All are welcome to WUU's Fourth Friday Potluck. This Friday, Sept 23 from 6pm to 8pm in the Sanctuary. Come share food, fun, games and great conversation!
9:45 am & 11:15 am
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.”
9:45am & 11:15am "Beyond Categorical Thinking"
Carol Carter Walker and Amanda Schuber, Guest Speakers
“Will the new minister hear me? Will my concerns and needs be met? How will the community respond to our new minister?” In addressing these and similar questions, stereotypes of an “ideal minister” may come to mind. With such ideal pictures in place, it can be easy to unintentionally exclude ministers who fall into certain categories. The “Beyond Categorical Thinking” program, sponsored by the UUA Transitions Office, is designed to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent unfair discrimination in the search process for a new minister.
Our Beyond Categorical Thinking speakers are Carol Carter Walker, member of the Paint Branch UU Church in Adelphi MD; and Amanda Schuber, member of the UU Fellowship of Huntsville AL.
What does a good minister look like? What does her voice sound like? What color is his skin? Is she straight or gay or transgendered? How old is he? Does she use crutches or a wheelchair?
On the weekend of October 1&2 we will have the opportunity to open our minds and hearts and broaden our thinking on who our new minister will be.
The Beyond Categorical Thinking program of the UUA 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 from Washington, DC and Amanda Schuber from Huntsville, Alabama.
The workshop is appropriate for ages 14 and older. Child care will be available for our younger congregants.
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War Potluck and Movie Showing-October 7 at 6pm.
"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.
***Please note that all potluck items need to be ready to serve as the kitchen will not be able to be used.**
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!
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) for Highschoolers
This Sunday is the big YRUU kickoff. If you are in high school, please join us at 11:15am in Parker House basement (enter through the front door, take an immediate left through the conference room and go down the stairs in the back). We’ll be getting to know each other and making plans for the year. Is there a religion or spiritual practice that you are particularly interested in? This is your opportunity to help determine how we spend our YRUU time together. We hope to see you all there!
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/
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!
The beautiful flowers that were displayed during last Sunday's service we brought by Carol Brouwer in loving memory of her husband William Riel. Thank you Carol, we are sorry for your loss.
Community Café returns on October 6, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 PM
Location: St. Martin’s Episcopal Church 1333 Jamestown Road
Cost: Free
“Making Your Home Safe for Aging in Place”
Learn from local experts how you can modify your home to help you successfully age in place. Learn about modifications ranging from temporary ramps to help when you’re recovering, to safety features you can add to your home. We’ll also learn about the state program that gives homeowners a tax credit for eligible home modifications.
The Community Café is a volunteer effort, involving many area congregations, to sponsor an afternoon of information and fun for Williamsburg residents, age 60 or better. Join us for a short presentation, snacks and prizes. Questions please call (757) 229-1111 ext. 115
Pathway to Membership
Our Pathway to Membership class is an ideal way to learn who we are as Unitarians Universalists and also a way to learn more about our WUU congregation. If you are new and would like more information about us, or are considering becoming a member, or are already a long-time member and would like a refresher, then this is the class for you. The class will be held in 2 parts, Sunday October 16 and Sunday October 23, 12:30-2:30pm. We will meet in the Fahs House.
Lunch will be served - please let us know of any special dietary needs. Child care will also be available if requested by October 2.
