Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, watermelon all will be served at our JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION at UUFEC! On that Friday we will have water games and outside fun for the kids (wear your suit!) and food and fellowship for the adults. Fireworks, courtesy of the Niceville/ Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, will begin at sundown, around 8 p.m. Reservations for you and your family MUST BE MADE BY JUNE 30th! The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under six. For that you get lots of food and a drink. To make a reservation please call the church office at 678-7197, Judy at 678-1561 or Patti at 217-8482. And if you would like to volunteer to bring a salad or to help please let us know.

CELEBRATING OUR UU VALUES

STEWARDSHIP Committee
Shar Farley, Chair

Imagination and possibility enable us to dream dreams that inspire hope for the future. Unfortunately, they can be easily destroyed by fear, guilt and anxiety. To protect them from negativity, we need to foster opportunities for their nurturing. Our annual stewardship campaign that raises money to grow our UU values and fund next year’s programs kicks off this month. Unlike other denominations who motivate their faithful to give out of fear for salvation or from a sense of obligation, we UU’s have the freedom of choice. We decide the amount of financial support we will pledge to our religious community. We are motivated from a sense of gratitude for what we both give and receive from membership in the UUFEC. Using the theme of “Imagine the Possibilities: Funding Our Values,” the Stewardship Team of the Finance Committee invites members and friends of UUFEC to participate in a variety of events where we
explore together what this Fellowship means to each of us. Topics designed to nurture our imaginations and find ways to live and grow our UU values will be the subject of a number of group encounters held this month. The first event is Sunday, February 3, when we will honor and recognize UUFEC members whose imagination and generosity provided the foundation for our present growth and well being. Sharing of UUFEC positive stories will continue during Second Hour on both February 3 and 10. On February 8, from 5:30 – 7PM a wine and cheese party for the entire congregation will be held at the Fellowship. That evening we will celebrate our UU values and give thanks for this wonderful Fellowship. Finally, on February 17, Celebration Sunday, we will have the opportunity to hand in our financial commitment forms during this special service. The Stewardship Team urges everyone to participate in these special congregational events. Check the February Order of Services for Wick reminders of dates and times. Events will also be posted on
UUFEC website and yahoo email.

PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING

GREEN SANCTUARY News
Don Hawkins

Non-recyclable, non-biodegradable plastic bags are made from waste of the petroleum industry. Each year our country is estimated to use 86 billion plastic bags. Where do they end up? Either blowing down our streets, tangled in the stomachs of whales, sea turtles and birds, buried in landfills or dumped into the sea where they will remain for 1,000 years. Africa has moved toward a continent-wide plastic bag ban. In China, where people use up to 3 billion plastic bags daily, the Chinese cabinet issued a directive that bans plastic bags production and imposes fees on their use. Other cities like Melbourne and San Francisco have banned bags outright. San Francisco was the first city in North America to ban non-recyclable and non-biodegradable bags made from petroleum products. Last week, New York City took a giant step forward in the fight against plastic. New York's City Council passed a bill requiring large stores and retail chains to collect then recycle plastic shopping bags. According to a New York Times report: "New York is by far the largest American city to enact so broad a measure to limit the environmental impact of the bags.”Help keep the momentum going here in the United States and just say no to plastic bags!

SOCIAL JUSTICE (Social Justice Presentation PDF)

