Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

October 2007 - Web Edition

Love is the spirit of this church, and service is our law.

To dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love, and to help one another.

This is our covenant

I am sitting in my study in my house in Jackson. I have been unpacking all the boxes and assembling furniture to try to create this as a home and not just a place I crash for two weeks of the month. Thank you all who helped move my things from the place of storage into this house. I could not have done this without your help.

What makes the Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson (UUCJ) home for you? Is it the freedom we offer to express and question our evolving faith? Is it the warmth and caring of its members? How does membership support your spiritual quest? How does it support your desire for justice and equality in the world? What are you offering to enable this congregation to be the community that you want it to be?

I am hoping that in the days and weeks to come we will have some offerings that will increase the value of this home, this oasis of liberal religion in Mississippi for our members and friends. I am developing a Unitarian Universalist Buddhist group that will begin in October. This group will explore the spirituality of Buddhism through the reading of selected texts and include a minimum of 15 minutes of sitting meditation also known as zazen.

I am also exploring developing a Unitarian Universalist heritage class where we will look at Unitarianism and Universalism from the eyes of faith. We will explore our heritage by reading a series of texts written by or about Unitarians and Universalists and then discuss their importance in our lives today. The intention of this class is to educate us on the contributions of Unitarians and Universalists throughout history. Both of these offerings will occur during the week in the evening; times and dates to be determined.

And on the third Sunday of every other month beginning in October, I will host a Unitarian Universalist intro class at 9:30 a.m. in the Joan Jebsen Library in the R.E. building for those curious about membership. This class will discuss Unitarian Universalism history in brief, the history of UUCJ, and the expectations of membership. This will be especially important for those in Stepping Stones or transferring membership to attend a session, yet will be open for anyone to attend. Opportunity to sign the book would be made available after each session. Yes, this conflicts with the popular Adult Forum but with the frequency of this class being 6 times a year; it will enable those who are interested in membership to have a choice when to attend.

I trust these offerings will aid in creating the type of spiritual home you desire at UUCJ. And it will enable you to participate more fully in UUCJ which is so vital in creating the beloved community.

Blessings abound,

Fred

 

  President's Corner

 

One of the childhood memories etched in my brain is my mother’s Fall cleaning ritual during September and October. Every Fall, she turned the house upside down and cleaned it top to bottom. Even the beds were broken down to their slats and set out in the driveway to "air out" in the fresh air and sunshine. Some years the walls got a fresh coat of paint. Though I am not the meticulous house keeper my mother was, the ritual of Fall organizing and cleaning clings to many areas of my life. Part of the ritual involves returning to church "full time" after a summer of coming and going, traveling, and just being lazy.

September for our congregation was a Fall cleaning ritual of sorts. We began with our traditional "Blending of the Waters" service where we came back home after a summer away. Eunice Benton, our Mid-South District Executive, led us in a New Minister Workshop to begin our new ministry with Rev. Hammond and Our Home. Our congregational meeting revised the budget to accommodate our needs and goals for this church year. And last but not least, we engaged in our Fifth Saturday Workday where we cleaned our church home. Fall is here; we are organized once again to continue the ministry of beloved religious community. I am glad to be back in full swing. I hope you are, too.

Gwen Combs

 

From The Desk of the DRE

 

We’ve had some real changes this past month! The Joan Jebsen library has been relocated to the adult RE room in the Newman Building to allow for more comfortable browsing. Also our youth and children’s rooms have been newly decorated. Drop by to see the changes!

We have also had new additions to our RE program. We want to extend a hearty welcome to Alexander, Byron, Cara, and Madison, who have recently joined RE, and invite back Brent, who recently visited! We have enjoyed having you here with us!

Across the Ages

Our children will join the adults on Oct. 21 for a "Story for All Ages" and on Oct. 28 to participate in the Intergenerational Service. We are also planning to have a camp-out Halloween party with a bonfire, ghost stories, and sing-a-longs. Look for details to come!

