Tapestry Unitarian Universal ist Fel lowship o f Athens

February 2015

Board of Trustees

Merridy McDaniel President@uuathensga.org

Jane Mayer President-Elect

Karen Solheim Secretary@uuathensga.org

Rich Rayburn Treasurer@uuathensga.org

Marguerite Holmes Past-president

Penny Oldfather Member-at-large

Carol-Lee Baker Member-at-large

Lee Cornell

Member-at-Large

Jim Thomas

Member-at-Large

Lay Ministers

Fun & Fellowship:

Ange Kahn Fellowship@uuathensga.org

Connections:

Michelle Leebens-Mack Connections@uuathensga.org

Justice: Karen Solheim Justice@uuathensga.org

Stewardship: Herb West Stewardship@uuathensga.org

Lifespan Development:

Aleta Turner & Vivian Sellers Education@uuathensga.org

Spiritual Arts:

Myrna Adams West SpiritualArts@uuathensga.org

Let’s Communicate!

* Yourself

* The Minister

* Programs,

governance, or

anything else that’s on your mind

4. The Committee on Shared Ministry

about

* Getting feedback on Fellowship gov-

ernance or ministry from members and

friends

We’re happy to assist you with any ideas

or concerns you may have. If you don’t

know who to contact for something not

named above, you can contact the Con-

gregational Administrator, Shaye Gam-

brell (Wed - Fri), to ask for assistance.

Also, be sure to look at the bulletin

boards in the Fellowship Hall or on the

website (uuathensga.org) for names and

contact info for the members of the

Board of Trustees and Ministry Council.

Do you wonder where to take your ideas

or concerns? If so, contact the follow-

ing—

1. A member of the Board of Trustees

about

* Management or governance

* Policies or procedures

* Where UUFA is headed

(direction/vision)

* What UUFA is doing (mission)

* About UUFA’s Minister

2. A Ministry Council member (the

Minister, Dir. of Religious Education,

or Music Dir., or a Lay Minister)

about

* Programs or activities

* Policies and procedures

* Leadership development

* What’s going on

* How to get involved

* How to communicate activities

3. The Minister about

* Staff

Selma Trip Deadline Extended to Feb. 8! Reserve Your Seat Now! Limited seats

remaining! Because of interest ex-

pressed, UUFA has booked a 43-person

bus to take a one-day trip to Selma for

the 50th anniversary re-enactment of the

crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. At

least 10,000 people from around the

country are expected to participate.

If you want to be part of this trip, please

register by the February 8 deadline,

understanding that the cost will

range $50 to $100, depending on the

firm number of passengers and cost of

luncheon, which will be held in Mont-

gomery at St. Jude's Church.

Payment will be due at UUFA by Febru-

ary 13. Plans are to leave Athens on Sun-

day, March 8, at approximately 6 am to

arrive in Montgomery before 11. The ac-

tivities in Selma should end around 5 pm,

so Athens arrival should be between 9 and

10 pm Sunday evening.

Please reserve your seat by February 8!

Even if you have previously expressed

interest about this trip, you will still need

to reserve your seat! Click here to register

(or call the office) and note scholarship

need. For further information, contact

Betsy Bean (betsybean@gmail.

com or 706.850.7268).

February 1 – Insight from A Flow-

er Legend says a disciple received

Buddha’s teachings in a flash of in-

sight while viewing a flower.

Are we receptive to such in-

sight? Rev. Alison Eskildsen

with a guest musician

February 8 – Loving Mer-

cy “Have mercy on me” is an

oft-used prayer. Is it yours?

Rev. Alison Eskildsen with

the Chalice Choir

February 15 – Love Keeps

Us Together Committed relation-

ships can be challenging. Hear three

couples share their journeys and sing

love songs with UUFA’s You

Band. Blurb and title to come from

Amber

February 22 – Abundant Good For-

tune Need a second chance on your

New Year's resolu-

tions? Well, it's out

with the old and in with

the new on this Chinese

New Year celebration.

A Dragon Dance and

other festive surprises

inspire prosperity for

all ages. All are invited

to wear red or Asian-

inspired clothing.

Worship begins with everyone in the

sanctuary for the first 20 minutes or

so. Typically we share a welcome,

light our congregational chalice, sing

Spiritual Arts

This Month’s Worship Services

Worship Arts Committee

Share Your Thoughts!

TAPESTRY PAGE 2

a hymn, and experience a storytelling

or brief conversation. Children and

teachers are recessed from the sanctu-

ary by congregational singing. Chil-

dren and teachers go to their class-

rooms or to a special children’s wor-

ship in the Fellowship Hall. Parents

are welcome to accompany their chil-

dren if they wish.

Remaining adults hear a sermon, spe-

cial music, sing, meditate or pray, and

share brief joys and sorrows within

the community on most Sundays.

Some Sundays all ages remain in the

sanctuary for the entire service. For

more on UUFA’s worship services,

visit the Spiritual Arts page at

www.uuathensga.org.

The Worship Arts Committee is gathering information

about Sunday morning participation at UUFA as it con-

tinues to evaluate the Sunday morning schedule and

makes plans for the future.

Please go here: http://uuathensga.org/spiritual-arts/

worship-arts-committee/ to complete a very brief sur-

vey that will help the committee determine how to best

serve the congregation on Sunday mornings. It is only a

couple of questions and takes just a few minutes to

complete. Thank you for your time!

The Worship Arts Committee meets Feb. 3 at 6:30 pm.

Sundays ~ 10:15-11:05 am

February 1 -- Dr. Phillip Lanoue,

Getting Schooled about Clarke Coun-

ty Schools

February 8 -- RE and Green Sanctu-

ary, Bee Friends - an intergenerational

program on Mason bees

February 15 -- Members of UUFA

Childcare is available!

Forum Topics for February reproductive justice class, Reproduc-

tive Justice: What it is, what it isn't,

and how it affects you and others”

February 22 -- Lauren Barineau,

MBP, CHES Training and Technical

Assistance coordinator, Exploring the

Impact of Teen Pregnancy in Georgia

If you would like to be part of the team

selecting Sunday Forum speakers, at-

tend the next Forum Committee

meeting. The committee meets the

second Monday of each month. The

next meeting is Tuesday, February

10 at 4 pm.

For further information about Fo-

rum, contact any of the following

members of the Forum Committee

team: Betsy Bean, Bob Bitowft,

John Bleyle, Al Bergins, Jim Thom-

as, Karen Solheim, Terry Jones, Bar-

bara McLaughlin, or John Bleyle.

