Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

April 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 reading the Talmud. This is a collection of writings by those Rabbis and teachers who studied the holy scriptures of Judaism hundreds upon hundreds of years ago. In particular I have been reading about the events that led up to Pesach or Passover. This week long holiday will be honored by Jews across the world beginning on April 19th.

Passover includes the Haggadah, the telling of the story of the plight of the Jews under bondage and slavery in Egypt some estimated 3000 years ago. The Talmud explains why Moses and his brother Aaron warned Pharaoh about what would happen if he did not let the people of Israel leave Egypt. The explanation given by the rabbis is that G-d is a compassionate G-d and while Pharaoh was being unjust in his treatment of the Jews, compassion was being offered by warning him in the hopes of not experiencing the suffering that would occur with the plagues.

It is probably how a parent would discipline a child. If you act in this manner, then this is what will occur. Is this what you want? No? Then don’t act in this manner. It is letting the child know that there are consequences to behaviors. Pharaoh needed to know there are consequences to being unjust to other people.

It is a message as relevant today as it was in 1300 BCE. Our government is being unjust to undocumented workers in Mississippi. There are employers in the state who are unjust in their treatment of those here on guest work visas. Even as I write this, a group of Indian workers are marching to let people know the injustices committed against them in Mississippi.

A law was just passed that makes it a felony for an undocumented employee to be hired by an employer. There are consequences to this action. The government needs to know that this act will push Mississippi further into the prospect of a recession which will cause thousands to suffer. A few months ago, the Jackson Free Press reported that undocumented employees actually spurred on the economic growth in this state by some unprecedented amount of capital. This economic growth is threatened by this new law.

Here is an opportunity for us as a congregation to become informed on the plight of undocumented citizens and insist our government respond with compassion, equity, and justice in handling this pending crisis. May we seek to live out our values and principles in our daily lives. May we honor our Jewish heritage which informs our faith and the paths we choose.

Blessings, Fred

 

  President's Corner

 

I have been thinking a lot lately about voting and the democratic process. Nationally, of course, we are currently called upon to cast our votes in party primaries. In our state, we have had some congressional party primaries requiring our vote. Later this year, we will be called upon to cast our votes in national and state elections to determine who will govern for the next four years.

As I write this column, our congregation’s Annual Meeting is very much on my mind. It is that time every year when members of our congregation must decide who will lead for the next year, how we will spend our funds, how much we will spend on various programs and facilities, and what amendments we will make to our governing document, our By Laws.

As Unitarian Universalists, voting and the democratic process are not separate and apart from our faith. Indeed, our denominational principles as well as our congregational covenant include “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.” Voting and the democratic process are acts of faith and patriotism. Let us thoughtfully exercise both our faith and our patriotism when called upon, both in our congregation and in society at large.

Gwen Combs

 

From The Desk of the DRE

 

Spring has sprung and we can now see our previously planted seeds blossoming into new growth! Thank you to all who helped with our beautiful, music-filled Flower Communion and Easter Egg Hunt! It was a truly wonderful day planned and led by Dary Shenefelt! We also want to thank all of those who attended our field trip to the Pocahontas Indian Mound. We had a total of 12 children and adults who attended despite several families being out of town that week for spring break!

This month our elementary children will be exploring Jewish stories of Moses and participate in a Seder with our congregation during the Potluck luncheon. Our youth have decided to take on a few projects—including local social action projects—that they will be undertaking this summer and fall. Also, our Jr. High youth will attend a district CON (conference) in Huntsville, AL— eeting UU youth from AL, FL, GA, & TN!

Last but not least, our new adult Religious Exploration offering for adults, Spirit in Practice, has held two successful workshops exploring the eight spheres of spiritual development and personal spiritual practices. We will continue with two additional workshops in April (see the Forum schedule). Whether you identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, and/or as a follower of any other path, the Spirit in Practice workshops provide an opportunity for learning, sharing, and growth. Come add your voice to the conversation.

