Unitarian Universalist Church of Jackson

NUUSLETTER

 A Newsletter for our Members and Friends

March 2009 - Web Edition

Our mission as a church of faith and reason is to promote justice, welcome diversity and serve with love

  President's Corner

 

Back in August of 2008, after the tragedy at the Knoxville UU church, I sat talking to a reporter about our congregation’s reactions to that tragedy.  At one point, the young reporter asked me what our congregation could do to protect itself from harm.  Without even thinking or missing a beat, I replied that we will continue to rely on one another, for that is the essence of our faith. 

I have thought about that question and my immediate and intuitive response ever since that day.  How did I know to say that?  What does it mean?  Some light was shed on these mysteries in the form of a chapter in the book Growing a Beloved Community, which I have talked about often during the past year, an article in the current UU World magazine, “The Tyger & the Lamb,” by Dennis McCarty, and in the “Reformation Symphony” by Felix Mendelssohn, which I performed with the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra in November 2008. 

The short answer is that ours is a covenantal faith.  What that means to me is that human life matters and what we do with our lives matters.  Our faith is about our commitment—our covenant—to love and honor one another.  In that covenant, our religion serves humanity and, thus, God (or whatever name you call Holy).  Dennis McCarty explains that in creedal faith, humanity serves religion as the ultimate authority on the “rules” we must live by.  Luther and Calvin, during the Reformation, sought to remove the church as the medium between God and humanity.   While Unitarians were part of that Reformation, we took it a step farther and recognized that any covenant between the Holy and humanity is defined by our covenant with one another.  Well, that’s what I believe, anyway, which must be why I said to that young reporter, “we will continue to rely on one another for that is the essence of our faith.” 

Gwen Combs 

From The Desk of the DRE

Adult Religious Education

We have several opportunities for adults this spring. Sign-up sheets for all workshops or classes are posted on the main church bulletin board.  This Month:

This Month:

UU 101: The last of this 3-session series being led by Gwen Combs will be Sunday, March 22nd at 9:00 am.

Vegetarian Cooking Workshop: Led by Susan Voisin, blogger for FatFree Vegan Kitchen: Sinlessly Delicious, on Saturday, March 7^th 2:00-3:30 p.m.  Come to our introductory class on vegetarianism and vegetarian cooking. This will be a hands-on workshop including the preparation of a few make-and-take recipes. Enrollment is open to all, but pre-registration is required (sign-up sheet on the bulletin board). Participants will need to cover the ingredients of the make-and-take recipes.

4th Friday Film Night: The Future of Food (97 min). With unprecedented clarity, Deborah Koons Garcia’s documentary, distills the complex technology and key regulatory, legal, ethical, environmental and consumer issues surrounding the changes happening in the food system today – genetically engineered foods, patenting, and the corporatization of food – into terms the average person can easily understand. It empowers consumers to realize the consequences of their food choices on our future. Discussion to follow. Friday, March 27^th 7:00-9:00 pm.

 

 

News from the Mid-South District 

Eunice Milton Benton, District Executive

 

ELECTING OUR NEW UUA TRUSTEE

 

Democracy is a matter of principle for UUs. Specifically, our fifth principle affirms “the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.”

This year Lyn Conley reaches her term limit as the Mid-South Trustee on the UUA Board, and the vote for her successor will take place on May 2 at our district’s Annual Assembly in Nashville .  Our next UUA Trustee will have large shoes to fill.  During her eight years on the UUA Board, Lyn has served our association tirelessly in many ways, including as Finance Committee chair.

Each of the 20 districts in the Unitarian Universalist Association elects a trustee to serve on the board that sets UUA policy and plans for the long-range welfare of our movement.  Trustees also function as communication links between the UUA and their district and its congregations, and they participate in district board meetings and conferences.

A UUA Trustee Election Committee, chaired by John Malluck, was appointed to oversee the nomination and election process.  We are fortunate that, at this writing, congregations in our district have nominated at least two people by the February 19 deadline.  The Election Committee will mail each congregation description of the election process and a ballot of nominees by March 6.  The process and the nominees’ resumes and qualifications will be posted on the MSD website.  You can also read the relevant MSD Bylaws (Article VIII) at: http://www.msduua.org/home/Home_Structure/MSDbylaws2006.htm

Thankfully, we have excellent candidates willing to serve UUism in this important role.  The democratic process works best when all of us strive to make careful, informed decisions about whom we choose to represent us. 