NEW Adult Summer Camp

Peace Camp for Adults~ March 27-28 Enjoy an overnight event of yoga, meditation, labyrinth

walking, Dances of Universal Peace, non-

violent communication, and conflict resolu-

tion to build peace within, peace with each

other, and peace with nature.

Camp Thrive for Adults~ April 24-25 Get in touch with your inner nature child with these wil-

derness adventure skills including fire and shelter-building,

cordage, orienteering, first aid, plant and animal identifica-

tion, and more! Don’t just survive, thrive!

Contact Morgan for details (dre@uuathensga.org).

PAGE 3 TAPESTRY

accepted the following reports and

discussed when necessary: Minis-

ter's, Treasurer's including Share the

Plate, Funding UUA's GIFT program

through Enjoyable Entertainment

Events, Annual Budget Drive (ABD),

Facilities Planning Committee.

To read the minutes of the meeting,

visit the “board of trustees” area of

the website, or click here. The next

meeting of your Board of Trustees is

February 10 at 7 p.m.

Comments are invited. You are wel-

come to attend this meeting, and/or

share any feedback you have with any

board member. Karen Solheim, Sec-

retary, UUFA B.O.T.

What music do you love? What music

inspires you? We offer a variety of

music in our worship services, but I

am always looking for new sounds .

Share your favorites with me!

On Feb. 15th, You Band will be play-

ing the favorite songs of three UUFA

couples as they share their stories of

love and commitment. What is your

song?

In February, we're talking a lot about

caring, love, and compassion. All of

these things require taking risks and

reaching out to others. Have you

considered getting more involved at

UUFA? A great way to connect with

some of the great people here at

UUFA (and beyond) is to join one of

our music groups! Have a musical

gift to share? Not sure if you're

'musical' enough to get involved?

Talk to me!

Our drum circle, Palms of Fire, meets

Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30. Our Chalice

Choir (11:30 service) and JUUbila-

tion Singers (9:00 service) rehearse

every Wednesday, 7:15-8:45. Let me

know you are coming! ~Amber Fet-

ner, musicdirector@uuathensga.org,

Music Notes

Inspiration through music

Governance

Board of Trustees studying the issue of

having a sexton and making a recom-

mendation back to the Board; having

Alison look at rental agreement poli-

cies and informing the congregational

administrator of recent problematic

incidents; having a board subcommit-

tee (Alison and Rich) to meet with the

congregational administrator to dis-

cuss maintenance expenses.

tabled action on the following items:

employee handbook, travel policy,

updated fundraising policy

At its January 13, 2015, meeting,

your Board of Trustees accomplished

the following:

listened to guest comments: Terry

Jones and Liz Weaver about the Bee

Friends project; Lynn Rinker about

children supervision by groups rent-

ing the Fellowship

discussed the following: information-

al (town hall meetings) on January

11; having a board subgroup to meet

prior to the Congregational Meeting

to discuss how to proceed at this Jan-

uary 18 meeting.

passed the following motions: to ac-

cept the Bee Friends Project as pre-

sented with the stipulation that the

bees be at least 200 feet from the

building; to reaffirm the email vote to

accept amendments to the proposed

bylaw changes; to direct the President

to sign the bus contract for the UUFA

Selma trip on March 8

agreed on the following: appointing

Lynn Rinker to replace Gini Carter on

the Committee on Shared Ministry;

having a board subcommittee look at

limitations policies concerning build-

ing and groups; having the monetary

proceeds from the UUFA Yard Sale

on May 9 go into the general fund;

having the Building and Grounds

Committee take initial ownership of

Bylaws Changes Approved Many thanks to all who attended last Sunday's Congregation Meeting at which the

proposed changes to the UUFA Bylaws were approved. These bylaw changes estab-

lished that the Board of Trustees will name the President from the current board and

the Vice President from the incoming board. In addition, among the items that the

adopted Bylaws changes established are the following:

eliminating the position of "President-Elect" and replacing it with "Vice President"

requiring that the President to have served on the Board of Trustees for at least one

year and no more than two years prior to being named

increasing the terms of both the Treasurer and Secretary from one to two years and

allowing both to serve two terms (four years in all) instead of the current three-year

cap

changing the total time that a person can serve as a member of the Board of Trustees

from three to four years without taking a one-year hiatus

All Bylaws changes will go into effect on July 1 except, as voted on, the current board

will name the upcoming President.

Watch for additional announcements that will contain links to the updated Bylaws and

minutes from the January 18 Congregational Meeting. The next Town Hall meeting is

scheduled for May 17 at noon, and the next Congregational Meeting is scheduled for

May 31 at noon.

Green Education

Bee Friends

Connections

President’s Column

PAGE 4 TAPESTRY

Flowers, heart-shaped boxes wrapped

in red satin filled with chocolates

adorned with blindfolded winged in-

fant cupids wielding tiny bows and

arrows, cards of love with words to

express our most intimate senti-

ments… a typical example of some

long-forgotten ancient ritual pre-

served and enhanced over the centu-

ries, because it in some way resonates

with a profound and deeply felt need

to communicate our passion and

show our compassion for one another.

We call it St. Valentine’s Day, vener-

ating one Valentine, a martyr and ear-

ly leader of an illegal group, who was

tortured and beheaded on February

14, 269 or 270, for the criminal act of

performing a ritual (marriage ceremo-

ny) to sanctify and recognize relation-

ships between members of that illegal

group.

In 1969, the Roman Catholic Church

decided that corroborating evidence

of Valentine’s worthiness for venera-

tion was lacking. Saint Valentine

was one for whom only the legend of

his courage to act in accordance with

his conscience in defiance of the

laws of the Roman Empire has sur-

vived, along with a few relics of du-

bious provenance.

But the symbols associated with this

feast to celebrate love are evidence

of more ancient rituals and worship –

such as those found in association

with Eros, son of Aphrodite, the Hel-

lenic Goddess of Love and Beauty,

who was venerated and worshipped

during a festival in the summer, and

whose symbols in turn, are found in

association with even earlier god-

desses of other near-eastern civiliza-

tions, back to the distant times of

prehistory, when love and beauty and

respect for life were venerated in

grateful acceptance of the bounty of

the earth, so very different from the

beliefs of our modern era that the

natural world was created to be sub-

jugated and

exploited by

man, and is

not worthy

of venera-

tion.

That a festival to celebrate love and

compassion has survived so many

millennia fills me with hope that we

will yet learn to see one another as

our beloved companions during this

brief journey, to greet one another

with respect and joy and understand-

ing, to do whatever we can to lessen

pain and suffering, and to share and

protect the bounty of this planet, to

preserve its beauty so that we and all

those who follow after us will be

able to live together in peace and

plenty.

