Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

T E N N E S S E E V A L L E Y U N I TA R I A N U N I V E R S A L I S T O U T R E A C H C O N G R E G AT I O N A Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2008 Satellite Signals July 20, 2008 Quaker Style Meeting Planned This meeting is intended to express aloud what is already present in the silence. Anyone may feel the call to speak--man, woman, child, member, or first time visitor. Join us as we raise our thoughts, questions, concerns, and hopes about our evolving community as we approach our own independence day! August 3, 2008 10 Years of Writing Letters to the Editor Starting in 1998 I entered the fray in support of evolution. All of my letters were polite, educational and sometimes even intellectual, Instead of any discussion I was met with rejection. That's the polite way to put it. At this time I think I inhabit at least half of hell. I started off defending evolution. Instead it turned into Jerry Sillman versus religion. Tune in to see if you can tell who won. August 17, 2008 All Church Retreat from 10 am to 2 pm Our first all church retreat has been scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Everett Senior Center. Join the congregation as we engage in a visioning process regarding the future of this church and determine the steps and process that will move us toward becoming an independent congregation. Childcare will be provided! Second Sundays are for Loafers at Detours Coffee Our good friends and (congregants) from Southland Books and Detours Coffee will be opening their doors at 10:00 a.m. on 2nd Sundays just for all you UU Loafers out there who want to spend a Sunday morning hanging out with other religious liberals who also just want to hang out and get to know each other a little better. Southland and Detours are located on Broadway in the old Drake Auto Parts building. For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 1 S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Cottage Meetings Vital in Transition Period As you are gathering from the information shared by the Transition Team, there are lots of moving parts and quite a lot of planning and organizing that go into creating an independent church. Ultimately, the heart of that church gets its lifeblood from the energy of its members and friends, and that heart beats only when life-sustaining connections are made among the participants. The story of the Williamsburg, Virginia UU church brought to us the notion of congregational Cottage Meetings. For several months, small groups met to talk about their vision, their hopes, and to get a chance to know more about one another in a comfortable setting. We were told by one of the WUU founders that this process was crucial for their success. (Find out at Cottage Meeting 1 how the story really goes back to the 1630s!) For us, especially since we meet only twice a month and don't yet have a full-time space, we don't have as much opportunity to get to know the other folks around us. Now that we're launching our own ship, it's definitely time to be talking together in earnest about where we want to go and how we want to get there. And the key here is "together" in active, intentional conversation and sharing. The Cottage Meetings have a semi-structured format (borrowed in part from "appreciative inquiry," recommended by Annette Marquis, TJD Exec. Director). There will be two meetings during the summer. Here are the basics: Each person interested in the life and future of this church commits to attending each Cottage Meeting. A host provides a comfortable meeting place (preferably her/his home when possible) and selects a day and time for a group of about 6 (no more than 8). Please let one of the Transition Team know that you are holding one of the meetings. --The host will either invite participants directly or will place a public invitation on the Yahoo calendar and/ or will fill out an invitation sheet available at the Everett Center [SEE YAHOO CALENDAR FOR SEVERAL POSTED MEETINGS] --Whether beverages and/or snacks are served is up to the host, and there is no expectation to do so! --There will be a packet of information provided to each host, to be opened once the meeting convenes. A member of the group volunteers to be the facilitator, a role that involves reading the introduction and instructions provided, watching the time, and encouraging the group to come back to topic if conversation strays. This person will also actively participate, so there will be a little multi-tasking needed from this person. Each participant will be asked to do some note-taking during a portion of the meeting, and a scribe will be asked to make general notes and to gather all the notes and mail them back the next day to the Transition Team (envelope/stamp provided). Cottage Meeting 1: Our Stories, Mission, and Vision. Scheduled anytime between June 22 and June 30. Cottage Meeting 2: Our Interests/Commitments/Covenant. Scheduled anytime between July 7 and July 19. The experience of these meetings will be a very important ingredient for our All Church Retreat on August 17. 