MINISTER'S MESSAGE - Rev. Roger Fritts
HAPPENING SUNDAY, MAY 19
* 10:30 am, Sermon: "Atheism" by Rev. Roger Fritts
Although often non-Unitarian Universalists do not understand this, belief in God is not a requirement of membership in this religious community. How many of us identify as atheists? The most recent nationwide survey to ask that question was conducted in 1987 by the UUA Commission on Appraisal, which found that 7 percent of Unitarian Universalists picked "atheist" over other options, including "humanist." Going back even further, 21 percent of Unitarian Universalists in 1979 said that the concept of God is irrelevant or harmful, down from 30 percent in 1967. According to a 2001 report in The Christian Century, a study by Ohio University professor James Casebolt found that 18 percent of Unitarian Universalists whom he polled in Ohio, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania considered themselves atheists. The sermon will explore the liberating joy of nonbelief.
Children five years old and up attend the first part of the service with their parents.
Music: Joe Martinez, trumpet; Charlie Allman, organ; Don Bryn, piano
Our guest musician this Sunday is trumpeter Joe Martinez who is one of Sarasota's most distinguished trumpet players. His career includes 18 years with Sarasota Orchestra, more than 20 years with the the Sarasota Concert Band and principal trumpet with the Venice Symphony. He continues to perform with the Suncoast Brass Quintet and Venice Brass Quintet.
* 9:30 am, Forum: "The Sarasota Community Studio" Presented by Tim Dutton and Allison Pinto, co-directors of this new initiative in the Central-Cocoanut neighborhood of Newtown. Built upon four years of efforts by neighborhood children, it is a creative space where neighbors come together to invent powerful approaches to community change. The ambitious goal of this local hub: We aim to be the first neighborhood where every child and the neighborhood are thriving because together as neighbors we are following the lead of neighbor kids. Learn more at the Studio website www.sarasotacommunitystudio.org. After the presentation, Mitch Zavon will moderate an open discussion of the topic.
* Religious Education for Young People (during 10:30 service)
Loving care for infants and toddlers is available.
The Religious Education Program will celebrate the end of school and the start of the Summer Programming with a party!
Youth Group (at 11:30, after the service) is for middle and high school youth. It is youth-led, youth advisor guided.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - MAY 26
We are holding a very short Special Congregational Meeting at 11:30am (immediately following the service) on Sunday, May 26. The purpose of this meeting is to reaffirm our Welcoming Congregation status. We became a Welcoming Congregation several years ago, and a periodic reaffirmation process is recommended by the UUA. Wilda Meier, supported by a team of Interweave members, is leading our education and reaffirmation process which includes numerous events including panel discussions, speakers, forums and movies to re-engage us in our status as a Welcoming Congregation. The reaffirmation process culminates with a congregational vote affirming our status. You should have already received a personal email which is our new way of giving notice for congregational meetings. If you did not receive the email, or prefer a mailed notice, please contact the church office.
Thanks,
Julie Leach, President, Board of Trustees
OUR COMMUNITY
* A memorial service for Rose MacKenzie will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 1 PM in the Sanctuary.
* As of Thursday evening Rev. Dick Benner, minister of our church from 1987 to 1999, was resting comfortably at the Tidewell Hospice here in Sarasota.
* Marie Millett is recuperating from a fall. Cards would be appreciated.
* Phyllis Stevens is at Life Care Center at 8104 Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota 34243 receiving rehabilitation services for strength and mobility. Visits and cards appreciated.
* Boris Pundick is now living at Heron House on Fruitville Road. Cards and visitors appreciated.
* Colette Ann, Jordan and Zachary Marquis would like to thank an anonymous donor for their random act of kindness. It was much appreciated.
* Lea Hall's daughter, Megan, was selected as Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!
* Congratulations to Tom Cook for receiving a President's award for his volunteer work at Childrens First.
* A Tribute from Cindy Evans to her dear friend Rose MacKenzie, a caring nurse and master orange marmalade maker.
* A Tribute from Terry Murphy in grateful appreciation to Tom Cook for his assistance with a computer problem.
* A Tribute from Tony Dalsimer in honor of Louise King for her big smile and all her hard work.
* The Tribute Fund is a great way to honor someone, give thanks or just celebrate a special event. Pick up a form in the church office.
