Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Emerald Coast

Thursday, March 18th is our date to take dinner to Opportunity Place this month. The UUFEC provides a main dish, salad and a side dish for 30 adults. If you can help, please contact Jane Montgomery by email at jj9451m@cox.net or telephone 678-8626 or 865-8213 (cell).

Did you know that “Microwave Safe” on a plastic dish or container only means that the product shouldn’t crack or melt when microwaved? It’s not a guarantee that the plastic won’t release Bisphenol-A, an endocrine disrupting chemical, when heated. To avoid the possibility of toxic chemicals leaching into your food, use glass or ceramic containers when microwaving.

SOUL: Singers of United Lands will be our second hour program this Sunday, March 14 11:15-12:15. Please help us spread the word. This is four young professionals from four different continents, sharing their music. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity. Children are most welcome and will join us.

For those of you who haven’t experienced this group before you may want to check out their website: www.singersofunitedlands.org where you can read their bios and listen to their music.

Lunch on the Town is on Wednesday, March 10 at 11:30 am at Red Lobster in FWB. Contact Inge at 609-0239 or Modestlady1@cox.net

Sandra Topp is the new point of contact for the UUFEC Master Events Calendar. This position is part of Building/Grounds and Fred Boyer is back-up. Contact her at stopp1@cox.net with your event.

Generosity is a Hallmark of UUFEC

The 2010 – 11 stewardship committee wishes to thank all those members and friends who have responded so generously to the financial needs of UUFEC.

The formal canvass got underway February 7 and culminated on February 21, Celebration Sunday. Throughout the month we heard many moving testimonies from members whose search for a spiritual home brought them to UUFEC. Over half of the active voting members turned in their pledge forms on Celebration Sunday as a symbol of their renewed commitment to one another and to UUFEC. Over $67,000 in pledges for the 2010-2011 fiscal year were received that day. An additional $38,000 is expected to be pledged before the start of the new fiscal year on May 1, 2010. Our members’ and friends’ financial contributions, along with special gifts and donations during the year support UUFEC’s social justice outreach programs, professional ministry and staff, and operating expenses of our building.

The finance committee estimates that to fully fund our ministry and programs for the new fiscal year, UUFEC needs revenues of about $137,000. Pledge commitments fund over 80% of our expenses, with the remaining 20% coming from fund raising, special gifts and donations. If you wish to give your financial support to UUFEC and have not yet done so, it is not too late. Additional pledge forms are available in the UUFEC office. As one UU expressed it, “Put your money where your values are!”

Thank you from the Stewardship Steering Committee: Brenda Fleming & Shar Farley, co-chair. Members: Martha Bunting, Karen & Denny Lauer, Don Harrison, Ed Farley. Rod Debs, ex-officio.

Northwest Florida Blood Services will be at UUFEC from 10:30am to 2pm. We now have a sign-up sheet, so please call Ashleigh Rhodes at 303-478-4445, or e-mail at ashleighandbella@gmail.com to choose a time, or see her after the service. Please help us reach our goal of 20 donations!

Saturday, March 6th, 8:30 am. Our highway needs a spring cleaning. Be a part of the crew and see what unique trash items you can pick up. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Afterward, Rosemary Baker will provide a great brunch at her house nearby. Contact Joanne Nelson, jnelson610@embarqmail.com, 862-3064.

Celebration Sunday, February 21st. Show Your Support for UUFEC

Next Sunday, February 21, we have the opportunity to make a powerful statement of support for something that is important to us all, UUFEC. Be sure to attend and bring your pledge commitment form with you. Our annual stewardship contributions support the work of this Fellowship and make possible this joyous community. Let’s celebrate our accomplishments, our relationships and the good work of UUFEC. All of us, one place, one day. What a powerful message that would be!

We invited anyone who embraces the UU Principles and has shown their interest in supporting and participating in the congregational life of the UUFEC to sign our membership book and be welcomed into our UUFEC community next Sunday during first hour services. Please email membership@uufec.com or tell Shar Farley of your intention.