2 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Transition to Independence The Future Is Ours, The Time Is Now Transition to Independence, July – October 2008 All Are Welcome to Be a Part of This Exciting Process! As you know, in April the Steering Committee appointed a Transition Team composed of Tom Walsh, Sara Jacobus, and Susan Fuhr with a clearly defined mission: Identify and guide the completion of the tasks required by the Unitarian Universalist Association to be a member congregation. There are many events and conversations to undertake before we are ready for this momentous and exciting occasion which is called “Charter Sunday.” Our first formal milestone, a “Launch Brunch” took place June 15, right after the service. We shared a pot-luck brunch and then had a meeting to (1) get a more detailed picture of what we need to accomplish during the next several months and (2) to choose a provisional name for our church community. We are currently trying on the name, Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Then later in July, Cottage Meetings: Ultimately, the heart of the church gets its lifeblood from the energy of its members and friends, and that heart beats only when life sustaining connections are made among the participants. Because we meet only twice a month and don’t yet have a full-time space, we don’t have as much opportunity to get to know the other folks around us as we might like. Now that we’re launching our own ship, it’s definitely time to be talking together in earnest about where we want to go and how we want to get there. The Cottage Meetings are one of the ways for everyone to join in those conversations. August 17: All Church Retreat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This town hall-style meeting builds on the Cottage Meetings in order to establish our formal mission and covenant together and also introduces proposed bylaws, potential Board members, and offers opportunities to further build our working alliances and sketch out our vision for the future. There’s some fun to be had too! A catered lunch and childcare will be provided. October 19: CHARTER SUNDAY, 2 p.m. (note later starting time). This is the day the membership book is opened and we become officially independent. TVUUC guests will be joining us, as will friends and supporters from other churches and the community. Voting will also take place for the Board and for bylaws. This will be a wonderful day in the life of our church. In order to keep everyone up to date, the Transition Team posts important information on the website (www.tvuuc-bc.org) and the Yahoo group listserv. You can also email us at bcuutransition@yahoo.com or attend one of our regular meetings to ask questions, get more information, or volunteer to help. Thank you for your support and energy! For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 3 S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Foothills Fellowship Transition Process Dates 2008 “The Future is Ours: The Time is Now” Date July 7 – July 19 July 8 July 12 July 20 July 23 August 6 August 8 August 17 August 20 Sept 7 Sept 8 – Sept 16 Oct. 19 Event Cottage Meetings 2: Who and what we choose to be [individual and collective commitments; covenant] Transition Team meeting #6, 12:30p Location Multiple Blount Co. Library Emerging Leaders Workshop, 8:30 – 4:00ish Westside UU (recommended for all potential Board members) Fellowship Meeting for those interested in serving on the Board, after morning service Transition Team Meeting #7, 12:30 pm Bylaws Task Force meeting #3, 6:30 pm Transition Team Meeting #8, 12:30 Bylaws Task Force meeting #4, 6:30 Board Applications are due to the Election Commission (C. Colter, G. Crittenden, J. Talley) All Church Retreat/Working Meetings (planned with catered lunch; child care on request) Transition Team Meeting #9, 12:30 pm Bylaws Task Force meeting #5, 6:30 pm Fellowship service and election of 1st Board Members Cottage and committee meetings: Charter Sunday planning and preparation CHARTER SUNDAY. Scheduled for a 2:00pm start in order to include area UU friends; includes approving Bylaws Canvass/Pledge Drive First Annual Meeting: formal committee appointments, approval of FY2009 budget Everett Multiple Everett Everett Everett tbd tbd Oct 19-31 Early Nov. Multiple Everett 4 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Youth Religious Education The PG 13 Youth Religious Education classes meet at 10 am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. So, bring the kids and enjoy coffee hour while they're being educated by our fine volunteers! If you're interested in volunteering with RE, check in with Anita Blatnik or Carl