How You Can Help

We need volunteers this month to help with the Halloween party, to read the Story for All Ages, and to assist with the intergenerational service. Also, we are looking for Jesus-era costumes for our youth, so if you have a Halloween costume or old robe we would welcome it!

 

Thoughts From Yesteryear at UUCJ

by Rev. Fred L Hammond

 

This is the second installment of what members and friends of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jackson were thinking about in the 1950’s and 60’s. The following is a quote by Rev. James J. Reeb, the martyred Unitarian minister who was killed in 1965, several months before an assassination attempt was made on UUCJ’s minister, Rev. Donald Thompson, for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. This appeared in the May 16, 1965 edition of the newsletter and was originally published in the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) News Bulletin of April 23, 1965.

The Church

As I have indicated before, I do not see the church as being an end in itself. Religion is not a way of life removed from the structure of society; it is a specific stance or purpose within these structures. The vision of the good life we are able to grasp and give birth to in the church must be a vision we seek to impart to every man. I believe the church as a church must have a continuing interest in all aspects of the life of the community in which it exists, and that it should seek to develop means of influencing the life of the community. In keeping with its judgment about what will serve the common good. This is a view of the mission of the church which is being increasingly recognized by many denominations, In this regard, I think it is important for a liberal church to work cooperatively with churches of other denominations in seeking social change in the community. My own experience leads me to think a liberal minister can foster such cooperation."

 

Worship Schedule

Every Sunday: Forum at 9:30 a.m., Service at 11 a.m.

Children’s Religious Education Classes (R.E.) 11 a.m. to noon in the R.E. Building

 

October 7

Forum Current Events Brian Heffner

Clip headlines from current newspapers and magazines, or jot storylines on a notepad. Expect some lively commentary on your choices.

Service When God was a Woman Fran Cox

An exploration of the myths of the female divine.

R.E. 

Preschool (0-5): David & Susan Voisin 

Primary Class (6-10): Abraham & Issac Dary Shenefelt 

Secondary Class (11-18): Sermon on the Mount I Stacy Callender

 

October 14

Forum Brainstorming Growth: Part 1 Fran Leber and Ronni Mott

A panel of members will lead us through an earnest exploration of individual opinions as well as ‘tried and true’ methods of invigorating congregational health and growth.

Service Growing our Faith Stacy Callender

We will be joining with thousands of UUs across the country to recognize and support, in spirit and financially, the national work of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). We take this time to celebrate our shared commitment to Unitarian Universalism and to grow our faith and our influence in the world to make Unitarian Universalism a haven for those who seek a liberal religious home.

R.E. 

Preschool (0-5): Jody Gore 

Primary Class (6-10): Joseph Ranjan Batra 

Secondary Class (11-18): Sermon on the Mount II Paul Gore

 

October 21

Forum Brainstorming Growth: Part 2 Fran Leber, Ronni Mott, Gwen Combs

Continuing the theme that began in the forum of the 14th, the panel of members will represent the dynamics of the ‘Part 1’ dialogue for further discussion and refinement.

Service To Be White Rev. Fred L Hammond

What does it mean to be white in America? We are familiar with the books on racism in this country such as the now classic, "Black like Me" tale of a white man who underwent pigmentation augmenting to pass in the Black community of the 1960’s. But to be White in America, what does that mean? Explore with this white pastor what being white means in a nation still steeped in racism.

R.E. 

Preschool (0-5): Jassen Callender 

Primary Class (6-10): Moses Dary Shenefelt 

Secondary Class (11-18): Sermon on the Mount III Stacy Callender

9:30- 10:30 am - UU Intro Class for those considering joining our congregation, or simply curious about Universal Unitarianism. Class is held in the Newman Religious Education Building.

 

October 28

Forum Ancestry: How Gravesites Link the Living and the Departed Natalie Maynor

Service Halloween: Honoring our UU Ancestors Rev. Fred L Hammond and R.E. 