Mid-South District - UUA

On the web at www.msduua.org 

Eamil: msduuoffice@aol.com 

 

From the NUUSLetter Editor

 

In addition to the usual announcements, calendar, and messages from MSD, President Combs, and various committee chairs this issue features the inauguration of five new sections:  

Member Profile (print version of the NUUS only) will feature a brief story about one of our members or member families.   Look for more profiles in the months to come [in no particular order!] as we get acquainted with one another.  Everyone who is willing to introduce themselves to the rest of us will be interviewed.  Photos to share, too?   That will be great!

Stewardship Within Our UUCJ Community will update you on our progress in offering successful programs and in maintaining and improving our campus which provides an inspirational haven for our functions.

Today’s Social Ministry will highlight our efforts to be a positive force in the Jackson area.

Tech Bits will alert you to our connections with the wide electronic world.    

Individually Speaking will provide readers an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about our efforts and on issues they feel are important.  Don’t be shy.  Tell us what you think.    Judy

Stewardship Within Our UUCJ Community

Help start this new section off next month with some achievable goals, by bringing your ideas on what our first priorities should be for maintaining and improving our physical plant to the upcoming Annual Meeting .

Today’s Social Ministry

(1) Juvenile Prison Ministry:  Several years ago Dr. Corkern, who runs the GED program for the twenty or so inmates at the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond, told the congregation that these children who are awaiting trial as adults are only provided slippers and color coded jump suits to wear when they enter the system.  There is an ongoing need for new (still packaged) all white -

•           crew neck t-shirts, large and extra large,

•           boxer shorts, medium and large, and

•           socks, one size fits all

They also appreciate donations of deodorant bar soap (especially Irish Spring) and shampoo (no glass bottles, though).  We collect these items all month long so that on  “donation day”  [now the third Sunday of each month] Waverly Lyles can take that month’s  accumulation to the Center where he has been a volunteer tutor.  Incidentally, Waverly reports that the children who do succeed in earning their GED through this program are invariably noticeably proud of that accomplishment in their otherwise uncertain young lives.  Helping them help themselves has been a traditional UUCJ ministry ever since Dr. Corkern’s visit.  Questions about this project?  Contact Waverly.

(2) Food Bank Ministry:  Collecting non-perishable food items for Stew Pot has also been an ongoing tradition at UUCJ.  In today’s economy our support of this useful program has become even more vital to its success.  Your donations of non-perishable foods each month help sustain those who need a helping hand.

In the recent past we have also supported several worthy groups on an intermittent basis including CARA, Habitat for Humanity, Safe Schools , the local fire department station, and other UU congregations in our district.  There are more needs out their beyond our protecting walls than we can ever hope to fill, but our small efforts pooled with those of other organizations do make a difference.  Much has been accomplished but much more needs to be done.  Thank you for your partnership in these efforts.

Tech Bits

UU-Jackson's photostream on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/9240679@N04/ features recent additions of the lunch bunch at Aladdin's and participants at last month's workshop.  Do you have  UUCJ photos to share?

The UUA is using Twitter. You can follow the latest UUA news at http://twitter.com/uua

Are you on Facebook?  UUCJ is there, too.   Enter "UUCJ" in the search box to find us and join the fun!

Individually Speaking

Share your thoughts with us via postal mail, e-mail, text message, or phone call.

Groups, Meetings, and Announcements

In celebration of disability awareness, the kids’ RE program will be sponsoring a special collection to benefit the non-profit Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which sponsors research in the area of spinal cord injury rehabilitation and awards quality of life grants to those dealing with spinal cord injuries.  Your donations of spare change, cash, and checks will be collected March 8^th and March 15^th to help this organization.

 

The Annual Meeting of our congregation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2009, immediately following the church service.  Lunch will be provided  (this is not a potluck!). The agenda will include a revisit to the content of our mission and vision statements which were adopted at last year’s Annual Meeting with the stipulation that the Board fine tune them and then bring their proposed changes for consideration to this year’s meeting.    Members will also select new Board members.  The nominating committee’s slate of nominees for 2009-2010 are: President - Jim Becker; Secretary - Susan Knipe; Treasurer - Lisa Kersen; Vice President Membership - Amy Grigg; Vice President Programs - Tom Kersen; and Trustee at Large - Carly Bell.  Nominations will also be taken from the floor.  Please make plans attend this important meeting.