Don Harrison

In the small west central Alabama town where I grew up, Southern hospitality was a matter of course. In the South, we take pride in our welcoming nature. As UUs, we pride ourselves as welcoming and open. No wonder we hear many questions about UUFEC’s Welcoming Congregation initiative. “But aren’t we already a welcoming congregation!” “Why are we singling out homosexuals? Isn’t it the job of our membership committee to welcome everyone?” To respond to these comments and questions, we need some context. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), in 1970,
formally went on record in support of the rights and worth of bisexual, gay, and lesbian persons. The UUA Common Vision Planning Committee heard from many individuals who felt profoundly unwelcomed, unaffirmed, and unsupported in their congregations. Anonymous surveys of thousands of UUs revealed many negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) persons. The hurtful exclusion that resulted could be subtle, polite, and unintentional, but made many bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender persons
feel that they did not have a safe or comfortable place in their home churches. Much of the justification used in our culture to promote anti homosexual feelings, legislation, and violence is couched in “religious” language. So it is particularly hard for LGBT persons to feel safe bringing their whole selves into churches. Even in UU congregations, many LGBT persons fear that revealing the gender of their partner might result in being asked to leave or enduring derision and ridicule, even if by just a few. A congregation can become truly welcoming of all marginalized populations only when it intentionally and separately focuses on and understands the ignorance, prejudice, and exclusions that each group must endure. Homophobia has a different dynamic and context that leads people to feel excluded from a religious community, and this needs to be specifically and aggressively confronted. In 1989, citing the first principle of our UU faith – that we “covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and
dignity of all persons” – delegates at GA voted to initiate the Welcoming Congregation Program. What are the commitments of a Welcoming Congregation?

A Welcoming Congregation…

• Is inclusive and expressive of LGBT concerns in every level of congregational life, welcoming not only their presence but their unique gifts.

• Uses a vocabulary of worship that reflects no assumption of anyone’s affectional/sexual orientation and/or gender identity through inclusive
language.

• Fully incorporates an understanding of LGBT experience throughout all programs, including religious education.

• Incorporates affirming and non-discriminatory language in its bylaws and other official documents, addressing all dimensions of congregational life including membership, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals.

• Engages in outreach to the LGBT community including support of LGBT affirmative groups such as PFLAG.

• Offers congregational and ministerial support for services of union and memorial services for LGBT persons and celebrations of evolving definitions of family.

• Celebrates the lives of all people, recognizing their committed relationships and equally affirms displays of caring and affection without regard
for sexual orientation.

• Seeks to nurture ongoing dialogue between people of different affectional/sexual orientations and gender identifications, and to create deeper
trust and sharing.

• Encourages the presence of a chapter of Interweave (UUs for LGBT concerns).

• Affirms and celebrates LGBT issues and history during the church year, such as Gay Pride Week in June.

• Is an advocate for LGBT people, and is proactive in legislation, works to promote justice, freedom and equality in the larger society, and speaks out when the rights and dignity of LGBT persons are at stake.

• Celebrates the lives of all people and their ways of expressing their love for each other. UUFEC is certainly welcoming and open – that is not the issue. We are called to set the bar higher than mere hospitality and tolerance on Sunday. Our UU Principles call on us to celebrate and appreciate differences, and to advocate for those who are marginalized.

Join UUFEC’s Welcoming Congregation effort
 

New Parents Circle
Jennifer Jordan

A new Friendship Circle is forming at church for parents of young children. Recent birth of my daughter, Juliana, inspired me to create this group It is helpful to talk with other parents and share ideas. Many babies and young children attend Sunday services now. All parents are welcome to join our group, members and friends alike. The Parents Circle will meet once a month to discuss child rearing, and, most importantly, to let parents know that they’re not alone. It takes a whole village to raise a child. The give and take of comfort and advice will be of value to all who attend. Children are welcome at the meetings. We also seek adults interested in providing childcare during this time. The first meeting is Friday, January 4th at noon at church. If you are interested in joining, please contact Jennifer Jordan.

ADULT RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

• Global Issues Discussion Group - This group screens and selects documentaries which points of view not always heard in the mainstream media. Topics are selected based upon participants’ requests and have covered such diverse global concerns as Separation of Church & State, the Iraq War, U.S. Middle East Foreign Policy, Global Warming and many others. Any number can participate. 1st & 3rd Sundays

• Our 7 Principles: In Depth, In Action, Interconnected- Explore the seven UU Principles in terms of their personal, interpersonal, and universal implications. This eclectic course draws resources from science, religion, the arts, literature, and philosophy. Emphasis is on the psychospirituality, relationships, and ecology. Topical lectures and in-class exercises are made fun (come find out how). Optional homework is offered for living the principles more deliberately. Any number can participate. 1st & 3rd Sundays.

