C:\wpdocs\breeze\Breeze april 2012-4.wpd
Transcription
C:\wpdocs\breeze\Breeze april 2012-4.wpd
Northeast Breeze Monthly Newsletter of the Northeast Cluster Florida District, UUA April 2012: Vol.4, No.11 The UU Congregation of Lake County in Eustis welcomed - 35 attendees representing six congregations to the Spring 2012 Northeast Cluster meeting with brunch in their host home, the newly renovated historic Woman’s Club of Eustis. We were greeted by the Eustis congregation’s president, Barbara Coats, motivated by our District board president Rachel Christensen, and charmed by the outgoing coordinator Allie Gore, who has been at the helm of the Northeast Cluster for the last three years. Following the tradition of the Woman’s Club that was formed as a study and discussion group in 1902 (and we Unitarian Universalists know where that can lead!), the entire day was filled with workshops, a film and discussion of immigration issues. Dan Homblette and John Hartgering, both members of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando, made four presentations based on the UUA six-week curriculum “Immigration as a Moral Issue.” The narratives were Allie Gore, member of the Church of the Larger Fellowship and retiring Northeast Cluster coordinator, enhanced with many informative photos, graphs and is shown with Martha Hartgering, member of First maps that kept listeners focused and interested. The Unitarian Church of Orlando, incoming coordinator. film “The Other Side of Immigration” was also shown. The presentation concluded that our immigration system has many broken parts, which are harmful to the undocumented immigrants and their families, their “home” countries, and American citizens as well. The slides are still available from the facilitators to supplement presentations members may wish to make at their congregation. The UUA suggests a study group with six meetings. However, if there is limited time, the slides and attached narrative might simplify preparation of a modified program. Anyone interested may contact John Hartgering at [email protected] for further information. John Hartgering, left, and Dan Hornblette, right, surround Rachel Christensen, Florida District president until leadership changes at the Florida District Assembly on March 23. At the end of the day, retiring NEC coordinator Allie Gore was presented with a special appreciation award for “your commitment to create ‘the world we Page 1 of 15 dream about,’ acknowledging your yearning for excellence in healthy congregations, and honoring the job you’ve done as Cluster Coordinator, leading with intelligence, humor and grace since July 2009.” Martha H. Hartgering was introduced as the succeeding Coordinator. Chris Reid, newsletter editor for the University UU Society of Orlando, agreed to serve as co-editor of the cluster’s monthly newsletter, the Northeast Breeze. - John Hartgering Northeast Cluster of the UUA Florida District Annual Report 2011 – 2012 Compiled by Allie Gore, Coordinator EVENTS: February 4-6, 2011 - Northeast Cluster Women’s Retreat Location: Canterbury Conference and Retreat Center, Oveido Participants: 36 March 26, 2011 - Northeast Cluster Spring Gathering Location: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach Topic: “It’s All About Us” NE Cluster congregations sharing ideas, successes, challenges and vision for the future Religious Education Topic: Bullies and Bullying Northeast Cluster Contributed ($200) to UUFVB social justice project Northeast Cluster Contributed ($1,000) to Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Participants: 68 September 9, 2011 - Northeast Cluster Fall Gathering Location: University Unitarian Universalist Society, Orlando Topic/Presenter: “CPR for Unitarian Universalism,” Susanne Nazian Northeast Cluster Contributed ($200) to UUUS social justice project Participants: 72 March 3, 2012 - Northeast Cluster Spring Gathering Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County, Eustis Topic/Presenters: “Immigration as a Moral Issue,” John Hartgering and Dan Homblette Northeast Cluster Contributed ($200) to UUCE social justice project Martha H. Hartgering accepted the opportunity to coordinate events for the Northeast Cluster Allie was presented with a Special Appreciation Award for her service to the Cluster Participants: 35 FUTURE CONFIRMED EVENT: April 27, 28, 29, 2012 - Second Annual Women’s Retreat Location: DaySpring Conference Center, Ellenton Registrations: 56 FINANCIAL: Available funds: $2,192.84 March 2, 2012: Notification of dues ($1 per member as reported to the UUA, current year) - letter sent to all Cluster congregations Page 2 of 15 The 2012 Florida District Assembly offered practical learning - and a hands-on experience to guide our reflections on immigration, a