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President's Letter for March 4, 2010 - A TIME TO SHARE

Who are we? Do we know?

Recently, the Board had an opportunity to sit down with Rev. Carole Yorke in an open and free -spirited discussion of our congregation. The discussion ranged from growth - to programs - to Children's Religious Education - and beyond. During our talk, she asked one question that caused me, and I think others in the room, to pause - the question was "Who are you?" Now I ask you - can you, as a member or friend of our congregation, answer that question? If you are anything like me and other Board members - it is not a question that you can give a quick reply.

Perhaps, however, Rev. Dan Hotchkiss in his article in the last issue of UU World (and more about this in a minute) titled - "Who owns your congregation" can help us. Rev. Hotchkiss answers his question in a way you might not expect. He writes that it is not the members, or the Board, or the Endowment Committee - or for that matter any one you can name - that owns the congregation. To him - the "owner" is the congregation's mission. And, now another question - what is a mission? One answer comes from a prominent management consultant - Peter Drucker - whose defines a congregation's mission as "Whose lives does a congregation intend to change and in what way?"

I am suggesting that as we think about where we may be headed in the next year - that our congregation give serious thought to our mission - what it is - whose lives do we want to impact - and how should we go about it. I believe that by examining "who we are" as a congregation we will be stronger and have more committed members. As individuals, I believe it can lead us to a richer relationship with our world.

A sometimes overlooked benefit of membership in a UU congregation

Four times a year, the UU World - the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations - lands in my mail box. I look forward to it - I read it - and I use it. UU World is sent to all members of UU congregations - it is a membership benefit that can easily be overlooked or taken for granted. But, that would be a mistake. The UU World challenges me with new ideas - like the one I discussed in the previous article. It brings me news of other congregations - and the whereabouts of ministers I have known during my time as a UU. It provides me a deeper understanding of the denomination of which I am a part. To anyone that is unfamiliar with UU World - I hope that you have an opportunity to peruse a copy - I am sure you will find it worth your time.

Most sincerely,
Mary Reynolds
President, Board of Trustees

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A plea from Hospitality

Somehow our store of coffee mugs in Ministers' Hall has been depleted over the past few months. Who knows why - we don't. If you have one or more at home or in your car, please let it - them - find its way back to the carts in the kitchen.
Or - perhaps you would consider donating some of the mugs you have accumulated as gifts or purchases over the years. Thanks.

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Well worth a second thought...

Last Sunday those of us at the worship service had a rare exposure to the Universalist side of Unitarian Universalism. The Rev. Meredith Garmon, in his sermon - Who Are These People, You, UU, and Hosea Ballou? - had the following observations (an excerpt) -

".....Unitarian Universalists today are both Unitarians and Universalists. We are Universalists, walking in Hosea Ballou's footsteps, not to try to be like him, but to be who we are - to let each of our unique little lights shine. We are Universalists not because we believe what Hosea Ballou, or any other predecessor, believed. We are Universalists because we are the latest participants in the conversation that is Universalism - the conversation that Hosea Ballou reshaped with his powerful ideas......

"What Ballou was saying what we still say....is not that we don't pay the price for our sins. We do. We pay the price for small-souledness. We pay the price for every thoughtless deed that diminishes the light from the spark of divinity within us. We pay the price for not loving ourselves, and our neighbor as our selves. We pay the price for not recognizing kinship, and we pay the price for not accepting difference. We pay the price. But that price is paid here. It is paid in this life. Hell is an earthly phenomenon, and it is those who cannot see beyond themselves and their own narrow self-interests who are imprisoned in the hell of their own making.

"This is the teaching that comes to us from father Ballou.

"He saw for himself. And he helped our other forebears see for themselves, and they helped intellectual descendants see for themselves, so that we here now can help each other in the ways that we do to see for ourselves. "Our own lives expanding, our gratitude commanding, his deeds have made immortal his days and his years."

"Who are these people? We are the inheritors of a long and a deep and a rich tradition of free and thoughtful people making together religious community."

The full sermon may be read here.

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From our Pastoral Associate, Paul Coleman

Miriam Maddux is now at Savannah Court in West Palm Beach. She welcomes visits and cards. 2090 North Congress between Palm Beach Lakes and 45th Street.

Dana Smith is at home in between periodic treatments. Send cards to 5280 North Ocean Drive, Singer Island, FL 33404.

Bev Neff is still receiving her care at home in the Waterford. 603 Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach 33408

Evelyn Smith continues recovering at home but expects to be back with us soon. 165 Plymouth W., West Palm Beach 33417

Edmar Hoppe is in rehabilitation at Heartlands (next to Prosperity Oaks) after a stroke several weeks ago. Send cards to 33 Ocean Avenue, Palm Beach Shores 33404.

