The Quill February 2019 Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs President: Barbara Rosen Minister: Rev. Robert F. Murphy Music Director: Bonnie Whitehurst 230 Grand Blvd., Tarpon Springs Mailing Address: 57 Read St., Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 Church Phone: (727) 937-4682 Temporary Sunday Location: Tarpon Springs Recreation Center 400 S. Walton Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 E-Mail: [email protected]Web site: www.uutarpon.org Editor – Rosemary Horn Interim Executive Editor – Ann Rainey
Transcript
The Quill
February 2019
Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs
President: Barbara Rosen Minister: Rev. Robert F. Murphy
Music Director: Bonnie Whitehurst
230 Grand Blvd., Tarpon Springs Mailing Address: 57 Read St., Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689
Church Phone: (727) 937-4682
Temporary Sunday Location:
Tarpon Springs Recreation Center 400 S. Walton Ave.
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.uutarpon.org
Editor – Rosemary Horn Interim Executive Editor – Ann Rainey
Table of Contents MINISTER’S MESSAGE....................................................................................................................... 3 President, Board Of Trustees Report ................................................................................................................. 4 UUCTS History - Wisdom Keeper Interview with Rev. Ed Erickson ................................................................... 4 Building Committee Report ................................................................................................................................ 8 Social Justice Council Updates for Feb, 2019 .................................................................................................. 10 February Social Justice Forum ........................................................................................................................ 10
UUCTS UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS ........................................................................................ 10 Special Congregational Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 10 Quilt Show & Sale ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Tai Chi Classes ............................................................................................................................................... 14 Lunch Bunch ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Mindfullness- Meditation .................................................................................................................................. 14 Tops - Weight Loss Group ............................................................................................................................... 14 Uucts & Friends Book Club .............................................................................................................................. 15 Buddist Meditation Group ................................................................................................................................ 15 "Ukes For Peace" ............................................................................................................................................ 15 Martin Luther King Banquet ............................................................................................................................. 15 Rise Against Hunger ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Senior Services ............................................................................................................................................... 16 Tarpon Springs Annual Arts Festival ................................................................................................................ 16
UUCTS CALENDAR & DEADLINES ................................................................................................. 16 Religious Events For February 2019 ................................................................................................................ 16 Board of Trustees Meetings ............................................................................................................................. 17
February Calendar ............................................................................................................................ 17 The QUILL Deadline ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Weekly E-nUUs Deadline ................................................................................................................................ 17
In Our Neighborhood ........................................................................................................................ 19 The Soup Line Dinner ...................................................................................................................................... 19 Church On The Bayou’s Valentine Luncheon ................................................................................................. 19 Women’s Retreat ............................................................................................................................................. 20
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MINISTER’S MESSAGE
"Celtic Spirituality" by Rev. Robert Francis Murphy
It's the middle of winter. A very important moment. In the North, people struggle with snow and ice. In our region, we welcome snow birds and other guests. Our climate is different from the Northern climate, but winter always matters, so it's good to reflect on the season and its spiritual meaning. February is a season for hospitality and for thinking about others. The ancient Celts would say, "This is the time of Imbolc." Imbolc is the seasonal festival that's half-way between the Day of the Winter Solstice and the Day of the Spring Equinox. It's a time for winter carnivals and dinners. And it's also the time for measuring community needs. Community meals programs are active in our area and church members manage the cold night shelter for people who need a place to stay. In January, volunteers counted the homeless population. Are there other people who need our friendship? In Northern places, groundhogs and bears and other creatures come out of hibernation, to look around in the neighborhood. In Florida, the manatees moved into warmer waters in December. In February, they may ask, "How much longer will winter last?" Some manatees may poke their heads above the surface, to make their weather predictions. Maybe they're looking forward to spring break at Spring Bayou. Maybe they're planning a swim to Clearwater or Sarasota. Elle Wolf-Muhleck will be our Sunday speaker for February 3rd. Because of the Imbolc season, she'll speak about Celtic spirituality. Next month, I'll visit the Unitarian Universalists in Key West and I'll speak about the same topic. I hope both presentations will be posted on our congregation's new website. What does Celtic spirituality involve? It develops in different ways. One mentor says, "Go easy on the doctrines. Just follow the Way, with concern for others. Some individuals turn inward, but the Celts are contrary people, so engagement and hospitality are important practices." We need something simple and good in this season. Feed the people. Provide shelter when it's needed. Offer the gift of friendship to others and take time for a bit of merrymaking. Last year, our congregation marched with rainbow flags and a bagpiper to the place where our church is being reconstructed. Everybody was invited to the party. This winter, something similar will happen. Construction work will be finished in late February or early March. There will be a great parade. Rejoice. Restore. Re-Imagine.