major issue in this country and state today, along with multiculturalism, ethnicity, racial justice and human rights. DA took place the weekend of March 23-25 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jacksonville, where the Reverend Ronald A. Hersom is minister. District Executive Kenn Hurto was present along with District administrator Jessica Curren and Randy Becker, Acting District Lifespan Program Consultant. Attending from UUA in Boston was Laurel Amabile, Annual Program Fund Director. Also at DA was Joan Lund, Florida District representative on the UUA board of trustees. Facilitators included the Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, minister of the UU Congregation of Phoenix, AZ, the Reverend Patricia Jimenez, chaplain in Minneapolis, MN, and the Reverend Jose Ballester, minister, UU Church of Foxborough, MA. The latter two are co-authors of Both and Neither: Being Unitarian Universalist and Latina/o. (From left to right) Preparing for the Sunday morning worship service are Rev. Kathy Schmitz, First Unitarian, Orlando; Rev. Wendy Pantoja, Miami; Rev. Ron Hersom, Jacksonville; Rev. Kenn Hurto, Florida District Executive; Suzanne Fast (on scooter), ministerial candidate, member of Ft. Myers church; and Rev. Kathleen Korb, Naples. After Friday night registration and dinner, the annual business meeting produced bylaws changes, including reduction in board size from nine members to five. The nominating committee is now the leadership development committee, and will always include a youth or young adult member. Elections were held to fill both panels. New board leaders are: Ila Klion, president, River of Grass Congregation; Harvey Heckes, vice president, UU Church of Fort Myers; Margie Manning, secretary, UU Church of St. Petersburg; Al Tweedy, treasurer, UU Fellowship of Gainesville: and Rachel Christensen, trustee. The new leadership development committee is composed of: Rev. Robin Gray, UU Church of Tallahassee; Diane Ovadia, University UU Society, Orlando; Harry Lee (youth), UU Church of Tampa; Judy Lehman, UU Church of Tampa; Helen Leddy, UU Church of Fort Myers; and Dani Slader (young adult), Buckman Bridge UU Church, Jacksonville. Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray Rev. Patricia Jimenez Rewarding all the work of the afternoon and evening, participants enjoyed the music of the group, Emma’s Revolution, who had just arrived from Sanford and the Trayvon Martin march on Thursday. Pat Humphries and Sandy O songs bring hope, commitment and laughter to the work of social change, the theme of the District meeting. Rev. Jose Ballestero Page 3 of 15 Saturday morning worship and workshops were followed, after lunch, by Saturday afternoon’s Witnessing Through Service – a choice of six off-site community service projects, or workshops on site. Work ranged from clearing trails and installing benches and fences to planting seedlings and other gardening tasks for not-for-profit groups serving young children, at-risk teens and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dinner and entertainment by Jacksonville musicians completed the day. After a Sunday worship service with UUCJ congregants and a potluck lunch, the Assembly closed with a practical question: what difference has this made for you, and how will you bring your experience back to your home congregation? During the weekend, several borders were crossed culturally and theologically, socially and generationally. Rev. Kenn commented that the Assembly was “demanding at many levels, but we had a great gathering. I feel we touched people on important issues – and to my surprise, allayed some fears about going to GA.” See y’all in Phoenix! - photos by Dick Morris and Susan Taylor Music, dialogue, diversity, large and small groups, smiles and, yes, lumps in the throat - DA provided it all. Page 4 of 15 March was a busy month for Gainesville UUs. - The UU Fellowship of Gainesville started the month with Celebration Sunday, a service of celebration and stewardship. UU guitarist, singer, and composer Jim Scott performed during the service, starting with his well-known gathering song, “Gather the Spirit.” The children’s story was a story in song, with Scott leading the children (and adults) in “The Rainforest Song.” He stayed for lunch and added music to the menu. - Ginny Bird, photos by Ron Dalton Above and below, members gather for lunch after the service. Jim Scott sings “The Rainforest Song.” The children celebrate in their own way - bouncing! To accommodate the large crowd, many were seated for lunch in the sanctuary. In mid-March, the congregation closed the fellowship building - and retreated to nearby Camp Montgomery for an all-fellowship retreat. The lovely setting was the background for many