UUCA Newsletter - August 2009
Join a Covenant Group – August 23 Sixth Annual Cliff Valley Bluegrass
Would you be interested in joining a covenant group? Festival – August 22
Small Group Ministries establish connections among
members, provide a safe place to explore spiritual growth,
and create healthy congregations. Covenant Groups
consist of 6-10 people who share, explore, and travel
their faith journeys together. Members are bonded by a
common covenant, and covenant groups have proven to
be an effective means to develop meaningful, personal,
and supportive relationships within a larger community of
faith. If you would like to learn more, we have scheduled
a gathering on Sunday, August 23, from 2-4 pm at UUCA.
We invite you to join us. If you plan to attend, RSVP to
Linda Serra at lserra@comcast.net.
Ens and Outs August Events
The Environmental and Outings Group (Ens and Outs)
DejaBluegrass, feature band at 2009 Bluegrass Festival
holds regular events that are open to all; new faces are
always welcome! The Sixth Annual Cliff Valley Bluegrass Festival will be
August 1 – Join us for a hike at Cochran Shoals and Sope Saturday, August 22 starting at 4 pm. The festival will be
Creek. Expect a moderate six to seven mile hike. Contact a benefit for UUCA’s preschool, the Atlanta Progressive
Paula and Clay Yeatman for details at 770-717-9568 or Preschool, which just finished their first year. The festival
clayyeatman@bellsouth.net. will feature DejaBluegrass. These Decatur residents serve
up a fresh song selection of “true grass” piled high with
August 8 – Bill Goolsby will lead his traditional bike ride pop and “new grass” lightly salted with some soul-shaking
on the Silver Comet Trail. We’ll start from the trailhead at gospel. With their tight traditional harmonies they’ve had
the Paulding Co. Chamber of Commerce, ride to Rockmart great success at two visits to Telluride Bluegrass Festival
for lunch at Frankie’s Italian restaurant, and then ride back in Colorado. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival is the same
to the start (38 miles total). Contact Bill at 770-939-9368 or venue that helped launch the careers of the Dixie Chicks
bill.goolsby@gmail.com for additional details. and Nickel Creek. Local favorites Tucker Station String
August 9 – Join us for the Ens and Outs Planning Potluck, Band and Nottaway Connections will perform when doors
hosted by Lyn Conley, at 3072 Galangale Way, 30345. open at 4 pm. Suggested donation is $15 per person at the
Contact Lyn Conley for directions or additional details at door or $20 for a family; all proceeds benefit the Atlanta
770-934-9696 or lconley@uuca.org. Progressive Preschool. Childcare is available for children
under age four if reserved online at uuca.org at least one
week in advance. Come hungry and thirsty as food and
beverages will be available at this family friendly fun event.
Help UUCA Save Trees & Postage
This newsletter is available online at www.uuca.org/
quick-links/monthly-newsletter.
Join UUCA’s sustainability effort—help save trees
Inside This Issue
and postage! Unsubscribe from the print version by
emailing nonewsletter@uuca.org, or by contacting Children’s & Youth Ministry........................................4
the UUCA office at 404-634-5134. Adult Religious Education..........................................6
Faith In Action............................................................6
Caring Community.....................................................7
Columns..................................................................7
Worship...................................................................10
August 2009 Get Your UUCA Photo Directory Online Helping Our Deposit Team Volunteers
You can now download a copy of the UUCA photo Did you know that after every service on Sunday, deposit
directory by using Access UUCA. Simply log in to team volunteers count and prepare the offering money
Access UUCA at uuca.org, then hold your mouse over for deposit? Did you also know that some of these faithful
“Directories” and click the “Directories” link that pops up. volunteers are at UUCA most Monday mornings to confirm
You can then choose the “Family” and “Pictoral Directory” the count of checks and cash, enter data into the computer,
options to either print out your own copy or save the file to prepare the money collected, and make the bank deposit?
your computer for later use. You can upload or change your
Even if you weren’t aware of these hard working volunteers,
personal photo through Access UUCA by mousing over
you can help them every week! Make their job easier by
“Home” and clicking on “My Complete Profile.” Then click
following these simple suggestions when you put your gift
on “Edit” and then “Picture.” A special thanks goes out to
or pledge in the Sunday morning offering plate:
Sally Joerger, who uploaded over 250 photos from family
photo shoots and new member Sundays from the past three • Check the Order of Service to see how you should make
years, and to our many volunteer photographers who have out your check for special offerings.
taken portraits over the years. UUCA members and friends • Any Sunday you can make a contribution to UUCA by
who are not computer users may have a black and white putting UUCA in the “for” line on your check, even if it is
copy mailed to them by contacting the UUCA office at 404- a GATP Sunday.
634-5134. To save trees and postage, paper copies of the • If your check is for a pledge, please put pledge and the
photo directory will not be available. year in the “for” line of your check (for example: 2009
pledge).
Take “Exploring UUCA” This Summer • If you are making a donation for a Give Away The Plate
Exploring UUCA is the first step on the path to membership; organization, make your check payable to UUCA and put
the class teaches Unitarian Universalism essentials and fills GATP in the “for” line.
you in on how we “do” UUCA. The next two Exploring • Always use the “for” line on your check to help the
UUCA classes are Saturday, August 8 from 9:30 am-12:15 deposit team know where this money needs to be
pm and Sunday, September 13 from 1:30-4:15 pm. A deposited. Yes, these are incredibly skilled volunteers but
minimum of ten pre-registrations is required for each class. mind reading is not in their job description.