• Rockin’ on the Porch Swing - When our Fellowship was small, we met in a house with a fireplace and a porch swing. People would sit on that swing and chat about life experiences...a sort of informal Joys and Concerns. This group will sit together and discuss an array of questions related to the human experience. Any number can participate. 2nd & 4th Sundays.

• Miracles Study Group - Deborah Baker - Join us for some lively discussion! January 7, 2007, our Course In Miracles study group moves to the fellowship’s after service time. We now meet from 11:15-12:15 in the Stage Room on first and third Sundays. Course in Miracles is open to anyone. We study and discuss the textbook A Course In Miracles, which is available at most bookstores. You may participate even if you don’t have the text. We are in the process of“. . . Learning that miracles are little more than simple shifts in how we perceive our lives, other people, and the myriad situations that engage us make it possible to thoroughly appreciate every moment of a day.” (Karen Casey, Daily Meditations for Practicing The Course). We look forward to acknowledging daily miracles with you!

CHILDREN & YOUTH RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION

• Elementary (Grades K—5) - “Spirit of Adventure” is an exciting hands-on approach to the exploration of our UU identity. Our program is designed for a mixed age group of active elementary students. It features 35 fun sessions with such unique themes as sports, medicine, architecture, science & food. Active learning activities include circus arts, a “take apart party,” obstacle course, & treasure hunt.

• Middle School (Grades 6—8) -“The Gospel According to the Simpsons” - embarks on an exploration of the religious themes prevalent in the popular animated comedy series, “The Simpsons.” Thought provoking discussions include topics such as prayer, morality, god, pluralism, hell, the devil and the Bible. Students relate the show’s content to personal beliefs and UU principles.

• Senior High (Grades 9 –12) “Living in UUville” -our youth has the opportunity to explore the full meaning of the UU Principles in their lives within an environment that encourages individual initiative and teamwork in pursuit of multiple goals. This role playing game encourages youth to think about their own religious beliefs and promote their spiritual growth.

Panhandle Free Thought Society

During July the Free Thought group explores four major transformations of this century.

(1) The War in Iraq.
(2) The Emergence of China.
(3) Shifting Demographics of Western Civilization.
(4) Restructuring American Business.

Whew! Please stop in and help out.
We'll be meeting Saturday, July 12th and 19th, 10:30AM at the fellowship.

Celebrating 50 Years of Unitarian Universalism on the Emerald Coast

Sharleenne Farley

Can you believe it? 2008 will be our Fellowship’s 50th anniversary! To commemorate this important year the Theater Circle is planning a production that will depict our fifty year history. Although Theater Circle will act as steering group , we need everyone’s help in making it a reality. We envision a dramatic production that can be an outreach vehicle for the greater community. What better way to reach out to those who are seeking a new spiritual home, than a dramatic story that encompasses UU principles and values inherent in our history? Members of Theater Circle envision a Fellowship performance containing true stories that inspire, inform, and entertain, that make us laugh and cry. Stories that will make us proud to be members of this Fellowship. Tales will take the form of short skits, monologues and narration, interspersed with song & dance. Comedy and drama will mix in equal portions. The Theater Circle is compiling a list of members who can provide primary source materials and assist with the writing of this ambitious undertaking. If you know a story or anecdote; if you have photographs or other memorabilia that could be incorporated, we want to hear from you.  A member will contact you for further details. We wish to complete the writing of this production by the end of the summer 2007. Casting and rehearsals will begin the fall of 2007 with a production date, the spring of 2008. Let’s get ready to journey down memory lane. An opportunity awaits us to create fun and fellowship. Let us hear from you today!