So, I say, Happy St. Valentine’s Day

— Have the courage to act in accord-

ance with your conscience to pro-

mote love and compassion!

Merridy McDaniel

Would you like to solve the

mystery of how to Bee

Friend the children in the

congregation but don’t

have time or talent to be an

RE teacher?

Would you like to add some pollina-

tors to your garden but don’t have the

time or talent for honey bees?

Join us for Bee Friends beginning this

February! The RE and the Green

Sanctuary Committees are collaborat-

ing on adding non-aggressive Mason

Bees (not carpenter bees) to the Wild-

life Habitat and RE gardens. We’ll

start by learning about the Mason

Bees, what they are and what they

need, at an intergenerational Forum

on Feb. 8. On the following Sunday,

Feb. 15, after the second service,

we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall to

build some houses for our bees and

develop teams to care for the

bees. When the bees begin to hatch in

March, the teams will begin the tasks

of caring for their bees.

Would you like to contribute to this

project? We are still in need of plants

that bloom in March and early April,

such as blueberries, Carolina Jessa-

mine, trillium, anemone, pansies, etc.

If you have some to spare, or would

like to buy some for us, please let Ter-

ry (wolpers4@ aol.com) or Bill

(wpierson99 @gmail.com) know first,

so that we don’t get way too much of

one thing and none of another, and

can prepare a space for the plants.

Care Notes Edwin Dale has moved to Florida.

His new address is Bldg. 400, 6209

Brooks Bartram Dr., Jacksonville,

FL, 32258, 904-528-3851. If you're

near Jacksonville, please visit him.

Thank you! The UUFA staff would like to thank

UUFA members and friends for your

generosity this holiday season. Thank

you for sharing your resources and

for supporting our work.

TAPESTRY PAGE 5

Spiritual Arts

Goddess Group & Writing as Spiritual Practice Elizabeth Preston will facilitate the

Goddess Group gathering on Feb-

ruary 15, as we study session two of

the Unitarian Universalist Women &

Religion curriculum Cakes for the

Queen of Heaven: On the Threshold.

This session is entitled, “Sarah the

Priestess” and asks us to re-imagine

one of the key figures of the Old Tes-

tament, Sarah, wife of Abraham. Did

she actually sit by idly while Abra-

ham led Isaac, their long-prayed-for

and long-waited-for son, off to be

sacrificed? The session will begin at

1:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

The six-session study will continue

on third Sundays through June 21.

All mature adults are invited to join

us. For more information, please

contact Myrna at myrnaaw@

bellsouth.net or 770/725-5397.

Writing as Spiritual Practice will

meet to share written and verbal

thoughts on the theme of “Caring” in

the sofa room behind the sanctuary at

10:15 am on Sunday, February 1. A

complete list of writing prompts is

posted on the UUFA web site at

www.uuathensga.org under the Spir-

itual Arts menu>Artistic Expressions

or you may contact Myrna Adams

West, the Lay Minister for Spiritual

Arts at spiritualarts@uuathensga.org.

You may write on one of those

prompts or make up your own or just

come to the meeting to enjoy the shar-

ing and discussion.

Here are a few of the prompts to get

you started:

·What is the most caring

thing someone has ever

done for you? Why? How did it

make you feel?

·What is the most caring thing you

have ever done for someone else?

Why? How did it make you feel?

·What is the difference between

“caring” and “nurturing”? Explain.

·How could you become more active-

ly involved in caring for others? Ex-

plain.

· “Compassionate” is a synonym of

“caring.” Can one be compassionate

without also being caring? Or vice-

versa? Explain.

·Can one care for the environment

without also caring for other people?

Or vice-versa? Explain.

Justice

Social Action Committee

Be the Change You Want to See in

the World! Join the UUFA SAC

(Social Action Committee) in body

and/or spirit: in body: The next meet-

ing of the UUFA Social Action Com-

mittee (SAC) is the first Sunday of

each month—February 1—

beginning at 1 pm in the admin of-

fice. Open not to just committee

members, YOU are invited to attend

this meeting to see what this group is

all about. Make a difference in our

world, locally and globally.

in spirit: If you would like to know

what transpires in the UUFASAC, go

to http://lists.uuathensga.org/

listinfo.cgi/social_action-

uuathensga.org to join the listserv.

This will let you know what tran-

spires not only in the UUFA SAC but

also in the local Athens area in terms

of social action. Everyone is encour-

aged to sign up!

SHARE THE PLATE: For the 2014-

mentary will be given about this

cause; and additional time, talent, and

treasure information about this cause

will be available throughout the

month in the order of service and the

weekly announcements.

CANtributions to the

ATHENS AREA EMER-

GENCY FOOD BANK:

"We're #2; we're #2!? After twelve

months of competition among the

twenty-five area faith communities

CANtributing to the Athens Area

Emergency Food Bank, UUFA was

SECOND PLACE!! With our total

CANtributions for 2014 of 4116

items, we were 3979 items out of first

place but 812 items away from thrid

place. Keep those CANtributions

coming as we start counting again for

2015!

Place your donations in the wicker

basket in the sanctuary. Tuna, salti-

nes, pork and beans, and green peas

are always needed. You may also do-

nate money at the Grocery Card table

on Sunday mornings, and savvy SAC

shoppers will convert your cash or

check to cans.

15 program year, the December Cause

of the Month (the Athens Area Emer-

gency Food Bank) received

$1002.98 from sharing the offerings

equally with UUFA and another $585

specifically designated for that cause

for a total of $1587.98.

The total shared with the January

Cause of the Month—The Ark—will

be shared in the March Tapestry.

Remember that the only funds that are

truly shared between UUFA and the

Cause of the Month are these monies

you put in the offering plate beyond

your pledge and/or beyond any other

earmarked contributions. IF you have

any suggestions about what you would

like to see as a UUFA SAC Cause of

the Month, please contact David Jar-

rett (davidj8@charter.net).

CAUSE OF THE MONTH: The

Cause of the Month for February is

The Athens-Clarke Literacy Council.

On Sunday, February 1, a pulpit com-

PAGE 6 TAPESTRY

By Myrna Adams West, Chair, 60th Anniversary Committee

What a year of celebration we had in 2014!! January a year ago, we kicked off the Diamond JUU-

bilee with a preview of what the 60th Anniversary Committee was planning for the year-long focus

on, not just the Founders of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, Georgia, but also on the

men and women who over the last 60 years have stood courageously for civil rights, equality, justice,

education, liberal religion, and peace.