To sign up, contact Chance Hunter, Director of Welcome • When putting a check in the plate, please do not fold it,
Ministries, at chunter@uuca.org or 404-634-5134 x223. place it face down in the plate.
Childcare is available if reserved at uuca.org at least one • When putting cash in the plate, please do not fold or
week in advance. crumple the bills.
• If you wish to count a cash donation as a tax deductible
The Art of Exchanging Our Gifts donation, please put the cash in an envelope and write
Each month, UUCA exchanges our space for the gifts your name, address and what the contribution is for
of other individuals or groups. With these groups or on the outside of the envelope. Make sure you put the
individuals, UUCA is both the giver of space and the envelope in the plate or drop it in the safe in the office.
receiver of the gifts that they can offer us. Here are three of • If you have a large amount of change you would like to
the groups UUCA is working to mutually share gifts with give to UUCA, consider possibly using “Coin Star” or
each: other coin counting machines at your local grocery store.
You could increase your donation to cover the percent
Isabel Mester offers recorder classes to UUCA members
charged for the convenience of using the machine.
at no cost, and in exchange UUCA allows her to use
• Finally, if you would like to donate stock to UUCA,
unoccupied space downstairs during the week to teach
please contact Sherri Wiseman, Business Manager at
private classes. In addition Isabel and her students have
swiseman@uuca.org or 404-634-5134 x212.
played at some UUCA events. If you are interested in
learning to play the recorder, contact Isabel at 404-906- There is another way to help—volunteer to serve on the
8304 for more information. Deposit Team. Contact Sally Meyer at 404-633-5035 if you
are interested.
The Atlanta Recorder Society (home.mindspring.
com/~gillmorm) practices for upcoming performances
Ready to Join UUCA? – August 23
in UUCA’s Theatre each month. In return, they provide
The next new member joining ceremony will be during
individuals and groups to play at UUCA worship services.
worship on August 23. To join, sign up online at uuca.org
The Atlanta Feminist Women’s Health Center (www. or contact Chance Hunter, Director of Welcome Ministries,
feministcenter.org) uses UUCA’s parking lot for overflow at chunter@uuca.org or 404-634-5134 x223, no later than
parking from time to time. UUCA uses the Atlanta Feminist August 17. For additional joining ceremony dates, see page
Women’s Health Center’s parking lot on Sundays as 10.
overflow parking.
Get the UUCA Weekly Email Update
Signing up is simple. Just visit uuca.org and click the Weekly Update quick link on the homepage sidebar.
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Give Away the Space (GATS) UUCA Under Construction
August 2009
In July, UUCA‘s Give Away the Space Program sponsored Toilet Repairs - UUCA has been making some major repairs
two meetings. On July 16, the Task Force for the Homeless on the toilets in the women’s and men’s restrooms. They will
Coalition Meeting was held at UUCA. To learn more be complete by the beginning of August. We apologize for
about the Task Force for the Homeless, visit www. the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
homelesstaskforce.org. Then on July 28, Fonkoze Atlanta, a
Flood Mitigation Project - UUCA is in the Final Phase of the
non-profit organization dedicated to providing micro-credit
Flood Mitigation Project, which will install large cisterns at
to poor women in Haiti met at UUCA. Fonkoze Atlanta is
the bottom of the basement of each of the stairwells, and
an affiliate of Fonkoze USA (www.fonkoze.org). Some on-
to add an additional sump pump with a battery backup
going rental groups at UUCA:
as well as adding a replacement sump pump for the one
Atlanta Photographic Society that stopped working during the recent flooding in the
www.atlantaphotographic.org basement. This project should be completed by August 9.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 7:30 pm We are asking that everyone, especially children, stay off
Contact: Don Stephens, dbstephens@bellsouth.net, 770- the patio and away from the area near the patio. Anyone
967-2788 entering the playground should enter from the front of the
building. The playground gate near the patio will remain
Quick Silver Country Dancers – www.qcdancers.org
locked until the construction is complete.
Dances: 2nd Saturday of each month
Contact: Maggie Cowan, info@qcdancers.org, 678-358- Flooding in the Lower Level - Sunday evening, July 12,
4918 UUCA received a large amount of rain in a short period of
time, estimated at 2-3 inches in less than 8 hours. Flooding
International Sound Therapy Association – www.ista-usa.org
caused by a faulty sump pump and the excess rain was
Programs: 2nd Friday of each month at 7:30 pm
discovered on Monday, July 13 in a portion of the hallway,
Contact: Lois Grant, 404-252-8225
Room 104, Room 103 and the Theatre. A restoration
Recovery from Food Addiction company was called immediately to clean up the water.
Meetings: Every Saturday at 4:30 pm By Wednesday, July 15, the water and moisture had been
Contact: Steve Kissinger, snkatl@aol.com, 770-640-5069 extracted. The remaining essential repairs are to put the
rubber baseboard back on the walls and clean the carpet
Big Book Bunch – 12 Step AA Recovery Group
and the tile floor. Unfortunately, on Wednesday, July 8, all
Meetings: Every Saturday at 8 pm
the basement carpets had just been cleaned and the floors
Contact: Frank Faust, frank@frankfaust.com, 770-972-7431
waxed and buffed. The remaining repairs and clean up will
Native American Flute Circle be completed by the end of August. Please do not go into
Meetings: 3rd Friday at 6 pm the Lower Level until these repairs are made. If you have an
Contact: Cecelia Turbyville, cecelia@mindspring.com, 404- event scheduled in one of these rooms, contact the UUCA
352-5340 office at 404-634-5134.