activities, including drumming, bird watching, birdhouse building, music, entertainment, good food and fellowship. “The Birds of Many Feathers” retreat concluded with a Sunday worship service. Page 5 of 15 UUF Gainesville at play: making music, building birdhouses, playing games, hiking, exploring, eating, talking, having fun, connecting - photos by Ron Dalton As part of its series on Earth Jurisprudence, the UU Church of Brevard - on Saturday, April 21, from 2 to 3 p.m., will present Path to the Future Part I – The Globalization of Addiction, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Gregory Wilson, UUCB minister. The Globalization of Addiction website notes that “Global society is drowning in addiction to drug use and a thousand other habits. This is because people around the world, rich and poor alike, are being torn from the close ties to family, culture, and traditional spirituality that constituted the normal fabric of life in pre-modern times. This kind of global society subjects people to unrelenting pressures towards individualism and competition, dislocating them from social life. “People adapt to this dislocation by concocting the best substitutes that they can for a sustaining social, cultural and spiritual wholeness, and addiction provides this substitute for more and more of us.” For more information, contact UUCB minister, Rev. Gregory Wilson, at 772-871-6010 or by email at [email protected]. - Information shared by Yvonne Caraballo “Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.” - Peter Marshall “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” - Thornton Wilder Page 6 of 15 ytisre vU n i University UU Society keeps the kids busy with butterflies and castles - March was an especially busy month for our Children’s Religious Exploration program. In addition to March’s special building and gardening activities, they made sandwiches, as they do one Sunday each month, for the Homeless Coalition in Orlando. Building gardens March 4 was RE Social Action Sunday and, at UUUS, religious exploration includes doing – “Welcome: Butterflies, Bees & Hummingbirds!” The kids acted on our principles to help the fellowship community and the community of our environment. They collected more than $200 to build a garden with 40+ plants that feed butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, and to provide a host for Monarch and Swallowtail larvae. The children expressed their thanks for member donations, and the hope that everyone will enjoy the beautiful new addition to our fellowship home. Our Facebook page has more garden pictures – check it out at www.facebook.com/UUUSofO (University Unitarian Universalist Society [UUUS] of Orlando). And "Like it" while you're there! Building castles On March 11, we took a break from our annual Ice Castle Sunday. Instead, this year the RE kids played architects, engineers and builders to build a two-room castle out of cardboard boxes – reused, then recycled. So many creative ideas and enthusiastic builders! Spring brings the annual flower communion ceremony on April 1, as we all contribute a flower to share. At the top of the page and below left, young and old work together to plant a butterfly garden for Monarchs and their larvae. Below right, young and old start to build a two-room castle from recycled boxes. Page 7 of 15 The children will participate in the service with an explanation of the history of this ritual ceremony. (Left) Boxes are ready for building; above is the castle chalice. Of course. On Sunday, April 22, there will be an Earth Day Bash at the fellowship from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited to join with UUUS family and friends on this day set aside to celebrate the earth and the wonder of spring. This year members will also be asked to renew their commitment to share their “green” with UUUS. In addition to discussion of UUUS “green” practices and future plans, there will be a bounce house, games for young and old, and the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch and beverages provided by UUUS. - Chris Reid “Our Many Faces: The Masks We Wear” is the theme of the Second Annual UUA Florida District Women’s Retreat - to be held April 27-29 at DaySpring. This Episcopal Conference Center opened in 1983 on the north bank of the Manatee River, just east of Ellenton, Florida. St. Thomas Chapel, originally built in 1914 for an Episcopal congregation in Safety Harbor, was moved to the site in 1986. A DaySpring cottage nestled among the trees Today DaySpring has 18 buildings on its 92-acre campus and features tranquil settings, nature trails, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a full-scale ropes course for team building and leadership training, as well as a waterfront offering canoeing