As I review our 60th year, I want to say a special thanks to the Diamond JUUbilee Committee, includ-

ing Carol-Lee Baker, Diane Bridges, Lee Cornell, Susan Curtis, Meredyth Fleisher, Jim Leebens-

Mack, Michelle Leebens-Mack, Ted Mayer, Hester Meyers, and Aleta Turner. Each member of the committee ac-

cepted at least one special area of responsibility but worked with each other and many, many other members and

friends of the Fellowship to make the year a rousing success. Four email “lurkers” also contributed ideas, materials,

and moral support. They are Rev. Alison Wilbur Eskildsen, Karen Solheim, Patty Freeman-Lynde and Barbara Tes-

key. UUFA’s paid staff — Congregational Administrator Shaye Gambrell, Bookkeeper Angela Brown and RE Direc-

tor Morgan Watson —were also invaluable in helping us take care of the details.

Lee Cornell took the committee’s many ideas of what a logo might look like and made them work, producing the

beautiful Diamond JUUbilee logo that was used throughout the year on everything from wall banners to bumper

stickers to mugs to tee shirts to tote bags to a fabulous cloth banner that Karen Solheim proudly carried at UUA Gen-

eral Assembly in Providence, Rhode Island. That special banner was made by Scott Mason and Suzanne Reeves with

contributions by Kathy Mason, Kay Giese, Herb West and Myrna Adams West.

Susan Curtis coordinated publicity throughout the year, work-

ing with Rev. Alison and Shaye Gambrell to create a pres-

ence on the website with a dedicated Diamond JUUbilee

Page, a blog, photos and other articles to highlight the year-

long activities. She ensured that blurbs and articles in the

Tapestry, the weekly E-news and the weekly orders of service

kept the congregation informed about what was happening

related to the 60th celebration. She also regularly sent press

releases to the local media, even though only a few were pub-

lished, and informed the Southern Region and the UUA of

our activities.

Monthly lobby displays highlighting a different ministry of

the Fellowship and “Anniversary Moments,” given by mem-

bers of the 60th Anniversary Committee and other members

of UUFA, also helped keep the congregation informed about

the events and activities of the celebration. Those who spoke

about the Diamond JUUbilee from the podium included Myr-

na Adams West, Michelle Leebens-Mack, Hester Meyers,

Diane Bridges, Aleta Turner, Caryl Sundland, Herb West,

Elizabeth Bishop-Martin, John Olive, Rich Rayburn, Virginia

Carver, Roger Bailey, Joy Carroll and Lee Cornell.

In February, Michelle Leebens-Mack coordinated a look at

our connections to the larger UU Community, including the

Unitarian Universalist Association, the Mid-South District

and the Southern Region, The Mountain Retreat & Learning

Centers, and our sister congregation in Okland, Romania.

Michelle also led the search for a dynamic speaker for the big

event in November.

Foyer Art

Reviewing UUFA’s Diamond JUUbilee

Continued on page 7.

Blooms & Boats by Dr. David Jarrett

FOYER ART — These are all prints of digital

photographs I have taken over the past few years

with my old Nikon D50 digital camera. My father

taught and inspired me to pursue his interest in

photography since my early adolescence.

I still enjoy looking at prints of his photographs from

around the world. Switching from film to digital has

allowed me to shoot freely and pick the few good

shots from hundreds of attempts. The photos in this

collection show two aesthetics I enjoy: the scenic

shot with boats in the foreground and the ultra-close-

up of flowers taken with the macro lens. The

landscapes are mostly from around Stonington,

Maine. The lighthouse is on Isle au Haut off the

coast of Deer Isle. The lobster buoys are on the wall

of an antique shop in Stonington. The rushing water

is from a little waterfall/rapids near the Library and

harbor in Camden, Maine.

The flowers, the stone angel and the pond with the

mansion in the background were all taken at the

Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC. That pond, you

may recall was the setting for the last scene in the

Peter Sellers movie, “Being There” where his

character appears to walk on water of the pond. My

photo uses a similar angle as the shot in the film with

the house in the background.

PAGE 7 TAPESTRY

In March Hester Meyers invited our two living Founders,

Ethel Foster and Don Martin Sr., to sit down with her and

Lee Cornell to film an interview about their remembrances

of the early meetings and the other founders. Mrs. Foster

was also able to join us for the worship services and Fo-

rum, and the other living Founder, Don Martin Sr., sent his

son as his representative on that special Sunday when we

recognized all of the Founders. That morning’s Forum was

dedicated to our early leaders. Among those leaders were

Larry Dendy, Stu Fors, Margaret Holt, Elizabeth Bishop-

Martin, Ann Woodruff and Jim Woodruff, who formed a

panel to highlight their memories of the early years. A por-

tion of the video interview with Ethel Foster and Don Mar-

tin Sr., shown that morning, recognized the other Founders:

Jack Foster, Ruben Gotesky, Ann Martin, Gladys Mont-

gomery, Horace Montgomery, Paul Pfuetze and Thad

Suits.

Diane Bridges searched out information on our buildings

and grounds for the April celebration—not just the current

building but the two earlier buildings and other meeting

locations that came before. She also researched the origins

of the special objects in and around the Timothy Road

building that have been created by, donated by, and en-

joyed by our members and friends for, lo, these many

years.

In May, Meredyth Fleisher, who was then our ministerial

intern, helped us celebrate Lifespan Religious Education,

spotlighting our excellent Children and Youth RE pro-

grams and the many opportunities for adults to expand

their horizons through the Forum, Stepping Stones and oth-

er learning and service opportunities. Meredyth also digit-

ized the 50th Anniversary Timeline that was constructed for

that celebration 10 years ago by Barbara and John Schell

and Catherine Kleiner and worked with the Youth, espe-

cially Garrett Cornell, to video members as they shared

their special memories of UUFA.

In June, Caryl Sundland, Karen Solheim and other mem-

bers of the Social Action Committee helped us spotlight

the Social Action/Social Justice projects that continue to

make a positive difference in the lives of men, women, and

children in the greater Athens-Clarke area. We also re-

membered some of the people, like Horace Montgomery,

Janet Pomeroy and Ray MacNair, who made an impact on

the larger community through their dedicated service to

social justice.

Two special Sunday services in July highlighted our crea-

tive Spiritual Arts programs with one service, organized by

Michelle Leebens-Mack, that spotlighted Virginia Carver’s

inspired and inspiring dancing and Karen Pinkie Berg-

Jubilee Continued from Page 6. man’s stirring cello accompaniment. Another Sunday

that month, the Writing as Spiritual Practice writers, en-

couraged by Myrna Adams West, shared their moving

and heartfelt prose and poetry in a service titled

“Journeying Within.”

