Please bring clean household items. You may price your items, but remember this is a yard sale, and folks don’t expect to pay very much. If your item requires batteries, please make sure they work. We accept:
Remember...events, such as these, are great ways to fellowship with each other and our community, while raising funds for good works (Green is Good!) in our congregation, on the Peninsula and in the world!
Feel free to contact yardsale@uufp.org or 757-369-1098. We greatly appreciate your helping hands in all areas to carry out this event! So join us...donate, volunteer, shop! Thanks to you all!
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Grow in Wonder - Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity
"Sophia's Story - a Purrr-fect Solution" By Joanne Dingus Your socks can help shelter cats! Sophia Wasilausky is fourteen years old, in the Girl Scouts and attends programs at the Universalist Unitarian Fellowship of the Peninsula. She comes to Sunday school classes, sings in the choir and has helped as a lay leader during services.
"I love animals and I wanted to help cats because I have two of my own. I wanted to do a project where I made something. I liked the idea of using old socks that would just get thrown away if they weren’t donated to the animal shelter. So far I have made over 300 socks! My goal is 500 or more if I have the supplies. I have also visited the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter to deliver the toys and learn more about their cat programs. I am making a difference because Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter is a government owned shelter so they don’t get a lot of funds. They depend a lot on donations from the public. Also, the toys make the cats really happy and excited! A happier cat is more likely to get adopted because they aren’t depressed and shy when people come to look for a pet to adopt. It’s a small way to help but it feels good to be making a difference.” The mission of UUFP is "Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service and Inspire Generosity."
Sophia Wasilausky is an everyday UU, connecting to our principles by taking action to care for others! Interested in sharing how the mission of UUFP is meaningful in your life, this Fellowship and beyond? Contact eflame@uufp.org with content or questions.  theme: Encountering Unless otherwise noted, services include sermons preached by Rev. Andrew Clive Millard and take place at 9:30am and 11:15am on Sundays. April 7th: “Calling In” The foundation of Unitarian Universalist practice is the set of promises we make to one another about how we intend to treat each other. In this way, covenant names our intentions to speak and act with honesty, understanding and kindness. Covenant calls us to be our best selves and invites us into our vision of Beloved Community. Covenant is the container that can hold us together. April 14th: “Encountering Kindness” In all of our lives there are many small and not-so-small encounters in which strangers, friends, family members and acquaintances offer us kindness. It is good to remember those moments and to give thanks for them.  Rev. Cynthia Snavely is a Unitarian Universalist minister who has served congregations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. She currently lives in Hayes with her daughter, son-in-law and four grandsons. Special Service! 5pm on Saturday April 20th: a Passover Seder  This multi-sensory liturgy dates back thousands of years and is celebrated annually by millions of Jews and people of other faiths. The modern seder allows us to bring its meaning alive in terms of contemporary themes, while continuing to share the ancient story of liberation and hope. Since the seder combines worship with a potluck meal, please sign up at: http://bit.ly/UUFPS19 April 21st: “The Human Element” The Ancients recognized four elements that make up the world: earth, water, fire and air. Today, given the extent and power of our species, we must recognize that humanity itself represents a fifth element that has, both intentionally and unwittingly, changed the other four far beyond their natural balance. Knowing this, what shall we do to restore balance to our planet, to our lives?  You can come see The Human Element on Saturday April 13th, with a potluck dinner at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary Building, followed by the movie at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary and discussion.
Special music for Easter and Earth Day will be provided by the UUFP’s ChorUUs! April 28th: “Showing Up” Whenever we recognize one another for our contributions to the life of our congregation, expressing our thanks for many roles and tasks both big and small that make our Fellowship what it is, we conclude our recognitions by thanking everyone simply for being present. It’s the simplest of gifts, but it’s also the most important: showing up is the greatest gift we can give. By Alice Smith "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." -Mark Twain YOU ARE INVITED TO A WORKSHOP THAT TEACHES
THE SKILLS OF NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION. "LEARNING AND PRACTICING COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION" Saturday, APRIL 13, 2019, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. At the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists 3051 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA
In this interactive workshop, you will learn communication techniques which may significantly improve your relationships, even those with whom you may have differences. Compassionate Communication, also known as Nonviolent Communication, teaches how to connect to others with empathy. Compassionate Communication skills help us embrace the beauty of understanding others and being understood in return. They provide a way to speak peace in this world of conflict.
Sponsored by the UUFP Communications Committee
Members, friends and staff may post in UUFP Community. This Facebook group is more like a conversational coffee hour—nurturing fellowship, while keeping us in tune with activities and events that affect us both within and beyond our church family.