 

“Stop and Shop” this month in our kitchen for fresh coffee, nuts, and dried fruits. Your purchases of these fine products support the free trade farmers who produce them.

Upcoming Events

 

Sunday, March 1:  Pledge Sunday is your opportunity to make a pledge of your time, talent, and treasure to our beloved community.

Saturday, March 7, The Power of Intent group session will be facilitated by Lelon Thompson from 10:00 am to 11:00 (cost $5/person). Messages from the Light -- channeled group and individual messages -- will follow, from 11:00 to noon (cost $5/person).

Saturday, March 7, Saturday, March 7, at 8:00 am:   Excursion to Bingaman Cemetery’s gravesite of Judith Sargent Murray.  Convene in the UUCJ parking lot to form a caravan to Natchez .  MS Department of Archives and History’s Jim Barnett has agreed to join us there and escort us across St. Catherine Creek to the small cemetery.  [Participants will be able to return to Jackson in time for the afternoon cooking class if they have also registered for it.]

Saturday, March 7, 2:00-3:30 pm: Vegetarian Cooking Workshop: Susan Voisin, blogger for FatFree Vegan Kitchen: Sinlessly Delicious.  This introductory class on vegetarianism and vegetarian cooking will be a hands-on, including some make-and-take recipes. Enrollment is open to all (sign-up on the bulletin board or contact Stacy, Susan, or Judy). Note that participants will need to cover the cost of the ingredients of their make-and-take recipes.

Sunday, March 8, 11:00 am, Young UUs Collect your donations to benefit  the non-profit Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. 

Sunday, March 8: RE Committee meeting after the church service.  Members will prepare a budget request for the coming year.

Sunday, March 8, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM:  Civil Rights Movement: A Glance at Mississippi’s Contribution to History presented at the annual Black History forum at Jackson ’s Hyde Park Victory Church , 6810 Presidential Drive where distinguished activists will  share their life experiences during the civil rights movement.

Friday, March 13 at 6:00 pm:  Board Of Trustees Meeting   UUCJ’s Board meetings are open to all. Note that beginning in January board meetings are held on the 2^nd Friday of each month.

Saturday, March 14, A Spiritual Support group session will be led by Lelon Thompson from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (cost $5/person).  The Intuitive Development class will then follow from 11:00 to noon (cost $5/person).

Sunday, March 15, 11:00 am: Collection Day for our Prison Ministries Program  Juvenile inmates in the Hines County Detention Center have an ongoing  need for donations of WHITE: crew neck t-shirts (large and extra large); briefs (medium and large);  Socks (one size fits all); deodorant bar soap (especially Irish Spring); and  shampoo (in plastic bottles).

Sunday, March 15, 11:00 am: Collection Day for food items for Stew Pot,

Sunday, March 15, 11:00 am, Young UUs Collect your donations for a second time to benefit  the non-profit Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. 

Sunday, March 15, Third Sunday Potluck Lunch immediately following the worship service.  Bring a dish to share as we break bread together! 

Saturday, March 21: The Power of Intent group session will be facilitated by Lelon Thompson from 10:00 am to 11:00 (cost $5/person). Messages from the Light -- channeled group and individual messages -- will follow, from 11:00 to noon (cost $5/person).

Friday, March 27, 7:00-9:00 pm, 4th Friday Film Night: The Future of Food (97 min) 4th Friday Film Night: Deborah Koons Garcia’s documentary, is a distillate of the issues surrounding today’s food industry (Stacy provides more details in her RE section above). Discussion to follow.  Questions?  Contact Stacy Callender at 662-418-0888.

Saturday, March 28, A Spiritual Support group session will be led by Lelon Thompson from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (cost $5/person).  The Intuitive Development class will then follow from 11:00 to noon (cost $5/person).

Sunday, March 29, immediately following the worship service: the Annual Meeting of UUCJ.   Lunch provided  (not a potluck)  Your presence is needed for 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.  See more details in the announcement section. 

 

 

***** New deadline for NUUS submissions -- Now due on the 15th ****

Deadline for submissions to the April UUCJ NUUSletter: March 15. Please send your submissions to NUUSletter@uujackson.org.