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HIGHLIGHTS Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
Volume 60, Issue 8 August 2017
In This Issue:
Retirement Celebration Committee Update p. 2
From the Board... p. 3
Middle Hour request p. 4
2017-18 Calendar Update Form p. 4
UUBF at General Assembly p. 5
Upcoming Services p. 6
August Events p. 7
August Calendar p. 8
Staff Contacts p. 10
Next Highlights Deadline: August 15
Susan Frederick-Gray Elected UUA President
Minister of Phoenix, Arizona, congregation wins three-way race to become UUA’s ninth elected president and the first woman elected to the office. —Christopher L. Walton 6/24/17
from UUWorld.org
The Unitarian Universalist Association elected the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray as its ninth president on June 24. Frederick-Gray is the first woman elected to lead the liberal religious movement, which includes approximately 1,000 congregations with 200,000 adults and children in the United States. But as she spoke to the UUA’s General Assembly after being named winner in the three-way race, Frederick-Gray said, “I want to be clear, right up front. I am not the first female president of the UUA.” As UUs cheered, she turned to applaud and then embrace the Rev. Sofí a Betancourt, one of the three co-presidents appointed by the Board of Trustees to complete the term of President Peter Morales, who resigned April 1. “But I am honored to follow her!” “This is a defining moment, and the stakes are very high,” Frederick-Gray told the assembly, which [met] in New Orleans June 21–25. “We have deep work to do within our association and our tradition, and critical work to do beyond the association.” Throughout her campaign, which she launched in March 2016, Frederick-Gray championed the UUA as “a voice for love and justice.” She promoted a three-point vision of a “spiritually vital” movement “grounded in relationships” and “organized for impact.” “We have much work to do,” she told the assembly. “I believe we are up to it. I look forward to working with you on this transformative path ahead.” In the instant run-off election, in which 3,252 delegates cast ballots, Frederick-Gray received 40% of the vote in the first round to 32% for the Rev. Jeanne Pupke and 28% for the Rev. Alison Miller. By the rules of the instant run-off, Miller was eliminated as the third-place finisher. When second-place votes were apportioned, Frederick-Gray finished with 56% to Pupke’s 42%.
The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray steps to the podium as the newly elected president of the
Unitarian Universalist Association. (© Nancy Pierce)
Read the full, online version of this article here Video of the election announcement can be seen here
2 www.uuannapolis.org; 410/266-8044
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 affirm 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 fulfillment.
Please join us!
WHO WE ARE AND
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Celebrating Rev. Fred--Retirement Event News —Dianne Moreau
The Celebrating Rev. Fred Muir Committee recently sent an email to all UUCA’s members & friends regarding Rev. Fred’s retirement gift from the congregation. If you missed that message, or have questions, see one of the committee members wearing a badge that says “Ask Me About Rev. Fred’s Gift” on Sunday mornings. Please, feel free to share this information with former UUCA members but remember we are trying to keep this a secret from Rev. Fred! You can drop your contribution in the box labeled for Fred’s Gift in the church office. Please make checks payable to Dianne Moreau or Jane Andrews. This contribution is not tax deductible. What is not a surprise are the dates for celebrating Rev. Fred and expressing our gratitude to him for his 34 years of service. See below, and mark your calendar:
October 15 - Children’s Celebration (for ALL ages, through YRUU) held after Middle Hour in the sanctuary; no 11:15 service that day
October 19 - Luncheon at Collington Continuing Care Center for the residents who are also members of UUCA
November 4 - Musical Tribute with Desserts held that evening in the sanctuary. A $5 donation per adult is requested.
November 11- Dinner Celebration 6:00-10:00 PM; Ss. Helen & Constantine Byzantium (Greek Orthodox church), 2747 Riva Road. Ticket prices/sale dates TBA. Several former interns and colleagues will be attending as well.
November 12- Presentation of Congregational Gift will take place immediately following the 9:00 AM service. Couples married and children blessed by Rev. Fred will also be recognized as well.
December ? - Rev. Fred’s final service - date to be announced later.
HIGHLIGHTS August 2017 3
FROM THE BOARD
OF TRUSTEES...
Questions or comments for the Board? Contact Heather Millar, Board Secretary
To Access Board Documents Online:
Visit www.uuannapolis.org/board-meeting-minutes, which is protected by a password. Contact the Church Office for the password; [email protected].
