Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Valentine's Day benefit for OUTreach Denton (February 2012 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Dear DUUF Community,

We have an opportunity to support our wider community through our congregation's LGBTQA programming. We need a few waitstaff volunteers to serve one shift (either at the 6:30pm seating or the 8:00pm seating) on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Volunteers will serve food and drinks. Any tips collected will benefit OUTreach Denton. I anticipate it will be a fun way to support an important effort.

The OUTreach Denton Steering Committee also warmly invites folks from DUUF to attend on 2/14 and/or to share this information with others who might want to participate in a lovely evening out. Information is below. Feel free to circulate wide and far!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with OUTreach Denton!

OUTreach Denton and Seven Mile Cafe are partnering to create a romantic, fun, and philanthropic evening for the Denton community. Bring a friend or special someone and enjoy a delicious Italian meal, beautiful music, and warm hospitality at one of Denton's newest restaurants. Half of the proceeds will support needed LGBTQA programming and resources in Denton including our newly formed LGBTQA youth group.

Seating available at 6:30pm and 8pm on 02/14/2011. $30 per person. Soft drinks are included. BYOB. Reservations required (e-mail OUTreachDenton@gmail.com). Seating is limited.

Entree Options

1. Lasagna Verde with Green Basil Pesto (Vegan)
2. Baked Alaskan Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
3. Lasagna Rustica Al Forno (Meat)

Facebook invite with information
Seven Mile Cafe Website: www.sevenmilecafe.com

--
Rev. Pamela Wat, Minister
Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
1111 Cordell Street
Denton, Texas 76201
Phone: (940) 381-2457
E-mail: :minister@dentonuuf.org

Sacred Space: Architecture and Worship

noreply@blogger.com (John Beckett) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:40:00 +0000

crossposted with Under the Ancient Oaks

Tom Stovall

This morning’s service at Denton UU was titled “Sacred Space: How Architecture Affects Our Worship Experience.” The guest speaker was Tom Stovall, a retired architect who specialized in church design during his career, and a member of the UU Fellowship of Tyler. I don’t normally review Sunday services, but Tom had some things to say I think are relevant to UUs (who usually have buildings) and to Pagans (who usually don’t).

Tom started by defining worship as “a series of commitments: to yourself, to your community, and to a set of principles.” Then he asked “is a church building sacred space?” A Catholic would say yes, while a Baptist would say no. And he said a church building “expresses and supports a group of people with similar principles.” I can think of no better example than Denton UU. While our founders were for the most part Humanists, they loved Nature as much as any Pagan. Their principles are reflected in the building they designed and built.

Greek temples were built as homes for gods and goddesses, not for worship. Medieval cathedrals were built to emphasize the separation of the people and the clergy. The Protestant Reformation brought the altar and pulpit forward to allow for corporate worship.

A traditional American congregational church, with its rows of pews, center aisle and raised pulpit in the center, emphasizes the spoken word – it is a passive worship experience. The semicircular seating arrangement in many modern churches emphasizes gathering around a central point. For UU churches, Tom says this central point is our chalice.

layout of Tyler UU

Tom showed a diagram of his church in Tyler. I spoke at Tyler UU in 2005 – it’s a beautiful building in beautiful setting. It has an area for gathering as people come in from the parking lot. It has a long hallway with pictures on one side and windows on the other, to allow people to prepare themselves for worship. The doors to the sanctuary serve as a threshold – it should always be a conscious decision to enter into worship.

Tom went on to make some general comments about designing a new church building, something Denton UU will have to explore in the near future. I’m going to leave that topic alone for now, except to say it’s good we’re beginning this conversation.

Any worship space is a compromise between ideals and principles, practical considerations, and finances. Most modern Pagan worship is done in circles – we frequently call our seasonal celebrations “CUUPS Circles.” Like King Arthur’s Round Table, a circle emphasizes egalitarianism – no one is more worthy than any other. It’s an important principle, but when you get more than about 25 people, the circle starts to get unmanageably large. Put 100 people in a gathering and the circle is so large it requires a huge space and people have a hard time hearing and seeing what’s going on. Denton CUUPS typically sets a small inner circle, then adds concentric semicircles around it. The ideal of the circle is compromised for the practical consideration of allowing everyone to get as close to the main altar as possible.