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BOARD of TRUSTEES MESSAGES
PRESIDENT, BOARD of TRUSTEES REPORT The QUILL, February, 2019
As we prepare to move back to our “new” buildings, we need to think about what to expect when we
make the move. Excitement will be the first feeling. Each of us knows about some of the difficulties
faced when we move to a new home. We may be thinking we can just pick up and everything will be
easy, and we’ll just settle in, but Change is about to take place. On the surface that doesn’t sound
too difficult, but et’s consider what creatures of habit we are. Don’t we all love to walk into a Sunday
service or committee meeting to take the same seat we’ve been sitting in forever. It’s comfortable and
unless someone else sits there we continue the practice over and over.
Time – the 5+ years we’ve been away, will bring change. Where will we sit? Where will this or that be
now? Who will get to make that decision? Over 50% of our members will see our spiritual home for
the first time - and begin again with us. They will have new and different ideas. They don’t know how
it was done in the past.
One example of “something different” are the old bulletin boards in the social hall. They were used to
tell members what was happening with posters, articles and pictures of current events. But life has
changed while we’ve been gone. Most of us get information online now. The website has more info
than ever before added. Facebook is filled with pictures documenting our journey. Email keeps us
up-to-date, and there are fewer phone conversations. The west wall of the social hall will be coated
with a product designed to be used over and over - so we can feature art made by anyone –
members, friends, pros, and novices. There won’t be holes in the wall either - we don’t need the old
framing or to use push pins. At last, we’ll be following our Mission Statement – supporting spiritual
growth, social justice and the ARTS!
There will be new places, spaces and lots of new ways to accommodate current and future storage
needs. So it will require each of us to be flexible. It takes patience to try new ways places of doing
things. Change can be more difficult for some folks to get used to. That might require US to be
sensitive to another’s difficulty to make the change or adjustment. It’s crucial for each of us to practice
healthy communication, sensitivity and flexibility. We should strive for a high level of listening and talk
to each other calmly. Poorly worded emails, anonymous feedback and parking lot conversations have
gotten us into trouble with our interrelationships in the past. Carol Chaney gave an excellent reflection
at Tai Chi about how our being fluid, willing to be flexible, and using kindness with ourselves and
each other. May we all be open to the excitement and difficulty we will face.
- Barbara Rosen, President – Board of Trustees thru Feb. 28, 2019
UUCTS History - Wisdom Keeper Interview with Rev. Ed Erickson
As we begin 2019, most members who’ve joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs
since all the buildings were closed for sinkhole remediation, are unfamiliar with a wonderful, long-held
practice called “Wisdom Keepers.” This once-a-month Forum tradition allows us to record interviews
and Q&A sessions with long-time members of this church. Each “Wisdom Keeper” talks about their
personal life, significant events, being a member of UUCTS and what it means to them, and responds
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to questions from the floor. In honor of Ed Erickson’s recent birthday, here is a synopsis of his
interview conducted in April, 2013. Rev. Erikson offers insights we don’t often get a chance to learn
about life in this part of Florida, and how some very specific events have impacted Ed’s personal
journey.
Ed is a retired Unitarian Universalist Minister, and he is the son of a Swedish immigrant father and a
Georgia mother whose family were famers. With his delightful humor he calls himself a “Swedish
Cracker!” He was raised in Dunedin and remembers being about 7, walking along a sidewalk with his
father, when a black person came towards them. Ed stepped aside for that person to pass. He was
admonished and told not to do that again. Although believing his father was not a racist, he also knew
his father to form opinions from the culture which surrounded him. This experience became a key
event in Ed’s life, and probably one that impacted and informed his support for the kind of equality
reflected today in the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Years later Rev. Ed Erickson proudly walked
with Dr. Martin Luther King in Washington and Alabama.
When Ed was 17 years old, his cousin came to visit Florida and they visited the George Inness, Jr.