* Alice Benjamin Boudreau is exhibiting her art work in the Annual Community Art Show at the Selby Gallery. It is located at Ringling College of Art and Design at 2700 N Tamiami Trail. The exhibit is open till May 31.
* The church Directory is updated to May 10. You can access it by going to our website and clicking on Members' Corner. Call the office for the ID and password.
* Caring - Contact Dee Widder at Widderd@verizon.net or by calling 377-9028.
We provide short term help of rides, meals, phone calls, cards and companionship. Also people are needed who would like to visit people and chat for a while. Drivers are also needed.
* Sign up now for summer Chalice Groups. Summer sessions will begin in mid-June for 6 sessions (two sessions a month). They're a great way to meet people at a deep level. Each group picks a set of topics to discuss, and they discuss them in turn from their personal experience and viewpoint. There's no give-and-take on the topics, just each person's thoughts given to a group paying full attention. Each session lasts 2 hours. Chalice Groups are open to everyone: members, friends, and visitors.
* Happy Birthday to the following members:
May 19 Chet Chmielewski
May 20 Ellen Cone
May 20 Louise Stinespring
May 20 Joan Verizzo
May 20 Patty Halperin
May 21 Mae Steg
May 23 George Evans
May 24 Ginny Page
If you're a member with a birthday this week that is not listed here, please inform the office.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* A Ladies potluck luncheon will be held in the Jefferson Room at noon on Saturday June 15. All UU women friends and members invited. No sign up necessary, just come and bring a dish to share. Mira Frederick and Dee Widder
OUR COMMITMENTS - Social Justice
The UUCS Social Justice Committee is working each week to solve issues in homelessness, hunger, needs of children and families, human rights and the health of our planet. Stop by the Social Justice Table after the Sunday service.
* UnidosNow: The second annual Resource Fair will be held Saturday May 18 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 1750 17th Street. They are welcoming our "yellow shirts." Learn about how immigration issues affect us in Sarasota.
* Hands Across the Sand: Embracing a clean energy future now is the path to a sustainable planet. It's a path to ending global warming and climate change. It's a path to a better future for our children and grandchildren. Go to Siesta Key Public Beach (948 Beach Rd) on Saturday, May 18, 11:00 AM to visit the beach and 12:00 Noon to join hands for 15 minutes, forming lines in the sand. Sponsored by Transitions Sarasota and Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club.
* Pax Christi Manasota: Remember those who stood with us for peace through justice on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 11:00 AM, at Island Park--due west from Ringling Blvd. and Gulfstream Blvd., in the Sarasota Bayfront area. As we did last year, we gather at the Peace Pole, erected by Les Druckemiller. UUCS is a member of South West Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice, the organization sponsoring this event. Go stand for peace . . . in honor of yourself or another.
* Serve meals at Salvation Army: Volunteers for Wednesday night and Friday lunch. If you haven't tried this, it's easy and rewarding. Sign up at the SJ table.
* Bethesda House Volunteers: Have one Friday morning a month free? Consider volunteering in the Food Pantry at Bethesda House. Contact justice@uusarasota.org or stop by the table for more information.
* Turning Points: Volunteers needed to transport clients to LECOM School of Dentistry beginning Tuesday, May 28, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for eight weeks. Transportation for one or two round trips during shifts - 8:15 AM to noon or 12:15 PM to 4:00 PM, with five clients in each shift - twenty clients total who will receive dentures through LECOM's generosity. A six-passenger vehicle is required. Please contact Cheryl L. Hedger, Turning Points Volunteer Coordinator at (941) 747-1509 Ext. 334 or email at chedger@tpmanatee.org
COMING NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 26
* 10:30 am, Sermon: "Agnosticism" by Rev. Roger Fritts - Of the three terms theism, atheism and agnosticism, the third is the most recent invention. The sermon will look at the history of the word and some of the most famous people who have confessed, "I do not know."
The choir directed by Robert Lischetti; Charlie Allman, organ; Don Bryn, piano
* 9:30 am, Forum: "Ethical Eating" What's Wrong with What We Eat will be shown. In this fiery and funny TED talk, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman weighs in on what's wrong with the way we eat now (too much meat, too few plants; too much fast food, too little home cooking), and why it's putting the entire planet at risk. The video is available below or click on www.ted.com/talks/mark_bittman_on_what_s_wrong_with_what_we_eat.html. After the presentation, DeeAnna Dowdle will moderate an open discussion of the topic.