and kayaking on the Manatee River. The retreat will bring Florida District UU women together “to explore the labels, language and masks we use to define ourselves.” There will be conversation and sharing of herstories, laughter and music, strengthening connections to one another. There will be nature trails, rocking chairs on screened porches, bicycles, a campfire, drumming, more laughter and conversation to create a memorable experience! Guests will find rest and renewal in the natural beauty and tranquility of this sacred place and in the love and caring St. Thomas Chapel, built in 1914 expressed by others on their own spiritual journeys. As NE Cluster coordinator, Allie Gore arranged the retreat with a committee composed of Ann McGregor, Louise Christie, Lola Sorensen and Carla Christianson. For questions, email or phone Allie at [email protected] or 352-861-6303. Page 8 of 15 Meet Chris Reid, the new co-editor of The Breeze. - Chris has been an active member of her congregation, the University UU Society in Orlando, for many years. She has held several board positions, including vice president and president. She currently serves as board secretary and editor of The Connection, the monthly UUUS newsletter. Chris and her husband Mike live in Geneva, a small rural community northeast of Orlando. They have six grown children and are the proud grandparents of two granddaughters, the newest born right before DA! Chris is shown to the left with her daughter Sara, and says the only photos she has are with family, and she’s usually the one taking the photos. Thanks, Chris, for joining The Breeze staff! UU "pitches" - In 2004, UU World magazine asked for contributions of "elevator speeches" – or “pitches,” as business calls them – explaining Unitarian Universalism. These are short speeches that could be made in the course of an elevator ride, or standing in line at the grocery store, to those who know nothing of the religion. Here is one more example of the speeches submitted: “Evolving, not revealed. This life, not the afterlife. Actions and experiences, not beliefs. Democracy, not hierarchy. And don’t choose between goodness and happiness, insist on both.” - Doug Muder, member of First Parish Unitarian Universalist, Bedford, Massachusetts, in an article in the online UU World A pitch from the pulpit - In the March 25 worship service at the UU Fellowship of Vero Beach, longtime member Colleen Kessler took the pulpit to talk about UU elevator speeches. How do you answer the question: What do Unitarian Universalists believe? Included was her own elevator speech: “Unitarian Universalism is the church of the mind and heart. Unitarianism is the mind part, the cerebral part of my faith. It's the part that reminds me I must use reason and conscience when considering matters of faith. It's the side that tells me that no other person, clergy, or bible can tell me what to believe. It's the part that encourages me, even demands of me, that I build my own personal theology. “The Universalism side of my faith instructs me that everyone has inherent worth, that we are all connected. Universalism is the love side of my faith. It's the compassion, the passion, the feeling side of my faith, the part that spurs me to take action in a hurting world, to try to make the world a better, kinder, more just and loving place, to try to leave the planet in better shape because I have been here. It's my Universalism side that tells me to stand on the side of love. “As a Unitarian Universalist I believe it doesn't matter whether I am here by accident or design but I am here, and because I am here, I must do my part to help make Colleen Kessler the world a better place.” Colleen is currently serving on the worship committee, and has in the past been involved in public relations, children and adult RE, nominating, social justice, a couple of search committees, and the UUFVB board. Have you written your elevator speech yet? Send it to The Breeze and we’ll print it. Page 9 of 15 Buddhist Meditation Retreat Planned for All Souls UU - The Board of Trustees of All Souls UU Church in Palatka are planning a Buddhist Meditation Retreat for the weekend of June 9. Beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, those wishing to participate in the Retreat will gather at the home of Nancy Smith and Virginia Belson on Silver Lake. They will spend the afternoon in meditation under the guidance of Morris Sullivan (Sekiyo Sensei), Buddhist minister from the Light Dawn Fellowship in DeLand. Sekiyo Sensei is a regular speaker at All Souls. There will be a vegetarian pot luck dinner following the afternoon program. On Sunday morning, there will be a Sunrise Meditation at the riverfront in Palatka, also led by Sekiyo Sensei. Following the meditation, there