Denton UU has no gathering area. I don’t know why the founders didn’t build one, but I suspect it had a lot to do with available finances – with a limited budget, you put available dollars where they can best meet your needs. Religious Education space and worship space were deemed more important than gathering space. I can’t argue with that tradeoff.

If you refuse to compromise, you end up with things like Wiccan covens who will meet in someone’s living room on a beautiful Spring evening, or with Druid groves who will meet outdoors during a cold February rain. As a Druid I very much prefer that worship be held outdoors, but I make no apologies for moving inside rather than putting up with 100 degree temperatures at Lughnasadh or the occasional snow at the Spring Equinox.

Salisbury Cathedral

I have to say I’m very much taken with the concept of gathering, preparing, then crossing a threshold into worship. It’s very easy to tell arriving guests “just find a seat in the circle.” But some of our better rituals have involved gathering in one area for announcements and opening ritual, processing to the main circle, and then formally entering into the circle by smudging or anointing.

Geometry isn’t the only consideration on sacred space – design and decoration also contribute (or detract) from the worship experience. The glass walls opening onto Nature help make Denton UU sacred space. I’ve been in other churches (some UU, some conservative Protestant) where I felt like I was in a theater, or worse, in a business meeting. When Cathy and I visited England in 2007, we were impressed by Westminster Abbey, but it felt like a museum. Even though Salisbury Cathedral is built on the same general plan, it still feels like a church, like sacred space. Some of our better CUUPS circles have involved spending hours turning Miller Hall into an Egyptian temple or the RE Wing into the Temple of Apollo at Delphi (and then turning it back into a UU church in time for Sunday services!).

Whether we are holding a Pagan seasonal celebration or a weekly UU Sunday Service, it serves us well to remember that we are entering into sacred space and sacred time. Anything we can do to make that space and time more special and more intentional will only improve our worship experience.

Gerry Veeder tells the story of our building to our children

2012 MLK Day Events (January 2012 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

City of Denton events:

2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Post-Parade Celebration
http://www.cityofdenton.com/index.aspx?page=33&recordid=4118&returnURL=%2findex.aspx%3fpage%3d277

2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
http://www.cityofdenton.com/index.aspx?page=33&recordid=4116&returnURL=%2findex.aspx%3fpage%3d277

TWU has compiled a list of events in the DFW area:

2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
http://www.twu.edu/volunteer-services/6837.asp

Semi Annual Campout Announced for Mar 29 - Apr 1 2012 (January 2012 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Only 80 Days until our semi-annual DUUF campout for all ages. I know it seems like a long time from now, but if you want to go, you need to reserve a campsite NOW!

RULE #421: You can always cancel a camping reservation, but once the campground is full, you cannot create a vacant site to reserve.

The scheduled weekend is going to be perfect weather, so I guarantee the campground will be fully reserved well in advance.

Do it today!

Here's all the info you need:

- March 29 - April 1
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park
– Isle du Bois Unit
- Deer Ridge Campground
- bacon

That actually may be more information than you need, but here's the website for reserving:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/park_reservations/#alert

questions?

Thomas Gonzalez, the shaman of DUUF camping has started a facebook page where the latest info will be available:

http://www.facebook.com/events/158288294279736/

or query me backstage

jake.cindy@verizon.net

Update Regarding the "Guest at Your Table" Coin Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:50:00 +0000

This weekend, as we gather on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, we will close our 2011 Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Guest at Your Table program. Please bring your contributions to any of the three services this weekend.

Also, please note that the Board of Trustees has extended this spirit of generosity and given us an opportunity to practice our UU values of justice, equity and compassion by deciding that all non-pledge donations collected at this weekend’s services will go toward the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Through a combination of advocacy, education, and partnerships with grassroots organizations, UUSC promotes economic rights, advances environmental justice, defends civil liberties, and preserves the rights of people in times of humanitarian crisis. By donating to the UUSC you have the opportunity to provide oxen for families returning home from post-war camps in northern Uganda. Your gift can help to provide educational resources and outreach for workers in Arkansas desperately in need of fair employment practices. Or perhaps your gift will help provide water testing kits for indigenous communities in Guatemala located down stream from the GoldCorp mine. There is so much that the UUSC is doing locally and around the world.

To make your tax-deductible donation to the UUSC, please convert your cash and coins to a check made out to "UUSC" and complete the form on the box (or envelope which we will have available this weekend). Bring your contributions to any of the worship services this weekend.

