Interim Reflections
This month is filled with
uncertainty. Just this week, you are awaiting
reports of the canvass plus the Search Committee report of the results of their
work this year on your behalf. This may
be a good time to respond to those who requested the following information, and
remind you how UUMAN is different from other organizations to which you
belong.
I spoke of these differences
when we welcomed new members to UUMAN. It
is within this community, as you share together in worship and activities, that
you are allowed and encouraged to deal with ultimate questions of
relatedness.
My colleague and mentor,
Robert Latham, shared his competence and ideas with us as we created the Russell Lockwood Leadership
School in the Mountain Desert
District early in my ministry career. I
have been grateful throughout the years for his wisdom, and his ways of making
information such as these basic questions so accessible to all. He entitled them "The Five Most Compelling
Questions of Existence.”
Who am I? The question
of being. This is a question about the
nature of humanity. Where do humans fit
in the scheme of things? Are they good
or evil? Worthy or unworthy? Equal or unequal? Potent or impotent? In control or out of control?
How do I know what I know? The question
of authority. What is the source of
human knowing? Is it from within or
without? And how do I know what I know
to be true?
Who/what is in charge? The question of the ultimate. Who/what is in control of the universe? What is the ultimate universal value? What
creates or infuses experience with meaning?
What holds the universe together?
What is my purpose? This is the
question of worth. Why do humans exist?
What gives meaning to life? How is a
person made whole? Or fulfilled? (Our Christian Brothers and sisters refer to
this as “The Salvation Question”.)
What does my death mean? The question
about time. What happens at death? Is
there something beyond death? What does time
mean in human existence? How does human
life have a “beyond death” payoff?
(These questions and more are
found in "Unitarian Universalist Identity and Mission” by Robert T. Latham, The
Unitarian Universalist Extension Manual, pp. 21-35.)
May these be a reminder of
how important this congregation can be in your life. And may the decisions you make bring clarity
and success to this important time in the life of your spiritual/religious Unitarian
Universalist community.
In faith,
Sue Turner, Interim Minister
UUMAN Welcomes its Newest Members
article submitted by Laurie Wheeler
The membership committee on
behalf of the congregation extends a warm welcome to our newest members, who
formally joined UUMAN in February:
- Guillermo and Sara Kuhl, with daughters Emily& Claire
- Tanya and Richmond Parker, with daughter Kayla)
We are very happy that you have made the decision to join
us, and we look forward to getting to know you all, and helping you deepen your
roots in the community.
And a friendly reminder to everyone: Please remember to
wear your nametags every Sunday. It makes getting to know everyone much
easier!
Transcending Fear
Article submitted by Julie Lepp
In times of transition and uncertainty, it
may seem that fear has the upper hand. We look for the answers, and they are
not always obvious. If we can not clear our minds and our hearts to be able to
search for answers in the first place, then we are stuck in that place of fear
and inaction. Fear is just as deadly as the stony gaze of the Medusa, blocking
our path and keeping us on the same hamster wheel.
When I worked in
finance, I kept a quote in my cubicle that helped me with the pressure and
responsibilities of my job. I have also used this many times since, when I feel
my heart weighed down with uncertainty. or feel like I can not move forward
without confronting what holds me back.
The Litany Against Fear is an incantation
spoken by characters in Frank Herbert's 1965 novel
Dune and its sequels,
in order to focus their minds in times of peril. The litany is as follows:
I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that
brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me
and through me.
And when it has gone past I will
turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there
will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
Even in fear, there are windows of hope. Even in the midst
of overwhelming circumstance there is that small breadcrumb path that helps you
find the way through.
May it be so.
Mark the date: Annual Passover Seder coming up in April
article submitted by Carolyn Lee
UUMAN's Annual Passover Seder is
Sat.
evening, April 11th at 5:30pm. This is kid-friendly service where
attendee participation is wanted and encouraged- anyone who can read! This is
an important social justice service that relates the Moses-led exodus of the
Hebrews from Egypt as told in the Old Testament of the Bible. We UUs like to add
our own twist, so it makes for a more interesting and relevant service. Come
one, come all.
The sign up poster will be in Fellowship Hall by
the middle of March. The food does not have to be "Jewish" other than the seder
plate ingredients, which I provide. Please sign up for food and how many will
attend- we need a head count ahead of time since this is a sitdown service and
dinner right after.
Questions? Contact Carolyn Lee:
or
404-219-7625.
Got ye any old instruments in need of some serious love?
article submitted by Margi Pietsch and Chuck Jones
Do you have an old clarinet or violin in your closet?
Musical Missions of Peace is now a certified Non-Profit Organization on Ebay. In order to transfer the value of your old
musical instruments into the hands of an Iraqi refugee child all you have to be willing to do is describe, photograph and ship that
instrument, when sold, to a buyer somewhere here in the USA!
While not affiliated
with the UUA, MMP has a novel approach to generate contributions to support
Iraqi refugee children. If you have old
musical
instruments that can be sold to raise money for this cause, you
can research this organization and its mission at
http://www.musicalmissionsofpeace.org - or contact the individual directly responsible for this particular donation drive:
cameron@musicalmissions.com
Looking for work?
article submitted Joseph Nalette
I have started a Yahoo group for
unemployed people in north Atlanta. I post job
fairs, and any other outlets that that I know of that looking to hire and to help out people
find work here in the area.
My Yahoo group is also intended for people to network and get
ideas as to finding work, since the traditional job boards are overwhelmed with
so many applicants and fewer jobs.
The yahoo group address is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unemployed_in_n_atlanta/
I also recently got certified
by the state of Georgia for Insurance writing for
Long Term Care, Life and Auto insurances. I also do debt management- helping
people save money for retirement of for kids education, and can originate
Mortgage’s including refinancing. I can be reached at
jnalette@gmail.com or by phone at
404-304-5834.
March Worship Services
March 1, 2009
Promises, Promises / New Member Induction Ceremony - Reverend Sue Turner (worship associate Cliff Brown)
March 8, 2009
Reconciling Love - Miriam Bellamy (worship associate Jim Saunders
Telling the truth about ourselves in important relationships - being
honest about who we really are - is the work of the soul. When we
show our loved ones these "hidden truths" about ourselves we find the
path to true love and peace with each other. We reconcile ourselves to
each other. Telling the truth about ourselves has implications not
only on a personal level but also on a national and international
level. Whether it is at the international negotiations table or the
dinner table it is the same work. It's all about truth telling - more
refining of self in relationship.
March 15, 2009
Through the glass lightly - Reverend Sue Turner (worship associate: Miriam Bellamy)
March 22, 2009
Free to be UU and Me - worship associate Randy Blausch
Annual Youth Oriented Service, bridging seniors and Our Whole Lives (OWL)
March 29, 2009
The Religion of Baseball - Jim Saunders (worship associate Dave Hudson)
Ministry with Children and Youth Calendar Highlights
Mar 8 8.30-10.00am – Elementary RE Team Leaders Support meeting
Mar 13 5.30-8.30pm – Family Ministry Team Meeting
Mar 21 10.00 am – Youth Service rehearsal
Mar 22 – Annual Youth Service!
Mar 27-29 – MSD YAC ‘Spirituality Development Con’ (UUCA)
Mar 29 12-2.30pm – MCY Council Meeting, Discovery Hall
Contact Toniann
Office Hours:
Tuesday 10.00am-2.00pm
Friday 10.00am-3.00pm
Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm
Office Telephone
(770) 992-3949
Email
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UUMANTimes is the newsletter of the Unitarian
Universalist Metro Atlanta North congregation. We heartily welcome all types of
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