced social time together, including fresh boiled peanuts! Bring your own lawn chair and beverage. Children and leashed fur babies welcome.

October 31

"Return of the Living Dead"

Rev. Jane Page

It's Halloween! Time for Scary Movies! Why do we read horror books and watch horror movies? Is there something positive we can gain from this? Come explore our love of fear with Rev. Jane on Halloween.

This online service will be a joint service with UUCG in Brunswick. For this Oct 31 service ONLY use the UUCG Zoom Room at: uuma.zoom.us/j/479-325-3254 OR Zoom and use Meeting ID: 4793253254

FYI...

A link to the "Serving Our Church & Our Community" FORM

can be found on the UUFS website home page.

https://www.uustatesboro.org/

OUR NEW PRIDE FLAG

We are thankful to Fred Richter and Bobby Randolph for the donation of a new Pride Flag for our Fellowship building. We are also grateful to Tom Lambie and Bill Herring for hanging the new flag. Our Building remains beautiful even while we meet virtually.

OCTOBER IS....Fair Trade Month

https://www.fairtradefederation.org/fair-trade-month/

Tackling Hunger Month

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/tackling-hunger-month-october/

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

https://www.rescue.org/announcement/october-domestic-violence-awareness-month

Hotline Number: https://www.bwjp.org/resource-center/resource-results/the-national-domestic-violence-hotline.html

October 1st—International Day of Older Persons

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Older_Persons

October 2nd—International Day of Nonviolence and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/international-day-non-violence-2-october

October 5th—World Teachers’ Day

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Teachers%27_Day

October 10th—World Mental Health Day

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Mental_Health_Day

October 11th—International Day of the Girl Child

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/girl-child

October 15th—Rural Women’s Day

https://www.un.org/en/observances/rural-women-day

October 17th—Eradicating Poverty Day

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_for_the_Eradication_of_Poverty

Karen Lambie

Social Justice Team Leader

Our tradition of giving away half of the offering that is not designated as a pledge continues in 2021, with some adjustments. For now, all offerings will continue to be shared with Reverend Jane's Helping Hands Fund to directly help people in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and faithfulness to our congregation, which allows us to remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our community.