Paintings at Church of the Good Sheppard, 230 Grand Blvd. Ed told his cousin, a fundamental
conservative Christian when asked, that the Universalists did not believe in hell. Instead they believed
everyone would be saved! Apparently this was another telling event in Ed’s young life,
Growing up during the era of Pearl Harbor, followed by the end of WW II, and the early days off the
Korean War. Ed eventually found the Quaker philosophy of a “Conscientious Objector” as a path he
could follow. Ed was willing to fight - just not violently. He had his education, a BA and MA from
Stetson and Berkley, and felt his choice of career was to be University Professor. The reality was
that the Florida State Legislature had ruled NO person of that persuasion could hold any public
teaching job in Florida and receive income! Next, Ed traveled to Costa Rica hoping to teach, only to
realize many European scholars had beaten him to the punch, so he needed to change his plan
again. Along this circuitous and somewhat frustrating path, Ed realized his true objective was the
advancement of society. Talk about a “stretch goal!” It set the path of his life.
Ed’s life at UUCTS began in 1985. His choice to live on a modest income without a car, became his
opportunity to meet Ethel and Glenna Fritts, because they all lived in Dunedin. The sisters were his
regular transportation to UUCTS, plus his introduction to many former and current members. Ed has
known all but one minister serving our UU church over the years. Orders of Service and Minister’s
Reports highlight the many times Ed has provided sermons to us on Sundays. They also demonstrate
the deep fondness with which all these ministers have spoken about Rev. Ed Erickson, the Humanist.
Besides being a member of UUCTS, Ed is the author of four books, and is a “Religious Humanist.” He
sees the purpose of this church as a place for those who don’t fit in other places because: (1.) We are
entitled to our differences, and (2.) We can and do respect others, even when we disagree. When
asked about congeniality at UUCTS, Ed responded, “I’m not terribly disappointed in the human race,
because I don’t expect too much.”
Rev. Ed Erickson gave the Tarpon Springs Centennial speech in 1987, followed by many festivities,
ending with a banquet hosted by this church. He was an active leader of Ethical Culture in
Washington, DC and New York City for many years, and still describes himself as a militant liberal –
to the free mind.
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As we plan our return to our spiritual home in the next few weeks, we also expect to continue the
Wisdom Keeper Forums and traditions, to add to our history in Tarpon Springs. Anyone interested in
the history of our church, the people that made this church the “force for good” that it is today, can
listen and learn more about our elders by listening to the CD’s in the UUCTS Library.
- Barbara Rosen, Enthusiast of UUCTS history
BOARD TREASURER’S QUILL UPDATE Submitted 1/23/2019 by Kathy Hopkins
December Financials – As expected, this has been a year of major spending as church rebuilding construction commenced in February 2018. We started the year with over $1.3 million in Endowment and healthy balances in our checking and savings accounts. Here are summary financials showing how we ended the year along with the Profit and Loss picture for 2018.
Current Balances 31-Dec-18
Checking/Savings
Church Checking Account 14,235
Inness Committee 13,180
Concert Committee 841
Bill Muhleck Landscape 1,345
Quilters 1,887
Money Market Cash Reserves 84
Total Checking/Savings 31,571
Endowment TD Ameritrade Account
Total Asset 1,146,811
Balance on Margin Loan -351,149
Total TD Ameritrade Value 795,662
Profit & Loss*
Income Expense Net Income
Capital/Rebuilding 486,827 -549,697 -62,870
Church Operations 153,625 -150,877 2,748
Inness Committee 0 -7,215 -7,215
Quilters 6,638 -6,905 -267
Endowment Transfers -508,300 0 -508,300
Total 138,790 -714,694 -575,904
* Does not include Other Net Income from Endowment
January through December, 2018
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Budget Performance for 2018 - Church Operations expenses were held within budget, only spent about 90% of plan. Our minister elected not to take his $5,000 retirement benefit and graciously volunteered to reduce his compensation by another $5,000 in 2019. Church Operations pledge income fell about 15% below plan this year due to the loss of some long-time members who either moved out of the area or passed away. We welcomed several new members during the fourth quarter which will help, but pledges are still falling short of what is needed. Endowment contributions were required to supplement 55% of the income for church operations.
Church Rebuilding - The Seacom December invoice for $55,075 was certified and paid. The January construction invoice from Seacom has not yet been received, but we did make payments for exterior light fixtures and subterranean termite treatment for the Sanctuary. Seacom no longer expects to complete by January end, but we are in the final stage for sure. The following chart shows remaining project expenses expected during the first quarter of 2019. We are still working within the funding limits set by the congregation in September 2018.