Envisioning Our Future Together —Linda Rhoads, Vice President
Over the past year, the Vision Team has reached out to the congregation to listen to you. The Team wanted to capture the values of the congregation, what brings you to UUCA, keeps you coming and motivates you to continue. The Team has taken the words you gave us and created a draft vision for your consideration. Attend one of the sessions listed below and take a look at what we’ve written. Does it speak to you? Do some parts represent your values more than others? Do these statements provide a direction for the UUCA to move ahead over the next years? We need to hear from you. The resulting vision will be presented for adoption at the December 2017 Congregational Meeting. Please come participate in one of the following discussion sessions (childcare will be provided at some; watch future publications for details):
Tuesday, September 5 12:00 PM Thursday, September 7 7:00 PM Saturday, September 9 9:00 AM Tuesday, September 12 12:00 PM Tuesday, September 12 7:00 PM Thursday, September 14 7:00 PM
Who We Are, What We Value and Who We Aspire to Be
At UUCA, we are….. Courageously seeking authentic relationships across differences Moving ourselves, our church, and our world toward wholeness, connection and love Engaging in a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual growth Practicing radical hospitality, acceptance and inclusivity Providing a haven for all identities and a sanctuary for all peoples Honoring our whole selves, identities and faith journeys Next Board of Trustees meeting: Monday, August 14
4 www.uuannapolis.org; 410/266-8044
FAITH DEVELOPMENT at UUCA
UUCA Program/Group/Committee Calendar Updates
It’s that time of year again - as the new church year approaches, all UUCA programs, groups, committees, events, etc must update their calendar/room reservations for 2017-18.
How it works: All contact persons will receive an email with an Update Form in the beginning of August. That form must be completed in its entirety and returned to the office as soon as possible but NO LATER THAN August 31. As always, space is first-come, first-served. Contact persons will also be asked to submit web updates, as this task is also completed in September.
Contact Michele Reese; [email protected] Robin DiAngelo Returns to UUCA —Thornell Jones
Robin DiAngelo, author of What Does It Mean to Be White? will be returning to the area the weekend of October 28-29. We hope to hold an event for people in the Annapolis and Anne Arundel county areas on
Saturday, October 28 - a workshop that will address unconscious bias in our communities. In order to have a successful event, we need YOU! To see how to help (either now or in October), contact Thornell Jones; [email protected], with conference in the subject line. Your assistance will ensure that we are successful in initiating a broad, systemic change as we work toward dismantling racism in our communities.
Middle Hour Session Leaders Needed —Ginger Parsons
The Adult Middle Hour Team is soliciting Middle Hour session leaders and ideas for the 2017-2018 church year (2 services resume on Sunday, September 17). You need not be an expert, just interested in sharing something you love with your faith community. In order to provide a wide variety of offerings, with a range of topics and learning styles, we have created a few policies. Our hope is to provide opportunities for leadership among a large number of church members
and friends. Sessions are scheduled by the Adult Middle Hour Team and may include up to 3 Sundays for each topic offered. Please submit ideas and requests by September 5 to Ginger Parsons; [email protected].
Fall RE Registration Opens Soon!
Registration for Fall RE classes will open at the end of August - please watch for more information through In the Know or on the display table in the narthex. Registration
materials will be available in both locations. Fall RE classes begin Sunday, September 17 when we return to 2 services!
VOLUNTEERs make RE happen! Want to volunteer?
Contact Elise Berrocal; [email protected]
HIGHLIGHTS August 2017 5
UU Buddhist Fellowship at General Assembly Offers Service for “Resilience for Challenging Times”
—Phyllis Culham
Two facilitators of the Mindfulness Practice Group attended the service offered by UU Buddhist clergy at the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly in New Orleans. This collective experience of refreshing spiritual practices, on June 22, was to renew us in our joint endeavors “to support the work of justice.” Officiants were Revs. Florence Caplow, Catherine Senghas (President of the UUBF,) Mary Grigolia, and Patrice Curtis. Well over a hundred people packed into a room meant to seat about eighty, and Bob Ertman, who had barely got in the back, said that many more arrived, tried to hear while standing outside, and then left when they could not. With the exception of Rev. (and Roshi) James Ford’s Conrad Wright Lecture in UU History in a giant exhibition space at the 2016 GA, UU Buddhist programs consistently have far overrun the space allotted in all recent years, and this reporter hopes that organizers will take note of this. One of the themes for renewal in this service was to “return to the body” and nourish the heart. Rev. Curtis stressed that she was among the members of the UU Buddhist Fellowship who was not a Buddhist per se but eclectic in building herself a practice which prominently featured Buddhist and Hindu practices. She led body practices, namely chanting while observing the depth of breath in our bodies and Thich Nhat Hanh’s Mindful Movement. Rev. Senghas in her presidential encouragement noted that non-Buddhist contemplative and body practitioners were a substantial percentage of UU Buddhist Fellowship membership and very welcome indeed, as they are in UUCA’s Mindfulness Practice Group, a UUBF affiliate. Rev. Caplow led a practice in a frequent theme of the MPG: awareness of death and mindfulness of what will continue as our legacy afterward. Rev. Grigolia, a composer of wonderful meditative music, led us in songs at beginning and end. Renewal? Attained!
