Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

February 2008 - 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 have been here for six months and yet because of my schedule, I really have only been here for three months. This means that I am still getting to know you. I am still learning what your hopes and dreams are. We are still learning how to be in relationship together. And this makes my time here precious as well as hard.

Many of you heard my sermon where I expressed my concerns for this congregation. I received some feedback that some of my concerns were not understood. In particular, I mentioned that it is discouraging to put together events or programs and to not have people attend. Many people did not know to what I was referring. Specifically, I was referring to our DRE, Stacy Callender’s efforts to develop a social for all ages. Ideas were brainstormed and chosen by the potential attendees and then Stacy did the implementation process to develop these events for us. The only recent event that was a true success was the camp-out. The other events were not attended. No one chose to show up. Efforts made on our behalf and no one showed up. I do not even have words to describe the message sent to a member of this congregation who has dedicated hours upon hours to provide opportunities for our children and our families at their request.

This is not just an isolated response to one program series. SOUUP on Wednesday nights died because no one showed up. This was a group that was in place before I arrived. It had a curriculum that was easy to follow. Yet, people stopped coming. I know sometimes outside circumstances occur that dictate our abilities to attend to other things. Yet, this was a group that I referred a visitor to because she wanted to learn more about us and our ability to discern our own spiritual path. So we lost a potential inquirer due to our neglect.

I began at members and friends request to begin a UU Buddhist group. The first one was well attended. The second one three people showed. And the third and fourth sessions, no one showed. Again, it sends a discouraging message when someone spends their time creating something to benefit others. I did receive some feed back regarding the Buddhist group from folks who did not attend any of the sessions. They wanted an intellectual discussion about Buddhism not a spiritual exploration of this practice that has added nurturance and strength to so many within our movement. That is fine. That was not what I was offering and they knew it would not meet their needs. However, I have concluded that this group is something that is not of sufficient interest to continue preparations for a group. So I ask you what you want your minister to provide for you — beyond the one or two Sundays a month I preach.

I am not seeking to make anyone feel bad or guilty. But I do want you to understand how our actions at UUCJ impact on the larger community we call home. I want you to understand that if this congregation wants to begin growing it needs to honor its commitment and covenant with each other. Growing a congregation is not one person’s responsibility. It is not only the minister’s. It is not only the membership chair who is responsible for increasing membership. It is also your responsibility. Do you as a member of UUCJ believe that we have a message that is able to transform our world? Do you believe that we have a message that others would benefit from? Do you believe that our actions include an important message that Jackson and its surrounding communities need to hear? I do. It is why I am in ministry.

We can have a positive impact on Jackson. We can make a difference. There are opportunities that we can explore and act upon that will help make Jackson a better place to live for all people. Even those who will never dream of stepping foot through our doors could know the benefit UUCJ offers the community. But it begins here. It begins now with us learning to be a community. A different kind of community than we have been. Yes, we have never done it differently before. But we know where the same ole, same ole, has brought us. It has brought us to this rut we have been trudging in for 50 years. And we are better than that. Much better.

Blessings, Fred

 

  President's Corner

 

As you are aware, our congregation is in an ongoing discussion about stewardship as we think about how to grow and sustain our beloved community. This discussion is of utmost importance as we approach our Annual Meeting in March and our new administrative and fiscal church year. We define stewardship as the act of caring for our congregation, our community, and the Unitarian Universalist principles that inform our faith. We care in various ways; by giving our time, by sharing our talents, and by contributing our treasure to this beloved community. Our church exists because its members and friends do the necessary volunteer work and pay the bills. We know that if everyone does a little work, it gets done in good order. We know that if everyone makes a financial contribution, we can ensure that our congregation continues to grow and provide a continuum of ministry to the larger community. We must consider, together and individually, what we can pledge of our time, talent, and treasure to reflect a serious commitment to the place we have chosen as our spiritual home. I hope that when given the opportunity we will each make a pledge of time, talent, and treasure, as we are able, to this beloved community.

Gwen Combs

 

From The Desk of the DRE

 

RE would like to thank our new teachers who have agreed to fill in this spring to assist the
primary and secondary classes: Jennifer Keyser will be working with the secondary class and
Diana Barnes will be working with the primary class every fourth Sunday. Thank them for their
commitments when you see them!

Also thanks to Judy Williams, Maureen McGuire, and Jody Gore for filling in during January.
And Jody Gore deserves a special shout-out for her donations to RE including books, candles,
and a great crib! Thanks for all that you do!
 

OWL (Our Whole Lives) classes are currently being planned. We will be having several orientation meetings for parents, leaders in other congregations and local organizations, and the congregation as a whole. Be on the lookout for our upcoming congregational orientation to the UUA comprehensive sexuality education curricula to be offered for 7th-12th graders this spring. Please attend to learn more about this new ministry to our youth and the youth of the larger Jackson Community!

Across the Ages

Our children will join the adult service for a Story for All Ages on Feb 17th. Please make a point of welcoming the children to our service! Take time to talk and get to know our children and youth!

February also marks the return of the Social for All Ages. Look for flyers for upcoming events!

How You Can Help

WE NEED CHAPERONES for a field trip being planned for March. We will be heading out for adventure this spring to explore ancient archeological sites in our area. Please volunteer to help with our children and youth for their personal growth and development! Contact the DRE at vp-re@uujackson.org for details.

 

 

WANTED:  GOOD LEADERS! 

Eunice Milton Benton, District Executive

 

What does your congregation do to invite, support, and appreciate good leaders?

 

One congregation in Mid-South District once noted that its approach was to ‘bubble up’ good leaders!  That idea – that out of the involvement of lots of folks in the working of the congregation next leaders would emerge – is a great tactic.  But great tactics need minds and hands to implement them, so what’s a congregation to do? 

