Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Emerald Coast

Lunch on the Town is Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at 11:30 am at Big City Cafe. Contact Inge at Modestlady1@cox.net or 609-0239. Thank you.

Liz Shwiller is helping coordinate this month’s dinner. She needs 2 casseroles each to serve 15 people and 2 salads each to serve 15 people. If you can help, please contact her at 897-3683 or email at mizliz80@cox.net

Browse the UUFEC’s FAIR’S colorful “booths,” staffed by talented facilitators from our own Facilitators Circle, and learn  about the myriad of Adult RE options. The FAIR will be held on 9/18/2011 in the sanctuary, immediately following Sunday service. 

Several new groups will debut during September and October Second Hours.  “Tales from Genesis,” co-led by Scotty Zilinsky and Daisy Horn will explore Old Testament Bible stories from the literary perspective of Bill Moyers. Humanists and non-theists  will enjoy Alex Gacic’s  new groups, “Going Godless “ and “Minding Your Mind,” which will delve into some of the recent research in neuroscience and mindfulness as applied to moral, ethical and meaningful living. Other new groups  are “You, UU and Us,” led by Ashleigh Rhodes, which give visitors and newcomers an opportunity to share their spiritual journeys and the paths that brought them to UUFEC. Shar Farley continues spiritual meditations using UU minister Meg Barnhouse’s text “Broken Buddha.” All new groups will meet once monthly.  Favorite returning Second Hour groups this year are “Extra, Extra,” “Course in Miracles,” “Green Hour,” UUs and the Military,” “Parenting Together” and “Porch Swing.”

Sing hymns, listen appreciatively to music, dine with UU friends, camp out, discuss literature, canoe down Turkey Creek, climb every mountain, hike paths along sculpture trails, march for peace, or dress up for Halloween …. different strokes for different folks!  As we are a diverse group, it is no surprise that we have so many diverse small group gatherings. An official peace site, UUFEC Social Justice projects give direction to our peacemaking actions which include homeless issues, pollution matters, and projects addressing equality and domestic violence. Check them out at the FAIR, 9/18/2011. Bring your personal calendars so you can keep all the dates straight and not miss out on a single event!

Calling all writers. “Write this Way: Voices from the Shore,” is a new friendship circle that is forming this month, September 25, 2011, Sunday, 6:30 p.m. at UUFEC.  Facilitator and member, Deborah Baker-Rian, welcomes anyone who is interested in putting their thoughts on paper, including but not limited to poets. Deborah will attend the FAIR to answer questions about the circle. 

Other Friendship Circles that will resume this fall are “Navigators,” facilitated by Darrell Bruning; “UU Fruit ‘n Book Club,” led by Reverend Debs with contact person Winky Sweet; and the Covenant Circle, led by Marie-Claude Bohler.  All former members of these groups, as well as new members, are asked to sign up at the FAIR. 

Dear UUFEC Members, Friends and Guests,

This Sunday, Aug 28, 2011, our congregation will host a “Welcome Home!” reception during the 2nd Hour for Rev. Rod Debs and his wife, Jeanette, who recently returned from a well-deserved sabbatical. This event will provide a moment of celebration for this enriching experience provided for the Debs upon their many years of wonderful ministry with our beloved fellowship. This sabbatical has been a blessing to the congregation, as well as to Rod and Jeanette!

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

If you have been traveling this summer, you may have neglected to send in your monthly pledge commitments to the Fellowship. Please accept this friendly reminder to remit any outstanding payments. Your cooperation will assist us in maintaining the cash flow we require to maintain our Fellowship. If you have any questions about your account, please contact me: farley310@gmail.com or call 837-3364. A sincere thank you to all our supporting UUFEC members and friends for their continuing generosity.

Ed Farley, Treasurer

Our RE Program is in a state of new growth. Love is the theme for this year and we need to fill 2 paid positions and 8 volunteer positions.

Volunteers commit to 1 or 2 Sundays a month. You will always have an assistant or partner.

Love Surrounds Us

Program for K-1 meets first hour. This program explores all Principles in the context of Beloved Community of family/home, school, and neighborhood. Steve Urbanczyk is lead teacher. No volunteers needed.

Love Will Guide Us

2nd – 5th grade meets first hour. This program seeks guidance in life through the lens of our UU Sources with an emphasis on Love. 4 volunteers needed.

Loving our place in the Interdependent Web of Life

Tweens (middle school) meet 2nd hour. The tweens will be developing their own program based on our 7th Principle. Our area is rich with opportunity to explore the natural world. 4 partner volunteers are needed for Sunday mornings. Commit to 2 Sundays a month with your partner to help the tweens plan their topics, help lead discussions, and plan field trips. Topics of interest from members of the congregation and guest speakers are welcome.

Fun in Action

K-5th meets 2nd hour. Facilitator needed for every Sunday. This is a paid position for someone to plan a calendar with ideas for activities, crafts, and fun. Volunteers from the congregation who have idea topics of interest, activities, or hobbies to share with the children are welcome.

Contact Us!

Interested in one of these tremendous opportunities to surround yourself with RE Love?

Contact Sandy Urbanczyk, Jennifer Jordan, Don Harrison, or Jeanette Debs, or email re@uufec.com.

Thursday, July 21st, 2011, the UUFEC will be taking the evening meal to Opportunity Place. Please contact Jane Montgomery if you would like to help. Email: jj9451m@cox.net