9:45 & 11:15 am “Are We Really Free”
Rev. Travis Harris, Guest Minister
Why do “Black Lives Matter?” Black people, compared to whites, are more likely to be killed by police, are incarcerated at much higher rates, and are twice as likely to be unemployed. How should UUs respond to this systemic racism? Join us to hear Mr. Travis Harris’ account of how a movement begun in the wake of Trayvon Martin’s killing is changing our understanding of racism both nationally and here in Williamsburg.
What's a WUU?
R U a UU? Y Not? Come meet like minded persons after the September 18 second Sunday service and ask your questions about Unitarian Universalism and Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists in particular. Peter Mellette and others on the Community Team will be on hand to respond. See you in the sanctuary at 12:15 pm, after the service.
9:45am & 11:15am
Rev. Dave Johnson, Interim Minister
“The Old Possum: T.S. Eliot’s Legacy”
Imagine that we’re strolling through Bloomsbury Square in London. We pause at the Faber and Faber Publishing House. Perched in the front window is a well-fed cat named Morgan. Morgan is reflecting on the meaning of life:
“I once was a Pirate who sailed the ‘igh seas –
But now I’ve retired as a commissionaire:
And that’s how you find me a-takin’ my ease
And keepin’ the door in a Bloomsbury Square.” (T.S.Eliot)
We will consider the life and poetry of Thomas Sterns Eliot and his profound influence on Unitarian Universalism. In particular, we’ll return to Eliot’s question: “Where is the life we have lost in living?”
Our pianist Dave Robbins will recall Eliot with some of the music from “Cats.”
“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? Will the minister understand what I’m living with? How will the community respond to our minister?’
In answering these questions, a picture of the “ideal minister” (categorized by age, gender, gender identity, nationality, physical ability, race, and sexual orientation) comes to mind. With this picture in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. At times, as we get caught up in comparing candidates to our “picture,” we can even forget what it is we hoped for in a minister.
On the weekend of October 1&2, Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists will participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The WUU Ministerial Search Committee invites all congregational leaders, members, and friends to participate in this workshop.
The Beyond Categorical Thinking program is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister. This program includes a three hour Saturday morning workshop followed by a Sunday morning service with BCT workshop facilitators. In the workshop, WUU members will:
Consider the hopes, expectations, and concerns they have for a new minister
Learn more about the ministerial search process, and
Explore how thinking categorically about people sometimes interferes with choosing the best candidate.
Come on Saturday October 1st from 9am to noon in the sanctuary and to Sunday October 2nd services to participate in this UUA-sponsored workshop and worship service, led by Carol Carter Walker and Amanda Schuber. Carol and Amanda’s brief biographies are attached.
The Ministerial Search Committee appreciates any and all input from the WUU community.. The Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop is another opportunity for everyone in our congregation to be a part of that process. This experience will provide guidance for the search committee in our work.
Carol Carter Walker has been a Unitarian Universalist (UU) since 1987, beginning as a charter member of the now closed Sojourner Truth Congregation, in Washington, DC. She has been a member of Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi, MD since 2002.
Carol has been a Board Member at both her former and current congregations. At the denominational level, Carol has been part of the Commission on Social Witness and is currently a Beyond Categorical Thinking facilitator and alternate to the Central East Region’s Capital Cluster. She is a member of the UU-affiliated Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM).
Carol is a native of and currently lives in Washington, DC. She is an active volunteer, serving her church and her community since her 2006 retirement as a senior manager at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She has a daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren and a grand dog who live in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC.
Amanda Schuber has been a UU for 23 years, and has served on the boards of Equual Access and Interweave Continental. She has also served as Director of Religious Education and Social Action Coordinator for the UU Church of Tuscaloosa, AL and at UUA headquarters in Boston as the Administrator of the Office of Congregational Fundraising. Amanda and her wife have been members of the UU Church of Huntsville, AL for 3 years. Currently, she serves as the Family Services Coordinator with Habitat for Humanity of Madison County. Amanda loves being a soccer mom to her 2 younger children, Addie and Brayden, and helping her 17 year old Samantha prepare to transition to college.
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War WHRO Tuesday, September 20, 9:00 p.m.