Gombert at 983-5266 or carl.gombert@maryvillecollege.edu. Religious Education Speaker Scheduled Sue Sinnamon, Director of Faith Development for the UUA (Thomas Jefferson District) will be visiting our congregation on Sunday, September 21st. She will lead a faith development brainstorming session immediately following the Spaghetti Supper after service. This meeting is open to the entire congregation. Anyone interested in having a voice in the visioning and planning of our religious education program (both youth and adult) is encouraged to attend. This meeting is NOT just for the leadership or RE teachers. Mark your calendars now for this exciting opportunity! Blount Fellowship Initiatives Fourth Sunday Movie Social The 4th Sunday Movie Social is July 27!  Look for the movie poll voting on the Yahoo site by Wednesday, July 23 and then plan on dinner & a movie (or, rather, make that a matinee movie & then dinner) with UU friends!  Feel free to send movie recommendations to Susan, drsusanfuhr@yahoo.com. Sara Jacobus Makes Banner for Congregation Last fall a suggestion was made that some sort of focal point be designed for use during the worship services. After looking at many churches and their “banners” it was decided that the most practical way to provide a focal point would be a trio of banners. The banners that were used in various UU congregations all had themes, geographical depictions of the area or representations of significant events in the life of the congregation. With the assistance of Patti Young a design was drawn. The fabric was chosen and the banners were executed by Sara Jacobus. During the making of the banners Patti and Sara continued to collaborate on the final details. The three banners depict our Foothills, our Little River and the winding down to the big lake. Hopefully each fish will represent our charter members (57). If we have additional charter For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 5 members they can be represented by the rocks (9) and the clouds (32). The chalice represents the light of liberal religion that is shining in the Foothills of East Tennessee. Sara Jacobus S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Board Member Applications Available We hope many of you will show an interest in serving the emerging independent congregation provisionally called “Foothills”! A dynamic and enthusiastic Board will be one of the most crucial factors in a strong, vibrant spiritual community. Serving on the Board will also be an important personal commitment, as there will be a good deal of initial learning involved as well a pledge of time, energy, and effective leadership. On behalf of the congregation, the Election Committee wants to express its appreciation of your time and effort during this application process.  The deadline for applications is Friday, August 8. The application is available on the website or before church services at the information table, and you can submit it to any Election Committee member either at a Sunday service or by e-mail or snail mail (see contact information on application). Your short personal statement/biography included on the application will be posted on the listserv (and provided to the congregation at the August 17 Retreat). At the Retreat, you will be invited to talk with the congregation so they can get to know you better.  The first Fellowship Board will be comprised of 5 members and one treasurer. On September 7, all those who signify their intention to become Charter members in October will be eligible to apply for and vote for the Board. The vote will take place immediately after the service; a process will also be in place for absentee voting. The five nominees who receive the greatest number of votes will be elected. These elected members will appoint a Chair and Secretary at the first Board meeting. Orientation and ongoing support will be provided for the Board by local and district sources. This first Board will serve for one year, with a Chair and a Secretary appointed from within the Board at its first meeting. The new Board will be responsible for finalizing the Bylaws for a vote on October 19 and then implementing them as expeditiously as possible. In the first few months, the Board will guide the development of written policies and procedures for the effective functioning of the new community. This includes establishing standing committees and time-limited task forces and their leaders as well as hiring initial support staff.   