In August, we welcomed Music Director Amber Fetner

home from her sabbatical just in time to celebrate our

fabulous Music Program. We recognized Stu Fors, who

organized the first choir, and other musical leaders, such

as Elizabeth Bishop-Martin, who directed the choir for

more than 10 years, Jean Bryan, who was pianist for 10

years, and Albie Smith, who was pianist for 15 years.

Highlights that month included a moving In-Gathering

Service built around “Holy Waters” gathered from sum-

mer adventures. At the end of the month Rev. Alison

took us on a “Magical Mystical Tour,” in a service fea-

turing members of our two house bands in a tribute to

The Beatles.

In September we launched Sixty Days of Celebration

counting down to a special party on November 1. We

celebrated our ministers, administrators, and leaders,

from both the hallowed past and the spectacular present.

One of the highlights was Rev. Alison’s casting of her

experiences in a United Methodist Seminary as “Alison

Down the Rabbit Hole.” Another was the look at shared

ministry at UUFA by Rev. Alison, the Rev. Don Randall,

who is our Affiliated Community Minister, and the Rev.

Terre Balof, who was UUFA’s settled minister for 13

years, in a panel discussion moderated by Lay Minister

for Spiritual Arts, Myrna Adams West.

We began the month of October with the Congregational

Retreat at The Mountain, with activities coordinated by

Herb West. The retreat was attended by a record-

breaking 73 adults, youth and children. Then we took a

day of service to both the Fellowship and the community

with some members and friends working together on an

internal service project to spruce up our building and

grounds in a well-attended Fall Clean-up Day, organized

by Terry Jones, Lee Cornell and others. Simultaneously

other members and friends participated in an external

service project, coordinated by Julie Sapp, working with

other Habitat for Humanity volunteers to build an acces-

sibility ramp at a local residence.

In November we celebrated our members, friends and

partners in ministry at an anniversary party attended by

more than 130 folks, including Founder Ethel Foster,

UUA Moderator Jim Key, Southern Region Staffer Mag-

gie Lovins, Athens-Clarke Mayor Nancy Denson, and

several of our local Partners in Ministry.

Every member of the Diamond JUUbilee Committee

Continued on Page 8.

PAGE 8 TAPESTRY

worked diligently to make the party an unforgettable ex-

perience. Michelle Leebens-Mack and Meredyth Fleisher

spent hours throughout the year scoping out venues and

caterers. We finally settled on the Oconee County Civic

Center as the venue because of its proximity to the Fel-

lowship, its total accessibility for all abilities, its amenities

and the reasonable fees. Ted Mayer and Jim Leebens-

Mack volunteered to seek out food vendors, and everyone

on the committee pitched in to provide finger foods,

drinks and goodies.

Carol Lee Baker’s imaginative tablescapes and resource-

ful scouting for linens, dishes and silverware (with help

from Patty Freeman-Lynde) made the large room seem at

once warm, inviting and spacious. Lee Cornell’s slide

show and the display of the monthly exhibits and the re-

furbished timeline (thanks to John & Barbara Schell) gave

everyone something to focus on and discuss while mem-

bers of You Band provided gathering music. Larry Pet-

roff’s roaming camera work made everyone feel as if they

were at a high-end resort gathering. A welcome by Rev.

Alison, live greetings from Mayor Denson and Maggie

Lovins, as well as recorded greetings from UUA Presi-

dent, the Rev. Peter Morales, and friend of UUFA, the

Rev. Mark Kiyimba, set the tone for the inspiring message

from Jim Key. The presentation of the Anniversary Cake

by the children, dressed in their yellow Diamond JUU-

bilee shirts (courtesy of Lee Cornell) and lively singing by

BlUUgrass Folks closed out the afternoon.

A display of photographs of current and former members

and friends graced the sanctuary throughout November

and December, thanks to photographers Elizabeth Bish-

op-Martin, Lee Reed, Larry Petroff and Betsy Bean.

After a year of looking back at and celebrating our illus-

trious history, in December we looked ahead so that we

can move forward into the next 60 years and beyond.

We asked for dreams and expectations of Where do we

go from here? What are the dreams and goals and ambi-

tions of even our youngest members? What do we think

this Fellowship will look like, be like, be involved in

over the next 60 years? Information about the answers

to these questions and more as we move ahead into 2015

and beyond will be shared soon.

The work of the 60th Anniversary Committee continues

into 2015 as we prepare to publish an update to Horace

Montgomery’s treatise on the founding of UUFA, “In

Pursuit of the American Birthright: A Quarter-Century

of Unitarian-Universalist Involvement in Athens, 1954-

1979,” and his two later updates, “Pursuit Continued,

1980-1985” and “Still Pursuing, 1986-1988.” We hope

to make the updated history available in time for the

Congregational Annual Meeting in May.

We also plan to bury a time capsule on the Spring Equi-

nox. If you have contributions or ideas for the time cap-

sule, please see Diane Bridges, Lee Cornell or Morgan

Watson.

Finally, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all who

participated in any way in the year-long celebration, not

just to members of the committee and others mentioned

here but to all of the members and friends of UUFA. It

is your dedication, devotion, and participation that help

to make UUFA an outstanding beacon of liberal religion

Working with UUFA's Volunteer Recognition Team, the

Ministry Council is launching its 2015 apprecia-

tion of volunteers by focusing on the Fellowship

Lay Ministry cluster in February. The other 5

clusters will celebrate their volunteers in alter-

nate months through the year.

Led by Lay Minister Ange Kahn, the Fellowship

cluster includes Sunday Hospitality, the Mem-

bership Committee, weekly and monthly social

get-togethers, and Pastoral Care and Care Rings.

Since taking on the cluster in 2014, Ange has been work-

ing to build involvement in Sunday hospitality volunteer-

ing twice each Sunday and thanks Kate Blane, Connie

Bruce, Lee Cornell, Sunnie Dempsey, Dan Everett, Linda

Gilbert, Bob Kobres, Jane Kobres, and Cory Taylor for

Jubilee Continued from Page 7.

their working to have refreshments ready for every-

one. To help make sure members, friends, and

visitors can enjoy coffee and tea, please contact

Ange at Fellowship@uuathensga.org or 706-318-

2250.

Thanks also to members of the Membership Com-

mittee - Larry Dendy (chair), Lynn Rinker, Gary

Rinker, Larry Petroff, Sherri Tanner, Kip Tanner,

Betsy Bean, Carol-Lee Baker, Linda Kjelgaard,

Mary Jean Hartel - who manage the Visitors Table, wel-

coming newcomers at every service, and present the New

UU programs.