Only UUFP staff and leadership may post to UUFP News. This Facebook group is more like an online congregational meeting—communicating mission and ministry news in a more formal fashion. * * * * * Both Facebook groups are publicly visible, and people wishing to become a "member" of each group must submit a request to join. Both groups are opportunities to inform and inspire us in our spiritual and relational journey with each other and the world! Plugging into these and other UUFP communication channels feeds us personally and equips us collectively in carrying out our mission! Haven’t yet joined these groups? Plug in! Contact: commuications@uufp.org for questions or assistance. Grow in Wonder - Connect in Love - Engage in Service - Inspire Generosity Grow in Wonder - Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity
By Alan Sheeler This reflection was read aloud by its author from UUFP’s pulpit on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
I believe the elements of our mission statement identifies qualities most of us already possess, and therefore, help to focus our path into the future. Here at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula (UUFP), I am your past—just about everything—past finance chair, past canvas leader, past long-term planning chair, past treasurer, and past president (five or six times). I am currently finance co-chair, the piano tuner, and one of the grounds crew. So, let's put that “engage in service” thing to bed right now. And “inspire generosity”? As finance chair I've given a couple of pleas that brought tears to my eyes, and some of you may have cried too (albeit maybe for a different reason). I know. The question is why have I done all of those things. The answer is not just my stock response that Michelle was nominating committee chair. I could have just said, “No thanks, Hon, I'm too busy.” The real answer is in here, in the heart. A story. Forty years ago I became a Unitarian Universalist (UU). About 45 years ago, I became a backpacker. Many of my initial outings were on the Appalachian Trail. Although you could, and still can, walk the trail for free, I joined the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) to help support something I valued, the Trail. At some point, I had the opportunity to purchase a lifetime membership for $200. Although I knew I would be a lifetime member, I did not take the offer for two reasons. First, I wanted to continually support the trail, and second, $200 wasn't in the budget of a second year teacher. I believe it was good old Pennsylvania, middle class work ethic, practiced and taught by my parents and their parents before them, that was the reason behind my actions. That ethic has been magnified by my becoming a UU and is now written in the mission statement of the UUFP. Fast forward to now. I've probably paid in the vicinity of $2,000 dues to the ATC. Some would say that I've wasted $1,800. Some would say I've wasted $2,000. I, however, feel that I've done my part, helped support that footpath, and I've helped to make it what it is today. Now, a different type of path, not a footpath but a path through life . . . a way of living. I harbor the same attitude toward this path as toward the Appalachian Trail. I became a UU in 1979. I signed the book in Wilmington, Delaware, and I have been an active UU ever since. Michelle and I signed the book here in 1999. Though we here at the UUFP are a very diverse group, at this moment, in this place, we share the same path through existence. Not that we all came from the same place, not that we’ll necessarily continue from here as a unit, not that we share any dogma, but at this instant, our paths have come together . . . here. So at this instant you can look back on the path you have taken, the route that brought you here. And you can look forward. Perhaps your future is becoming defined, and you can look around. Some of those you see will use their time with this community as a stepping stone to their future. Some will refresh here and continue their journey. Some will stay for a while, and then move on. Some will stay. I feel this time, this place, this community is an important part of my journey in life. I suggest, maybe it is for you too. We have this opportunity because people, like Richard Hudgins, came together and shared a similar moment some years back. They had the foresight to create the UUFP. They formed a society strong enough to endure to this day. I submit that we owe future UU's and society the same opportunity. This is the challenge going forward. In closing, let me share the benediction of the late Rev. Dr. Robert Doss, minister emeritus of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington—words that I've heard many times, by the way, as they constitute #700 in our Singing the Living Tradition hymnal. “For all those who see God, may God go with you. For all who embrace life, may life return your affection. For all who seek a right path, may a way be found . . . and the courage to take it, step by step.” 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.
I started by reminding everyone that we are in the season of Lent. And for many people, Lent is a time to give up something. I told the congregation that I had decided to give up Dr. Seuss stories for Lent, but not just for Lent, for future use in our Religious Education Program. So, the big question is WHY? Religious Educators have been talking about this for a while. There have been different articles written on Dr. Seuss’s work, some positive, some negative. The topic came up again recently as many children across the country were celebrating Dr. Seuss’s Birthday, March 2. The Read Across America program has encouraged children to read more, especially promoting the stories of Dr. Seuss. But over the last couple of years, Read Across America has toned down its use of its mascot "The Cat in the Hat" and offered more diverse options.  Click to enlarge. The issue is racism. Dr. Seuss expressed his racist views against Black, Japanese, Arab and African people in his depictions of characters. Before starting his career as a children’s author, he had many hateful cartoons published in newspapers and magazines. Once he started writing for children, his racist views continued in the lives of his drawings, often changing them slightly so that they were not as obvious.
For some of you, this may come as a shock. How could the much beloved Dr. Seuss be a racist? You may want to find a way to justify or defend his actions. You may be feeling personal distress, loss, confusion, anger. After all, you may have spent countless hours joyfully reading these stories to your kids. You may have sewn red and white striped hats for them, made oobleck with them, welcomed Christmas with Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze. If you have loved these stories as so many of us have, it may take some time to process this new information. You may want to go back and read some of these stories with a new lens. What about "The Sneetches" with stars upon thars? Isn’t that a story about everyone being equal? Or is it a story about erasing identity? How about "Horton Hears a Who!"? A person’s a person no matter how small? Isn’t that promoting tolerance? Or is it segregation, and the use of a savior swooping in to keep them from experiencing genocide? Or "The Lorax" trying to save the earth? And what about Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) himself? Wasn’t he just a product of his time? Didn’t he change and evolve out of his racist past? And what about this solution; aren’t you just sweeping the issue under the rug by not reading these stories? Couldn’t they be teachable moments? Couldn’t they teach kids that there is good and bad in everyone? I ended the children’s focus by asking, if you know that these stories are hurtful and harmful to many groups of people, and you also know that there are millions of other books out there that do not contain harmful images and words, why would you knowingly choose the books that hurt people? I also talked to some parents afterwards because we have a choice. I do think you can use these stories as teachable moments, to really help your kids understand what racism looks like, how subservience dehumanization, stereotyping, caricature, and exotification are used to oppress groups of people. But I would caution you to wait until you know your child is old enough to understand these concepts and decide what you will do about the fact that they may be getting mixed messages. At school their beloved teacher didn’t say anything about these stories hurting people; so, why are you being such a Grinch? Here are some links to articles that can help you decide for yourself how and if you will continue to share the works of Dr. Seuss with your children. "Rethinking and Examining Dr. Seuss' Racism" –Pragmatic Mom "The Cat is Out of the Bag: Orientalism, Anti-Blackness, and White Supremacy in Dr. Seuss's Children's Books" –the conscious kid “Research on Diversity in Youth Literature” –St. Catherine University “It’s time to talk about Dr. Seuss” –Gabriel Smith “Dr. Seuss’ racial history draws controversy” –John Wilkins Sponsored by the UUFP Membership Committee Scott Kasmire who so deftly led us in last month’s exploration of the "Spirit of Life" - “Sing in My Heart” phrase, has agreed to do an encore performance. He will facilitate the third workshop on March 20, 2019, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the UUFP Sanctuary. As part of our Beloved Community Wednesdays, a potluck supper begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by this workshop and other programs.