To function effectively, it is anticipated that Board members will • • • • • • endeavor to implement the Mission as adopted by the congregation in August make its decisions guided by the best interests of the congregation and community and be as transparent as possible in their functioning engage in ethical and respectful communication with each other, the congregation, and the larger community (particularly as guided by the Fellowship Covenant) be responsive to members’ ideas and concerns and actively solicit congregational input from time to time seek out training, information, and counsel as needed engage in open and mindful conflict negotiation, with community needs ultimately taking priority over personal preference or opinion We will be hosting an informational session after the July 20 service for anyone thinking about serving on the Board. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions in the meantime!  Respectfully,  The Election Committee   Crystal Colter, crystal.colter@maryvillecollege.edu, 982-6773 Gloria Crittenden, moon-glo@charter.net, 984-3230 Josh Talley, rjtall@gmail.com, 981-9718 6 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Youth Help Make Relay for Life a Success The notebook I am writing in is mercifully dry, untouched by the short, vicious deluge of rain which kicks off the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Our church youth and coaches Renee DeLong and Gloria Crittenden are gathered at Maryville College with other community members to honor cancer survivors and raise money for research. The highlight of Relay for Life is when the cancer survivors take a lap around the track. Some are still undergoing treatment and some are long term survivors. This year's walk is quite a spectacle, and I leave the site awed by the courage of these people. Since the Relay for Life lasts all night, the organizers have provided various entertainment opportunities. Although I managed to avoid the womanless beauty pageant I ended up getting second place in the frozen T-shirt contest, in which the object is to thaw, untangle, and don a balled-up chunk of icy clothing. Another highlight was the scavenger hunt. Our team didn't participate, but plenty of frantic scavengers tore through our campsite, borrowing a sleeping bag, a cancer survivor, and several dollars in loose change (which wasn't returned). With help from David Lau, Daniel Luna, and Brennan Adkinson, I loitered around the campsite, hocking phosphorescent glow necklaces and bracelets, while the girls (Elizabeth Gombert, Kayla DeLong, and Molly Rochelson) sold a huge number out walking around. All told, at $1 apiece, we managed to raise $100 in sales. With all the activities, the boys roaming around outside my tent, and of course hanging with my friends and selling glowsticks, it's easy to forget the purpose of this relay. But our inspiration is church member Trish Adkinson, a five year cancer survivor, who joined other survivors taking the first Relay lap. The church youth contributes over $600 and this profit plus contributions from participants amounts to over $370,000 for the American Cancer Society. I have done a few laps myself, and though I was a little unsettled when another stand was selling glowsticks for half our price, I really enjoy seeing the turnout for an event which works to make sure survival is the norm, not the exception. I see bright, colorful loops moving and bouncing in the dark, a testament to our success. --JP Luna For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 7 S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Further Reflections on Relay for Life Our Youth did us proud last Friday at Relay for Life! We had 12 of our Youth that attended Friday evening with 9 that stuck it through all the way to 6 a.m. (and some that stayed and helped us clean up and pack up. (thank you guys and gals) Trish Adkinson walked the first lap that honored Survivors of Cancer. Trish, we are so happy you are here amongst us and so involved in our community/ fellowship/ society/ gathering of fellow travelers, etc. (you get my drift :-)  Trish Adkinson "partied hardy" with us all the way through to the dawn of day. Thank you Trish...you rock! Kudos to Rob/Bob Delong and Mark Rochelson who brought tents for us and everyone who helped assemble them. Rob, you're the man for also bringing the canopy. It was just in time for the heavy rain. (talk about making us a closer group, as we stood together under the canopy like sardines in a can :-) Your Blount County UU Youth Group raised $700.00. This came from your generous donations totaling $58 dollars during the Youth Coffee Hour, online donations, money our Youth individually collected, and the selling of glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets during the Relay for Life event. (thank you Renee Delong for finding these items to sale and getting them!) To the Youth- you are a fun, diverse, and awesome group. We look forward to watching you grow. We are all here to support you.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this all happen. Gloria Crittendon and Renee DeLong 8 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Volunteers Needed Are you looking for just the right way to contribute your time and talents to BCUU? If so, please sign up on the volunteer board. Ongoing Volunteer Tasks Coffee: Arrive by 9:45 to get coffee made and ready to serve by 10 a.m.  