If you miss bringing back your Guest at Your Table box during the closing weekend, please return it to the Fellowship office at your earliest opportunity. You may also make a contribution to the UUSC online at www.uusc.org.

We'll announce the results of our Guest at Your Table program as soon as possible. On behalf of UUSC, we thank and commend every person who has chosen to share their blessings through Guest at Your Table and for all the ways that you live out your UU values.

2012 NTAUUS Awards Luncheon January 21, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:43:00 +0000

The NTAUUS Awards Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012 Recognition Awards. Please mark your calendar for the Awards Luncheon, 12:30 PM on January 21, 2012 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff. The awards will be presented to the recipients and the grants will be presented to the congregations.

The Awards Committee believes the Recognition Awards can be a vehicle for NTAUUS to use to encourage and support the growth, energy and health of our congregations. We see the process as inclusive. Each of these nominees has contributed their excellence to their congregations and beyond. Being recommended by their peers was a high honor. The Recognition Award acknowledges their good works, contributions and application of Unitarian Universalist Principles.

The Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis will deliver the keynote. Rev. Cooper-Davis is minister of the Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church in The Woodlands and contributes to the Houston Chronicle's blog. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from your congregational representative or via PayPal on the NTAUUS website. We hope that you will attend to support the Recognition Award winners and to enjoy the grant award ceremony!

2012 Awards

The Ruth Clark Award – Staff

Natalie Briscoe, Director of Religious Education
Horizon UU Church

The Robert Raible Award – Minister

Rev. Pam Watt, Minister
Denton UU Fellowship

The Marty Robinson Award – Volunteers

Ian Rule – Board of Trustees, Communication Portfolio
Community UU Church, Plano

Ray Enstam – Chair, NTAUUS Endowment Committee
First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Nancy Foreman – Past President, Board of Trustees; Current Co-Chair, Chalice Circles
Horizon UU Church, Carrollton

Scott Grey – Webmaster, NTAUUS; Webmaster, AV Specialist
UU Church of Oak Cliff

Bruce Cameron – Builder, Chalice Jewelry Artist, Volunteer
Red River UU Church, Denison

The 2012 NTAUUS Awards Committee
Celeste Kennedy, Chair - Community Unitarian Universalist Church, Plano
Carrie Schweitzer - First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Carolyn Cameron – Red River Unitarian Universalist Church
Daniel Polk – Executive Director, NTAUUS
Mark Coomes - NTAUUS President, Denton Unitarian Universalist Church, ex-officio member of the 2012 NTAUUS Awards Committee

a note from the minister

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:39:00 +0000

I am filled with gratitude and joy for all the hard work and commitment that was represented in our congregational meeting yesterday and what it means for me as your minister. I am profoundly grateful to step into the role of being your full-time minister beginning January 1, 2012.

In 2010 just as I had completed my internship and was ready for a job, I was delighted that you had a half-time position AND in the town where I was already living. The timing and the location were perfect, but more importantly I have loved every aspect of my job and have loved every one of you. When I look out at this congregation on Sunday morning and sneak hugs and handshakes as you walk in the door, I feel at home. When you invite me into your homes in your darkest hours and in your greatest celebrations, I am honored by your trust and humbled by your faith. The thought of doing this full-time and starting so soon makes me giddy and so very joyful.

Having lived on both coasts, I never imagined myself settling down in Texas, but I am loving being a Denton resident and watching such wonderful additions unfolding (a growing community market, bike lanes, LGBTQ resources, a SCRAP store, restaurants with vegan options like Seven Mile Cafe…). I am proud to be from Denton and honored to be among so many of you from Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship who are leading the way to create such important and enriching contributions in our larger community.

Thank you for your trust in me and for all the ways that you enrich my life and inspire me daily. I look forward to all that we will do together in 2012!

Love and light,

Rev. Pam

TxDMV Specialty License Plate is not available.

noreply@blogger.com (markcoomes) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Unfortunately this TxDMV Specialty License Plate is not available. Yet.
When it is, proceeds will support Friends of the UUA. Thank you.

Allies for Racial Equity Commitment in Action 2012 Annual Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Unitarian Universalist
Allies for Racial Equity

2012 Conference

Commitment in Action

Colonization, Privilege & Resistance:
Preparing for Justice GA 2012
February 17-19, 2012

Hosted by First Jefferson UU Church
Ft. Worth, TX

Featuring keynote speakers & workshops by Robert Jensen, University of Texas School of Journalism Professor and author of The Heart of Whiteness: Confronting Race, Racism and White Privilege and Megan Dowdell Adjunct Faculty at Starr King School for the Ministry.