On March 20, Scott will lead us in exploring more deeply the phrase “the Stirrings of Compassion” from our beloved anthem, “Spirit of Life." All workshops are “stand alone” so we hope you will join us for one, several or for the remaining seven (of nine) sessions. We warmly invite you to share this time with us to grow, connect, engage and to inspire one another. Grow in Wonder — Connect in Love — Engage in Service — Inspire Generosity
Grow in Wonder - Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity
By Megan Wasilausky
How has the fellowship helped me to grow in wonder? Like many parents, I sought out a Unitarian Universalist (UU) fellowship when my kids became old enough for Sunday School. I attended Lutheran Sunday school as a child, and while I am no longer Christian, I appreciated learning the messages of showing love and kindness in the world, as well as gaining some knowledge of Christianity and the bible. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula (UUFP) is a place where my children can grow in their religious knowledge and develop their own spiritual beliefs. While I started attending church again for my children, I never realized the benefits I would gain from being a part of worship services. I continue to grow in wonder here because of the sermons and workshops, often challenging me to think of my spirituality in new ways. I love coming into the sanctuary a few minutes before services start and listen to the beautiful music. Singing hymns together brings back fond memories of singing in church as a child. Of course, now that I'm a UU, I have to scan the lyrics to see if I want to sing them or not! How have I seen UUFP members connect in love? From the moment my family and I first stepped into the fellowship, we felt the love of this congregation. We just moved to Virginia and were still staying in a hotel getting settled. Everyone was so welcoming and genuinely interested in getting to know us. We soon found ourselves at potlucks, picnics, and even camping with the UUFP. I feel like there is a truly authentic community here, with so many opportunities to reach out and connect with one another. Soup Socials, potlucks, book club, yoga, game nights, women's drumming, and knitting are just some of the ways that allow a time for members to connect in love and get to know each other on a personal level. How have I been encouraged to engage in service, both within and beyond the fellowship? As a busy parent, I appreciate that the fellowship offers both small and large roles to serve. I may not have the time right now for larger roles, but it is true that many hands make light work. I have found my time volunteering with the hospitality team to be an easy way to help Sunday services run smoothly. Whether it's washing coffee mugs, taking attendance, ushering, or staying after service to vacuum, there are so many opportunities to help here in simple ways. I believe that every person here has a talent to serve the UUFP. I am also a member of the Planning Committee. It's an exciting time in our fellowship as we grow and look for new ways to be a positive impact in our community. I have found ways to engage in service outside of the fellowship, as well. I am an assistant girl scout troop leader, where I hope I can encourage girls to be good citizens and leaders. They will be leading us sooner than we think! Since settling in Virginia after moving around with the army, I have participated in several political campaigns. The Fifth UU principal, "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large," has encouraged me to participate in "get out the vote" events and canvass for candidates whom I feel represent my UU values in the past several elections. It's not easy for me to knock on doors and talk to people face to face. I'm a classic introvert, but I feel it is essential to work toward a healthy democracy in our country. The mission of the UUFP inspires me to step out of my comfort zone, and to do what I can to make the world better. How does the UUFP inspire generosity in support of our own congregation, but also in advancement of our UU values in the world? I have always appreciated how much the UUFP does in our own community. Programs that have immediate impact, like feeding people at PORT and Good Fridays at St. Paul's, are an expression of our UU principal of the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Our share the basket contributions to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Living Interfaith Network (LINK), and the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood show we are committed to economic justice in our community. Steve and I knew right away that the UUFP was the right community for us and our girls. This fellowship belongs to all of us, and we thrive when each member brings their time, talents, and treasures to it. 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. Sponsored by the Adult Religious Education (ARE) Committee  Sunday Morning Forum meets weekly in the UUFP Office Building, 11:00 a.m. to noon. "When body, mind and spirit are in harmony, happiness is the natural result." Deepak Chopra The Adult Religious Education (ARE) program kicks off the New Year with its continuing enlightening opportunities. The following excerpts from its Sunday Morning Forum classes are just a few stars in the odyssey of nurturing mind, body and spirit! Peruse the past recaps; join us for the upcoming guest speaker on March 10 (ref. below). Let fellowship with, in and through the Sunday Morning Forum become, for us, a "natural result"! "How U, YES U, Can Identify and End Wage Inequities" Presented by John Whitley March 10, 2019
"Homeschooling: Historic Institution or Current Trend?” Presented by Rachel Bevins March 3, 2019 "Homeschooling" has been around for a long time, from native tribes to prairie families. What does it mean today, and why are the numbers growing?
"A UU Military Journey" Presented by Corey Anderson February 24, 2019
"Yoga - a Way of Life" Presented by Nancy Sessoms February 10 & 17, 2019 Is yoga a spiritual path, or is it physical fitness? In this two-part Sunday Morning Forum an overview of raja yoga’s eight-limbed path was presented. Upon completion, each participant could decide whether yoga is a religion, a means to stay in shape, a framework for healthy living, or something else.
