E-Octagram
September 11, 2020
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*~*~* UUC HAPPENINGS *~*~* |
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Important Sunday Service Information
As we are adhering to guidelines of avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people (and proving how flexible we are!), we have decided to offer Sunday services via Zoom. We would love it if you would watch it. We appreciate everyone's support, kindness and patience, and invite you to sit back and enjoy the service from the comfort of your home.
The Zoom link is below, but it won't be active until just before the service on Sunday (September 13 @ 10:30 AM).
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 967 1190 1492
You can also join from your landline or cell phone by calling 301 715 8592 and entering 967 1190 1492 when prompted to enter the meeting ID.
Speaker: Michael Kahn
Message: "The Price of Renewal"
Worship Associate: Ray Williamson
Service Technical Support: Jeremy Dillow
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Open Issues: September 13, 2020
This Sunday, Elizabeth Drayer will speak with us again. You may remember that she ran for mayor earlier this year speaking for the rights of nature (and got 23.94% of the vote!).
This Sunday Elizabeth will talk about “How do we manufacture our first world toys without making a toxic mess”. This will tie in with the November ballot initiative to put an industrial park on the Landings Golf Course in Clearwater. Discussion following.
Join us via Zoom at 9:30 (you can join a few minutes early):
Meeting ID: 859 3688 9025
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President’s Message
Moving Right Along
While Bill Foley was UUC’s board president, the Executive Committee met weekly. When I was recruited for his position, I was adamant that I wasn’t going to schlep the 40-minute drive from Gulfport to Clearwater every week. What could be that important? Cue the universe laughing.
Since June, UUC’s transitions have needed the whole board to hold weekly voluntary attendance meetings just to keep up with “who’s on first?” I am deeply grateful for the willingness of each of your board members to make this unexpected investment of time and energy. At least the meetings have been on Zoom, as we all adapt to the new normal.
The confirmation of Rev. Dave and Rev. Roberta brings a feeling of relief that major elements of UUC’s transition are in place. Last Sunday, Rev. Dave initiated his pulpit ministry to rave reviews. Rev. Roberta is already reaching out to hear members’ “joys and concerns” for UUC. Parents who are not members of UUC but who had children in our RE program are part of her outreach.
There is still much to be done to secure UUC’s well-being, programmatically as well as financially. The board hopes to introduce a new Director of Religious Enrichment very soon from among an impressive set of candidates. Resumes are coming in for the Technical Coordinator position. Bob Hedlund’s work, the hiring of Peck Jenkins and Kershner to do UUC’s bookkeeping, and Barbara Brandt’s willingness to step forward as a volunteer Assistant to the Treasurer, is bringing focus to a budget that has been highly impacted by the pandemic. Sally Otto, Sandy Hoover and others are taking the lead to create a voter registration drive-by event at UUC on September. 22. Mary Currey, Laura Logan, Jan Means and Sally have worked out Covenant Group assignments and meeting schedules are being set, using Soul Matters curricula. A team of five board members have registered to participate in the Southern Regions’ virtual Leadership Experience that started this month.
And you continue to show up for Sunday services in numbers that exceed usual summer attendance.
In the midst of all of this progress, it feels like a good time for me to take a step back. I have been told gently at various times that these weekly accounts of what the board is doing and where we hope to go has felt like over-communicating. My goal has been transparency during a time of deep suspicion of the board by some and to “lay the table” for moving into UUC’s next phase. It feels like we – the board and UUC - are at the threshold of that “next phase.” The board is moving to a bi-weekly schedule, with a goal of reducing participation to the Executive Committee as soon as possible. Going forward, I will provide a recap of your board’s activities after each regularly scheduled monthly meeting. We still have much to do, but I am glad to leave these weekly accounts behind. With Rev. Dave’s and Rev. Roberta’s leadership, I have no doubt we will thrive, looking inward and outward to discern and work toward becoming the Beloved Community we aspire to be.
