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Sunday Morning Forum - Branches of the Same Tree

12/21/2018

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Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education (ARE) Committee
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(Click all images to enlarge.)
Yes, branches of the same tree…the Tree of Light and Love!  In this season of good cheer (and every day!), may the giving and receiving of this Goodness be exponential!  Peruse ARE’s most recent LIGHT-infused Sunday Morning Forums (SMF), noting the upcoming presentations for 12/23 and 12/30/18.
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Perhaps, a perusal of these mind and spirit-enlarging topics will encourage you to include SMF in your New Year’s resolutions!  Join us; UUFP Office Building, Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon.
Let’s root ourselves in wisdom and be branches of LIGHT!

"Mass in the New Year"
Presented by Ken Goodrich
December 30, 2018

Did you know, the kilogram, the world's most important measure of mass is getting a new definition in 2019?  Born of the French Revolution, the kilogram was established with the goal of a democratized measure that could be reproduced by anyone, anywhere the the world.  
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You might recall from high school science that it was originally defined as the weight of one-liter of water. But, did you know that since 1889, the global definition of the kilogram has been defined as exactly equal to the mass of a single, small polished cylinder, cast of platinum and iridium kept in a basement vault in France and affectionately nicknamed, Le Grand K?  More troubling, for reasons unknown, the mass of this artifact has slowly being moving away from what were once exact replicas maintained around the globe. The kilogram was in crisis! To establish a standard that can once again be reproduced anywhere and will be the same in a million years as today, scientists around the globe recently completed a several decades long quest to develop the technologies to define the kilogram based solely on fundamental properties of the universe.  What's truly astonishing is that the kilogram's new definition is based on energy and not matter. In this single-Sunday session, Ken Goodrich will describe the development of the new kilogram and how its intertwined with our deepening understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of our Universe.
"The Real History of Being Black in America"
Presented by April Kelsey
December 23, 2018 (Part I of this series was 12/9/18)
We all know about slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and affirmative action.  These milestones of Black history are joined together in a seamless narrative that moves from violent racism to social tolerance.  But is that narrative real, or just a fairytale?  Discussion unveiled the side of history that is often left out of our nation's textbooks.  Join us for part II!
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"Growing Forests in Rural Kenya"
Presented by Mike Roy