Ministry Across the Generations
20s/30s – A group for twentysomethings and thirtysomethings, single and partnered, with kids and without.
Activities include lunch the third Sunday of the month, parties and more. For more info, contact Caitlin St. Louis at
caitlinstlouis@gmail.com or 423-956-3261.
UniTots – A group for families of infants and toddlers. Meets each month for a fourth Sunday pre-worship breakfast
at 8:30 am at UUCA and a second Friday playgroup at 9:30 am at off-site locations. For more info, contact Diane
Baggett at dianemelby@yahoo.com.
Families Together – A group for networking and fellowship for families with children. For more info, contact Jane
Henley at sj1henley@yahoo.com or 770-414-2919.
Forever Young – A fellowship group of UU’s in their 50s or older. Activities include share-the-cost dinner and drinks
in member’s homes, eating out, and attending theater together. For more info, contact Karen Lindauer at klindauer@
bellsouth.net or 770-934-4294.
Forever ‘40s and ‘50s – A fellowship group of folks who came of age during the 1940s and 1950s. For more info,
contact Erl Dordal at erl@dordal.org.
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Children’s & Youth Ministry Children’s & Youth Ministry
“Creating Beloved Community for All Register Now for Fall RE
Children” Workshop – August 8 It’s (past) time to register for fall RE! All families must register
“Creating Beloved Community for All Children,” a workshop for childcare and RE classes for children and youth. In
for anyone working with children, will be held at UUCA on order to confirm class placements, all RE families should
Saturday August 8 from 9 am-3 pm. Workshop leader Sally complete an Adult Volunteer Opportunities form, available
Patton, Ed.M. Developmental Psychology and author of online or at the RE desk in the front lobby. Contact Pat Kahn
Welcoming Children with Special Needs: a Guidebook for at pkahn@uuca.org with any questions.
Faith Communities says,
Parents Night Out is Back - August 29
“Opening our hearts and minds to serving children
On the fourth Saturday night of each month (second
with special needs strengthens our commitment to the
Saturday in December), our Coming of Age youth and their
Unitarian Universalist principle of affirming the worth
families will coordinate Parents Night Out as a fundraiser
and dignity of every person. Ministering to children
for the 2010 Coming of Age pilgrimage to Boston. Parents
with differences helps us not only to be more creative
may drop children off at 6 pm and pick up time is no
about ministry to all our children, but also helps us as
later than 10 pm. Our regular childcare providers will
adults to reassess or reaffirm our own beliefs. Lessons
be on hand to care for infants and toddlers, while COA
of compassion, caring and an acceptance of differences
volunteers will provide activities (games, art, movies) for
benefit all of us, young and old.”
children up through grade 5. Please feed your children
Registration is available online at www.uuca.org/ before dropping them off. The cost is $5 per child and
community/food-fellowship/special-events or at the RE reservations are required at least one week in advance. A
desk in the Front Lobby. The cost is $25 per person which sign up sheet is available at the front desk in the Lobby but
includes lunch and materials. Childcare is available if online registration at uuca.org is preferred. Families must be
reserved at uuca.org at least one week in advance. This registered for childcare or the UUCA RE program in order to
workshop is open to the wider community, so invite your participate.
friends, neighbors, and any teachers that you know!
Children’s Ministry Team Meeting –
Save the Date for Upcoming Children & August 10
Youth Religious Education Events The Children’s Ministry Team will meet on Monday, August
Mark your calendars with this very important “save the 10 at 6:30 pm. Meetings are open to all; RSVP to Pat
date” information for all RE families and volunteers in both Kahn at pkahn@uuca.org if you plan to attend. Childcare
children’s and youth ministry! Childcare is available for all is available if reserved at uuca.org at least one week in
events if reserved at uuca.org at least one week in advance. advance.
Contact Pat Kahn at pkahn@uuca.org with questions.
August 15, 9 am - Parent Coordinator training (volunteers Summer Childcare Reminder
in each class who serve as “networkers” among families). Childcare is available in the nursery and toddler room
RSVP to Pat Kahn at pkahn@uuca.org by August 10. (rooms 204 and 205) for infants to 3-year-olds from 9:45-
11:45 am. 3-year-olds who have not yet attended RE are
August 23 - RE Orientation and 1st Annual Picture Day! RE encouraged to use the Toddler Room for the summer and
Teachers will be “commissioned” in the service on August start RE in the fall (registration for fall RE is required).
23 and at 11:30 am we’ll have an RE orientation for all
grades (PreK-High School) and our 1st annual RE Picture Summer RE “Wild About UUCA”
Day (all children and youth). Our wonderful Music Director All summer long we’ll be exploring UUCA—especially our
Don Milton will be on hand with a special program for trees. Children and teens start in the Sanctuary and then go
children and youth in the Sanctuary, including all of the to class at the time indicated in the order of service (RE staff
music and arts groups at UUCA, while parents visit the will lead them out). Parents pick up their children in the
classrooms (preschoolers should go to the classroom with classroom when the service ends. Teens are invited to help
parents while kindergarten through high school go to the in these classes or attend the service.