As part of the February celebration, Ange and the Volun-

teer Recognition Team are highlighting the ongoing ef-

We Celebrate the Fellowship Cluster's Volunteers in February

Continued on Page 9.

PAGE 9 TAPESTRY

In 2014 team members and helpers provided 12 medical

rides, made 40 home visits, talked by phone or at the Fel-

lowship with over 100 people, sent 50 cards of concern

and 48 birthday cards to members over 75 years old, and

provided at least 58 rides to Sunday services.

UUFA also provides pastoral care to members through its

seven Care Rings. Upon joining the Fellowship, all mem-

bers are assigned to a Care Ring. Each Care Ring has its

own coordinator(s) and is composed of seven or more

families/single households in the same vicinity. Care Ring

members offer support in dealing with crises or stressful

situations. They also share members' joys: a new child in

the family, special birthdays, anniversaries and honors.

This year the Care Ring coordinators are Blue - Anna

Eidsvik (Peggy Horton had coordinated for a number of

years), Fuchsia - Gini Carter and Vivian Preston-Sellers

(Suzanne Murphy had coordinated for a number of years),

Green - Rosemary Woodel and Fabiana Hayden, Yellow -

Jane King and Carol-Lee Baker, Orange - Penny Oldfa-

ther, Silver - Kay Fors, and Purple - Debbie Hardegree and

Michael Martin. Contact Susan Ponsoldt at 706-548-

4821 for more information about the Care Ring Program.

Martha Phillips of the Volunteer Recognition Team is co-

ordinating the February 8 celebration which will feature a

song she has just written to celebrate UUFA volunteers.

Also helping are team members Carol-Lee Baker, Diane

Bridges, Barbara Leissner, Jane Mayer, Herb West, and

chair Susan Curtis.

Cluster Volunteers Continued from Page 8.

forts of the Pastoral Care Team and the Care Ring Coor-

dinators during the February 8 services.

The Pastoral Care Team supports the minister by provid-

ing a ministry of caring, support, and hope so that no

member of our congregation need be alone. Based on the

first UU principle, to affirm the inherent worth and dig-

nity of every person, the members visit/call the sick or

injured in the hospital or at home; visit/call members

residing in nursing homes, retirement communities, or

who are homebound; contact those who are dealing with

terminal illness or bereavement; stay in touch with mem-

bers who are affected by chronic mental or physical con-

ditions; and respond to the joys and concerns of the con-

gregation. Serving on the Team are volunteers Carol-Lee

Baker, Jean Bleyle, Albie Smith, John Huff, Debby Per-

ry, Rev. Dr. Don Randall, team leader Susan Ponsoldt,

all working with Rev. Alison Eskildsen.

Those in need may contact Rev. Alison at 706-424-

9449 or rev.eskildsen@uuathensga.org, Susan Ponsoldt

at 706-548-4821 orponsoldt@msn.com, or any of the

members of the Pastoral Care Team.

In addition to the team members, other volunteers pro-

vide transportation to UUFA services and medical ap-

pointments and reach out with visits, cards of caring and

celebration. Among the drivers are Jane Kobres, Peggy

and Bill Horton, Hester Meyers, Susan Brown, Michael

Martin, John Bleyle, Diane Bridges, and Suzanne and

Chuck Murphy, and Susan Ponsoldt. Hester Meyers,

Bobby Tyler and Debbie Hardegree send the cards.

Members and friends gather on January 18 for

a Congregational Meeting to Vote on Bylaws

Changes. For more on the changes and a high-

light of January’s board meeting, see page 3.

If you eat food, you are invited to attend the next meet-

ing of the Ethical Eating Discussion group on Tues-

day, February 24, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring a potluck

dish to share and to explain to the group how and/or

why you consider it ethical.

Then join in for a viewing of Cowspiracy (www.cow

spiracy.com). One of its basic points is that animal agri-

culture contributes more to global warming than the

whole transportation sector so why are the big environ-

mental organizations not talking more about it? The

film also discusses the dairy industry.

The Ethical Eating Discussion group is open to any per-

son who eats food: omnivore, herbivore, pescatarian,

vegan, vegetaran, and/or gluten-freer. For further infor-

mation, contact Kate Blane (raya_mead@y ahoo.com).

Education & Fellowship

People Who Eat Wanted!

PAGE 10 TAPESTRY

Sign up Sundays for Enjoyable En-

tertainment Events Only a few seats

remain for some of this spring's En-

joyable Entertainment Events, so

bring your calendars and your

checkbooks to sign up and buy your

tickets on Sundays in the Fellowship

Hall!

Still available are tickets for the fol-

lowing:

January 31, 7 p.m.: Poetry and Pie

hosted by Rich Rayburn and Hilda

Kurtz

February 14, 6 p.m.: Valentine's

Day Dinner at the Fellowship

hosted by Merridy McDaniel,

Carol-Lee Baker, Lee Cornell, Kathy

Stege, and Betty Rice

February 27, 6:30 p.m.: Winter

Break--Chili and Games hosted by

the Kathy and Scott Mason and Jean

and John Blyles

February 28, 7:30 p.m.: Poetry and

Pie hosted by Penny Oldfather, Kay

Giese, and Mary Jean Hartel

April 11, 10 a.m.: Spring Brunch

hosted by Herb and Myrna Adams

West

Enjoyable Entertainment Events are a

great way to engage in fellowship and

fun! All tickets only $15 each with all

proceeds going to UUFA's remaining

contribution to UUA's GIFT pro-

gram! Watch for additional Enjoya-

ble Entertainment Events available

as they become available.

Would you like to host a Spring

Enjoyable Entertainment Event?

Contact Jane Mayer (jamkp42@

hotmail.com or706.614.4926), sign

All levels of players are welcome at

the second Friday Scrabble games!

Meet in the Fellowship Hall at 7 pm.

Often there are cookies!

Book Talks, has been meeting for at

UUFA for 17 years and has dis-

cussed more than 150 fiction and

nonfiction books, suggested by the

members, have been read. Members

take turns preparing a light lunch to

go along with the discussion. Con-

tact Clarissa Finco (706-543-6064) for

more information. A complete list of

books to be discussed this year is here:

http://uuathensga.org/fellowship/fun-

fellowship/ This month’s discussion

will be on The Years the Lights Came

On by Terry Kay.

Second Lookers meets on Tuesday

each month (Feb. 10) at noon is a

chance for men and women who have

retired from jobs, but most certainly,

not from life! We are interested and

interesting older members of the Fel-

lowship who gather to catch up with

each other over brown bag lunches

and coffee followed by a program of

interest to members.