The Commitment in Action Conference
The annual conference will offer Unitarian Universalists who identify as white the opportunity to develop their anti-racist and anti-oppressive analysis and practice. Whether this will be your first or fifteenth anti-racist conference, we will provide you an opportunity to learn, grow and explore how you can turn your commitment into action. More information coming soon! If you have questions about the conference please contact the Kimberlee Carlson, Acting ARE Conference and Events Coordinator, at carlsonkimberlee@gmail.com.

For more information about ARE and the conference see www.uuallies.org. For information about ARE’s partner organization, Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM), a UU People of Color Organization, see www.druumm.org

Christmas at DUUF (December 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Saturday, December 24, 2011
Rev. Pam Wat

Family Christmas Eve Service A service geared toward children
4:30 PM

Traditional Christmas Eve Service A traditional candle light service
6:00 PM

Sunday, December 25, 2011
10:30 AM Worship

Vocal Magic
A gift of music to the community.

Film Screening Sun Nov 13 (November 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:14:00 +0000

Special Screening
Sunday November 13, 2011
7:30 PM, Religious Education Wing

"A Dream Lost in 'Dream'" a documentary by Arvind Singh.

Lawyer, political activist, and filmmaker Arvind Singh & her family were forced to leave their native India after she made a controversial political documentary. Both of the Singhs were respected professionals in India, but in America, they were just another immigrant family faced with making a living. Arriving in Denton, they bought a struggling gas station near UNT, which they eventually turned into a small Indian restaurant. But their economic difficulties pale beside the larger cultural pressures on their children, and the fact that Mr. Singh, a commercial pilot in India, is no longer able to do the job he loves best: flying.

Filmmaker’s Statement:

America is essentially a country of immigrants. People from all over the world come to this dreamland with a very high expectation of fulfilling their economic, professional, educational, social, and/or political aspirations. However, they are confronted with the stark and imminent reality of economic challenges at the doorstep of this dreamland. Understanding the gravity of their situation, they tuck their dreams into a safe place deep within their hearts, and hope to come back to them later after winning the race of survival. Little do they realize that they are entering a race that has no end, or a chance for one to catch one’s breath. Sometimes these dormant dreams resurface unexpectedly, and a tug of war between passion and survival begins. This film is the portrayal of an East Indian and the tug of war between his dreams and reality.

Denton UU Fellowship
1111 Cordell St
Denton TX 76201

Adult RE starts new discussion Nov 6 (November 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:09:00 +0000

Starting Sunday, November 6, 2011, Adult Religious Education will begin a discussion of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist with a review of the book entitled 100 QUESTIONS THAT NON-MEMBERS ASK ABOUT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM, by John Sias. An easy read, the book is very informative.

It is downloadable from http://www.uunashua.org/100q/100questions.pdf, free of charge.

ARE is held 9:30am – 10:20am in the large RE room. All are invited.

Denton UU Fellowship Newcomer Orientation (November 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:00:00 +0000

This orientation is a great way for newcomers to learn about our faith as well as the life and history of our Fellowship. Any newcomer, friend or member is welcome to attend the orientation - participation is open to all. The experience is especially beneficial to newcomers - whether on the path to membership or not. And, if you have questions about the potential role of Unitarian Universalism and this Fellowship in your life, we encourage you to share in this experience.

The class will be Saturday, November 5 from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Refreshments and childcare will be provided.

If you plan to attend, contact Mark Davis by phone (940-390-7761) or email (membership@dentonuuf.org).

Facebook Event

NTAUUS Awards Nominations Deadline December 9, 2011 (Novermber 2011 Newsletter Content}

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:54:00 +0000

Let us celebrate and honor our leaders.

Call for Nominations
The third annual NTAUUS Recognitions Awards
Deadline: December 9, 2011
www.ntauss.org/awards.shtml

Marty Robinson Award for Volunteers
Ruth Clark Award for Staff Members
Robert Raible Award for Ministers

Sponser part of the luncheon: Wine, hors d'oeuvres or music.
Contact Kathy Calhoun at kathywcalhoun@gmail.com or Daniel Polk at danieldale@att.net.