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Monthly Board Meeting Reminder
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
via Zoom
UUC Host is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Monthly Board Meeting
Time: Sep 16, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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SHARE THE PLATE COLLECTION
Pinellas Education Foundation
During the Sunday, Sept. 6 worship, Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater took a special share-the-plate collection to benefit the Pinellas Education Foundation’s Stuff the Bus campaign. This initiative ensures that students with the greatest need have the tools to succeed in the new school year.
Did you know 60 percent of Pinellas County Schools’ students are economically disadvantaged? This year’s supply drive is now more important than ever given the financial hardships created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can still donate.
The easiest way to do that is to write a check to UUC. Be sure to indicate on the memo line that your donation is for the Pinellas Education Foundation's Stuff the Bus campaign. We will accept donations received by Sept. 28, 2020. Mail checks to: Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33764.
As we reach out to help our community we also look inward to celebrate the children in our congregation and their return to school, in whatever form they may be attending this year. To honor their journey, we are providing a gift card to each school child in our congregation as well. Please talk to Rev. Dave if you would like a gift card for your child.
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We are hosting a drive-thru registration event at UUC on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, and we are asking for volunteers to come out and help.
All volunteers will wear masks and gloves. They will be handing out a clipboard, the registration form, and a pen. All forms will be returned, checked for completion and clipboards sanitized for reuse. Pens will remain with the registrant.
Anyone can volunteer! Please contact Sally Otto with questions or commitments to volunteer at vicepresident@uuc.org.
Every vote counts!
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ZOOM!
If you're new to Zoom, we have developed some helpful hints for you! Please click on the link and let us know if you have any questions: https://www.uuc.org/zoom-intro
**For those interested in using the UUC Zoom account to host your own (UUC-related) virtual meet-ups, please contact the office for more information (727-531-7704; admin@uuc.org).
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We are in need of Worship Associates. As you can imagine, doing Zoom services has put a particular strain on this group. If you are interested in volunteering as a Worship Associate, please contact Sue Boone suebooneuu@juno.com or Margie Manning margiem821@tampabay.rr.com to learn more about what it means to help with our worship services.
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Join us for Digital Coffee Hour this Sunday (September 13, 2020) right after Sunday's Service. It's located in the same Zoom meeting as the service.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE GIVING and PLEDGING
In lieu of our traditional collection baskets that you see during the Offertory on Sundays, we are trying out some different ways to make online donating easier. You may also try:
Text Giving
(727) 500-2410
If you prefer to donate online, feel free to click the button below.
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You are also welcome to download, print and mail in a Pledge form here. |
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PASTORAL CARE
Please remember that Pastoral Care is still available if you need it. To connect with one of our dedicated Pastoral Associates, please call the office (727-531-7704, Ext. 5). Rev. David Franks is also on hand to provide assistance to those who need him (contact a Pastoral Associate, who will help you get in touch with him).
Kathy Krohn: September 7 - September 13
Susan Hegner: September 14 - September 20
Sally Otto: September 21 - September 27
Kathy Krohn: September 28 - October 4
Susan Hegner: October 5 - October 11
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COVENANT GROUPS – A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
In an effort to reach out to more current (and potential!) members, our Covenant Group leaders are making some changes. Where once, registration was on an annual basis, they have decided to make registration open-ended. Your input really does matter, so please take a moment to fill out the registration form (which serves as an interest form, as well).
Please reach out to either Lauren Logan (llogan565@gmail.com)) or Jan Means (j_means1@hotmail.com) if you would like more information on Covenant Groups (also, check out our section on the website, as it was recently updated:
Do you desire an opportunity to discover your personal truth, find greater meaning in your spiritual life, to live UU principles and make contributions to our UUC community? Are you interested in meeting fellow members of our beloved community who are traveling that same path? Participating in a covenant group may help guide your journey.