"The Importance of Rituals to Humans" Presented by EarthRising Members February 3, 2019
"Number, Logic, Faith" Presented by Scott Kasmire January 13, 20 & 27, 2019
In Part C, the group will looked more closely at the connection between metaphor and faith and determined what sorts of metaphors are most useful in determining our place in the world. "Cancer" Presented by Bob Mosolf January 6, 2019
UUFP Member Bob Mosolf spoke about the history of cancer, cellular level changes, treatment options and personal interactions with someone with cancer. 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. By Mason Moseley, Acting Chair, Meet the Author Committee On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., Brad Harper will present his acclaimed new book, A Knife in the Fog, a thriller, in our sanctuary to an audience drawn from the Greater Hampton Roads Community, and at the same time, inaugurate the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula's (UUFP) Meet the Author program, a service of connecting authors with area readers.
The advent of computerized book printing has greatly changed the way publishers market new books, leaving much of book promotion up to the individual author. The new Meet the Author (MTA) series is intended to help area authors to promote their work, while establishing a stronger presence for UUFP within the Hampton Roads community. Following Brad's presentation, there will be a reception at which copies of his book will be available for purchase, the author will sign autographs, and complimentary wine will be served. UUFP members are urged to support this launch of Brad's book, as well as the MTA program, by planning to attend, and possibly bring a non-member friend. We hope to make this a classy kick-off for both Brad's book and the series. Join us in the UUFP Sanctuary 415 Young's Mill Lane, Newport News, VA 23602 Authors with a currently published book who would like to present at future events are urged to contact: meetheauthor@uufp.org.  theme: Embracing Unless otherwise noted, services include sermons preached by Rev. Andrew Clive Millard and take place at 9:30am and 11:15am on Sundays. March 3rd: “Who’s Taking My Stuff?” It’s a natural feeling: we don’t like it when somebody takes something away from us. But it’s not that simple. When we’re promised something and then the promise is broken, we feel the same loss, even if we didn’t actually want what we were promised! And if we had some advantages that are now given to other people, too? Then it can feel like we’re the ones being oppressed. March 10th: “Embracing Paradox: Exploring the Contradictions that Vex and Enrich Our Lives” How do we live with the apparent opposition between good and evil, scarcity and abundance, individuality and community, death and new life? If we hold them as paradoxes, not “either/ors”, the tension can then open our minds and hearts to new ways of seeing and being. We will look for what Thomas Merton called life’s “hidden wholeness”, the underlying unity of all things.  Dr. Susan Moseley is contract Minister for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock in White Stone. She received her Doctorate of Educational Ministries from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2012 and her certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Haden Institute in 2017. March 17th: “The Whole Megillah” Intrigue! Passion! Pride! Betrayal! No, it’s not another day in Washington. This is the story of Queen Esther, who bravely saved her people by winning a victory over religious discrimination. As communities all around the world look forward to celebrating Purim, the most festive of all Jewish holidays, let’s remind ourselves of the timeless delights and drama of this Bible story. March 24th: “Spiritual Activists” In these times, what does it mean to be actively resisting oppression? How much resistance is enough? What will really make a difference? And how can we tend to our souls as we continue to stay engaged with the world?  Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig has served as minister of the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists since 2017. Previously, she served with congregations in Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Northern Virginia. A graduate of our Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago, Rev. Laura is also a trained spiritual director. We welcome her to the Fellowship in her second pulpit swap with Rev. Andrew!
Special music will be provided by the UUFP’s ChorUUs! March 31st: “Justice on Earth” Racial justice, economic justice and environmental justice often seem to be competing for time, attention and resources, so let’s explore some of the ways in which they are intertwined. For when those on the margins are most impacted by pollution and climate change, our faith calls us to do the long-haul work of making justice for our human kin, for the Earth and for all life. This service is part of our Fellowship’s participation in this year’s Common Read. Happy Birthday to all our members born in March!  Alan Sheeler Ann Taylor Susan Schneider Adam Balsley Andrew Millard Malia Hair Parker Stokes Jackie Herman Jerry Dingus, Jr. Maria Cory Randy vanValkenburg Arthur Fynsk Caitlin Lammie Tyler Tomko March is also the birth month of Joseph Priestly (March 24, 1733) who was a Unitarian minister, teacher, author, and natural philosopher. He is known for discovering oxygen. If you are a member and have a birthday in March that we overlooked, please contact Bobbie Schilling at membership@uufp.org.