"Join an American couple’s courageous mission in 1939 to help refugees escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Over the course of two years, the pair will risk their lives so that hundreds can live in freedom. A new film by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky. “ (WHRO Program Guide)
The Rev. and Mrs Sharps were a Unitarian couple who defied the Nazi regime to save lives. How are you carrying on the Sharps' legacy by defying hatred and discrimination today? Islamophobia and the Syrian refugee crisis are modern day parallels to the bigotry the Sharps fought against. Download tools and materials to help plan events and projects, (UUA WeDefy Project).
The WUU Social Justice Team will also be sponsoring a potluck and showing this important film on October 7 at 6pm.
Food For FISH (Our local community food & clothing pantry)
It is almost time to head back to school! FISH is asking for school lunch items: individually wrapped items like applesauce, fruit cups, snack bars. Place your donations in our Fish Wagon and our wonderful coordinator, Ivonne Luchs, will gather donations and transport them to FISH.
Please make sure packages are sealed and all "use by" dates are current. Thank you all!
Memorial Service:
On Saturday, September 17 at 4pm a service will be held remembering William Riel, the husband of WUU member Carol Brouwer. All are invited attend.
Please contact caringchair@wuu.org if you know of a member of the Congregation in need of support, or if you are in need of support.
To learn more about our upcoming fall Religious Education classes and schedule, please visit this link. Click below to register online:
Registration is now open for The Mountain's Fall 2016 Youth CONferences!
Elementary Youth (3rd - 5th graders)
Nov 18- 20, 2016
Intermediate Youth (6th - 8th graders)
Dec 2-3, 2016
Sr. High Youth (9th - 12th graders)
Dec 9-11, 2016
There are some folks from WUU thinking of attending so carpooling might be an option. Contact Austen Petersen at austen@wuu.org and let her know. For more information or to register visit: http://themountainrlc.org/youth-conference/
LAST CALL TO SIGN UP---Protecting Your Heathcare Wishes
Are you current with your Advance Medical Directives?
Updated your Health Care Power of Attorney lately?
Stored your documents in a safe and accessible place?
MOST IMPORTANT: Do your loved ones know your feelings
about quality of life and end of life care, should they be asked
to make decisions on your behalf?
We can help ensure your wishes will be honored!
Participate in our presentation and discussion:
* VIRGINIA ADVANCE MEDICAL DIRECTIVES
* HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY
Saturday, September 17, 2016, 9:30 to 11:30am, FAHS House
Virginia Advance Directive forms and other resources will be provided.
Presenters: Cynthia Frezek, MSN, RN, WUU Lay Pastoral Care Associate
Barbara Shefelton, M.Div, BCC, Board Certified Chaplain and Ethics
Consultant, Mary Immaculate Hospital
Free to all age 18 and older. Please reply to cyncfreze@gmail.com, by Sept.15th.
Your Williamsburg Learning Tree program is now open for registration! We have over 80 fun, educational, and inspiring classes scheduled at convenient times and at convenient places. So sign up and try something new!
Taking a class is SO EASY! Check out the online course catalog, then register and pay online at www.williamsburglearningtree.org. Or call Suzanne (757-220-9975) for a paper catalog and mail-in registration form.
Did you think about teaching a class but just didn’t get around to sending in your class proposal? This semester is running through mid-December, so there is still time to send one in and share your knowledge, expertise, or passion with your friends and neighbors! We’ll update our online catalog with your class and include it whenever we re-print paper copies. Let’s do this!
What is the schedule for occupancy of the new spaces at WUU? Be sure to check your email for next week's BOF Newsletter. An estimated timeline will be included with other information about the upcoming transition.
HALLELUJAH ! ! Leonard Cohen 82nd Birthday Celebration
Wednesday September 21, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Parker House
DVD: Live In Dublin, recorded 09/20/2013
The Canadian poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen is beloved by millions, worldwide. Next Wednesday September 21 will mark Leonard’s 82nd birthday. To honor this occasion we will show the DVD of his recent World Tour performance in Dublin. Come join us at 5:00 pm; bring your own drinks/snacks. Two sets of music, followed by eight encores. Of course: Sing along (Hallelujah!!!). Rev. Dave
Cottage Meeting Updates
As a follow-up to there earlier meeting today these are the remaining spots available:
Friday, September 16 at 7:30 pm, in Williamsburg-3 OPEN SPOTS
Tuesday, September 20 at 7:30 pm, in Williamsburg, 2 OPEN SPOTS
Friday, September 23 at 11:00 am, in Williamsburg, 2 OPEN SPOTS
Contact the office (office@wuu.org or 757-220-6830) to sign up and the address will be given to you on confirmation.
