January 2012

When I joined the UUCT congregation eleven years ago my first volunteer role was as middle school RE teacher. Now, as the Director, I rarely get the opportunity to teach in the classroom. Last month two of our 3^rd – 5^th grade RE teachers were unable to teach at the last minute so I filled in and co-taught with RE Committee member Erin Powers. (Thanks Erin!) What a meaningful, wonderful, soul sparkling experience. We did yoga and talked about stretching our bodies and minds. We did a mirror dance with partners to slow, contemplative music and learned that we feel more connected to ourselves when we are connecting with others. We sat in silence and created personal Zen gardens with sand, shoe boxes, a few rocks, and plastic forks. One student commented on how he never knew doing something so simple could center his mind like that. He is 9. Hooray UU RE!  

I share this with you for two reasons. One, because I am hoping you will consider teaching RE. We always need more volunteers. I am looking to recruit two more teachers for this semester and am signing teachers up for next fall. Come see me if you’d like to volunteer. Or say “Yes!” when you are asked to teach. The second reason I share this with you is that I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach the upcoming Coming of Age class.  

Our first UU Tampa Coming of Age program for 11 - 14 year olds begins on Monday, January 23rd. Workshops take place on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month from 6:30 - 8:00. From the UUA Coming of Age curriculum: "As youth prepare to leave childhood, they are maturing physically, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. This maturation opens the door for greater understanding of their faith and Coming of Age programs address changes in youth's spiritual and faith development. The COA program will offer new ways for the youth to experience Unitarian Universalism. It will ask youth to reflect upon what it means to be a UU and provide a safe environment for questioning. Through activities, relationship building, and involvement in the broader community, it will accompany youth on their journeys of spiritual self-awareness."

If you would like to register your child in the class please send me an email. KatieCulbert@verizon.net. If transportation is an issue let me know – maybe we can organize a carpool! A tween/teen parent’s small group ministry will take place while the COA class meets. 

Coming Up in UUCT Family Ministry:

January 1: New Year’s Day Children’s Chapel lead by Katie during RE, followed by New Year’s Day party. 

January 13 – 15: Youth Group Conference in Jacksonville

January 15: Multigenerational worship lead by Roger Grugel, intern; Guest at Your Table collection; monthly PPP (Parents Potluck Picnic). 

February 18: Bring a Friend Sunday! Begin inviting your friends and family now to join us on Sunday, February 18.  

Happy Chalica!

Chalica was originally conceived by Daylene Marshall of Vancouver, BC as a way to celebrate and put into intentional practice the Seven Principles of the Unitarian Universalist tradition - one a night, for seven nights. The celebration begins on the first Monday of December, and is marked by the lighting of a chalice each day (or evening). Gifts that reflect the particular day's Principle may be given, but the focus tends to be more on mindfulness and action. (www.chalica.blogspot.com)

Please use this suggested outline to celebrate Chalica with your family this year. (Outline contributed by Daylene Marshall.)

Monday, December 5: We light our chalice for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Give gift(s) to honor those you do not understand / agree with / like. Example: Words of forgiveness / apology or a peace offering such as inviting someone to dinner.

Tuesday, December 6: We light our chalice for justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
Give gift(s) to honor those in your local community that are less fortunate. Example: Donate clothes or toys to a worthy organization or display kindness and care to those around you.

Wednesday, December 7: We light our chalice for acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
Give gift(s) to honor fellow Unitarians and their spiritual journey. Example: A chalice / book / hymnal or offer / take part in a UUCT event. 

Thursday, December 8: We light our chalice for a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
Give gift(s) to honor another tradition, to honor education. Example: Offer to/ take part in an event that celebrates another religion / tradition or teach someone something you know and love.

Friday, December 9: We light our chalice for the right of conscious and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
Give gift(s) to honor democracy. Example:  Write your government or help a committee at church.

Saturday, December 10: We light our chalice for the goal of world peace, liberty and justice for all.
Give gift(s) to honor our global community. Example: Write a letter for Amnesty International, donate to a cause such as UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, etc.

Sunday, December 11: We light our chalice for respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Give gift(s) to our earth and/or its creatures. Example: Start composting or recycle bottles and cans and donate the money to an animal aid society.

On Sunday, December 11^th we will hold a Chalica worship for all ages at 11:00 a.m.

Please note there will be no RE classes held on Sunday, December 25^th. Children and youth are invited to join their families in worship.