Grow in Wonder - Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity
By Alicia Hofler This reflection was read aloud by its author from UUFP’s pulpit on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula is: "Grow in Wonder. Connect in Love. Engage in Service. Inspire Generosity." While our mission is an expression of how we at the UUFP see ourselves and want to be in the world, to me, it is also shorthand for being a good human being. It reminds us that we as people, co-inhabitants of the planet, are good and wonderful. It also implies that we have the capacity to stretch and expand, that we have the potential to be more, that we are not fixed in time. In a good way, though. Not in the admonishing way that a disappointed adult may say to a child that he/she/they “can do better than that” after having fallen short on some expectation or having met the letter of a request but not the intent. It does not imply somehow that we are holding back. It says instead that because we have inside us these gifts of curiosity, compassion, motivation, and caring that we have resources we can draw on to be more present and active in making positive change in ourselves and our communities. Our mission reminds us that we are curious and want to learn. When we feed our curiosities and learn, we grow in wonder at the world around us, humanity’s capacity for good, the beauty of nature and the stars above. Growing in wonder opens us up to possibilities that we may have not considered previously. Compassion gives us the ability to pause and consider the other in an interaction. Pausing lets us put “us” aside and leads to empathy, so in challenging situations, we can connect in love instead of confusion or frustration, emotions which would make it difficult or impossible for us to listen fully. Connecting in love allows us to bridge gaps in understanding and perspective while maintaining respect for different viewpoints and assumptions. This is when real connection with another individual happens. Being motivated means we are eager, excited, and driven to act. Gathering together allows us to channel that motivation to address injustice and engage in service. Engaging in service is how we work for change in the world. Caring directs our activities and keeps us engaged. It drives us to share our gifts and talents with the wider world. Inspiring generosity is how through our actions and deep sense of commitment that we awaken the potential in others to act. I value and support the UUFP because it is a place that believes in itself and its congregants’ potential. Our mission embodies those beliefs, and by capturing our innate gifts and how we use them, it empowers us to continue to reach out for new experiences and become ever better human beings. Thank you for listening. 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. By Mason Moseley The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula (UUFP) has supported the Living Interfaith Network of Hampton Roads (LINK) from very early in its existence. We continue to do so by sharing the Sunday morning offertory monthly; helping out with PORT (People Offering Resources Together), the winter homeless shelter; and with donations of clothes and foodstuff. Now we have another opportunity to help and have fun – at “Dinner & Dance the Night Away” on Saturday, April 6, from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. Our very own Rocket Men, including Jeff Hinkley and Robin van Tine, will perform.
Tickets and details are available at: Dinner & Dance the Night Away!
Your participation supports this collaborative mission of providing practical solutions for the homeless and other community families struggling to survive!
 I want to thank everyone for their positive feedback to my recent sermon, “The Garden Grows the Community.” I’ve received some of the “Seeds for Thought” sheets back and would love to receive more. Just drop them off in my office or on Sunday mornings. It feels like a lot of people are interested in the idea of creating a community garden, but we need a plan in order to move forward.
In meeting with the Religious Education (RE) Committee, they suggested starting by meeting with our Master Gardeners and other garden enthusiasts to gather information about plants and planting for our area. If you are a Master Gardener or have a green thumb, would you please contact me so that we can set up a meeting? The second suggestion was to put out a call for gardening materials, especially if we want to make some raised beds. We want to be as green as possible, re-using and repurposing materials. I could use a couple of people willing to post these requests for materials on local social networks. So if you would like to help in this way, please let me know. Finally, I would like to get a sense from everyone in the congregation where their interests lie in helping with this project. Are you interested in planting? In maintaining, weeding, watering? Do you want to create lesson plans to teach in the garden? Would you like to be part of a mentoring team? Do you want to help build a vegetable stand? Make garden art? Create an irrigation system? Do you want to hand out flyers to neighbors letting them know how they can work with us? Do you want to lead a cooking class using the produce we grow? Do you want to research justice issues that could connect with our garden? I think the opportunities to connect and grow with this garden are endless. So, I really want to hear from you about what things you would like to help with, support in some way, or lead. We will need plenty of “Queen bees” and “Worker bees." In addition, I would like to meet with people who are excited about getting involved with the community garden on March 3, 2019, after second service. Please come ready to share your seeds for thought with us! See you in the RE! Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity
By Brittany Welch Robertson This reflection was read aloud by its author from UUFP’s pulpit on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
I did not grow up as a Unitarian Universalist. My first experience with a UU church was seeing it as the building next door to the funeral home in my hometown, which was also located across from a beautifully built multi-million-dollar mansion complete with heated lawn so the guard dogs feet would not be cold. At that time, I was too young then to take myself there, but after college and upon moving here to Newport News, my husband, Jesse, mentioned going to a UU church, since he was dissatisfied with his experience at his local Presbyterian one, and I could not find another Catholic church like the one I had come from. We looked it up, and UUFP was right down the road. I remember attending a Valentine’s Day themed sermon that Rev. Andrew Millard was giving, and we just kept coming back. Part of the reason was for the people. Newport News is a sprawling city to move to and not know anyone here. I know at first I felt completely alone. I found a community here, and I love it! Everyone genuinely cares about one another, and if one member becomes sick or has a hardship in their family, everyone rallies together to offer up anything they can and cook meals for them. I know if I don’t come for a few weeks in a row, someone always makes me smile when I come back in the door. It might be Judy from behind the podium, or Henry standing by the name badges waiting to give out a bear hug, or maybe a Good Morning from Carey, who’s manning the table out front for our various social justice causes. I feel wanted. I even see these people outside of “church time." Let’s be honest; how many people here shop at Costco or Trader Joe's? We’ve probably seen each other and have waved hi or exchanged a few words and a greeting. I’ve had dinner at the Sheeler’s, gone clothes shopping with Sarah, and just yesterday was painting at Joanne’s house. We are all Connected to one another in Love. I also come back because of the sermons. I like how I am encouraged to think here and ponder the greater state of the universe instead of being told it is exactly like this or that. Social justice issues and examining morals are frequent topics in sermons that make me examine myself and how I perceive others and their choices. They are very thought provoking. I am not forced to believe in anything or have scripture interpreted for me. I can come to my own conclusions and listen to others on their journey to figure it out too as we discuss things over coffee time. I attended the Articulating your UU Faith program that our prior intern minister Walter held a few years ago so that I could try to put my own personal beliefs into words and how to describe what it means to be a UU. I am still trying to figure this all out, but I am a lot closer to voicing it than I was in the past. This rich discussion and self-reflection is a key to growing as a person…one might say Grow in Wonder. Engage in Service and Inspire Generosity. These parts of the mission statement I am still working on. It’s the part that I am not fulfilling as much as the other two areas I mentioned earlier. I help out on my Hospitality team, and I teach RE on occasion, but could I help out more and offer my services in other ways for the community? I participate in the yearly canvas with my husband, but is there another way I can be generous besides with just my money? How do you balance the responsibility to your daily life and what you would like to accomplish here at the same time? These are still questions I am pondering. I love coming here and love what we stand for, which begs me to ask how can I challenge myself to continue on living our mission statement to fullest extent? And what about you? Have you asked yourself these questions lately? What does the UUFP and our mission statement mean to you? Why do you keep coming back? 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.  “For all that is our life” by Rev. Andrew January is a busy month in Richmond, thanks to the legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly. I spent three days there last month with different organizations: January 9th with Equality Virginia; January 30th with the Virginia Conservation Network; and January 22nd with the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a non-partisan coalition of more than seven hundred faith communities working for a more just society, when I was joined by UUFP members Alice and Bob Smith, Lucy and Robin van Tine, Mason Moseley, Sandra Engelhardt and Sarah Davis.