This is bound to be a fun intergenerational service. Come dressed in (6-18) costumes if you like. We will be singing Halloween songs, offering communion of cider and corn bread, and will have ghostly appearances of Unitarian Universalists who will speak to us about how their lives have shaped our faith.

R.E. 

Preschool (0-5): Waverly Liles

Announcements

 

Nobel Laureates Praise Bold New Book by UU Evangelists Rev. Michael Dowd and his science writer wife, Connie Barlow, are America’s UU evolutionary evangelists. They have spoken in more than 250 UU churches and fellowships over the past five years and were recently featured on the cover of the UU World.

Rev. Dowd’s forthcoming book, "Thank God for Evolution!" has been endorsed by five Nobel laureates and 120 other luminaries, including prominent uu ministers. Advance copies can be purchased for $15 each (40 percent off retail) from Dowd’s Web site (www.thankgodforevolution.com).

To make it easy to publicize this UU-celebrating perspective in your community, downloadable materials are available that can be printed and posted in strategic places: coffee shops, grocery stores, neighborhood bulletin boards, etc. go to: www.thankgodforevolution.com/evangelize.html.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee has moved. The new address is: 689 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139-3302. The phone number and e-mail address remain the same: Phone 617-868-6600; Fax 617-868-7102; E-mail info@uusc.org

Fair Trade Chocoate Bars, Coffee, Tea & Cocoa are available in the kitchen. Please leave your payment in the envelopes provided.

Detention Center Donations of men’s undergarments are being collected.

The Lunch Bunch is going to a local restaurant for food and conversation on Sundays. If you want to join them, meet at the back of the sanctuary after the service.

Groups and Meetings

 

October 5

UU Social for All Ages Friday, October 5th UUCJ’s "Socialites" will be completing the mosaics they started in June! Bring your family and friends to the Newman R.E. building from 6:00-8:00 pm for fun, fellowship, and pizza! Contact Stacy Callender for details 662-418-0888.

October 16

Buddhism in a Unitarian Universalist Context Rev. Hammond begins a Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Class for those interested in learning more about Buddhism in a Unitarian Universalist context. A brief lecture based on the book "In this Very Moment: a simple guide to Zen Buddhism" by Unitarian Universalist Minister and Zen Master James Ishmael Ford will be followed by a 15-minute Zen sitting meditation and a 10-minute walking meditation. Newman Religious Education Building at 6-7:30 p.m. To order "In This Very Moment," go to to uua.org/skinner.

October 21

UU Intro Class for those considering joining our congregation, or simply curious about Universal Unitarianism. 9:30-10:30 in the Newman Religious Education Building.

Third Sunday Pot Luck Lunch bring a dish for after the service. Note that this is a permanent change from the previous schedule of first Sundays to include Rev. Hammond.

October 26

4th Friday Film Night "American Blackout" (84 min). Does every vote count in America? This Sundance Festival winner takes a disturbing look at how the African-American vote has been manipulated and disenfranchised in American elections. 7-9 p.m. Contact Stacy Callender

ADAM

EVE

CAIN

ABEL

SETH

NOAH

ABRAHAM

SARAH

ISAAC

REBECCA

ESAU

JACOB

RACHEL

JOSEPH

MOSES

AARON

MIRIAM

JOSHUA

ELI

SAMUEL

DAVID

GOLIATH

SOLOMON

JONAH

RUTH

ESTHER

JOB

ISAIAH

JEREMIAH

DANIEL

AMOS

JOEL

MARY

MATTHEW

MARK

LUKE

JOHN

PETER

PAUL

For an extra challenge, after you circle all the names in the puzzle above, write the letters left over to spell the name of the person whose teachings form the basis of the Christian church:

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

 

The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all;

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion and the transforming power of love;

Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;

Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;

Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

Deadline for submissions to the November UUCJ NUUSletter: October 18. Please send your submissions to NUUSletter@uujackson.org.