Harvey Miller remains at the Noreen McKeen Lourdes nursing home. You may visit him there on Evernia at Flagler in West Palm Beach or send cards to 3000 Springdale Boulevard, Palm Springs, Fl 33461.

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Reminder - Guest at Your Table

Guest at your Table boxes will be collected this Sunday, March 7, as we celebrate Social Action Sunday. Please remember to bring them in... and also remember that a contribution of $100 to the UUSC is matched by the Veach Trust at Shelter Rock UU on Long Island, NY.

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This Week at 1st UU

Thursday, March 4   Teaching Thursday
Meditation moments   5:30 - 6 PM   (S)
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Community Dinner   6 PM (MH) $9   Please reserve by calling the church office by Tuesday noon   627-6105
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Explaining UU Religious Education Programs for Youth.   7 - 8:30 PM   (MH)

"What do you do back there anyway?" An exploration and inquiry into the fascinating world of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education

This 2-part course on this Thursday and next is meant to enlighten all adults of our congregation on the history and purposes of our UU RE programs for youth. What exactly are we doing back there in the education wing when the adults are in Sunday Service? What is the content and methodology of UU curriculum for children? What parts make up an excellent RE Program? And why should educating our UU kids be important to every adult member of our congregation?

Part 1:
A historical overview of the philisophical evolution of RE programs in UU congregations. We will discuss changing philosophies of RE, current components of a religious education program and the ideas behind various new formats being tried out in RE programs across the country. There will be ample time for questions and discussion regarding any aspect of RE.

Part 2:
Experience RE curriculum as our children do! RE teachers and children will be on hand tonight to teach you shortened lessons from our current (very popular) curriculums. One lesson will be from the elementary school level World Religions curriculum. The other from the middle school level Popcorn Theology curriculum. We think you will find this experiential session fun and fascinating and you will get to know some of our RE kids better too!

Course Facilitator: Lynn Stevens is our returning Director of Religious Education. She has been a DRE for 8 years and served the UU Fellowship of Boca Raton as well as our 1st UU Congregation of the Palm Beaches. Lynn's "Humanist" parents took their 4 girls to the Unitarian Church in Lexington, KY while growing up. 3 of the 4 are very active in UU congregations as adults.
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Friday, March 5   First Friday Film Festival   Pot luck Dinner 6 PM $6
Film at 7   (MH)

An American in Paris

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Saturday, March 6 New Member Reception 3 - 6 PM (MH)

We invite new members and their spouses/significant others to join the Board and membership committee for a getting to know you and welcoming you to our community. Wine and cheese reception.

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Sunday, March 7 UUSC Social Action Sunday - Rev. Kenn Hurto:
Dig a well. Give your coat.
Judy Bonner is lay leader.
Guest at Your Table boxes will be collected this Sunday.
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Religious Education program   10:30 AM   (LRE)
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NewsTalk (MH)   9:15 am - 10:15 am   (MH)
Allen Maxwell moderates this ever-popular Sunday program.

- special guest Tom Stites, former editor and publisher of UU World, the UU national magazine; founder and president of the Banyan Project, which seeks to strengthen democracy through high-quality Web-based journalism

- presidential v. parliamentary political systems - a better way to avoid gridlock?

- Perry wins in Texas, Ford opts not to run, Patterson considers resignation, Lincoln challenged

- "take your kids to work" days - but not in the JFK airport control tower

- Florida constitution Amendment 4 - how much should "the people" rule?

- how will you change your life as a result of the Chilean earthquakes shortening of earth days by 6.8 microseconds?

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Choir rehearsal   9:15 AM   (S)
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First Sunday luncheon   12:30 PM
Olympia Cafe - southwest corner PGA Blvd. and Prosperity Farms.
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Jazz Band practice   1 - 2:30 PM   (S)
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Leadership Meeting with Kenn Hurto   2 - 4 PM   (MH)

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Tuesday, March 9 Men's Group Watch for an email disclosing the restaurant for this Tuesday's meeting.

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Wednesday, March 10   Finance Committee meeting   7 PM   (LRE)
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Spiritual Circle   7 PM   (C)

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Thursday, March 11   Teaching Thursday
Laughter yoga   4:45   (LRE) Another popular session with Howard Stone.
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Meditation moments   5:30 - 6 PM   (S)
__________

Community Dinner   6 PM (MH) $9   Please reserve by calling the church office by Tuesday noon   627-6105
__________

Explaining UU Religious Education Programs for Youth.   7 - 8:30 PM   (MH)

"What do you do back there anyway?" An exploration and inquiry into the fascinating world of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education

This second of a 2-part course is meant to enlighten all adults of our congregation on the history and purposes of our UU RE programs for youth. What exactly are we doing back there in the education wing when the adults are in Sunday Service? What is the content and methodology of UU curriculum for children? What parts make up an excellent RE Program? And why should educating our UU kids be important to every adult member of our congregation?