We have spent the day advocating for environmental justice, protections for the immigrant among us as well as for a living wage and dignity for all Virginians. Our good works are not yet finished, but will continue as we return to our various homes, houses of worship and campuses where we will write letters and make phone calls to our legislators. We will encourage others to be advocates and activists for all people. As part of bringing the day home to “encourage others to be advocates and activists for all people”, I invited our UUFP participants to write about something that made an impression on them and something that impacts our Fellowship as a faith community. I am pleased to share some of their responses here. Sarah begins, “What made the biggest impression on me was the immense time, volunteer hours and energy that went in to organizing the lobbying day! I was further impressed by the great zeal of people from all over Virginia who came to participate! Honestly, political activism is exhausting and takes tireless, persistent, consistent effort by vast numbers of people! It was encouraging to see it all in action.”  Picture by Les Solomon As Mason notes, “With the federal government closed and legislative and executive branches at loggerheads, I was impressed with the activity at the Virginia General Assembly. Cramped hallways full of citizen and professional lobbyists. People turning out from all over the state to be there. Our being made more aware of the issues that mostly we’d read about in local media.” Sandra comments, “This was my fifth lobby day and the best one yet. I finally got to meet Delegate Yancey of the 94th District. He met with seven of us from the UUFP and had comments on our concerns. My issue was the guns in churches and he agreed that this was not a good idea. We met with Senator Mason and he was very supportive of our issues, saying the governor might have to veto [the bill repealing the statutory prohibition on carrying dangerous weapons to a place of worship]. The VICPP had made the appointments for all who registered and that was wonderful.” I was impressed by the combination of professionalism and warmth in the legislative aides with whom I met. Whether aligned or in opposition on the various issues, these individuals spend all day talking with constituents while maintaining a consistently respectful and considerate attitude. It cannot be easy talking with so many people, some of whom will be upset or even angry, but the legislative aides are always welcoming and willing to listen. Concerning our Fellowship as a faith community living its values in the world, I realized anew how someone contacting a legislator on an issue that affects them directly can have a significant impact. In the office of Delegate Pogge’s legislative aide, a chart showing various bills she was tracking included an effort to allow ice-cream trucks to have flashing lights, and the aide explained that this was because an ice-cream truck owner had contacted Pogge about what he saw as an issue of safety. When talking with legislators, our advocacy for issues will be more effective if we can make them as personal as possible. Sandra continues, “The workshop that I attended was regarding the minimum wage. There are organizations in Richmond and Alexandria that give publicity to those companies that provide a ‘living wage’. There are three levels of support in Richmond ranging from $9.50 an hour with health insurance to $16.00 an hour, and there is an effort underway in Williamsburg to create a similar group. The Peninsula might be included.” Sarah observes, “One thing that impacts the UUFP as a faith community is that there were scores of UUs at the Day For All People along with Muslims, all stripes of Christians, Jews, Hindus and others. I think we saw so many UUs at the event because Unitarian Universalist Principles require participation in our government in order to fulfill their promise. I’ve come to realize that political activism is fundamental to being a UU. Our congregation is enriched by the fact that many at the UUFP take this fact to heart!” Mason adds, “The Fellowship is gaining legislative advocacy strength. Several members have been doing this type of activity over several sessions, and several had their introductory experience this year. The task is to keep this up when the General Assembly is not in session. About three thousand bills are dealt with in the forty-five day session. More one-on-one conversations between sessions may be the more influential situation on issues important to us.”  Picture by VICPP Please consider joining us and the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy in these efforts during the rest of this year and into 2020’s legislative session. Every voice is important and needed in the practice of democracy, and participation is not as difficult or as daunting as it might seem.
As Lucy reflects, “I was a little nervous as we entered the sanctuary of the large, old, slightly crumbling Protestant church in downtown Richmond. It was quickly filling up with people like me, church people of all faiths from all around the state, who had come to lobby that day on behalf of progressive legislation for the state of Virginia. I didn’t really feel prepared. I was inwardly berating myself for not having gone over the white papers on the VICPP website. And furthermore, in my haste to leave the house that morning, I had rushed out without my reading glasses. The organizers at the church had handed me a sheaf of papers outlining the legislation we were going to urge our senators and delegates to support later that morning, but as I took my seat and glanced them over, the words were hardly legible — they were fuzzy on the page. “Then the first speaker climbed the stairs to the dais and took his place behind the pulpit. He was a middle-aged man with dark hair and he spoke with an accent. As I scribbled some notes, he gave us practical reasons why he and so many others should have a provisional driver’s license. The bottom line was that, like everyone else, he, and others like him, needed to get to work in a safe and legal manner. He did not smile as he spoke. His eyes were sad as he looked out at us. After he gave his short talk, he stopped reading his notes and looked out at us. ‘The most important thing to remember when you talk to your senator and delegate today is to speak from your heart. Thank you.’ Later that morning just a few of us were in the plush, blue-carpeted office of my delegate’s legislative aide. No longer bolstered by the throng of church folk, I thought of the man who had stood before us. My fellow Virginian. My brother. I spoke without hesitation or fear.” Sponsored by the UUFP Membership Committee SAVE the DATE! Scott Kasmire will facilitate the second "Spirit of Life" workshop on February 20, 2019, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the UUFP Sanctuary. As part of our Beloved Community Wednesdays, a potluck supper begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by this workshop and other programs.
