Dear UUCL Family and Friends,
Here’s what's happening at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland this week. (See the links for more info.)
The News:
Saying Goodbye to The Beacon-
"The Beacon," our monthly newsletter, "retires" after about 60 years of being UUCL's main communication tool. The Community Ministry Team recommended and the Board approved this action based on most people getting the weekly email and the weekly Gazette that is in the order of service. Additionally, readership appears to be low and it is a lot of work to produce it. Thanks to everyone who has produced it over the years. The Minister's, President's, Treasurer's and RE Director's monthly reports will now be posted to the website and the weekly email update will include links to new posts.
If you wish to publicize an event to UUCL's members and friends, please send the information to Melissa Marshall in the office, contact@UUCLakeland.org.
To have an announcement placed in the Gazette that is handed out at Service on Sunday, please send it to Sue Bowers at announcements@UUCLakeland.org
Those who don't use email or the website can receive a monthly compilation of reports in the mail. Please inform Melissa in the office if you need paper copies.
Monthly Social Justice Collection
The Board of Trustees approved a new Special Collections Policy at the April Board Meeting. Once a month, usually on the second Sunday, the collection taken during Service will be for a charitable organization.
The Outreach/Social Justice Ministry Team will select the recipient and members who wish to recommend one should present the information to them either via email (outreach@uuclakeland.org) or by putting a note in the Outreach mailbox in the office.
On the Calendar:
Saturday, April 28
8:00pm The Friends of Joe Concert Series presents Harpeth Rising. This quartet of young, classically trained musicians brings a distinctive new sound to the Americana scene. Harpeth rising features banjo, fiddle, cello and hand drums with tight vocal harmonies. For more information call Anne at 863-646-1972, or go to www.joeprine.org. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 day of show. Students $5, $7.
Sunday, April 29, 2012:
10am Religious Exploration for kids: This year our students are exploring "Timeless Themes", a
curriculum about stories from the Bible and how, or maybe even if, they fit into their lives as contemporary Unitarian Universalists in America.
10am Adult Discussion Group : This week’s topic is: “Does our society's distinction between adult and juvenile need to change?”
11am Worship Service: EarthFamilies CUUPS Service: A Beltane Blessing of the Animals.
In the Celtic lands, Beltane was a time of fire symbolism. Herds were driven between large blazes as a way to protect them and guarantee their safety for the coming year. In honor of this Beltane tradition, UUCL's EarthFamilies chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) will be hosting a Pagan themed Animal Blessing! So bring your beloved pets with you to service (or a photo or other memento if you prefer) and join us as we offer them the blessings of Beltane!
2:00pm No CUUPS Meeting, Luncheon only: CUUPS is conducting the Service at 11:00 (see above). Bring a dish or grab a lunch at a local restaurant and come back to the church to eat with your fellow CUUPS members.
Reminders
Last Call - Help Out at Top Gun!
This is one of our best fundraisers and only involves collecting admission fees at a model airplane show. The dates are May 2-6, 2012, 8am to 3pm and details are
here . You can go directly to the
signup system or contact Judi Irwin (rudiwill@yahoo.com).
Food Bank! UUCLakeland has started an informal food pantry. Have food? Bring some to share. Need food? Share in what we have. Melissa Marshall, Rev. Susanne, Sue Bowers, Marsha Bergen or anyone with a key to the office can give access to the food pantry.
Greater UU Community and Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Notes
From Around Florida
Here's some UU coverage of the recent
CIW protest. UUCL provided a number of these folks with shelter and showers during this event. Let's work hard to unify our efforts so we don't remain invisible in our support!
Across the Country
Time is fast approaching for the annual General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, which is usually our annual convention and business meeting. Perhaps the most important part of that business this year is to select a new moderator. You can connect to information about the process and the candidates at this
link.
Unitarian Universalists in the Media:
Congressman Honors UU Minister and Other UUs in the Media.
The Interdependent Web, a
Round-up of UU Links, includes a reference to UU minister Liz James, who is experimenting with short youtube messages; this one is "
The Sacred Lego"