For more information:
To sample Rev. Grigolia’s songs & learn about her workshops - http://marygrigolia.com/
To connect with the UU Buddhist Fellowship - http://uubf.org/wp/
To connect with UUCA’s Mindfulness Practice Group - http://www.mpgannapolis.org/
Rev. Florence Caplow, leader of service (left) & Rev. Catherine Senghas (right) inviting attendees into the UUBF.
Rev. Patrice Curtis leads Mindful Movement
6 www.uuannapolis.org; 410/266-8044
SUNDAY WORSHIP AT UUCA
ALL SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICES ARE AT 10:00 AM
Sunday, August 6:
“Fanatics Pt 2 - Religion & Politics”
Rev. John Crestwell
Political and religious fanaticism has led to scores of violent encounters in our nation and world. Today we look at how to mitigate this illness in our society.
Music by UUCA Summer Choir.
Sunday, August 13:
“Fanatics Pt 3 - Moderation”
Rev. John Crestwell
The "middle way" and surrender are the best approaches to create successful human relationships. We will explore this and more...
Music by Betsy Kraning.
Sunday, August 20:
“Is Unity An Illusion?”
Rev. Fred Muir
It's about this time every year that we read about the tensions and divisions in religious denominations (we hear about it now because they are having their annual gatherings). Such tensions are a part of our faith history too; in fact, UUs often experienced tensions and divisions before others. Join me as I share one of our faith
community's most tumultuous times and see if it sounds familiar.
Music by Sara Jones. Sunday, August 27:
“When the Past Becomes Present”
Rev. Fred Muir
A renowned author noted: "The past is never dead. It's not even past." Or as Yogi Berra is supposed to have said: "It's deja vu all over again." The last six months have been challenging times for religious liberals, especially UUs. Just when we may have thought our past was dead ... here we go again. Join me as I continue looking at how our way of faith has been a harbinger of America's path.
Music by Josh Long.
Sunday Service Help Needed
Volunteering on Sunday mornings is a great way to get involved and meet new people! Typically a once-a-month commitment; you can choose to be a Greeter or an Usher. Interested? Contact the following:
Greeters - Al Pulsifer; [email protected]
Ushers - Wendi Winters; [email protected]
SHARE-THE-PLATE COLLECTION
The June Share-the-Plate raised a total of $886 for the UU Emergency Fund. The July collection total will be reported in the September issue. For August, the Share-the-Plate will support Habitat for Humanity. For information on our most recent Habitat project, contact Pat Fleeharty; [email protected]. Every Sunday, the offering 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 plate share 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; [email protected]. for questions about Share-the-Plate policies, contact the Church Office [email protected].
HIGHLIGHTS August 2017 7
UPCOMING EVENTS
UU Humanists - Tuesdays, August 1 & 15, 6:00—9:00 PM in the narthex. Join us for Summer Freethought Film Festival to view classics such as Cosmos, Interstellar, Life of Brian, Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life, and Kumare. Potluck at 6:00 PM; screening at 7:00 PM. Contact: Cliff Andrew; [email protected].
Threshold Choir at UUCA– the goal of a “threshold choir” is to bring ease and comfort to those at the thresholds of living and dying. A calm, focused presence at the bedside, with gentle voices, simple songs, and sincere kindness, can be soothing and reassuring. All singers welcome to participate. Rehearsals: Wednesday, August 2, 7:00 PM; Saturday, August 5, 1:00 PM; & Sunday, August 6, 9:15 AM (come to one or all). Performances: Sunday, August 6, 10:00 AM service and visits to hospice patients that afternoon. Contact: Len Langrick; [email protected].
UUCA Fiber Fellowship -needle crafters meeting Sunday, August 6 & 20 at 8:30 AM; and Thursday, August 24 at 2:00 PM in the Young room. Contact: Ginger Parsons; [email protected]
Meet the Artist Reception - Sunday, August 6, 11:30 AM. Transforming the Struggle is the current theme of Gallery 333’s exhibit. Meet the artists and engage in discussion moderated by Rev. John Crestwell.
MAD Camp - “Music, Art, & Drama” for kids in grades 3-8; August 7-11, 9:00-4:00 [Friday pick up time is 2:00 so campers can return for the 6:00 show]. Campers will spend the week preparing a performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes to be performed Friday evening. Camp fee is $150; $50 deposit reserves a space. Register at tinyurl.com/MADCamp2017. Contact: Len Langrick; [email protected].