All workshops are “stand alone” so we hope you will join us for one, several or for the remaining eight (of nine) sessions. We warmly invite you to share this time with us to grow, connect, engage and to inspire one another.
By Steve Farthing, UUFP Canvass Chair, 2019 - 2020
Your pledge this year, and your faithful support in past years, have been essential to our success. It has made full-time ministry and professional religious education a reality. It has supported our acquisition of the Office Building and its property. It has provided a foundation for the UUFP that undergirds all of our efforts. Thank you for making the UUFP a vibrant, thriving community. This year we are tackling two new initiatives: fully funding the position of Director of Religious Education (expanding Joanne Dingus’s position to full-time and increasing her responsibilities to more comprehensively provide religious education) and covering all our expenses via the pledge drive (eliminating past reliance on labor-intensive fundraisers). We have set a bold goal of $215,000 in pledges. You will receive a letter and pledge card in the mail over the next few days. Please read the letter, fill in and sign the pledge card, and return it over the next three weeks. Pledge cards may be returned to the Fellowship and placed in the pledge box (a clearly-marked box will be on a table behind the entryway podium starting next week), mailed to the UUFP, placed in the offering basket, or returned to the office. The Finance Committee will track all pledges and provide weekly progress updates. Pledge cards are due by February 24, 2019. Please return them early if you can! If you have questions, members of the Canvass team will attend all services over the next few weeks and may be contacted via email or phone. Pat Yaros and I (canvass@uufp.org.com) are primary contacts; David Walsh and Judy Remsberg are also available (please check the latest version of the UUFP Directory). Canvass activities are not limited to service. Expect to see additional information in emails, on Facebook, and in The eFlame. On March 24, we will mark the conclusion of the Canvass with a celebratory meal, a Chili Cook-off with bread, desserts, and beverages. Don’t miss the fun!  Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity.
By Kadri Ozyurt This reflection was read aloud by its author from UUFP’s pulpit on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
“Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity.” This four-line mission is a very good reflection of what the UUFP is, and what it stands for. This mission also resonates with me. The way I see it, the UUFP, as a spiritual home, provides these four pillars as values and fills every cubic inch of this sanctuary. This, in turn, enables the people, who come through these doors, to grow in wonder, connect in love, engage in service, and inspire generosity. From this, an ever-growing, two-way relationship stems, from which both sides benefit. Grow in Wonder: Who would have thought that a Muslim guy like me would grow to be on the UUFP Policy Board, and further, the Treasurer of this institution, which grew out of its Judeo-Christian roots? And yet, to my wonder, I have succeeded at this highest level personal achievement of my life, thanks to the accepting and nurturing congregation. This is a good example of the UUFP growing its people in wonder. Connect in Love: When Andrew asked me to give a testimonial, I was relunctant because of the fact that I had stage fright. I am here this morning because a member and a friend in this congragetion told me: “Kadri, you square yourself; own this testimonial. You know Kadri; speak Kadri.” This was a powerful encouragement, which catapulted me to this pulpit, and a great example of connecting in love. Engage in Service: The UUFP creates opportunities to engage in service in many ways. I participated in PORT (People Offering Resources Together) and helped those who needed food and shelter. Recently, I participated in the Women’s March event. On a personal level, I distribute “Meals on Wheels” for the Peninsula Center for Aging. Also, my wife and I participated in building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Inspire Generosity: I support the UUFP with my resources to help further the community outreach, social justice, environment, and other initiatives that aim to better human lives. I am amazed with the level of willingness to help a fellow UU, when in need. I was putting a pergola in the backyard, a honey-do list item. I didn’t have the experience and knowledge for how to lay a concrete base, so I asked for help. Four of my UU friends came to help; one did despite he was under the weather, and one still has stuck with me so far. In conclusion, the mission of the UUFP, Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service, and Inspire Generosity, will continue to shape the culture of this congregation, in particular, and the world, in general, and I will continue to grow with it. Thank you. 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. Happy Birthday to all our members born in February!  Nan Procyson Cher Balsley Barry Campbell Jeanne Labuda Milyn King Megan Zunk-Wasilausky Peggy Tomko Barbara Linde Rosalee Pfister Nicholas Hagstrom Steve King Arik Rhone-Christensen If you are a member and have a birthday in February that we overlooked, please contact Bobbie Schilling at membership@uufp.org.
 theme: Embodying Unless otherwise noted, services include sermons preached by Rev. Andrew Clive Millard and take place at 9:30am and 11:15am on Sundays. February 3rd: “Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience” We experience the world around us — including each other — through our senses, interacting with the tangible universe by means of our bodies. We are not isolated minds of pure reason nor spirits of lofty virtue, but rather we are integral to the physical world, immersed in it, enjoying it, suffering with it, witnessing to it and helping to transform it thanks to our embodiment. February 10th: “The Garden Grows the Community” For two decades, religious education programs have been noticing what some are calling the “Death of Sunday School”. The Sunday school model of religious education that worked so successfully a half century ago may not be what present-day families need. Many programs are looking for alternative ways to support faith formation through family ministry.  Joanne Dingus is in her nineteenth year as Director of Religious Education at the Fellowship. Raised as a Unitarian Universalist from the age of twelve, she brings her UU faith to all aspects of her life. Joanne is a very proud and happy mother of two amazing young adults and is looking forward to their graduation ceremonies this May.