will be a Pancake Breakfast at Hammock Hall at 9:30 a.m. The breakfast will be open to the public, regardless of participation in the meditation, followed at 11 a.m. by the Sunday Service. At the center of the service, there will be a Buddhist Refuge Ceremony. A “love offering” will be collected after both meditation sessions. A donation of $3 is asked of those eating at the pancake breakfast. In addition to pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit, juice and coffee/tea will be served. For more information about the Retreat Weekend, and to confirm attendance at any or all of the events, please contact Rita Foust at [email protected]. - Rita Foust Friendship Fellowship at Pineda’s Welcoming Congregation Committee - is pleased to present Laura Radigan on Sunday, April 8, at 3 p.m. in Friendship Hall. NASA technician, videographer and director, advocate, lobbyist, public speaker and transgendered woman, Laura was born in Joliet, Illinois. She joined the Army out of college and retired here in Florida in 1994 with 20.5 years served. She is a Vietnam-era and Desert Storm veteran. She has been married twice and has two daughters and five grandchildren. Since her retirement, she has been employed at various locations across Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Patrick Air Force Base as a calibration technician and transitioned in that environment. She has also been a successful business owner, political lobbyist, and Laura Radigan activist for the transgendered community. She has served as the Veterans and Active duty liaison for the Transgendered American Veterans Association (TAVA) and lobbied Washington D.C. in that capacity. She also serves on the board of directors and as the technical director and video engineer for the Southern Comfort Conference, the largest transgendered conference in the world. Everyone is invited to hear Laura speak about the issues that transgendered men and women face in the workplace and the world. This program is free and open to the public. Discussion and refreshments will follow Laura’s talk. Friendship Fellowship is going through the process of becoming a Welcoming Congregation. For over two years, the congregation has been educating itself in ways to deepen its understanding of LGBT issues and become more inclusive and welcoming. For more information, please contact Nancy Shacklette at 321-432-5599. - Nancy Shacklette Page 10 of 15 Meet Joe Wolfarth, new Breeze correspondent from New Smyrna Beach Joe is a writer, poet, artist, photographer, singer, drummer, all-around creative type and occasionally in the pulpit as a service leader or RE group leader. He’s been on the CUUC board of trustees for six of the past seven years and is president of the Mistletoe CUUPs group. Joe realizes his spiritual path is very deeply connected to his love for Mother Earth and the Cosmos that surrounds her. He writes a monthly column called "Caring and Sharing" for the Community UU Church newsletter. Joe hopes some day to earn a degree in Divinity from Starr-King Seminary and become a UU minister. That has driven his volunteerism. He would “like to see our church grow, as well as our denomination and the social justice movement, in which Unitarian Universalism has become ever more deeply involved.” He plans to be at GA in Phoenix in June. Joe Wolfarth Joe says he has learned over the years not to be afraid to be outspoken – as long as wisdom tempers passion. “I am among friends in a UU congregation and I know that even those who wish to agree to disagree can usually accomplish this feat with kindness if they too are UUs.” Welcome, Joe. Breeze Correspondents - Your UU compatriots below welcome suggestions for stories and comments to share with other cluster congregations and members. This is one way we learn from each other, exchange new replicable ideas, and enjoy knowing others are exemplifying our UU values. Eustis - Ted Fessler - 352-483-7405 - [email protected] Gainesville - Ginny Bird - 352-468-1297 - [email protected] Jax Arlington - Holly Charland - 904-403-9912 - [email protected] Buckman Bridge (Jacksonville) - vacant New Smyrna Beach - Joe Wolfarth - 386-3836 - [email protected] Marion County (Summerfield) - Dick Chady - 352-391-7069 - [email protected] Mosaic (Orange City) - Cary Ragsdale - 386-871-1398 - [email protected] Orlando First - John Hartgering - 352-242-2437 - [email protected] Orlando University - Chris Reid - 407-491-4199 - [email protected] Ormond Beach (Greater Daytona) - Rev. Bud Murphy (acting) - 386-846-1840 [email protected] All Souls (Palatka) - Rita Foust - 386-546-2539 - [email protected] Rockledge - Nancy Shacklette - 321-259-3979 - [email protected] St. Augustine - Lola Sorensen - 904-794-0961 - [email protected] Valdosta - Betty Derrick - 229-794-2301 - [email protected] Vero Beach - Joyce Levi - 772-562-9476 - [email protected] West Melbourne - Yolanda Caraballo - 321-220-3472 - [email protected] Rev. Gregory Wilson - 772-871-6010 - [email protected] West Volusia (DeLand) - Carolyn Benton - 386-775-0755 - [email protected] Community Unitarian Universalist Church in New Smyrna Beach - has been holding small gatherings, called "affinity groups," for many years. There is now a new Buddhist group, a UU Christian Fellowship, and a Mistletoe CUU Pagans group. They serve the dual purpose of (1) giving guests to our church more opportunities for personal connection and spiritual growth, and (2) providing a means of strengthening the relationships of current members. Again this year we have organized small-group social gatherings. "Dinners for Eight," organized by founding member Audrey Barcelo, give CUUC members the chance to get to know other members who may not attend the same affinity group CUUC president Suzanne Ronneau and founding meetings. This is a fun way to get to know people. member Audrey Barcelo Page 11 of 15 Pictured left is frequent CUUC guest Shawn Capers with frequent CUUC speaker, the Rev. Lloyd Dunham. Our UU Christian Fellowship continues to gather for a monthly potluck and worship service/discussion; the Buddhist Group also meets each month for meditation and discussion, often with local Buddhists as guest presenters/leaders. Mistletoe CUUPs holds monthly board meetings, combined meeting/workshop events every other month, members-only Full Moon gatherings with potluck and ritual, and drum It must be Friday evening, because the drum circle is alive circles as often as we can manage. Lately that's been on a Saturday evening once a month on the and well at Big Planet Pizza! sands of New Smyrna Beach, with firepits that can be reserved for use. Also once a month on a Friday evening, we meet at Big Planet Pizza in Edgewater to enjoy the drumming at Big Planet's lovely outdoor seating area/patio, which also features a built-in firepit! - Joe Wolfarth Rev. Janet Onnie Renews Term in Marion County - Rev. Janet Onnie has agreed to serve a second year as a half-time, developmental minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Marion County. Rev. Onnie, who previously served in Naples and Tarpon Springs, will complete her first year at UUFMC in June. In announcing the selection, Board President Jim McIntosh said, “I am confident that we will be able to build on the foundation that has been started this year. The recent cottage meetings demonstrated a great desire among the participants to build on what we have accomplished thus far. This will give us the opportunity to determine who we are as a fellowship and what role we can play in service to the community and to each other. Rev. Onnie was ordained at Venice last year after graduating cum laude in 2008 with a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) from the Florida Center for Theological Studies. Her post-graduate work was at the Unitarian Universalist seminaries – Meadville-Lombard at the University of Chicago, and Starr King at the University of California-Berkeley. She has served Rev. Janet Onnie as treasurer of the Florida chapter of the UU Ministers Association and as a program consultant for the UUA Florida District. She is a member of UU Allies for Racial Equality, and the Liberal Religious Educators Association. Rev. Onnie has been selected as one of 24 ministers to be trained as facilitators for the national "Who Are Our Neighbors" continuing education program for the UUMA. She and her husband, Nelson Hay, live at East Lake Weir. "UUFMC has embarked on a grand adventure in opening dialogue to craft and articulate their vision,” said Rev. Onnie. "Grappling with one's identity is difficult work, but I am confident that the people are committed to doing that work. It is my great joy to continue to be a part of the journey." Page 12 of 15 UUFMC Members Approve $121,000 Budget, Expansion - At the annual meeting on March 18, members approved a $121,000 budget for the church year beginning April 1. They plan to add a music director and part-time bookkeeper to provide services for the rapidly expanding congregation. The congregation approved Bill Denison for a two-year term as treasurer, succeeding Bill Coburn. Yolanda Brod was approved for a second term on the board of trustees, while Doug Worthington, Sylvia Wince, Karen Henkel-Reeves became new members. The congregation thanked Gil Gilleland, Ruth Deussen and Sylvia Kelch for their service on the board. Membership nearly quadrupled in nine years. When board president Jim McIntosh joined in 2003, there were 37 members. The latest addition brings membership to 126. - Dick Chady Coordinator’s Comments G