Emerging Whole! Capital Campaign – As of December end, we have raised $187,468 which is 63% of our $296,000 goal. Equally important to the dollar goal is our goal of 100% participation. We encourage every member of our church community to contribute in whatever way you can to the rebuilding of our church home. It takes all of us pulling together to be successful.
2019 Budget Planning - The 2019 Operations and Capital Budgets were completed and published in the annual report for congregational approval at the annual meeting on January 27th. A look into UUCTS Finances – Thirty people participated in an after-service forum on Sunday, January 20th to better understand where the church stands financially and how we will navigate the financial challenges ahead. With several new members on board, there was a real interest in
Budget: Church Operations including Give the Plate
Operations Income Actual Budget Variance % Budget
Operations Income* 68,825 81,100 -12,275 85%
Transfers from Endowment 84,800 84,750 50 100%
Total Operations Income 153,625 165,850 -12,225 93%
Operations Expenses 150,877 165,850 -14,973 91%
Net Operating Income 2,748 0 2,748
* Operations Income does not include Net Other Income, Money Market Interest
January through December 2018
Church Rebuilding Project Expense as of December 31, 2018Actual Projected Total Total Expense Amount
Total Sinkhole/Rebuilding Expenses 544,581 225,570 770,151 770,151 0
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understanding the cost of the entire sinkhole saga. Answer: Overall sinkhole related costs total just over 2 million. Insurance covered 56%. The church accounting system shows expenses from Jan 2013 through Dec 2017 total $1,307,077. Insurance paid a total of $1,157,475. Let me know if you are interested in seeing the more detailed report breakdown of income and expenses. Financial Statements - Detail year-end financial statements are now available on the password protected portion of the UUCTS website: log in to uutarpon.org. If you need log in instructions and password, please reach out to Rosemary Horn at [email protected] Make it easy for the new year! Next time you visit your bank, consider asking them to set up automatic payments for your church pledge donations. Just tell the bank the amount and frequency you’d like to contribute or set it up yourself in Online Banking. Have the check sent to the address below and you have one less thing to remember to do! It also helps the Treasurer to get your donations in the mail on a reliable schedule.
UU Church of Tarpon Springs 57 Read Street Tarpon Springs, FL 34689-3237
BUILDING COMMITTEE Report The QUILL, February 2019
Following the slower days of Christmas & New Year holidays, January was a jolt back to reality for the Building Committee. We haven’t encountered too many issues in recent months, but we had a delay with our lighting order and a misunderstanding in a ket communication. Everything has been worked out, and we all know these things happen – especially since we’re dealing with many “moving parts.” It’s even a bit surprising there haven’t been more issues, but the lesson is clear - Even this late in the project we have to remain vigilant on every single item, task and goal. We will do exactly that as we continue forward. Since the project began, pest control issues (the current euphemism for termite prevention) have been on the agenda many times. Our campus has been tented, sprayed, dusted, and sprayed some more. Going forward, however, it’s important to note the spray insulation used in the Sanctuary & the new Forum Rm does NOT allow for tenting in the future. Why? Because the spray-insulation-foam is such an excellent insulator, it does not allow the gases used in tenting against termites to reach all the wood members behind it. We think everyone should know about this – just in case. Sod was installed on the main campus only, not UUCTS Offices, last week (Jan. 21st) and a whole team of volunteers have kept it well-watered when Mother Nature failed to do so. Many thanks to Dimitri Hernandez for his instructions, and to Alan McBurney and Dimitri for determining the equipment required, and for setting up a system for volunteers to follow! Many thanks to Lyn Dalzell (best “scribe” ever!) who has gathered volunteers and kept us all updated on progress with this project. It really does “take a village” to make it all happen. Mr. Eagle Eye, René Torres, spotted some wonderful wood chairs at a resale shop in Lakeland. He and I drove to the warehouse to check out these chairs for possible use in all or part of the new Sanctuary. This will be discussed and voted on Feb. 3rd. We’re moving on this choice as quickly as possible, because the vendor cannot hold the merchandise for us – but he did agree to call us if another customer shows up ready to buy. As always, we’ll use the democratic process to arrive at a decision.