February 17th: “Bridges, Not Walls” There has been a lot of talk about walls of late, when it is clear that what we need are bridges. Rather than building walls that serve no purpose except that of an imaginary crisis, we should be repairing the bridges that allow our society to function. Rather than building walls around our hearts, we should be reaching out to one another with kind words and helpful hands. February 24th: “Embodying the Interconnected Web” Let’s celebrate our place in the interdependent web of all existence with the help of the four elements: air, water, earth and fire. Let’s give thanks for the simple gifts that sustain our daily lives: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat, and the light of the Sun that makes them all possible. Let’s sing and share in community with one another and the Earth together! Special music will be provided by the UUFP’s ChorUUs! Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service, Inspire Generosity.
By Sandy Burkes-Campbell
Like many others, I found my way to Unitarian Universalism seeking religious education for my children. For over a decade I saw them grow in wonder in a welcoming community of supportive peers and adults, learning about what it means to be in community. For myself, the sermons and discussions here have helped me form my own world view and realize just how important liberal religion is to me, the Hampton roads community, and the world. This congregation is welcoming to those seeking to grow in wonder no matter who they are. I have seen our members connect in love in many ways both in this building and in our community. I have witnessed love and support for our children as they grow into young adults, and support for members of all ages, as they seek a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. I have seen members visit the sick, bring meals to families with new babies, drive people to doctor’s appointments, clean our building when it flooded, and perhaps most importantly, make the coffee on Sunday mornings (yes that is an act of love in most UU congregations). Very shortly after formally joining my first congregation in Savannah Georgia over 30 years ago, I realized that as UU’s we are called to engage in service in our home congregations, in our communities… and in the world. UUFP partners with other congregations in the community to help shelter the homeless in the winter and provide meals to those who need them in Newport News. I have supported environmental justice both by participating in the March on Washington, helping to clean up the bay and working with local, national and worldwide organizations that protect our environment. Here at home I have served on the board, on committees, helped with religious education, hospitality teams and currently serve as chair of the long range planning committee. UUFP inspires generosity in many ways. Every year we support the efforts of the Unitarian Universalist Service committee about whose social justice work around the world Rev. Andrew recently spoke in his sermons. I give my money and time to support the mission of this fellowship to insure that we will exist into the future so that other families in Hampton Roads may benefit from liberal religion. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all is possible with the generosity of the spirit, work and resources that we can provide. Our mission is based upon our values as a congregation and no doubt will guide our efforts into the future. The mission enables a strong and vibrant ministry, religious education, thoughtful sermons that inspire us to action, social justice activities, safe spaces, good friends and much more. May we continue to Grow in Wonder, Connect in Love, Engage in Service and Inspire Generosity. Thank you! 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.
By Marcy Stutzman This reflection was read aloud by its author from UUFP’s pulpit on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
I have been attending the UUFP since 2005, when I had a year old toddler. In that time, we’ve added another baby to our family and have seen the children grow up to a tween and a teen. In this time, I have also slowly shifted my views of religion from being a Christian, unable to find a suitably liberal and dynamic church home, to an unapologetic Unitarian Universalist. I find that the UUFP has allowed me a place to evolve slowly, but steadily, and to clarify my understanding of the world and my place in it. I’ve heard Rev. Millard state something along the lines of “religion seeks answers to the questions of why we are here and what happens when we die." The UUFP has been a supportive, loving community where I’ve been challenged to think about hard things, while on a faith journey, that can be described as Growing in Wonder. This is what makes the UUFP a church home rather than merely a service organization for me. However, the activities that are at the heart of my participation with the UUFP are the many opportunities for service to the community and volunteering within the fellowship. Helping others has been important to me for a long time. I remember a freezing, muddy day, now about 25 years ago, when I was attempting to dig a ditch in rocky soil for Habitat for Humanity. This was a rather poor fit for my aptitudes. Through the UUFP, I have been able to do things that I enjoy and am relatively good at, including cooking for both the PORT winter shelter program and the Good Fridays at St. Paul’s church. I find a comfortable camaraderie, which could be described as Connecting in Love with the others who come to cook together. I enjoy the opportunity to serve others directly in a concrete way where we can see the benefit of helping hungry people. I have also helped to organize food and coffee for another group of hungry people—that is, the people who enjoy a bite to eat and a cup of coffee or tea between the services here at the UUFP. Prior to the hospitality team format, I spent several years organizing volunteers for providing snacks, and now I am the leader of one of the four hospitality teams. Engaging in Service within the fellowship is essential for maintaining a strong, vibrant community which can be used as a base for our outreach and activism. The final part of the UUFP’s mission statement is “Inspire Generosity.” I have been inspired by this fellowship to give of my time, my talents and my financial support to the UUFP. I am the secretary of the UUFP Board, a member of the choir, play flute for the UUFP winds and for service accompaniment as needed, cook for our local outreach programs, and coordinate a hospitality team. These are things that I enjoy, and participating in these ways, for me, is a means of using my capabilities to further the mission of the UUFP. In addition, my commitment to an annual pledge helps support and make possible these things that I appreciate about our fellowship. Thank you so very much for listening. In Marcy's avid volunteerism, she announced the need for a new hospitality team coordinator starting this summer. This opportunity is surely a way to live out our UUFP mission. Those interested, please contact Marcy or membership@uufo.org. 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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