Part 2:
Experience RE curriculum as our children do! RE teachers and children will be on hand tonight to teach you shortened lessons from our current (very popular) curriculums. One lesson will be from the elementary school level World Religions curriculum. The other from the middle school level Popcorn Theology curriculum. We think you will find this experiential session fun and fascinating and you will get to know some of our RE kids better too!

Course Facilitator: Lynn Stevens is our returning Director of Religious Education. She has been a DRE for 8 years and served the UU Fellowship of Boca Raton as well as our 1st UU Congregation of the Palm Beaches. Lynn's "Humanist" parents took their 4 girls to the Unitarian Church in Lexington, KY while growing up. 3 of the 4 are very active in UU congregations as adults.

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The church's online calendar is here.

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Meeting locations -

(S) Sanctuary
(MH) Ministers' Hall
(LRE) Large RE Room
(C) Chapel
(MO) Minister's Office

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Congregation contact information & driving directions to the church

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To see the subjects of the next several Sunday services, click here.

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Site Map for this Issue

Education and fellowship

Teaching Thursdays
The regular schedule for Teaching Thursdays has begun. Click to review the offerings.
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NewsTalk
Allen Maxwell is the host of this perennial favorite. 9:15 AM on Sunday mornings (MH)
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First Friday Film Festival The film on March 5 is An American in Paris
starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.

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Book Club
The meeting is on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:30 AM in
Ministers' Hall.

The choice of books for the rest of 2009 - 2010 -

March 13 The Women
April 10 The Help, Kathryn Stockett
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Small Group ministry
Small Group Ministry groups meet monthly and are led by a facilitator who is a group member. These groups provide ongoing ministry to the members and an ongoing connection with the congregation. Please click here to learn more about our SGM program. The SGM Handbook is here.
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The UU Spiritual Circle
This is a circle of learners and teachers, who covenant to seek spiritual/personal growth, to share explorations, and to encourage each other. Our menu is varied, but could and usually does include any of these practices: meditation, drumming, chanting, Tao breathing, Tarot cards, Laughter Yoga, and shared responses to an assigned reading or book.

Lists

Your 1st UU Leaders

Scheduled activities

Outside activities

Constituents by Trustee

Reports

Latest Board Minutes - January 19, 2010

Fair Trade and Green Marketplace
Your support is much appreciated.

Thrift shop boutique
Stop by and see the "New Look" in the Thrift Boutique.

It's time we brought you up to date on the Boutique! We have had some new volunteers join our group and for this we are thankful. Susan Gross, Paule Nagy and Herb Altholz are the most recent new workers, If you are able and interested in volunteering please contact Pat Knight at 439-6515.

With the holiday season coming up and our winter guests returning we are in need of your good gently used clothing. We are also accepting small household items and Christmas decorations, dishes, etc. Donations may be made directly to the Boutique during opening hours. Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

We continue to be our Congregation's largest fund raiser. Let's keep it that way. Join the fun: volunteer and donate.

Thank you from the Boutique committee

To sign up contact:
Pat Kuller at knightkuller@yahoo.com (561) 439-6515 or
Emalee Andre at eandre@mac.com 561-625-0134.

WE NEED YOU!
Thank you.

Here is the working schedule for the next several weeks

3/4 Margaret & Betty	3/5 Donna & Kathe	3/6 June & Paule	3/7 Emalee
3/11 Margaret & Alice	3/12 Betty & Emalee	3/13 Alice & Donna	3/14 Kathe
3/18 Margaret & Pat	3/19 Betty & Jodi	3/20 Emalee & Donna	3/21 Pat

The Green Way
Advice on living the Green life.

Requests

Maximize use of eBeacon
Some notes on making your newsletter more useful.

Future Activities

Passover Seder

Our annual Passover Seder is scheduled for March 28 at 5 PM.
It will be a Potluck Supper.
When you reserve with Barbara Hatzfeld, a dish assignment will be provided.
Contact: Barbara Hatzfeld at delucehatzfeld@msn.com

Coming Sunday services

March 14 Guest Speaker- D. Dan Bagley
Sermon title Who Are You... Really?
Lay Leader- Cay Cahalin

March 21 Margaret Fuller Celebration
Paul Coleman

March 28   Palm Sunday Service
The Rev. Carole Yorke
Lay Leader - Mary Reynolds

April 4   Easter Sunday Celebration
The Rev. Carole Yorke

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