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Remaining projects include cement tiles in the Bell Tower, basic tile in the new section of the Social Hall, installing plank flooring in the Forum Room & Inman Room, staining the wood floors in the Sanctuary, installing lighting throughout the new spaces, burglar and fire alarms will be installed, the 2 sliding doors in the Social Hall will be repaired, etc. Don’t forget we have City of TS Inspections to pass, also. Clearly, Kathy Hopkins and I have worked as partners throughout the UUCTS Rebuilding process. However, she will have a million things to keep her busy as she moves into the Board Presidency after February 28th. For this reason, I’ve asked Dimitri Hernandez & Barbara Rosen to share my duties for a few weeks while I recover from knee surgery. I know they’ll do a great job. We look forward to reporting more progress this week and will continue to keep you posted. This is an exciting time for ALL of us, and as always we appreciate for your patience.
▪ Ann Rainey, Building Committee Chair
Are You NEW to UUCTS? As our guest at UUCTS, you are welcome to attend services and ALL activities. Become a UUCTS FRIEND with on-going committee participation and/or a financial pledge. We are a Welcoming Community with open hearts. Our members, friends and visitors make each week more joyful. Hospitality, worship, music, art, outreach and social activities grow friendships and build community. What’s your vision? What are your interests? Stay for "coffee" or a Forum discussion after the service. Let's get acquainted! Be as engaged as you choose. Get electronic newsletters. Visit the website. Check the calendar for your areas of interest. Consider what it means to be a member! Membership is belonging to a community: if only for a season or all year round! Membership is your opportunity to participate fully in our shared community decision-making and to help create our future! Only members hold offices and vote in congregational affairs. Our governing Board of Trustees is elected and church processes are democratic. We believe in human action and transformation. Come grow with us. Becoming a member is easy:
▪ Stay for a 5th Sunday Exploring UU-ism Forum: next one is March 31, 2019,
▪ Or attend an evening Pathway meeting, provide a pledge of financial support according to
your ability and heart, and sign our Membership book. You will be recognized and appreciated.
Talk with Rev. Bob Murphy after service or during his office hours (contact info in this QUILL & at www.uutarpon.org). Contact Barbara Kostreva, at 864-650-5638, or [email protected]. I'm available most Sundays at the Welcome Table, too. Let's talk!
The Social Justice Council meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, at UUCTS Offices. For more info, contact Cathy Lawson at [email protected].
February Social Justice Forum The February Social Justice Forum will on February 17th from 12noon to 1pm. Dave Gerald, Program Outreach Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas Co., will be our speaker during the Forum presentation following the service. Grab some coffee and join us. It will include how to qualify & apply for Habitat Homeownership, Habitat's impact in Pinellas Co./Tarpon Springs, volunteering, and Habitat's response in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
UUCTS UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: A congregation meeting is called for Feb 3, 2019 to vote on a recent proposal to replace pews with chairs in the sanctuary.
The meeting will start promptly 10 minutes after the end of service to vote on ▪ Pews or Chairs for the sanctuary.
Please refer to the following information sheet (next page) for photos and explanations.
Only one week’s notice is possible due to the urgency of the decision.
QUILT SHOW & SALE As a part of the Church on the Bayou "Treasures on the Bayou" annual event, the quilters will again fill their sanctuary with one-of-a-kind handmade quilts Saturday, February 9th, 7am to 3pm. All sales support this UUCTS QUILTING program, which allowed us to donate 300 quilts last year to those in need. Thank you in advance for coming to see these treasures. For more info, contact Kathy Stevens, [email protected].
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Local people are being recruited to join the 2020 Census Team. For more information and a number to call, see the flyer on the following page.
TAI CHI Classes Tai Chi is an ancient art form and mindfulness meditation that provides a complete, intergraded exercise system - one which works all the body systems deeply, yet gently, while providing profound levels of relaxation. It is a wellness activity, a way to care for the self, provide physical and emotional equilibrium, enhance balance, strength and flexibility, and your chance of remaining mobile into old age. Classes are open to all on Monday & Wednesday mornings 9:30 - 10:30am at the Tarpon Springs Recreational Center, Craig Park at Spring Bayou. Sign-up sheet available on the UUCTS Congregational Life Table.
- For more info, please call Carol Chaney, Tai Chi instructor at 727-940-4545.
Please note, there will be NO Tai Chi on: Monday, February 18th – Presidents’ Day
LUNCH BUNCH Our next Lunch Bunch will meet Thursday, February 14, 12:15pm at Tarpon Turtle Restaurant, 1513 Lake Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. The restaurant is off Keystone Ave., on Lake Tarpon. They have an ample selection of sandwiches, salads & Flatbreads, including, Cali Shrimp Flatbread with shrimp, tomatoes & parmesan garlic sauce. Please join us in fellowship by signing your name on the sign-up sheet located on the Congregational Life Table. Non-members welcome. For late sign-ups and cancellations, contact Don or Barbro at 727 938-9427 or [email protected].