The coffee/tea is provided by the church as are sweeteners, cups, small plates and napkins. Bring coffee creamer, bagels/muffins/donuts/ coffee cake etc. for people to nibble on with their coffee. Coffee hour is between 10 and 11 and often 15-20 minutes after the service as desired.  When finished, return items to the large crate, clean up the kitchen and empty the coffee grounds/rinse out the pots. Flowers: Provide one arrangement for the table at the front next to the podium.  It should be there by 10:45.  You can take it home immediately after the service. Ushers/greeters: Arrive by 9:45 to get welcome table set up and help with any folding of “order of service” papers.  Greet folks as they arrive, answer questions if any and collect the offering.  You may be asked to assist in counting the offertory as well. Set Up: Arrive by 9:45 to get chairs/piano/hymnals/ large back dividers moved/banner in place/lectern & tables in place/name tag trays put out/Volunteer Board set up so that everything is ready for the service by 10:45.  Everything is in the closet and there are always extra folk to help get it done. Take down: Just the reverse of above and again there are always extra folk around to help, especially with the chairs and hymnals. Sound System: Get the microphone placed by the podium and any other special things that need to be done, depending on the needs of the worship service. Welcome Table:  Arrive by 9:45 and make sure the table is set up with items needed for visitors’ name tags, visitor requests sheets and information pamphlets that are in a large crate in the closet. Assist with questions that would be asked by those who are new or who have not attended often.  Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another. Erma Bombeck For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 9 In the Congregation ious Ed. Meeting This week we bid farewell to Ryan and Jeanna Stewart who are moving to Blacksburg, Virginia where Ryan will be attending medical school. Ryan and Jeanna have been an integral part of our congregation and will be greatly missed. Choir Seeks New Participants We are fortunate to have Jill Rochelson volunteering as choir director for the summer! If you would like to join our informal choir (no audition necessary) and be a part of the music for the August 17 Retreat, please join our next rehearsal. Regular rehearsals are 1st and 3rd Sundays at Everett at 10 a.m. Please email or call Susan at 951-1240 for more info. S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Our Choice of a Church Name We want to thank everyone who attended the Launch Brunch and Church Naming. It is clear that there is a lot of interest in what we decide to call ourselves. The two names that were voted on in the last vote were Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship with 26 votes (58%) and Little River Unitarian Universalist Congregation with 19 votes. Thus, we will see how our new name "Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship" or just 'Foothills Fellowship' feels for a while. In August we will consider whether it continues to be how we want to be known. Possible Church Names Data from June 15: Name 1st vote (%)* 2nd vote (%) Foothills UU Fellowship 29 (29) 26 (58) UU Church at the Foothills 1 (1) ---Smoky Mountain Fellowship 7 (7) ---Blount UU Church 9 (9) ---Chilhowee UU Church 14 (14) ---Pathways of Acceptance: 15 (15) ---A UU Congregation Little River UU Congregation 17 (17) 19 (42) Little River Unitarian Universalists 8 (8) ---TOTAL 100 (100) 45 (100) *1st vote = 2 votes per person; 2nd vote = 1 vote each Rob Delong and Tracy Walker share a laugh at the Launch Brunch. Photo courtesy of Steve Walker. Ideas for Shaping our Church We seldom have the opportunity to help "shape" a new church. Even the most successful congregations eventually become a bore unless they keep in close touch with what the members need. Here is my dream of a new church... - when I wake up on Sunday morning I can't wait to get to church because of the warm atmosphere and genuine care for one another by every member present. - when I leave after the service I feel strengthened in my faith. - during the week I can call on people in the church when I need a listening ear. - the church helps me appreciate myself, not for what I have to offer, but for who I am. - the church helps me realize more and more why I am who I am and what my role is in the grand scheme of things. - everything we do in and outside the church singly and together strengthens my awareness of my value to the community. and the community's value to each member. These are just a few possibilities. Personally, what I want above all is to feel that I matter. So THERE! What do YOU think? Bob De Rycke 10 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Pictures