Sanctuary). We’ll take the picture of all children and youth
in the Sanctuary. Sign ups for children and youth music and
arts groups, Earth Scouts, Mountain cons, OWL (Our Whole UniTots Pre-Service Breakfast –
Lives) sexuality education classes and even the Christmas August 23
Eve pageant will be available in the classrooms. UniTots, the Family Ministry Team for families of infants
and toddlers, is hosting a pre-service breakfast on Sunday,
August 29, 9 am – RE Teacher/Youth Advisor training for all August 23 in the theater from 9-9:45 am; family and friends
grades (PreK-High School). Training for RE Greeting Teams are welcome. Childcare is available if reserved at uuca.
will also be held at this time. RSVP to Pat Kahn at pkahn@ org no later than August 16. For more information about
uuca.org (children’s RE) or Dana Poss at dposs@uuca.org UniTots, contact Diane Baggett at dianemelby@yahoo.com.
(youth RE) no later than Monday, August 24. Lunch will be
4 served.
Children’s & Youth Ministry
Children’s & Youth Ministry
National Eat-In for Public School Lunches Youth Photography Exhibit
On Labor Day, September 7, tens of thousands of people UUCA will host a youth photography exhibit from August
in communities across the nation will sit down to share a 11-30. Youth interested in submitting their work should
meal with their neighbors. This National Eat-In will send a contact Dana Poss at dposs@uuca.org. A planning meeting
clear message to legislators—getting real food in schools is will be held on August 2 in room 213 for youth, parents,
a national priority, and it needs to happen now. and others interested in helping to set up and take down the
exhibit. Artwork is due by Sunday, August 9.
The Earth Scouts group will host an Eat-In at the UUCA
Social Hall on Monday, September 7 at 6 pm in order
to learn about participatory democracy and help make Youth Kick-Off Lock-Ins – September 12,
a difference in our own public school lunch programs. 19 & 26
Everyone needs to make a home-cooked dish with your Middle and high school kick-off lock-ins will be held on the
family, and bring it to share. To RSVP, contact Leah Ashe at following dates:
leah@ashe.com and be sure to indicate the dish you plan to September 12 – Coming of Age
bring. Show your support and find out more information at
http://slowfoodusa.org/timeforlunch. September 19 – Neighboring Faiths
September 26 – High School
Coming of Age Info Session – August 16
On Sunday, August 16 there is an informational session for Youth must be registered in the RE program and have a
parents with youth entering the Coming of Age program. signed permission form to participate; both forms can be
Here you can find out more about Coming of Age, the found at uuca.org.
mentor program, expectations for the program as well as the
Boston Heritage Trip at the end of the year. The meeting will
start at 11:30 am in room 214.
Do You Get the Children’s & Youth RE
RE Teacher/Advisor Training – August 29 Bi-Monthly Email Update?
Training for RE teachers and advisors will be held on
Stay in the loop with all important Children and
Saturday, August 29 from 9 am-2 pm. Lunch will be
Youth RE updates. To sign up, contact Pat Kahn at
provided. RSVP to Dana Poss at dposs@uuca.org or Pat
pkahn@uuca.org.
Kahn at pkahn@uuca.org by Wednesday, August 26.
Children’s & Youth Music & Arts
Chalice Choir – For grades K-4. For more info, contact Terry Carpenter at terry-carpenter@comcast.net.
Youth Choir – For grades 5-9. For more info, contact Donald Milton III at dmilton@uuca.org or 404-634-5134 x224.
Handchime Choir – For ages 6-11. For more info, contact Suzanne Sainte Crosse at saintcrosse@comcast.net.
Firebirds – A performance art troupe for grades 4-8. For more info, contact Feriel Feldman at ferielfj@att.net or 404-
636-4090.
Adult Music & Arts
Phoenix Choir – Open to all adults and high school students who are willing to commit to weekly rehearsals and
choir Sundays (approximately every other week). For more info, contact Donald Milton III at dmilton@uuca.org or
404-634-5134 x224.
Underground Theater – Now in its thirty-ninth season, the Underground Theater is Atlanta’s oldest avocational
theatre. For more info, contact Mary Anne Chew at fchew@mindspring.com.
UUCA Art Gallery – The longest continually running volunteer gallery in Atlanta, our art gallery hosts a new exhibit
every month. For more info, contact Ruth Gogel at rhgogel@yahoo.com or 404-233-4036.
UUCA Ringers – UUCA’s handbell choir. Rehearses every Wednesday evening. For more info, contact Travis Vaughn
at tvaughn@uuca.org.
Butterfly Garden – Adjacent to the Memorial Garden on the northeast side of the building. To volunteer, contact Jane
MacGregor at 2723jpm@earthlink.net or 404-633-5304.
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Faith In Action / Adult Religious Education Adult Religious Education
August Adult RE Class Schedule Facilitators are Beth Stevenson, who has many years
In addition to the regular classes that have continued of experience volunteering and managing volunteers
through the summer, we are offering a final short course professionally, and Charlene Hurt, who also brings a wealth
in August: Building Your Skills, Finding Your Passions, of insight into effective volunteering and transitioning from
Changing the World: How to Enrich Your Soul with High paid to unpaid vocation.
Performance Volunteering. It begins Wednesday, August 5 Registration is required for all short courses. Minimum
and runs through August 26. The class will meet from 7:30- enrollment is six. To register, email adultregistration@uuca.
9 pm. org, or register online via Access UUCA, or call the UUCA
The course is all about taking charge of the kinds of skills office at 404 634-5134.
you might want to learn, helping you build competencies
for that “dream job,” understanding how to match your
need for giving with the needs of an organization, and
Fall 2009 Adult RE Schedule
thinking big about making a difference.