Come check us out. Please con-

tact Sally Randall (706-769-7540,

sallyjrandall@gmail.com) for more

information or to give a presentation

at a meeting.

Fun & Fellowship

Scrabble, Book Talks, and Second Lookers

Please let John Olive know a week

ahead of time what value (and store)

grocery cards you need. He will

have them waiting for you at the Fel-

lowship the following week. The

Fellowship earns 3% on Publix cards

and 7% on Earthfare cards. Thanks

for supporting the UUFA through

your grocery purchases!

(jolive@uga.edu, 706 424-2715)

NEW MEMBER RECOGNI-

TION SCHEDULED FEB. 15!

Newcomers who have recently

joined the Fellowship will be intro-

duced in a New Member Recogni-

tion Ceremony during the morning

service on Feb. 15. If you have

been considering becoming a mem-

ber and would like to be included in

this ceremony, contact Rev. Alison

or Larry Dendy, chair of the Mem-

bership Committee (ldendy@uga.

edu, 706-546-0431).

Saturday, May

9, from 8-noon.

Save your

Stuff: Watch

for further an-

nouncements

about when and where to deliver

your merchandise contributions.

Save your Energy: Want to help

with the yard sale? Talk to Sherri or

click here. For further information,

contact Sherri Tanner sherritan-

ner12@yahoo.com or 706.424.8310).

Grocery Fundraiser at

Publix & Earthfare

Stewardship & Fellowship

Enjoyable Entertainment Events

UUFA

A beacon of liberal religion and spirituality in Northeast Georgia

We invite you to experience this caring community and discover how

you might find meaning in this religiously free and open Fellowship.

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, or UUFA, includes

people of all ages and backgrounds who hold many beliefs. UUFA’s

mission, or purpose, is to care for one another while acting on the

shared principles of Unitarian Universalism. Join the many members

and friends of UUFA who explore what is of ultimate worth, seek per-

sonal truth and meaning, and live out UU values in the community and

beyond.

Unitarian Universalism is a historic religion with roots in the radical

Protestant Reformation. Over the centuries it has welcomed new ide-

as, embraced diverse beliefs, and become an inclusive spiritual tradi-

tion. Please explore this website and discover the Fellowship’s rich

heritage and future promise.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens

780 Timothy Road, Athens, Georgia 30606

706-546-7914, uufa@uuathensga.org

www.uuathensga.org Office Hours

Monday through Thursday, 10 am-4 pm

Friday, 10 am-noon.

Other times by appointment.

To share news, email infoshare@uuathensga.org

For pastoral care concerns, contact Susan Ponsoldt,

CARE Program Coordinator, at 706-548-4821.

Rev. Alison Eskildsen, Minister

706-424-9449 ©, rev.eskildsen@uuathensga.org

Rev. Dr. Don Randall, Community Minister

706-353-0709, drrandall5@gmail.com

Amber Fetner, Music Director Musicdirector@uuathensga.org

Morgan Watson, Dir. of Religious Education,

dre@uuathensga.org

Shaye Gambrell, Congregational Administrator

uufa@uuathensga.org

Robert Hjelmstad, Pianist, rhjelmstad@gmail.com

Angela Brown, Bookkeeper@uuathensga.org

Sometimes people forget how easy it is

to bruise one another. Modern social

media makes this especially easy. It

lends anonymity, allowing people to

hurl verbal abuse without fear of retali-

ation or its other consequences. When-

ever abuse targets someone it creates

wounds that require healing.

Another community event held at the

Athens-Clarke County Library during

the MLK holiday highlighted the need

for healing. Two panels were held, the

first consisting of police that focused

on protocols for citizens stopped by

police, what leads to escalating vio-

lence during police actions, and what

arrest statistics indicate about possible

racial profiling or inequities. The sec-

ond panel consisted of a variety of

community leaders, including elected

officials. It addressed minority repre-

sentation in local politics, upcoming

Georgia legislation, and more. Eight

UUFA members attended.

I mention this meeting because it

shows our larger Athens area leaders

reaching across racial, ethnic, and po-

litical differences to create a better

Rev. Alison Wilbur Eskildsen

Community Engagement

“Thank you!” to members who gar-

dened at Hill Chapel Baptist Church

and/or who attended the Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., ecumenical

service at First AME Church on

Mon., Jan. 19. It was a lively service

made especially joyful by our

Choir’s wonderful singing. Especial-

ly meaningful to me was hearing

Rev. A.R. Killian speak about his

feelings upon returning to the United

States after serving in World War II

in Germany. He shared how he was

treated equally and with respect in

Germany, only to return home to

Georgia to feel like a second-class

citizen. He felt betrayed by America

despite his army service.

Rev. Killian’s story poignantly re-

minds me of how racism destroys

one’s soul, or one’s sense of self-

worth. Even beyond racism’s ability

to cause pain, whenever anyone is

marginalized or objectified it signifi-

cantly impacts the person’s confi-

dence, resiliency, and sense of self.

community for all. It gives me hope

that our town will not blow up in vio-

lence like Ferguson, MO. It gives me

hope that we can work together to

meet the needs of all people in and

around Athens.

Religion can offer a means for people

to find happiness by giving guidance

for personal improvement and how to

live more meaningful lives, thus

making their lives happier. Social

justice and religious/ethical values

are interdependent because when jus-

tice is served, people’s lives get bet-

ter. If we’re worried about where our

next meal will come from or whether

we’ll be arrested for ‘driving while

black’, for example, then we can’t

focus on more meaningful activities.

Justice and values are intertwined in

Unitarian Universalism. Our First

Principle asks us to treat each other

with respect and dignity. Our Seventh

Principle affirms that one person’s

happiness is dependent upon an-

other’s happiness. I’m happy that

members of UUFA affirm these and

are active in the larger Athens com-

munity as well as within our UU Fel-

lowship. You are a blessing to the

world!

Wondering with AWE

Family Tree

Religious Education for Children & Youth FEBRUARY 2015

Morgan Watson

Director of Religious Education

dre@uuathensga.org

www.uuathensga.org~ EDUCATION tab

Spring Schedule & Curricula During both services, children gather with their parents in

the sanctuary for the first 15-20 min and are then serenaded

by the congregation on to their Religious Education (RE)

activities.

8:45-12:45~ Nursery for children 3 & under

Our nursery caregivers, Erin Favre & Marcus Prince are

happy to care for our youngest UUs during services.

Children of all ages may join them during the forum or any

other UUFA activities held between services. Children

through age 4 may attend the nursery during all-ages

services.

9am Service

Discoverers (mixed elementary) meets in the Ocean

Room for the World of Friends world religion and

culture curriculum.