reetings, Cluster Colleagues! This year the Northeast Cluster’s 200 participants from thirteen member congregations attended three meetings which were held in Vero Beach, Orlando and Eustis. Each meeting engaged participants in topics designed to enrich the participants’ minds and hearts. Allie Gore, with support from other Cluster members, organized the first Women’s Retreat last year which was so successful that this year’s event has almost doubled its participation. A significant and unique aspect of the Northeast Cluster is our newsletter, the Northeast Breeze. Joyce Levi is an assertive and inquiring editor who feels it is important for congregations to share their news. Quoting Joyce and the Breeze, Joyce writes: It’s fun seeing where our fellow UUs worship. So send us pictures of your building, sanctuary, kitchen, classrooms, whatever you’d like to share. Let us all know the wonderful things happening in your church. We learn from each other. As the new Coordinator, I am asking congregations to contact me if you have a topic that you feel should be addressed in a multi-congregational meeting. Also please contact me if you would like to host an event. Possible topics for next year: the GA in Arizona is a Justice Event and there should be lots of information to report. The fall Cluster meeting could focus on GA follow-up and implications for Florida. Also, many of our Northeast Cluster congregations are doing outreach work. Perhaps next year is a good time to share ways that UU congregations reach beyond the walls of their meeting places. Suggestions for topics for events are needed. Host congregations are needed. I see myself as a facilitator. I await hearing from you. Martha H. Hartgering Martha Harnit Hartgering has been a member of the First Unitarian Church of Orlando for four years. She and her husband, John, live in Clermont. She reminds us of the Cluster mission: “The Cluster shall act as a service organization to promote leadership among the member societies (fellowships, and churches), and to stimulate and exchange ideas. It shall be religious, charitable, educational, social and non-profit.” Page 13 of 15 2012 UU Calendar for Quick Cluster Check (All Florida UUs are welcome to attend any Cluster, District or UUA meeting.) April 2012 27-29 2012 Florida UU Women’s Retreat, DaySpring Conference Center, Ellenton, FL June 2012 20-24 UUA General Assembly, Phoenix, AZ Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the City of Saint Francis, patron saint of ecology. Earth Day was first observed in San Francisco and other cities on March 21, 1970, the first day of Spring, later sanctioned in a Proclamation signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations where it is observed each year. Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. Northeast Cluster, Florida District, Unitarian Universalist Association Martha H. Hartgering, coordinator - [email protected] - 352-242-2437 Rev. Richard "Bud" Murphy, ministerial consultant - [email protected] - 386-846-1840 Leadership Team Mavis Greene, Jacksonville - [email protected] - 904-272-4980 John Hartgering, Orlando - [email protected] - 352-242-2437 Jack Kulas, Gainesville - [email protected] - 352-264-7771 Linda Newman, West Volusia - [email protected] - 386-734-1117 Lola Sorensen, St. Augustine - [email protected] - 904-794-0961 Website Jack Kulas, webmaster - necluster.uufg.org - 352-264-7771 Northeast Breeze, Northeast Cluster Newsletter Chris Reid, co-editor - [email protected] - 407-491-4199 Joyce Levi, co-editor - [email protected] - 772-562-9476 Florida District, Unitarian Universalist Association Florida District Office, Jessica Curren, Administrator - [email protected] - 407-894-2119 The Rev. Kenneth G. Hurto, District Executive - [email protected] - 321-422-4625 The Rev. Dr. Randolph W. B. Becker, Lifespan Program Consultant - [email protected] - 305-407-7956 Joan Lund, UUA Trustee - [email protected] - 813-931-9727 Website - www.floridadistrict.org And one more page... Page 14 of 15 “There is no glory in star or blossom till looked upon by a loving eye; There is no fragrance in April breezes till breathed with joy as they wander by.” - Unitarian William Cullen Bryant “April comes like an idiot, babbling and strewing flowers.” - Edna St. Vincent Millay “Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever” - Unitarian Charles Lamb “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” - William Shakespeare Page 15 of 15
Similar documents
The BEACON - Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Binghamton
All children and youth from 0 -18 years old who participate in our program must be registered. We make that easy for you by providing a time to meet and greet, and fill in your form. That’s right, ...
More information