from the Launch Brunch Carrie Talley (left), Anita Blatnik, and Anna Gombert (front) eating together at the Launch Brunch. Mary Nachman (left) and Sara Jacobus (right) discuss possible names for our church. Marilyn Wiberly enjoys some home cooking. All Launch Brunch photos courtesy of Steve Walker Dr. Thomas Walsh Joins Steering Committee Tom relocated to Maryville in 1998 and since that time has been an active volunteer in the community. He has served as Flotilla Commander for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and is currently a branch chief who is responsible for all public education in a wide area. He is just completing 9 years as a volunteer for Second Harvest picking up and delivering fresh produce to Salvation Army and KARM. Concurrent with those activities, he is a founding member of Legacy of Tremont which seeks to raise awareness and funds for Tremont Institute of Great Smoky Mountains. Previous to coming to Tennessee, Tom was actively employed in both non profit and for profit organizations in Rochester, New York. Tom was a professor and the Director of Graduate School in Special Education at Nazareth College of Rochester before opening his own company, Corporate Connections. Tom was able to work with a wide ranging list of corporations including Kodak, C-Span, and Marine Midland Bank. While the work varied, he specialized in work concerning how people learn and remember and conflict resolution. Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University, a Master of Science from University of Rochester and a Doctorate from University of New York at Buffalo. Throughout his studies, his major interest was learning and memory. He currently resides in Maryville with his wife Christy and has two children, Karen who lives with her family in Maryville and Andrew who lives with his family in Vienna, VA. Five grandchildren provide excitement and keep him focused on the future. We are so glad Tom has chosen to share his many talents with the church! For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org 11 S A T E L L I T E S I G N A L S Driving to Worship Through the Back Roads of Rural East TN This testimonial was submitted to the UUA for a contest they are running nationally.  Only twenty will be picked for a "driving" CD on UU issues that they are publishing. This Sunday I decide to drive the back roads to church. I enjoy the mountain views, the whitewater streams, the deep forests and the vast rolling pastures where farm animals graze and loll under shade trees. While I encounter much beauty on my journey, I note an abundance of need. I am on my way to one of two monthly services offered by our fledgling UU Congregation located in Maryville, Tennessee, the seat of Blount County, about 30 miles south of Knoxville. We are a growing satellite of the larger Tennessee Valley U/U Church in Knoxville. And while we have neither a minister nor a meeting place to call our own we have found a community hungry for a liberal religious voice. In less than two years we have grown from five to almost 100 members. Over 200 attended one of our services, which are conducted by lay speakers or guest ministers. Still driving, I pass quaint old farmhouses often with thin animals enclosed by broken fences. An elderly woman sits in a rocker on the porch of a house badly in need of paint. I wonder what our UU community might do for her? I pass a school with a solitary swing standing idle in the playground and a small sign in front that reads “Jesus Saves.” Several thin stray dogs wander about. I remind myself that there is no animal control here I pass a little white clapboard country church where a cross stands atop the roof and below it a cluster of small white crosses guards the entrance. The message is clear and I wonder how my views on pro-choice might be received here. I pull up behind a vintage pickup truck plastered with faded bumper stickers including “Bush/Cheney,” “Support Our Troops” “I Love Jesus” .” At last I am parked in front of the Senior Center, which we rent two Sunday mornings each month. I go in filled with pride for what we have accomplished but with some concerns for the challenges that lie ahead. There is much work to be done. Yet, I am greeted warmly and there are hugs. It is good to feel free and to find warmth in this safe place. Herb Nachman Townsend Tennessee Steering Committee Jenny Arthur, jenny@tvuuc.org 523-4176 Crystal Colter, crystal.colter@maryvillecollege.edu, 982-6773 Carl Gombert, carl.gombert@maryvillecollege.edu, 983-5266 John Montgomery, joromo7@earthlink.net, 951-1240 Herb Nachman, nachone@comcast.net, 448-1742 Cathy Rhodes, cathyrhodes@charter.net, 681-2093 Owen Rhodes, owen.rhodes@charter.net, 681-2093 Tom Walsh, magellan1@bellsouth.net, 379-7904 Newsletter Editor Lelia Rogers can be reached at leliarogers@gmail.com. 12 For all the latest news, visit our website at www.tvuuc-bc.org