December 16, 2018

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In the past, Mike Roy has shared about his experiences and work with Sadhana Forest, a reforestation and low-impact living project started in south India in 2003.  This time, he will offer stories, photos, and video from his time at Sadhana Forest Kenya, the project's third branch, opened in 2014. 
Sadhana Forest Kenya is located in the remote, arid Samburu region, and focuses on bringing food security to local populations through distribution of food-producing trees and workshops on small-scale permaculture practices.  The presentation will explain the goals and practices of the project along with some information about the Samburu way of life.​​
Want to learn more?  Visit Mike Roy's inspirational blog post!
"The Islamic Presentation of the Divine Names and Attributes of God"
Presented by Dr. Islam Bedir
December 2, 2018
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The word "Allah" in Arabic calligraphy
"To God belong the most beautiful names..."  This presentation was a humble [and honoring] attempt to show how Quran discloses the treasuries of the Divine Names hidden in the heavens and on the earth. ​
"The Humanist Manifesto"
Presented by Kathryn Ozyurt
November 25, 2018
Humanist Manifestos are the 20th and 21st century updates to a movement that started in the Renaissance.  Humanism fosters a free and responsible search for truth and meaning and encourages each person to build morals and ethics that will guide his or her life here on earth.
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Socrates Café
Presented by Kathryn Ozyurt
November 11, 2018:  "What is the nature of punishment, and is it necessary to teach morality?"
November 18:  "Does the S(s)upernatural exist?" 
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Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences, while embracing the central theme of Socializing; the idea that we learn more when we question and question with others.
Using the Socratic method, the facilitator posed questions and challenged statements to stimulate critical thinking about the subjects and elicit logical conclusions. ​
"The Future of Everything"
Presented by Kay Braguglia
November 4, 2018
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Big ideas that are presently being developed will change the way we live, work, and play.  Flying cars, lab grown meat, augmented reality, smart jackets, chip based human drug testing, robotics, commercial 3D printing, and de-extinction of animal species are all on the way.  Discussion included how these advancements (?) apply to our spiritual principles and will change our lives!
"Good Robot. Bad Robot."
Presented by Kathryn Ozyurt
October 28, 2018
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More than memories of Rosie (the robot from the animated sitcom, The Jetsons), or R2-D2 (from Star Wars), what would life be like without technology?
Kathryn Ozyurt delivered a presentation on the positives that can be accomplished with robotics.  Attendees discussed moral choices about what we are presently doing with robotics and the expectations and ramifications of what we can and should do with these tools of our future.
"The Purpose and Benefits of Drumming and Women's Circles"
Presented by Connie Ralston
October 21, 2018
The meaning of the Drum symbol was to signify the heartbeat of mother earth for Native American Indians and other cultures.  At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula, we may be a family comprised of individuals and groups of people who walk to the beat of a different drummer, but similar principles and values unite us and make us one.  This topic covered the purpose and benefits of Drumming and Women's Circles and how it got started at the UUFP.
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All joined in growing in relationship with one another and creating an Ultimate Rhythm!​
"Gender Communication Differences"
Presented by Gary Ott and Meg Glenn-Albiez
October 14, 2018
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Gary and Meg facilitated a working session between men and women that will recognize several gender communication’s minefields.  Discussion included identification of several stereotypes that can complicate successful talk between the genders, and methods that might increase gender communication's success.
Several differences in gender communication styles are: 1) empathetic vs. problem solving, 2) verbal vs. visual, and 3) variety of body language signs in nonverbal communications.
Visit Sunday Morning Forum for the upcoming presentation and
Sunday Morning Forum Archive for a library of previous topics.
Have questions or would like to facilitate a forum?  
Contact the Adult Religious Education Committee.
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Who Can Serve on a UUFP Committee?

12/5/2018

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By the Committee on Ministry
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Our Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula (UUFP) committees are integral in carrying out the mission of this congregation!  So how might you be a part of the meaningful activities and outreach both in and beyond our fellowship?

The chairs of the committees must be members of UUFP.  However, for the majority of committees, anyone—members, friends, teens; i.e., any interested individual—may serve on a committee.  We have a large variety of committees, and many committees have programs that can use some planning and implementing help.

Our committees include:  Adult Religious Education, Building, Caring, Children’s Religious Education, Communications, Denominational Affairs, EarthRising, Finance, Grounds, Membership, Music, Planning, Social Justice, Sunday Services, and others.  (Visit UUFP Committees for more info.)  Any of these committees would welcome new members.

One of our groups in which each one of us is a member is Hospitality.  Every four months, for one month of Sundays, one of the four Hospitality Teams (i.e., Engage, Generosity, Sage and Wonder) is responsible for the set-up of food/drinks and managing/cleanup of the common area.  If you have not been appointed to one of the Hospitality Teams, please let Meg Glenn-Albiez know.  This will aid in continuing to offer this time of fellowship and food in-between the two Sunday morning worship services.
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There are other committees that require an individual to be appointed to them, for example:  Audit, Committee on Ministry, Leadership Development and others.  If you wish to be a part of one of these, consider starting with a regular committee, so the Policy Board members will become familiar with your skills.


​At UUFP we want everyone to be as involved as one wishes to be.  As each of us discerns where to devote our time, talents and resources, the Committee on Ministry invites us to reach out to a committee chair, the board member on-call, or to email them at committeeonministry@uufp.org for information about volunteer opportunities.