Across the Ages

Our younger children will join the adult service for an Intergenerational Service on April 20th. Please make a point of welcoming the children in the service! Stay after service for Mini-Seder during the potluck.

How You Can Help

WE NEED YOU: for a youth trip to the Midsouth District Jr. High CON (conference) in Huntsville, AL on April 18-20. Volunteers to chaperone should attend the R.E. Committee meeting [April 6th 10:00 am] as we will be finalizing our plans then.

WE NEED YOU: to assist with the R.E. summer program! We have an exciting summer planned filled with fun activities based on stories from Dr. Seuss! Hurry and reserve your spot to share your favorite Dr. Seuss story with our children & youth! If you are interested, please attend the R.E. Committee meeting [April 6 10:00 am] so we can schedule the summer.

Contact the DRE at vp-re@uujackson.org for details.

 

 

News from the Mid-South District 

Eunice Milton Benton, District Executive

 

2008 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY -- May 2-4 at the UU Fellowship of the Emerald Coast, Florida

Things begin Friday night with the Service of the Lively Tradition at 7:30 pm, preceded by the Lively Choir rehearsal at 5:30 and a light supper at 6:00 pm.

This year’s theme – “Living Unitarian Universalism,” – will be explored throughout the weekend through inspiring stories about what it means to be a practicing Unitarian Universalist and workshops in breakout sessions on Saturday.

UUFEC is celebrating its 50th birthday and invites Mid-South folks to celebrate this milestone with them! Come be part of this historic anniversary!

Plan to stay overnight and attend Coffeehouse LIVE! at 7:30 pm. and the Sunday service the next morning at 10:00 am. Slip away to the beach for some time to walk barefoot in the sand and to breathe in the fresh, salty air.

Registration will be available in early April at www.msduua.org. Contact MSD Trustee June Bryant for more info.

Come be energized and inspired by stories about living our faith! Renew your commitment to the principles and practices of Unitarian Universalism! Learn about projects and practices to adapt for your congregation! Be there on the Emerald Coast May 2 -4, 2008 June Bryant -- TEACH Trustee,  MSD Board

 

Mid-South District - UUA

On the web at www.msduua.org  

 

 

The Chalice Lighter Call for the Georgia Mountains UU Church of Dahlonega,  Georgia, is in the mail to Mid-South District Chalice Lighters!
 
Your Chalice Lighter contribution of $10 (or more!) will be a gift to  support the overall growth of Unitarian Universalism in Mid-South District and across the country as well as growth at the Georgia Mountains UU Church of  Dahlonega.
 
If you are already a Chalice Lighter -- check your mail and send in your contribution!
 
If you would like to join the Chalice Lighter program, you may send a contribution along with your name, congregation, and contact information to:

Chalice Lighter Program
Mid-South District Office
9 Meaders Lane
Oxford, MS 38655
 
The Georgia Mountains UU Church is committed to growing the congregation, but repairs and modifications to their building are essential to make their dreams come true. Targeted especially are renovations to the lower level to accommodate a larger religious education program and a new front entry with landscaping.
 
This Chalice Lighter grant will help the Georgia Mountains UU Church of Dahlonega reach its growth goals! Other current projects to achieve their growth goals in addition to building renovation include a professional marketing workshop, monthly Social Action Conversation Cafe with Peace Church emphasis, and improving the environmental conscience through "Greening GMUUC."
 
Support the growth of Unitarian Universalism in Mid-South District! Contribute generously to the Chalice Lighter Program!
 
 
Mid-South District Office, UUA
On the web at _www.msduua.org_ (http://www.msduua.org/)
9 County Road 1058, Oxford, MS 38655
Phone/Fax: 662-234-4423
 

 

Groups, Meetings, and Announcements
 

Friday, April 25, at 7:00 pm: 4th Friday Film Night - See the Calendar page for details.