Join the UU Theists Sunday, August 13 at 9:00 AM; open to anyone with an interest in a UU perspective of theism is welcome. Contact: John Fischer; [email protected].
BBC Race Discussions -Sunday, August 13 & 27, at 11:15 in the sanctuary. Topics are What makes it so hard for most white people to see racism? (August 13) and Common ways that white people deny racism in our culture (August 27). Contact: Caroline Hadley; [email protected]
Board of Trustees Meeting - Monday, August 14, 7:00 PM; in the library. Board meetings are open to anyone, unless otherwise specified. Contact: [email protected].
Nifty 50+ will NOT have a potluck in August; events will resume in September.
Visit our online calendar for more events and scheduling information.
Save the Date:
Water Communion Service & Ingathering Picnic– will be Sunday, September 10. This is the last 10:00 AM service of the summer. Bring a small vial of water for the ceremony- maybe from vacation, a nearby river or creek, or just your tap. After all the water is mingled together, it will be purified and used throughout the year for child dedications. The Ingathering Picnic is held after the service, outdoors if weather permits. Feel free to bring a blanket to spread over the grass. Lunch is potluck-style, so we ask that everyone provide a food item according to their last name:
A-G: green or fruit salad, or other finger foods like cheese & crackers/veggies & dip
H-P: entrée or hearty salad
Q-Z: dessert
A Message from Fourth Friday Concerts: There will be NO CONCERT in AUGUST As concerts resume in September, they will be held on the FIRST FRIDAY of each month
Picnic
8 www.uuannapolis.org; 410/266-8044
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HIGHLIGHTS August 2017 9
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.
Coming to the Table: meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the RE sanctuary. Dissolving racism with understanding through conversation. Contact: Rusty Vaughan; [email protected].
Fiber Arts Fellowship: needlecrafters who meet on the second Thursday and fourth Sunday in the Young room. [Summer sessions vary] Contact: Ginger Parsons; [email protected]
Full Circle: meets monthly at 7:30 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; [email protected].
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; [email protected].
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 [email protected].
“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.
Light House Shelter Meals: If you are interested in helping with meals for the Shelter, contact Carrie Kotcho; 410-451-1844; [email protected].
Mindfulness Practice Group: meets every Thursday in the sanctuary at 7:00 PM for meditation and dharma discussion. Contact Phyllis Culham at [email protected].
Nifty Fifties +: A social group for seniors, that meets periodically for dinners, game nights, and other outings. Contact Claire Morgen at [email protected].
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 first Thursday of the month; 6:30 PM. Both held in the RE sanctuary. Contact: Alethea Shiplett; [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 Bob Ertman; [email protected].
UUCA Choir: with director Len Langrick; 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; [email protected].
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 Chris Larragoite; [email protected]
UU Legislative Ministry of MD (UULM-MD): UULM-MD is a statewide advocacy network comprised of individual members and affiliated 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. Email [email protected] or call 410-266-8044, ext. 111.
UU Humanists: Naturalism-Science-Reason-Wonder-Compassion-Community-Respect. Book discussions and film viewings as announced. Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; 6:00 PM potluck and 7:00 PM discussion; in the narthex. Contact Cliff Andrew at 410-404-7170 or [email protected].
UU Theists: A group of people interested in a UU perspective of theism. Meets the second Sunday of the month before the first service in the Young Room. Contact: John Fischer; [email protected].
ONGOING EVENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis 333 Dubois Rd. Annapolis MD 21401-2123
Return Service Requested
Dated Material; Please deliver by 7/29/17
Next Issue Deadline: 8/15/17
Next Mailing: 8/22/17
PROFESSIONAL, PROGRAM, AND CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Dr. Fredric J. Muir Senior Minister [email protected]
Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr. Associate Minister [email protected]
Eleanor Piez Intern Minister [email protected]
Len Langrick Choir Director [email protected]
Elizabeth Kraning Music Director [email protected]
Susan Eckert Administrator [email protected]
Michele Reese Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Elise Berrocal Children’s Ministry Coordinator [email protected]
Carrie Libowicz Bookkeeper [email protected]
Paul Berry Youth Coordinator [email protected]
Joshua Long Director of Contemporary Music [email protected]
Ken Apfel President
Linda Rhoads Vice President
Heather Millar Secretary [email protected]
Maury Marks Finance Officer
Gina Williams Trustee
LE Gomez Trustee
Dianne Moreau Trustee
Rob Malone Nominating Committee Chair
Church Office Hours: Monday –Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Closed Friday and Saturday
Phone: 410-266-8044 Fax: 410-266-6910
www.uuannapolis.org
Name Position Email Address
Board of Trustees