Remembering Aristotle's words, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts," we are grateful for our UUFP teamwork.  Thank you for serving!
Grow in Wonder — Connect in Love --
Engage in Service — Inspire Generosity
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The Good News in RE News

12/5/2018

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By Joanne Dingus,
Director of Religious Education
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As we head towards the holiday season, I wanted to report some of the good news in our RE Program.
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Our two holiday events went really well.  We had Trunk or Treat for Halloween.  Cars were decorated.  Kids came in costumes.  Adults handed out treats and led children in a variety of games.  We had UUFP kids, homeschool families and kids from Young’s Mill Lane enjoy the day.
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We are about to have our third Kids Day In! event   We had UUFP kids, homeschool families and kids from Young’s Mill Laneof the year (Sunday December 9th from 2 – 5:30 p.m.).  The first two were lots of fun.  Kids Day In! is funded by the Endowment Fund.  Mary and Will Cotton lead the children in crafts and games with the help of adult and teen volunteers.  Parents get some time to themselves, knowing their kids are being well cared for.  Kids get to be themselves, be creative and build friendships.
Our Youth groups have grown this fall.  We’ve been having teens meet on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and middle school and upper elementary kids meet on 3rd Wednesdays.  There’s generally a light meal and then time to check in with each other and do an activity together.  Many of our youth invite their friends from outside of church.  This is a great way to help other families find the UUFP.
Our Festival of the Season was a blast. We had caroling, cookie decorating, craft making and game playing.  Glitter in my hair, sprinkles everywhere; what a great way to celebrate the season.  We were also pleased to have some of our friends from the Boys and Girls Club join us for the afternoon.
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Our next big event will be the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. This is geared for families with an interactive play and many songs to sing.  We are looking for a few more actors for the play.  If anyone is interested, please let me know.  It will be done with scripts in hand.  Our music program is also looking for children to sing before service starts.  Let Greg know if your child would like to be part of the pre-service music.
​A special thank you to all the volunteer RE teachers. We couldn’t run the program without you!

See you in the RE!
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PORT:  An Annual UUFP Tradition

12/5/2018

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By Bobbie Schilling
This time of the year brings us many winter holidays involving many cherished traditions: candles, music, special foods, decorations, and gift giving.  One tradition that members and friends of the UUFP have upheld for many years is service to the PORT Winter Homeless Shelter which is organized by LINK (Living Interfaith Network) of Hampton Roads, Inc
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PORT stands for People Offering Resources Together and is supported by churches throughout Hampton Roads.  Site churches and partner churches work together to offer a place to sleep and meals (dinner and breakfast) to those who might otherwise be out on the streets during the cold months of November through March.  Many of these clients are working members of our community, and some are women with small children. ​
This winter the UUFP will be a partner church with First Baptist Church Newport News on Sunday evening, January 6, through Monday morning, January 7.  ​
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​We provide volunteers to check in clients, hand out bedding, cook and serve dinner/breakfast, and clean up the kitchen.  Donna Sprock organizes and oversees the preparation of nutritious and delicious meals.  Volunteers are welcome to share a meal with us, too.  A few hearty volunteers spend the night.  We offer a hot breakfast early in the morning (4:30 a.m.) as many clients board a van at 5:15 a.m. to go to work.  Brown bag breakfasts are also prepared for clients to take with them in the morning.
If you are interested in learning more about PORT, there will be a brief informational meeting immediately after the second service on Sunday, December 16, in the sanctuary.  Contact either Bobbie Schilling or Henry Chambers (in person or via socialjustice@uufp.org) with any questions or if you are willing to volunteer for a three or four-hour shift.  Donations of money to buy the food or of new underwear and socks for the clients are greatly appreciated.  This is an excellent way to assist if you are unable to volunteer your time.  There will be a labeled donation basket for the underwear located near the Social Justice table outside the sanctuary doors.  Monetary donations designated for PORT may be placed in the collection baskets Sunday morning.  We welcome all who wish to help!  ​
Our second night of service to PORT will be in March (around the 10th, but exact date to be determined later) at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church.
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​Please help us keep the tradition of service to PORT alive at the UUFP.  In enriching the lives of those in need and that of our larger community, we find our own lives enriched, as well!
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Mission in Motion:  "Running into God"

12/2/2018

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 Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, ​
​Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity.

 This mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula is manifested in many ways!  We celebrate these positive experiences and thank those of you who are willing to share your story!