Covenant groups provide a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where you can deepen and broaden your spiritual exploration and reflection…enriched by what others share from their own experience and journeys. They also connect members socially. Many lifetime friendships have developed through these conversations; people who will be there with you through the rough times and join you in celebrating the joys.
Typically, the lay-led groups meet once a month for approximately two hours to discuss a specific topic within a framework that includes the lighting of the chalice, opening words and a closing similar to a Sunday service. Currently, due to COVID-19, meetings are held virtually. There is a group for almost everyone; men only, women only, mixed, and snowbirds, among others.
Namaste
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A Message from the Care Circle
September…Each month of this most incredible year has brought me a varying emotions, most a dizzying kaleidoscope of emotions. But today, I’m looking forward and feeling hope. And waiting….
For Baby Skylar who should be born any moment now to a wonderful family I’m so proud to know and love,
For rains to continue to cleanse our air, cool our temps and grow our food and beautiful plants,
For our upcoming election,
For peace, understanding and growth within our own country and within our world,
For healing.
--Eloise
As a reminder, should you need short-term assistance from the Care Circle for your injury or illness, please contact Susan Hegner or Eloise Hardman, Co-Chairs, or contact the UUC Office at (727) 531-7704.
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Family Ministries Offerings
Welcome to the new year of Religious Enrichment at UUC! With students beginning the school year and so much time on-line, we thought we would start off the new year with an at-home lesson. These lessons will require parental guidance.Those of you who registered your child for the 2019-2020 year will receive, via email, a lesson for your child in grades K-5. Please feel free to use it at your convenience over the next week.
Attached, please find the RE registration form for the 2020-2021 year. We will also be e-mailing the forms directly to families who have previously registered for RE. Please fill the form out and return to dfm@uuc.org. Once we receive your registration, you will be on our list to receive future lesson plans.
Please check your email to make sure you received your registration form and lesson. If you did not receive either, please e-mail dfm@uuc.org. In the meantime, we are in the interviewing process for a DRE. We will keep you posted, so stay tuned for more information in the future.
And, finally, Marie Chapin is leaving her position as RE Assistant at UUC. She is finishing her final year in school which requires multiple hours of lab work. The Board wishes Marie great success in her return to school and future pursuit as a medical technician. Marie will be missed.
If you have a question, or are interested in Religious Education at UUC,
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Spiritual Potpourri is a new group of people gathering together at 1pm on Fridays to share different practices that are feeding our souls right now. Chair yoga ... new "tiny" habits... meditation ... we look forward to learning from each other and trying new things.
Join us for another fun afternoon on September 11! We will revisit a fun process Eliose Hardman helped us start last week to better get to know one another:We will talk about unexpected things about one another in an inviting way. If you didn't participate last week, don't let that stop you from joining in! The more the merrier!
Everyone is welcome, always.
--> Contact Kathy Krohn if you have questions or trouble logging in! Hope you can join us!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/98442090304
Meeting ID: 984 4209 0304
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JOIN the UUC Social Justice
Immediate Response
Facebook Page
The UUC Social Justice Council invites you to become a member of the UUC Social Justice Immediate Response Facebook Page. Although we are stuck at home, there are still Social Justice issues we can work on. The page is the place we post such opportunities.
An administrator will accept your request to join. Once you are a member you can post on the page but an administrator must approve the post before it appears. Criteria for posts are at the top of the page.
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Your friends on the Social Justice Committee are hard at work, authoring more articles in the "Racism: What We Didn't Learn in School" series.
Stay tuned next Friday (September 18) for Part One of "Food Injustices: Magnolias to Moonpies, Farm to Fork". Part Two will be shared on October 2.
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The Mountain in Highlands, NC is offering an online program from September 23 - October 28
UNDERSTANDING WHITE PRIVILEGE AND BECOME AN ANTI-RACIST
A starting point for self-reflection and racial reconciliation
Learn how to be more. Learn more. Do better.
$60.00 For more information:
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