MINDFULLNESS- MEDITATION We meet the 1st & 3rd Monday each month from 1-2pm at the UUCTS Offices, 57 Read Street, Tarpon Springs. Please join us February 4th and 18th. You don’t need experience to gain from this group practice. Come and see for yourself!
TOPS - Weight Loss Group Unitarian Universalists are concerned about ethical eating and health. A TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) group meets Thursdays at the UUCTS Offices, 57 Read Street in Tarpon Springs. The basic philosophy is eating better and less while exercising more. How you do that is your personal choice. TOPS members provide encouragement and support to each other without judging. Currently we have four members and are looking for up to eight more.
- Call Rod Merten at 727-460-0509 or Rose D'Alessandro at 989-467 0326 for more info….
UUCTS & FRIENDS BOOK CLUB The UU Book Club meets year-round on the 1st Thursday of each month from 1 – 3 PM at the church offices, 57 Read Street. The next meeting will be February 7, 2019. We will be discussing Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin. Toms River melds hard-hitting investigative reporting, a ripping scientific detective story, deep historical research and an unforgettable cast of characters into a riveting narrative that will leave readers asking, could it happen in my town, too? (a true story.) For March we will be reading Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure: An extraordinary novel about a gifted architect who reluctantly begins a secret life devising ingenious hiding places for Jews in World War II Paris. Everyone is welcome to attend. You may find or order all the books through your library or buy them, electronically or otherwise, used or new.
BUDDIST MEDITATION GROUP – Every Wednesday at 7pm Please join us any Wednesday evening, 7-8pm at UUCTS Offices, 57 Read St., Tarpon Springs, to share this wonderful practice.
"UKES for PEACE" The Pineapple Scruffs & Friends will perform at a Musical Fundraiser for Peace4Tarpon, on Wednesday, Feb. 13th from 5-9m, at Irish Kelly's, 734 S. Pinellas Ave. (Alt.19), Tarpon Springs. We’ll raise funds by PASS-the-HAT donations and Raffles. Admission is free – no cover!!
MARTIN LUTHER KING BANQUET
The annual Martin Luther King Banquet will take place on Sunday, February 24th, at the Innisbrook resort in Tarpon Springs. The banquet is a fundraiser to help the Citizens Alliance for Progress or CAP in Tarpon Springs. Our church has supported CAP and its programs for many years. Banquet tickets are $40 each. Call 727-934-5881, or email questions to www.citizensallianceforprogress.org.
HOMELESSNESS in TS
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tarpon Springs helps homeless people. If you can volunteer to help with the Tarpon Springs cold night shelter, please contact. Rev. Bob Murphy at 727-942-7316. If you can volunteer to help with community meals & food distribution, please contact Lyn Dalzell, also at 727-942-7316, [email protected]. Our church works with the Adopt-a-Block program, the Shepherd Center, and other organizations, to help feed the hungry. We're active in every season.
RISE AGAINST HUNGER
On Saturday, Feb. 23rd community & religious groups will join together to package meals for the hungry. Meet at the First United Methodist Church, 501 East Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, from 10am - 12noon. If you can help with this project, please contact Ron Haddad at 727-804-8332, or [email protected].
The Senior Information Center receives volunteer support from UUCTS. Volunteers provide free information to seniors who need help with legal services, transportation for medical care, housing, food, & other needs. The Tarpon Springs Public Library has organized the program. It's not necessary to be a Pinellas County resident in order to request assistance. For more info, call: 727-937-1110, or email [email protected].
TARPON SPRINGS ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL
The annual Arts Festival is a major event for Tarpon Springs. Thousands of people visit Spring Bayou & Craig Park to see Arts, Crafts, and other exhibits. This year, many pedestrians will see our beautiful “new” church at the corner of Read St. & Grand Blvd. Volunteers are needed to help with the Arts Festival program. Jack Spirk has info at 727-937-2879 or [email protected].