 

Shifting to a Leadership Development Committee (and way of thinking!) from a Nominating Committee is a good way to go. A Leadership Development Committee does more than just fill slots – it actively encourages folks to get involved in various ways, to share their gifts and talents, and to play leadership roles for the congregation from time to time.  It meets year-round and is a voice for encouraging training and education for leaders and financial support for that where it’s appropriate (so that there’s money in the budget for folks to attend conferences, for example.) 

 

Our UU congregations need good leadership at every level, from programs and special projects to staff and board.  Folks who are willing to play leadership roles deserve the support and thanks of the congregation, however.  So, as roles change and new leaders come in, don’t forget to say “Thank You!” to those who have served!  

 

The Mid-South web site has more info! (See ‘Resources > Leadership Development.’) 

 

Mid-South District - UUA

On the web at www.msduua.org  

 

 

By Kate Hudson, President

I am writing to ask for your help in identifying those of you who are leaders in social justice. Their names and email addresses will be included in a social justice network we are trying to create in the Mid-South District. Our purpose is to provide better training, support and education. But first we need to know who our activists are in the following areas:

• Social Action
• Welcoming Congregation
• Green sanctuary
• Economic Justice
• Racial Justice
• Peace
• Other

Many, many thanks for your work and your support!

 

Groups, Meetings, and Announcements
 

Saturday, February 2 at 6:00 PM: Circle Dinner at Amy and Jason Griggs’ home. They would like to extend an invitation to dinner to nine lucky people who sign up on the bulletin board. They will provide a large dining room table and your choice of meat or veggie lasagna. You bring a side item or dessert and interesting conversation. Weather permitting, there will be a bonfire afterwards. Call the church for more information.

Sunday, February 17 immediately following the worship service: Third Sunday Potluck Lunch
Bring a dish to share.

Friday, February 22 at 7:00 PM: 4th Friday Film Night Small Town Gay Bar (81 min) addresses the struggle of gay, lesbian, and transgender people to find a safe space and strong community in rural Mississippi, a merciless environment for outsiders of all kinds. For decades Mississippi's gay bars have served as oases of self-expression among a group of people who are forced to hide their true identities from their communities every day. The film will be shown at UUCJ and a discussion will follow. For more information contact Stacy Callender at vpre@uujackson.org.

Sunday, March 30 immediately following the worship service: Annual Meeting of UUCJ [called by the Board]. The agenda will be mailed to members by the end of February. Please make plans to attend this important business meeting where we elect new officers, adopt a budget, and bring other recommendations from the Board for the congregation's consideration and vote.

From Fred L Hammond: I have been contacted by a person via email, can't tell by their first name if male or female, who is looking for a congregation that they could attend that would accept them for being gay. They do not have transportation. The person lives in Pearl, MS near the Wal-mart. Is there anyone who would be willing to give them a ride this Sunday? Please let me know of other ideas I could offer this person... I do not know what the public transit ability is from Pearl to Jackson. Thanks, Fred

From Waverly Liles: The warped plate that was no longer attached to the foundation slab was repaired by AAA Construction who jacked the wall over into position and put three bolts through the plate into the slab. They also temporarily fixed the front door. When the shrubbery has been removed from the area so that drainage away from the foundation can be improved, more permanent repairs will be completed on the rest of the project.

From Natalie Maynor: My 2007 Membership Report includes seven new members - Todd Allen, Felicia Bell, Mandy Breithaupt, David Burr, Rebecca Burr, Fran Cox, and Judy Williams. Our membership now stands at sixty-two.

February Family Notes
 

Beyond February: Sharon Pineault-Burke, coordinator of a recent series called Teaching African American Literature: From Phillis Wheatley to Toni Morrison, says when you focus on Black history “for only one month out of the year, you just can't give it full treatment." We need to recognize the bigger picture of African American contributions to American life. For instance, explore with your family how African Americans contributed to American efforts in World War II or how African languages influenced white southern speech—not just the other way around.

Much more than oppression: Jennifer Novak, a project coordinator for the History of Black Writing, suggests the importance of "taking the [sole] focus away from slavery, and…[also] emphasizing the rich cultural tradition of African Americans." Novak recommends for families to not just read Uncle Tom's Cabin, but also "Margaret Walker's Jubilee, which portrays…the products of African American culture—quilt-making, music, herbal medicine, and cooking." Or
undertake an exploration of the history of jazz and its connection to traditional work songs. Novak points out that Black studies have much more to offer—"not just a culture of oppression, but a rich cultural history as well."

Discussions on Racism: Children and youth need to frank discussions with adults about race. Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? and authority on race relations, provides answers to help you respond to the following questions:

Q: In cafeterias, why are all the blacks frequently sitting together?

A: What you see in the cafeterias are affinity groups: separate "spaces" that facilitate positive identity exploration, where people can pose questions and process issues. For teens of color, identity is a very important issue, and they need support from their affinity group. Affinity groups are also helpful in interrupting the cycle of racism by allowing people to process their reactions to racism (e.g., shame or guilt for whites, anger for people of color). Affinity groups ultimately are good for community-building.

Q: What's the difference between racism and prejudice?

A: Racism is a system of advantage based on race. In the U.S., white people are advantaged. That does not mean that all white people are actively racist. But we all must be actively anti-racist! Also, we're all prejudiced. We all have misinformation about people different from ourselves, and we're all exposed to stereotypes. Prejudice is like smog: no one says, "I'm a smog-breather", but if you live in a smoggy place, it's hard to avoid breathing it

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