January 21, 2012, NTAUUS Awards Luncheon
Unitarian Universalist Church of Oak Cliff

DUUF Halloween Party Oct 30 - (October 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:59:00 +0000

DUUF Halloween Party
Sunday October 30th 4:00 pm
1111 Cordell at the Fellowship

Costumes Encouraged
Benefits Trick or Treat for UNICEF

Your Piece of the Pie

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:14:00 +0000

Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is in an exciting time. In late September we welcomed fifteen new members and since then have already signed another ten new members who will be recognized in November.

DUUF is a thriving place of growth and abundance. We are also limited by the size of our building and by understaffing. We are at a crossroads now. We can continue to sustain our growth and be a robust and inspiring UU presence in Denton or we can limit ourselves to smaller numbers and limited opportunities. Each of us has a vote and, unlike other votes, this vote is not a simple ballot, but a vote of commitment.

To vote for growth and vitality, pledge your volunteer energy and funds for 2012 and join us on October 16th as we see where we are and where we want to go as a Fellowship. Please consider submitting your pledges before or on October 16th as we will be reporting our pledges to date at the service.

If you would like to be contacted about our 2012 campaign to support our Fellowship, please be in touch with Abby Bonard, Herb Newton, Rev. Pam or our Board President, Jim Progar.

Abby Bonard: 940-595-4590
Herb Newton: 214-810-4205, nhnewton@gmail.com
Rev. Pam Wat: home phone: 940-381-2457, minister@dentonuuf.org
Jim Progar: 940-365-5850, progar.jim@gmail.com

NTAUUS Accepting Nominations for 2011 Awards (October 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:53:00 +0000

The North Texas Association of Unitarian Universalist Societies (NTAUUS) is accepting nominations for its 2011 awards.

These awards recognize outstanding contributions and service to Unitarian Universalism and our North Texas congregations. The awards recognize volunteers, lay staff, and ministers. Submissions are due December 9, 2011. Awardees will be honored at the NTAUUS Awards luncheon January 21, 2012 at Oak Cliff UU Church.

For complete details about the three awards and the nomination process visit the
NTAUUS web site at http://www.ntauus.org/awards.shtml for the Call for Nominations and the Nomination Form that needs to be submitted.

We have talented, hard-working people who provide valuable services to our congregation. Let's submit them as candidates for the Recognition Awards. It only requires filling in a form! Questions? Talk to Mark Coomes, NTAUUS Representative.

Stewardship Kickoff Party Saturday September 24

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:39:00 +0000

I hope everyone's having a great week. I am reminding you of a special stewardship campaign kickoff party this Saturday. The kickoff party is from 2:00 until 5:00 and will be at Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. This party will be catered by Vegan Coop and feature locally brewed beer from Armadillo Ale as well as their wonderful non-alcoholic beverage, Bees Knees. Please come and join us. There will be no pressure to make any type of financial contribution, this is simply a party to raise awareness of our critical Fall Stewardship campaign.

This is an interesting time for DUUF: we've grown tremendously in the past year, we have Pam on board in a "half-time" way, we are busting at the seems in R.E., and more and more people are finding some fulfillment by virtue of being part of our fellowship.

You may be somewhat surprised to find out that we have been operating on about $65,000 a year in pledges. I started to wonder how are we to support the future evolution of DUUF? It seems to me that we are at a critical point right now. So many really positive things are happening, and it is important for us to join together and find ways not only to maintain the progress we have made, but to continue to grow and serve our growing catchment area.

In short, we need to double our budget. A budget of approximately $135,000 would allow us to make Pam a full-time minister, increase the hours for an R.E. professional, hire a musical accompanist, hire a part-time bookkeeper, and hang on to a little contingency money to support necessary renovations and expanded facilities. Comparatively speaking, we are understaffed for a church our size, particularly if we plan on continuing to grow. Moreover, an increased budget will afford us a substantially greater level of continuity in programs from week to week.

Our membership has almost doubled since Pam started. Plus, we have a significant number of people that attend services often yet have not made a decision to "sign the book." DUUF belongs to all of us. Like anything else that belongs to us, we have to nurture and take care of the things that really matter and the people we really love. We hope to have dialogue with everyone whose life is touched by DUUF in the coming month and talk not only about funding, but also gain valuable feedback into your thoughts about the strengths and weaknesses of the fellowship. Your thoughts are valuable as we move forward with our growth. At the same time, growth and sustainability are not free. We hope you will join with us to help financially lead DUUF through this critical time.