DINNERS FOR EIGHT

We will resume on January 13th. Dinners are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Sign up on the Fellowship Dinners for Eight sheet or contact Hofferts.  Everyone is welcome including snowbirds and newcomers. Enjoy good food and great conversation.

Social Justice Advisory Council

Daisy Horn, Chair

WHAT IS YOUR BIG CONCERN? WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

Here comes 2007, a new year with empty pages to fill with your personal challenge to join with others of similar beliefs. Then instead of one person, the group spreads social justice everywhere with everyone who shares this planet. The Social Justice Advisory Council (SJAC) hopes that the concern bothering you will become one of the 2007 projects for members of the UUFEC. Is it the homeless, the environment, poverty, education, Day Care, women’s rights, rededicating our Peace Site, usury, or immigrant rights? What encourages you to do something about the rage that social injustice issues instill in you? Perhaps you have an idea for a social justice topic to share during the second hour slot after Sunday service? Propose a new group or do one Sunday stint in the Principles Group. Your insight will be appreciated. You are not alone . There are others who share your concerns. SJAC wants to help you form a project so others can work with you. Our community will respond with you -- not just with funding -- but personal responsibility and activity that brings about change. Call a member of the Social Justice Advisory
Council to find out how your concern can become an action project. Let us help you establish a group or perhaps the entire membership will adopt your idea as a UUFEC project. "All it takes for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." (Edmond Burke)

Contact a SJAC members with your thoughts - Bill White, Doris Berg, Don Harrison, Odin Toness or Daisy Horn, by telephone, or look for us at UUFEC on Sundays around the snack table.

We are waiting for you.

What is ECCUUPs?

The UUFEC's Official CUUPS Chapter.

What is CUUPS?

From the Continental CUUPs website: "CUUPs is an organization the like of which has never existed before. To our knowledge it is the only such organization currently in existence. It is the officially-recognized Pagan resource of a non-Pagan religion, Unitarian Universalism. Its status as an
Interest Group of the UUA makes a statement that the leadership and members of the Unitarian Universalist Association recognize Pagan paths as a valid expression of spirituality and a legitimate path to religious truth for individuals. It gives Pagan-identified UUs the unique and delightful experience of being able to pursue their individual journeys of, to name just a sampling, Wicca, Shamanism, earth-centered spirituality, Witchcraft, Druidism, Asatru, Native American spirituality, Rasta, Stregheria, Toteg Tribe spirituality, and myriad other singular paths of Pagan belief and
thought, without having to deny themselves the benefits and resources of church affiliation. "CUUPS affords worship and educational resources to its members, as well as serving as an interfaith educational resource to host congregations to inform other UUs and other community members about Pagan beliefs and practices. In its nearly 20-year history, it has provided irreplaceable resources to the UUA, including Cakes For the Queen of Heaven, the world's first Goddess Studies course, which celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2006, and its successor, Rise Up and Call Her Name, a workshop/Adult RE Class on Goddesses of the world. Members of CUUPS can read and utilize many other resources of our organization
here." In June of 2004 the Fellowship Board approved an official CUUPS chapter. Unfortunately, the biggest mover and shaker, Danyael, moved to North Carolina and the chapter became dormant. Due to popular demand and the addition of new pagan members in the Fellowship, we have decided to regroup. All are invited and encouraged to participate in this reorganizing and rebuilding process. The first thing on the agenda is the possibility of a second Masquerade Ball, a fund raising and all around fun evening to be held around Halloween. We will also be providing instruction about earth-based spirituality in the form of newsletter articles and possibly a website or social networking sites. We hope to host rituals for the major pagan holidays. Also in the wind is a possible second hour Earth-Based Spirituality 101 course. The Unitarian Universalist tradition is a rich one, and we plan to add to the tapestry by weaving in our own earth based threads.

Check out our Yahoo group: EC-CUUPS@yahoogroups.com. Or contact Mary Valdez for more information.