Sunday, May 11 at 1 PM all over the world -- [Inspired by a story written by Sharon Mehdi of Ashland, Oregon, The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering.] You are invited to join participants across the globe in standing for a moment of silence to recognize the importance for all children to have safe drinking water, clean air, adequate food and health care, access to education, and safety from violence. Find more info at http://www.standingwomen.org.

Saturday, May 24, UUCJ will host a UU workshop presented by Connie Goodbread, Lifespan Program Consultant for the Mid-South District, on envisioning and implementing religious education for the whole family -- from young children on up -- in small UU
congregations. - See the Calendar page for details.

Sunday – Wednesday, July 20-23, 2008 We are invited to join UUs from around the country in Niagara Falls to enjoy the wonder of the Falls and experience some great educational opportunities while being taken care of royally. The UU Church of Niagara is conducting a four day UU Niagara Experience which is a lifetime opportunity to encounter the Falls up close from every perspective. Spend four days with us exploring the rich history and natural beauty around the Falls. For information visit their web site : http://www.uunex.net Open to all, including non-UUs.
 

February Family Page

From www.familyeducation.com
 

Spring offers great opportunities for families to spend time being active together—either getting out in nature or participating in a variety of sports. Take advantage of the great weather to spend some meaningful time with each other! Some suggested activities include:

Hiking – There are several great trails and state parks within driving distance for you to explore. For additional fun, add a Scavenger Hunt to your hike:

Scavenger Hunt List - Find something:

• smaller than you
• alive
• no longer living
• older than you
• that feels soft
• that is rough
• smaller than your thumb
• that smells good
• green
• yellow
• that goes in the trashcan
• beautiful

Gardening – Everyone in the family can help out and benefit from the harvest. Try growing flowers, vegetables, and/or herbs in your yard or in just a few small pots you can sit in your windows!

Astronomy – You could start with a trip to the Russell C. Davis Planetarium to learn about the night sky. Then view the stars from your own backyard or take a drive out of the city to see more!

Clean-ups – Volunteer to participate in local clean-ups or assist with trail maintenance. Not only will you be doing something positive for the environment, but also for our local community!

Nature Center or Natural Science Museum – There are several family activities available at the Clinton Nature Center or Mississippi Natural Science Museum this month. Check them out!

Birdwatching – The Jackson Audubon Society has scheduled several family bird walks throughout the spring at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park.

For other great ideas, try the activities in Joseph Cornell's book, Sharing Nature
with Children or at his website http://www.sharingnature.com/index.htm

 

Speaking of nature – consider planning an Earth Day Project with your family. The fourth Saturday of April is celebrated worldwide as Earth Day. To prep for this day of ecological kindness, think of ways to:

Reduce: Buy products that are not over-packaged in individual servings; check household water usage for things like brushing teeth or washing hands.

Recycle: Buy recycled-paper products; recycle newspapers; recycle containers to use for storage of leftovers instead of using foil or plastic wraps.

Donate: Collect and give away old clothing or toys to charities.

If you're a family that likes to play cards, board games, or back yard sports together, use this time to remind everyone—especially siblings—about the rules of being a good sports! Everyone needs to remember that sometimes it's your turn to win and sometimes it's your turn to lose. What's really important is the time spent together enjoying the games or sports you love most.
Being a good sport is about playing by the rules, discipline, respect, and self-control. A good sport has fun because they enjoy playing the game more than the final outcome.

 

Top Ten Rules of Being a Good Sport

1. Show respect to yourself by treating others the way you want to be treated.
2. Respect not only your teammates, but also your opponents.
3. Respect your coaches and the officials of the game.
4. Respect the rules of the game.
5. Always play fair.
6. Accept the judgment calls of the coaches and the officials without argument.
7. Offer encouragement to teammates, especially when they make mistakes.
8. Forgive yourself when you make a mistake and get right back into the game.
9. Lose without pouting.
10. Win without gloating.

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