Brochures describing our fall Adult Religious
Participants will come away with a workable plan for Education line-up of regular and short courses and
creating high performance volunteer experiences that will special events will be available beginning Sunday,
enrich a resume and demonstrate credible work experience September 6.
in a job search or career change.
Faith In Action
PFLAG 1st Monday Support – August 3 UUCA Youth Donates Prize Money
Atlanta’s PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians UUCA Youth Group Member Miranda Lynch submitted
and Gays) 1st Monday Support group will meet in UUCA’s one of her photos taken in Nzinga last summer to the
Chapel on August 3 from 7-8:30 pm. Sponsored by UUSC Youth Photo contest and was selected as one of
Interweave and led by PFLAG-trained parent facilitators, three winners. The prize includes an award of $50, which
1st Monday offers support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, Miranda plans to donate to Isipho (www.isipho.org), a non-
transgender, questioning, intersexed and queer (LGBTQIQ) profit organization dedicated to empowering the people
persons and their parents, families, and allies throughout of Nzinga to break the cycle of poverty and dependence
the metro area. Childcare is available if reserved at uuca. by giving them needed opportunities to improve their own
org at least one week in advance. nutrition, health, education, and the long-term viability of
their community.
PFLAG’s three-part mission is to support, educate, and
advocate. Its newest initiative, Straight For Equality, helps
Interweave Lunch Outing – August 9
allies promote fairness and equality in their workplaces
Interweave UUCA is a community of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and in daily living. For more info, visit www.pflagatl.org or
transgender, questioning, intersexed and queer (LGBTQIQ)
contact Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz at 404-320-3996 or babs@
persons and allies within UUCA. To support our goal of
ilikeme.com.
creating fellowship, Interweave is scheduling a variety
of activities during upcoming months, including Second
Third Thursday Cinema – September 17 Sunday Lunch Outings. On Sunday, August 9 at 11:30 am,
There will be no Third Thusday Cinema in August, however
we’ll gather at the Interweave table in the Social Hall and
we will resume on September 17 with the film Re-Thinking
head to Panera Bread (2311 N. Druid Hills Road) for lunch
Afghanistan. For more info, contact Renee Vorbach at 770-
and visiting. September plans include a “Meet & Greet” as
491-6817.
well as another fun cookout at UUCA. On Sunday, August
2 at 11:15 am there will be a brief initial planning meeting
at UUCA about the 2009 Atlanta Pride Festival (which takes
place Halloween weekend this year); everyone is invited
Sunday Morning Flower Donations
to get involved as we discuss the UU booth, float, parade
Would you like to share the beautiful flowers in your
marchers, etc. Pride t-shirts will be for sale soon at the
yard to enhance Sunday morning worship? Would
Interweave Sunday table.
you like to purchase locally grown flowers at one of
Atlanta’s many markets and share them on Sunday Interweave is excited about the new UUA campaign
morning? “Standing on the Side of Love”—learn about it at www.
standingonthesideoflove.org. Interweave’s next business
UUCA is looking for members and friends who
meeting where we discuss social justice projects and plan
are willing to provide flowers on Sundays. Please
social activities is Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30 pm at
contact Peggy Beard at 404-284-2194 to sign up for
UUCA; everyone is welcome. For more information, or to
a Sunday when you can provide flowers.
join the email listserv so that you receive information about
6 activities, contact Joetta Prost at joettapro@mindspring.com.
Caring Community
Caring Community / Columns
Milestones
Milestones are only listed at the request or with the
permission of individuals named or their family. The
deadline for this section is the 15th of each month. Please
notify Rev. Marti Keller at mkeller@uuca.org.
Out of respect for members’ privacy, Milestones are
included only in the print version of the Newsletter.
Find Out More
Weekly Update – An email version of the Cliffhanger that is sent out every Friday. Visit uuca.org and click on the link
in the Quick Links sidebar.
Announcements Email List – A moderated do-it-yourself announcements list. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
uuca_announcements to sign up.
Faith In Action Email List – Provides info, announcements, and discussion on events and issues related to our
broader community. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UUCA_Faith_In_Action to sign up.
Networking Email List – A virtual bulletin board for all matters of interest that would not be official UUCA
announcements. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uuca_networking to sign up.
Shaking Up Sundays by Rev. Marti Keller
Sunday mornings here are a whirlwind These activities could range from children’s bell choir,
of activity, with our services, children Firebirds children’s drama troupe, and a new dance/
and youth religious education, movement group, to parenting classes, such as a class for
meetings and forums and adult parents as spiritual guides.
programming. You can see the scope of
What if some of the same prime adult education courses
what goes on by scanning the back of
that have typically been offered only on Wonderful
the weekly Cliffhanger, and even more
Wednesdays were shifted to Sunday afternoon so that it
of the energy and spirit by walking the
would be possible for choir members, families with small
corridors or circling the Social Hall.
children, people with nighttime driving restrictions, people
Sustenance has been provided by
who live in areas that involve considerable travel to get to
the coffee team, by the baked goods
UUCA to attend as well?
sellers, by the occasional special celebrations and by
intermittent meal fundraisers. Starting September 27, we are launching enriched Sunday
afternoon programming, preceded by a catered lunch,
Sunday afternoons are much quieter, as stomachs growl and
three Sundays by a private vendor and the first Sunday of
children grow restless, and the logistics of staying around
the month by our Coming of Age class as a fundraiser for
seem daunting.