We need your help. It's a short campaign and it's an area where you can make a huge difference in a short amount of time. Please give this some serious consideration. If you are interested in helping the Stewardship Committee, please let me know.

I sincerely appreciate your support. This is important for us all, and it is essential for us to be successful in creating a strong and realistic budget to support the growing desire for spirituality we are experiencing at DUUF. Together, we can make our world an ever increasingly wonderful place. I really hope you can make it on Saturday...it will be lots of fun.

In Faith,
Herb Newton
214.810.4205

How churches can prepare for natural disasters

noreply@blogger.com (markcoomes) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:40:00 +0000

How churches can prepare for natural disasters

From InterConnections Tipsheet

Fair Share amount is $58

noreply@blogger.com (markcoomes) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Fair Share amount is $58

Note: This is the UUA portion only and does not include dues to SWUUC (the District) or NTAUUS.

From InterConnections Tipsheet

2011 Minns Conference on Composing Our UU Future: Video and Text Now Available (Sep 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:23:00 +0000

In April 2011, the Minns Lectureship Committee brought together Unitarian Universalist clergy, seminarians, lay leaders, and parishioners from across the country to reflect on the present state of Unitarian Universalism, as well as hopes and intentions for the future of this liberal religious tradition.

The slate of speakers and panelists included some of the most engaging, passionate voices in Unitarian Universalism today; their complete lectures are available online now in both video and text formats at http://minnslectures.org/2011_series.php.

UUA Bookstore Announces the 2011-12 Common Read (Sep 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:21:00 +0000

UUA Bookstore staff are thrilled to announce the 2011-2012 Unitarian Universalist Common Read: 'Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation,' by Eboo Patel. A remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America from one of the most prominent faith leaders in the United States, Acts of Faith is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people, and of the world-changing potential of an interfaith youth movement.

The Unitarian Universalist Common Read encourages all Unitarian Universalists to read and discuss a single book. The 2010-2011 common read, 'The Death of Josseline,' spawned discussion groups and social action and heightened awareness of the challenges facing undocumented immigrants in the American Southwest. Learn more about the Common Read project: http://www.uua.org/publications/commonread/index.shtml.

We'd love to hear how you used the UUA Common Read in your congregation or on your own. Please email your stories to Ben Jackson at bjackson@uua.org.

Remember, the UUA Bookstore offers discounts on multiple copies: http://www.uuabookstore.org/.

Near-Death Experience Workshop October 1, 2011 (September 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Near-Death Experience Workshop
Jan Holden, PhD
Oct. 1, 2011
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

This will be a three hour workshop, with a break in the middle.

Part I

Dr. Holden will present material from The Handbook of Near-Death Experiences: Thirty Years of Investigation (2009), which she edited along with Bruce Greyson, MD and Debbie James, RN/MSN, along with interview clips of people reporting on their NDE.

[Break]

Part II

The showing of a 1-hour BCC Documentary, "The Day I Died: The Mind, The Brain, and Near-Death Experiences," followed by a discussion.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

Dr. Holden is a Professor of Counseling, and the Chair of the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas. She had been a researcher in the field of Near-Death Experiences for many years, and is also the Past President of the International Association for Near-Death Studies.

Contact Gerry Veeder,
Worship Committee Chair
gkv0001@verizon.net

Video Upgrade: Three Missions (September 2011 Newsletter Content)

noreply@blogger.com (Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 21:23:00 +0000

We are in the process of fine tuning our new video system. It includes a higher resolution camera, a new video recorder, and a wall mounted monitor in the Religious Education wing. Thanks to John Beckett, Mark Coomes, Mark Davis, Mary Curtis, Barb Rodman, Wendy & Paul Leung, David & Hazel Greene, Tracy Kirk, Gerry Veeder and Jake & Cindy Jacobson for financing this project. Special thanks to Matthew Morin, who crawled through the "attic" twice because Jake handed him the wrong end of the wire the first time.

This upgrade serves three different missions. First, it allows us to continue to post services on the internet for our friends who can't be with us, as well as for cyber visitors who want to know more about us. Many new friends report finding us on the internet first. The second mission is to provide a space for overflow participants to hear the service. For better and worse, "standing room only" is only going to become more common. Finally, we are bringing the gospel to the snack crew in the kitchen, who have missed more services than they have attended. Because of their poor attendance, they have at times been concerned for their souls, so we hope that they will now receive the message of Universal Salvation. Thanks again to everyone!