UUCTS CALENDAR & DEADLINES
RELIGIOUS EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2019 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd: "Celtic Spirituality." It's the middle of winter. Elle Wolf-Muhleck will speak about Celtic spirituality and the ancient holiday of Imbolc. Lyn Dalzell will provide a birthday cake for everybody with a birthday in February. Rev. Bob Murphy will provide Irish soda bread and hot tea. We don't have groundhogs in Florida but perhaps the manatees in Spring Bayou will rise to the occasion to check the weather. When will springtime arrive? SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10th: "Grumps and Grouches." It's the season for Valentine’s Day. The nice people are easily celebrated, but some people aren't nice. Do we have to love everybody? How do we work with difficult people? We'll have fresh strawberries to enjoy Strawberry Sundae. Rev. Bob Murphy will be our speaker. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17th: "Five Smooth Stones." What do we have in mind when we talk about "liberal religion"? Last year, church members placed five smooth stones in the foundation of our church. The five stones provide our congregation with some grounding. Rev. Bob Murphy will identify the stones and he'll explain their significance. If you want spiritual growth, rest on the five smooth stones. You'll need them during your journey. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24th: "Compass and Candles." It's an exciting moment for Pasco County and Pinellas County. In the near future, our congregation will return to its sanctuary near Spring Bayou. We'll welcome newcomers, we'll remember the people who have helped to build our church, and we'll continue to speak for liberal religion in our region. We'll light candles when they're needed and we'll be a moral compass. Rev. Bob Murphy will speak at today's religious service. After today's Sunday service, there will be a forum meeting to discuss plans for returning to our spiritual home.
Board of Trustees Meetings Regular Board meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month and members are welcome to attend. Archived BoT minutes are available at Sunday services on the Congregational Life Table or in the “password-protected” Member-Only section of our website, www.uutarpon.org/members. The next Board Meeting is Tuesday, February 12th, 6-8pm, at UUCTS Offices, 57 Read St., Tarpon Springs.
February Calendar
The QUILL Deadline The deadline to submit reports or announcements for the March QUILL is Tuesday, February 19th, at midnight. Articles submitted late will be added subject to editorial discretion. Every article submitted must include your contact info: name, e-mail AND phone #. Submit articles, with the word QUILL in the Subject line, to [email protected].
Weekly E-nUUs Deadline
Weekly E-nUUs is a publication listing significant events every week, from Friday – Thursday. Notices for Weekly E-nUUs must be received no later than 9pm every Wednesday for publication on Friday. Send notices with Weekly E-nUUs in the subject line to [email protected]. ➢ Please Note: All items submitted for publication by the UU Church of Tarpon Springs are subject to editing
for space and content, in accordance with church policies. To avoid excess emails, mass mailings only take
place for church publications and emergencies.
➢ Be sure to check the Weekly E-nUUs for any last-minute updates!
Weekly
Mondays – 9:30 – 10:30am, except Feb. 7 and 21
Tai Chi, Tarpon Springs Recreational Center, Craig Park at Spring Bayou.
Tuesdays - 10am - 3pm Quilting at Church on the Bayou (CotB)
Wednesdays - 10am – 12pm News-n-Views at UUCTS Offices, Contact Mike Flanery, News&[email protected]
2pm – 3:30pm Building Committee at UUCTS Offices
7pm – 8:30pm Buddhist Meditation at UUCTS Offices
Wednesdays – 9:30 – 10:30am Tai Chi, Tarpon Springs Recreational Center, Craig Park at Spring Bayou.
Thursdays - 4pm – 5pm TOPS at UUCTS Offices
Thursday, 5 – 6pm Choir Practice at Bonnie Whitehurst’s
Meditation, Expressive Art, Book and Topical Discussion Groups, Personal Time, Relaxation.
• Sunday, we share a UU Service bringing it all together.
DaySpring Conference Center is conveniently located off I-75 just north of Sarasota on Florida’s West Coast. The beautiful campus nestled under ancient oaks and located on a cove of the Manatee River offers a serene setting for our annual retreat. Take a look. http://Dayspring.dioswfl.org. $220 per person covers expenses for a semi-private room and meals. 8 women share a cozy cottage with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, a screened porch and common area. A limited number of single rooms are available at $292 each. A non-refundable deposit of $20 for a semi-private room or $30 for a private room will reserve your place. Final payment is due Feb. 15, 2019. Come join us for an enriching and memorable weekend. To register or for more information contact Helen Leddy [email protected]
UUCTS Mission Statement:
We are a liberal community for all ages,
promoting Spiritual Growth, Social Justice
and the Arts.
9th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist
Women’s Retreat April 5-7, 2019
DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Ellenton, Florida