a trip to Boston next year. The cost will be moderate, with
Some of you grew up with or even more recently children’s meals offered as well.
participated in congregations where Sundays were
From 1-3 pm, there will be the kinds of programs I
extended experiences, where the conviviality, inspiration,
described above, with many more possibilities for multi-
and nourishment of all types took place in the hours
generational learning.
following worship. The sense of community was an
important aspect of what it meant to belong. What is lacking is a name for this new version of Sunday
afternoon. The staff has played with Stick Around Sunday,
What if we arranged for a catered lunch every Sunday in a
S-Marvelous Sunday and SUUper Sunday. We are eager to
new UUCA Corner Cafe? What if we could provide healthy
hear from you about these choices or other suggestions. Let
offerings such as stacked veggie sandwiches, chicken salad,
me know at mkeller@uuca.org if you have additional ideas.
fresh pastas and then some scrumptious desserts that would
be available for reservation during the prior week and then More information will be forthcoming in the September
ready to pick up after the second service? newsletter and other communication venues.
If these meals were available, some time to refresh and
In Spirit,
relax, and childcare provided for extended hours, would
more people be able to stay for all kinds of activities? Marti
Rev. Marti Keller, Minister 7
Columns Above Board by Laura de Castro
I had a marvelous trip to Salt Lake City for the 2009 Specific UUCA highlights included Rev. David receiving
General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association final fellowship, Lyn Conley giving her final report as chair
of Congregations. It was an honor to serve as a delegate of the Finance Committee and outgoing UUA Trustee, and
from UUCA and experience this congregation’s strong Nancy Bartlett’s installation as the new UUA Trustee from
presence in our denomination’s past and present. the Mid-South District.
As President of UUCA, I was blessed to attend with I’m hoping UUCA will have a strong presence at General
expenses covered from the operating budget. Thank you for Assembly in Minneapolis in 2010 and in Charlotte in 2011
this gift. too.
I learned much on the Governance track of UU University Materials from the 2009 UU University and General
and the programs, worship, and plenary sessions of General Assembly have been ordered and will be shared with the
Assembly. There are wonderful resources online from congregation as they become available.
GA that are available for free. They’re at www.uua.org by
selecting “I am interested in,” then “Events.” If you have With Gratitude,
time for just one, the Saturday night Ware Lecture was Laura
perhaps the most popular event at GA. Laura de Castro, UUCA Board of Trustees President
Fabulous Food Fundraiser by Kathy Edwards
For those of you who were able to • To order, pick up a product catalog in the Social Hall
attend the July 12 Tasting Event after on Sundays and fill out the order form and envelope
the service, I hope you enjoyed in your catalog. Keep the order form for pick-up and
the pizza and cinnamon rolls. This drop the envelope (complete on front and back),
fundraiser is just one of four very along with your money, in the “Joe Corbi Fundraiser”
important endeavors that we will be box located in the Social Hall, or in the mail, or
embarking on in this year calendar simply drop by the UUCA office. If you mail your
year, and our goal for this particular forms, please address them as follows: Kathy Edwards,
sale is $5,000. UUCA members UUCA, 1911 Cliff Valley Way, ATL, 30329.
can participate, as can their family, • An online order form will be available at uuca.org on
friends and co-workers. Here is a Monday, August 10.
little more about The Corbi company and their products: • Products will be delivered on Sunday, September 13
• The Corbi Company has been in business for 52 years, (Ingathering Service). Simply bring along your order
and is still family owned and operated. form, and orders will be available after both services.
• The Corbi Company owns its bakeries, so when I would like to take a moment to address two very
UUCA receives its food items, they were freshly made. important issues. First and foremost, we do not want you
• Upon receipt, the product can be stored in the to spend additional money from you family budget to
refrigerator for up to two weeks, and in the freezer participate in this fundraiser. Rather, we would like for
until use. you to consider allotting a portion of your regular grocery
• Some products in the catalog are gluten free, and budget to purchasing foods though this endeavor.
none contain MSG. Second, we do not expect everyone to purchase these
• The products are pasteurized so the items (most items. We understand that these products are not a part
notably the cookie dough) can be eaten prior to of some people’s diets, or their personal belief system.
baking without health risks We are simply offering this as one of four very important
• Prices on the items are not much different from those funding endeavors. It is our goal to diversify our events
in your local grocery store. For example, each pizza and campaigns, and in doing this we know that not every
kit costs $21 and comes with three pizzas. Three fundraiser will appeal to everyone.
frozen pizzas from a major grocer will be about the
same price, with the costs per pizza ranging from $7- Many Thanks,
$8. Kathy
Here is our schedule and details for ordering: Kathy Edwards, Director of Development
• Purchases can be made from now until Sunday,
August 30
8
“I’m Too Busy to Sing in the Choir” by Don Milton
Columns
In his book Crazy Busy: Overstretched, Time spent making music at UUCA is not time wasted
Overbooked and About to Snap, Edward or relinquished. It is time spent wisely, time invested in
M. Hallowell writes about how he knew yourself. It is a time to learn and grow musically, spiritually
he had crossed over from busy to crazy and in community.
busy when he got mad at a rotary phone
British composer Brian Eno said,
because of the time it took to dial. After
calming himself, he timed how long the “I believe in singing together. I believe that singing is the
dialing actually took—11 seconds. In key to long life, a good figure, a stable temperament,
our busy world of Google and iPhones increased intelligence, new friends, super self-
we spend so much time with our minds confidence, heightened sexual attractiveness and a better
on what we have to do that we label ourselves busy at all sense of humor.”
times. When I came to UUCA nearly a year ago I would
It is not something that you have to do but something that
meet people who told me they loved to sing. I would invite
will enrich your life and that you’ll look forward to every
them to join the Phoenix choir on Wednesday evenings and
week. I have had a wonderful first year here at UUCA
two Sundays a month to receive an immediate response
and I am looking to dive into year number two. We will
of, “I’d love to, but I’m just too busy.” Too busy to sing? But
open this year with a Sunday afternoon retreat on August
that’s impossible!