10:15-11:15 (Between Services)

Youth Group (gr 6-12) meets in the Youth Room on

2nd

& 4th

Sundays for Sharing the Journey: Small

Group Ministry with Youth. This UUA Tapestry of

Faith curriculum can be seen at:

http://uua.org/re/tapestry/youth/journey/index.shtml.

Our Whole Lives lifespan human sexuality program begins

the Grade K-1 level Sunday, February 1 with a Parent

Orientation meeting from 1:30-4pm in the Rainbow Room.

Class meets the 2nd

and 4th Sundays through May.

11:30am Service

Chalice Children (preK-K) meets in the Forest Room

for Chalice Children: A UU Preschool Curriculum

Rainbows (gr 1-2) meets in the Rainbow Room for the

World of Friends world religion and culture curriculum.

Seekers (gr 3-5) meets in the Ocean Room for the

World of Friends curriculum. Rainbows & Seekers will

occasionally meet together for their activities.

Children’s Charity Each Sunday during RE Class or the CWS, we pass an

offering can to give children the opportunity to donate to our

children’s charity, Food 2 Kids, a program of the Food Bank

of Northeast Georgia which assists children who are at risk

of hunger by sending them home from school with easy-to-

prepare bags of food. Please encourage your children to

bring their change or dollar bills for this love offering.

February Sunday Activities

Feb. 1 Children’s Worship Service (CWS)

Children & youth begin in the sanctuary, then dismiss to the

Ocean Room for our monthly 1st Sunday Children’s

Worship Service. This Sunday, we introduce the monthly

theme: Buddhism~ Be Here Now. We’ll learn the hymn

Filled with Loving Kindness and act out the story of

Buddha’s birth. Parents are welcomed to either stay for

CWS or go into the Sanctuary.

Feb. 8 Class Lessons

Chalice Children~ Rainbows: Children explore the

science and awe of this colorful phenomenon.

Discoverers, Rainbows, & Seekers~ Buddha in the

Garden: Children learn about the Enlightenment of

Buddha and practice some meditation and chanting.

Feb. 15 Class Lessons

Chalice Children~ Valentine’s Day

Discoverers, Rainbows, & Seekers~ Dragon Parade:

We’ll learn about the customs behind the Chinese New

Year and work on our dragon for next Sunday’s worship

service.

Feb. 22 All- Ages Worship Service

Abundant Good Fortune~ Need a second chance on

your New Year's resolutions? Well, it's out with the old

and in with the new on this Chinese New Year. A Dragon

Dance encourages prosperity. All are invited to wear red

or Asian-inspired clothing for good luck!

Bee Friends Sunday, February 8

You are invited to come to the

All-Ages Forum at 10:15 to

learn about caring for our

pollinators and the Mason

Bees that we will be nurturing

this year. Through this shared

learning experience, all ages

can make new friends, young

and old, insect and human.

Sunday, February 15

Our Bee Friends Workshop if held from 1:30 – 3:00pm.

Again, all ages will work together to build mason bee

houses, plant flowering plants, make signs for our bee

friends and, most importantly, strengthen friendships in

our UUFA community.

Mountain

CONs

Join these gatherings of

UU kids from all over the

southeast for fun and

fellowship in a beautiful

mountain-top setting. Cost

is $100 or $50 if

scholarship application completed three weeks before each

con. For more info and to register, visit The Mountain’s Con

Page. Adults, want a free trip to the Mountain?

Contact Morgan to register as a chaperone to one of our

youth CONs! Fall Con dates are: Elementary (ages 8-11): March 13-15

Middle School (ages 11-14): March 20-22

High School (ages14-18): April 10-12

Whirligig

Wednesdays

February 4

March 4

April 1

May 6

Kids and adults of all ages are invited to play interactive

mixer games, board games, and other fun activities on the

first Wednesday of each month. Folks are also welcomed to

bring their cards or favorite game and encouraged to share a

dish or side at the 6:30 Potluck Dinner in the Fellowship

Hall. Contact Morgan to share a mixer game or activity.

Childcare is available for our littlest UUs, too! Parents

should sign in before attending other UUFA activities.

5:30-7:30pm beginning in the Ocean Room

Simple

Saturdays February 21

March 21

April 18

May 23

Join other UUFA families for

an evening of food and fellowship , usually on the third

Saturday of each month but culminating in a daytime picnic

on Memorial Day weekend. Bring a potluck dish or side to

share and any games or activities children might enjoy.

5:30-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall

More Fun to Come! Peace Camp for Adults~ March 27-28

Easter Egg Hunt~ Sunday, April 5

Seder Dinner~ Saturday, April 11

Sailing into Summer~ Sunday, May 31

Youth Group~

Footloose

Fridays February 13

March 13

April 17

May 15

Kick off your shoes and leave

the school week woes behind!

Each month, youth in grades 6-

12 can enjoy a variety of activities geared especially for

teens, including games, music, movies, and service

opportunities. February’s event begins with a Wackytines

Party from 6-8pm, where the youth can make Valentine

cards and play wild and wonderful mixer games that’ll be

sure to get the sock feet a-sliding! From 8-10pm, youth can

design and decorate a dragon and practice the Dragon Dance

for February’s Chinese New Year worship service. Invite

your friends and bring your favorite pizza topping, plus a $3-

5 dinner offering. Youth can bring their favorite music to

share at any Footloose Friday. Parents must sign youth in.

6-10pm in the Fellowship Hall

Youth Advisory Council Wednesday, February 25

The Youth Advisory Council, made up of parents, Youth

Advisors, and Youth Reps, meets on the fourth Wednesday

of each month .Join us in coordinating the youth Sunday RE

curriculum, Footloose Fridays, FUNdraisers, service

projects, leadership opportunites, and other events and

outings. 6-7:30pm in the Administrative Office

Religious Education Committee Sunday, February 8

Please join the Religious Education Committee on the

second Sunday of each month to help coordinate all aspects

of the children’s program, including Sunday RE, monthly

gatherings, and special events. 1-2:30pm, Youth Room

Our Rainbow Principles You can find our UU Principles on the back of the order of

service each week, but how do we say these principles in

kid-friendly language? Here are the Rainbow Principles

posted in each classroom. The first letter also stands for a

color of the rainbow to make them easy to remember!

1. Respect the importance and value of all beings. 2. Offer

fair and kind treatment to all. 3. Yearn to learn and grow

thoughout life. 4. Grow by exploring ideas and values

together. 5. Believe in your ideas and act on them. 6. Insist

on peace, freedom, and justice for all, 7. Value our

interdependence with nature.