"Running into God"
By Julian Padowicz

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​Ran into God at Panera, on Jefferson by the airport, the other day.
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Donna and I were having breakfast there with another couple from UUFP.  We've found that to be a good way to get to know other church people.  When we were new in town, two years ago, another couple invited us to breakfast there, and we came out feeling a bit closer to and more welcome in the Community.  As a result, we've made it a practice, over time, to invite other couples, new in church, to join us there for a similar experience. 

This time, as we usually do, we got to talking about UUism and what it has meant to us.  That's particularly meaningful to Donna and me, since we actually met at a UU church, thirty-two years ago.  And this time, perhaps more than on other occasions, the chemistry was particularly strong as we exchanged feelings and fears and hopes, and what effect our UU membership has had on these issues.

I could not help admiring the grace which this couple exhibited in dealing with life's issues.  And also, I couldn't help admiring the caring and honesty that my lovely Donna was demonstrating in this sensitive area, as well as the openness with which all of us were discussing some very personal matters.

And suddenly, as we turned to the role that a belief in God plays in all of this, I realized that the four of us expressing and receiving feelings and beliefs, admitting to fears and mistakes around that table were God.  The thing that we call God, I realized, wasn't a being or a quantity, at all, but an experience.  That which we call God was the experience of people being open and honest and caring, as we were, with one another at that particular moment.
Interested in sharing how the mission of UUFP is alive and moving throughout the Fellowship and beyond? 
Contact eflame@uufp.org with content or questions. 
(Helpful tips available at:  Mission in Motion - Promote Your Event.)
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Services for December 2018

12/1/2018

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Rev. Andrew at the UUFP pulpit
theme: Inspiring

Unless otherwise noted, services include sermons preached by Rev. Andrew Clive Millard and take place at 9:30am and 11:15am on Sundays.

December 2nd: “Sharing Hope”
December 9th: “Keeping Faith”
December 16th: “Finding Joy”
December 23rd: “Knowing Love”


For decades, “Guest at Your Table” has been introducing Unitarian Universalists to real people impacted by human rights issues and to grassroots leaders making a difference around the world.  This year, the UU Service Committee’s theme is “Justice Across Borders”, with four stories that provide a personal glimpse into the lives of Central Americans making the perilous journey north in hope of finding refuge in the United States.  Each Sunday in Advent, we’ll meet one of the “guests” whose lives have been changed because of the generosity of UUs like us, and, in turn, their stories will be an inspiration to us.

On December 2nd and 9th, special music will be provided by “Doc” Robin van Tine; on December 16th, special music for flute and guitar will be provided by Marcy Stutzman and Jeffrey Hinkley; and on December 23rd, special music for flute and harp will be provided by Darla Wilmot and Mel Lauf!

Candles on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve Services!
5pm on Monday December 24th: “The Other Wise Man”
7pm on Monday December 24th: “Bah! Humbug!”


We hold two services on Christmas Eve!  The earlier is a family service about the sharing of gifts and a journey to find the newborn king; the later explores the truth and meaning of a favorite tale of the season.  Each service features traditional Christmas carols and concludes with the beloved ceremony of passing the flame.

At both services, special music for Christmas will be provided by the UUFP’s ChorUUs and Winds!
Wheel of the Year
December 30th: “Looking Back, Looking Forward”

Let’s take a look back into the past and forward into the future in preparation for the New Year!

EarthRising is the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula’s pagan group.  At thirty-one years of age, it is the oldest continuously active pagan group in Virginia.  EarthRising offers seasonal Earth-centered celebrations — at the solstices, equinoxes and cross-quarter days — in support of a modern, Nature-centered spirituality.

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December Birthdays

12/1/2018

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Happy Birthday to all our members born in December!
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​Jacy Brooks  
Sarah Edwards
Julia Riach
David Walsh
Donna Sprock
Pat Sloan
Nancy Sessoms
Randy Phillips 
Michael Henry-Richardson
Alice Smith
Jackie Wilson
Erick Hagstrom
Mason Moseley
If you are a member and have a birthday in December that we overlooked, please contact Bobbie Schilling at membership@uufp.org.
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Office Building: 13136 Warwick Blvd. | Newport News, VA 23602
Telephone : 757-369-1098
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