30. It will be a time for members new and old to get to
Then I realized that the way many people perceive the know each other and to start our year with some serious
music program at UUCA might be skewed. I realized momentum. One Sunday this spring the choir will be
that many think about time spent in the Phoenix Choir performing a major work in place of a sermon giving us
as “wasted time” during which they could be working or a chance to work towards something big together. There
recovering from work. If you ask a member of the Phoenix are dozens or even hundreds of members and friends of
Choir I assure you you’d receive a different point of view. UUCA who have a musical past. I strongly believe there are
dozens or even hundreds who have a musical future within
“No matter how bad a day I’ve had, singing at choir
these walls.
rehearsal makes it better.” -Pam Kilmer
If you are interested in joining us, drop me an email at
”Rehearsal is a fun and playful time. It is a great pleasure
dmilton@uuca.org or give me a call at 404-634-5134 x224.
losing myself in music from all over the world.” -Bill Rawles
“If you have always had a secret desire to sing, UUCA My Very Best Wishes,
Choir is a welcoming place to do it.” -Bruce Gaunt Don
“Being in the choir helps me learn more about music and Don Milton III, Director of Music
adds meaning to my life. Working on a beautiful piece of
music is a wonderful experience and a privilege.”
-Norma Huff
Thank You by Gigi Osborn
I want to thank everyone at UUCA who has supported me The second half of the trip will be devoted to sightseeing.
in my efforts to raise funds for my upcoming India trip by Our group will fly to Northern India where we will explore
frequenting the Sunday baked goods table. Thank you also the desert by camel, ride elephants up a hill to a palace,
for all the traveling tips, advice and good wishes. and watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. We will spend
a day exploring a marketplace in a horse-drawn carriage,
Your generosity has allowed me to purchase two backpacks,
where we will shop for bangles and custom-made saris.
a digital camera, hiking sandals, the typhoid vaccine,
On our last night in India, we will be honored to eat an
malaria medicine, a passport and visa, and almost $400
authentic farewell banquet with a local host family.
for incidentals such as snacks, bottled water, luggage fees,
photo fees and souvenirs. This trip is an unprecedented opportunity, and one that I
am very fortunate to have been given. Thank you for your
While in India, I will spend about half of my time at the
support and I look forward to sharing photos and memories
Girl Scout and Girl Guide World Centre in Pune, where
with all my friends here at UUCA when I return.
I will participate in leadership sessions, explore cultural
studies and have a chance to work on a community service
Namaste y’all,
project. I will meet girls from other countries, learn yoga
and dance, and visit a Bollywood movie set. Gigi
Gigi Osborn, UUCA Youth Group Member
9
Worship Sunday Worship – 10:00 am
August 2 – The Sacred Art of Writing
(UUCA Women Writers Group & Rev. Marti Keller)
The UUCA Women Writers believe in writing as a spiritual process. What comes out of this process is often surprising,
moving and always important.
Join the UUCA women writers as they share the miracle of writing and what they have gained from it. Perhaps it will
inspire your spiritual growth in a new way.
August 9 – A Spirituality of Resistance (Rev. Chris Buice)
It is a paradox that the worst events can sometimes bring out the very best in the people who endure them. An alternative
to “post-traumatic stress” can be post-traumatic growth of mind, body and spirit. This Sunday we will celebrate the power
of resilience, that quality that allows us to grow and thrive in the aftermath of unexpected adversity and tragedy.
Rev. Chris Buice is the minister of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, where two
congregants were killed during a Sunday service a little over a year ago.
August 16 – Mythic Voices, Everyday Heroes (Julie Lepp)
Our Unitarian Universalist history is populated with everyday heroes that made monumental efforts in religion, science,
culture, and society. Yet, too often we relegate heroes to our history. What is the heroic tale of Unitarian Universalism in
the 21st century?
Julie is a candidate for UU ministry, returning for her second year of internship in this congregation.
August 23 – When the Student is Ready (Rev. Anthony David)
“When the student is ready,” said the Buddha, “the master appears.” Today we reflect on what it means to be a life-long
learner, what readiness to learn looks like, and the often unexpected ways in which the master appears.
August 30 – Annual Blessing of the Animals Service (Rev. Anthony David)
Bring your animal friends and companions, and we will celebrate these important relationships in our lives. This is a
delightful service for all ages.
September 6 – Solidarity Forever: The Music of Labor Day (Don Milton III)
Over the years, countless songs have been written about the struggle of workers and the triumph of unions. Join our
Director of Music, Donald Milton III and many UUCA musicians as they take us on a Labor Day journey through song.
Ingathering Service – September 13
Our annual Ingathering services, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, will include our traditional blending of
waters from excursions and experiences of the summer. Rev. David will share some of your stories. Please send your
stories to Rev. Keller at mkeller@uuca.org with the subject line “Ingathering Stories.”
Ingathering also marks the return to two Sunday services at 9:30 and 11:15 am. Children and Youth Religious
Education classes begin the following Sunday, September 20.
Child Dedications
In the upcoming 2009-2010 year, Child Dedications can be scheduled for September 13, November 22, December 24,
April 4, and May 16. To schedule a child dedication, make an appointment to meet with Rev. Anthony David by contacting
him directly at 404-634-5134 x214 or adavid@uuca.org, and then contact Pat Kahn at pkahn@uuca.org for next steps.
Joining Ceremonies
New member joining ceremonies are schedule for August 23, September 20, November 1, and December 6. To join,
contact Chance Hunter, Director of Welcome Ministries, at chunter@uuca.org or 404-634-5134 x223, at least one week
prior to the ceremony date. New members are asked to take the Exploring UUCA class, make a financial commitment to
the congregation, and abide by the Congregational Covenant. See articles on page 2 for more information.
10
Ministerial Staff
August 2009
Publication Deadlines
Rev. Anthony David, Senior Minister
adavid@uuca.org
Newsletter
Published the beginning of each month. The Rev. Marti Keller, Minister
deadline for the September edition is Sunday, mkeller@uuca.org
August 16. Send submissions to newsletter@uuca. Terry Davis, Ministerial Intern
org. A confirmation email is sent for each received tdavis@uuca.org
submission.
Julie Lepp, Ministerial Intern
Cliffhanger & Weekly Update jlepp@uuca.org
The Cliffhanger is distributed each Sunday in Rev. Dr. Edward Frost, Minister Emeritus
the Order of Service. Cliffhanger submissions
are due by Tuesday at noon. Send submissions Rev. Dr. Eugene Pickett, Minister Emeritus
to cliffhanger@uuca.org. Submissions to the Program Staff
Cliffhanger are automatically incorporated in Kathy Edwards, Director of Development
the Weekly Email Update and UUCA website as kedwards@uuca.org
appropriate. A confirmation email is sent for each
received submission. Jane Henley, Childcare Coordinator
childcare@uuca.org
Chance Hunter, M.Div., Director of Welcome Ministries
chunter@uuca.org
Pat Kahn, CPRE, Director of Religious Education
pkahn@uuca.org
Alicia Karpick, Director, Atlanta Progressive Preschool
akarpick@uuca.org
Donald Milton III, Director of Music
dmilton@uuca.org
Dana Poss, Youth Coordinator
dposs@uuca.org
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta Travis Vaughn III, Assistant Director of Music
tvaughn@uuca.org
1911 Cliff Valley Way • Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 634-5134 • www.uuca.org Laura Towar Wade, Justice Associate
lwade@uuca.org
The UUCA office is open Monday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm.
Office hours for individual staff vary. Administrative Staff
Sherri Wiseman, Business Manager
swiseman@uuca.org
How Do I Make Sure I Have
Laura Adkins, Administrative & Communications Assistant
Childcare? ladkins@uuca.org
UUCA offers infant and toddler care from
9 am-1 pm each Sunday and from 6 pm-9:15 pm Candace Leikam, Administrative & Financial Assistant
each Wednesday during the regular school year. cleikam@uuca.org
Childcare for elementary age children is provided
Board of Trustees
on Wednesday evenings and for special Sunday
Laura DeCastro, President, ldecastro@uuca.org
congregational meetings.
Marshall Orson, President-Elect, morson@uuca.org
Special arrangements can be made for childcare at John Guyton, Finance Trustee, jguyton@uuca.org
“all-congregation” functions, choir rehearsals, and Ellen Beattie, ebeattie@uuca.org
Exploring UUCA classes; childcare reservations Penni Dudley, pdudley@uuca.org
are required for these and other special events, Kristen Indermark, kindermark@uuca.org
and must be made online at uuca.org at least Pam Kilmer, pkilmer@uuca.org
one week in advance. No reservations are Gordon Love, glove@uuca.org
necessary for Sunday mornings or Wonderful Cyndi McFarland, mcfarland@uuca.org
Wednesday childcare. All reservations will receive Eric Pohl, epohl@uuca.org
a confirmation email. If you have not received Joetta Prost, jprost@uuca.org
a confirmation within three days, contact Jane David Smith, dsmith@uuca.org
Henley, Childcare Coordinator, at childcare@
uuca.org.
11
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAI D
1911 Cliff Valley Way, NE Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA 30329 Permit No. 169
phone: 404-634-5134
fax: 404-728-8756
www.uuca.org
Address Services Requested Time Value - Dated Material
Postmaster: Send changes to return address Please deliver by August 1, 2009
Scholarships Available for Interfaith Disability Summit – Sign up Now!
The Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility
awarded a $5,000 grant to the UUCA Accessibility Team. The
grant will be used to inspire, equip and connect UUs and
interfaith partners in the Atlanta area towards full inclusion of
people with disabilities. To this end, UUCA will participate in
and support the Interfaith Disability Connection’s (IDC) Summit
on August 9. The IDC Summit introduces practical resources
and will empower participants to transform their communities
into places where the gifts, skills, and abilities of people
with disabilities are actively engaged in congregations and
communities. Rev. Anthony David will be a faith leader at the
conference, and we are hoping to have strong representation
from our congregation. If you would like to attend, registration
is $50 per person; scholarships are available and all UUs are
encouraged to apply. To learn more about scholarships or the
Accessibility Team, contact Beth Valentine at bvalentine@uuca.
org. For more information about the conference, visit www.
interfaithdisability.org.