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.
Our Membership book is open for signing this Sunday. If you have completed Pathway to Membership sessions 1 and 2 or are transferring from another UU Congregation, we welcome you to come forward at the end of the service to sign our Membership Book, signifying your commitment to WUU.
9:45am & 11:15am "Forgiveness"
Rev. Dave Johnson, Interim Minister
In The Process of Forgiveness (1996), William A. Meninger writes:
“When we forgive someone we say: ‘You are no longer to be allowed to govern my life. Henceforth I will be responsible for what I do---not as reactions to your infliction but from my own free decisions.’ Forgiveness is the decision that we have done enough futile hiding, suffering, hating, and fantasizing revenge. It is an awareness that the things we have done to ourselves do not affect our offenders, and that we are through hurting ourselves.”
As the New Year (and Yom Kippur) arrives, we will consider the complex dimensions of forgiveness. To err is human; but to forgive is optional.
Share the Plate
The Share the Plate contribution on Sunday, October 9, will benefit Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg. For 34 years, this nonprofit charitable organization has enhanced the quality of living for individuals facing the last phases of life and supported the people they love. Support services are provided to individuals living in Williamsburg, James City County or upper York County. Since 2002, Hospice has maintained a four-bed facility to provide short-term residential care and end-of-life support, Use of this residential care also offers a respite for caregivers. For more information on this agency, visit www.williamsburghospice.org.
Please note that all checks intended for the Share the Plate recipient should be made payable to “WUU”, with the agency name name or “STP” on the memo line. However, if you miss STP Sunday – or forget your checkbook – you can send your check to the WUU office during the following week, or drop it in the plate the following Sunday. Thank you for your generous support.
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!
Kathi Mestayer discovered that she has endometrial cancer in August, and will be undergoing chemotherapy for about four months. She is doing fine, considering, and would welcome funny emails and other distractions at kwren@widomaker.com. No cut flowers; the chemo rules forbid them!
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.
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/
Building Our Future 2016-Construction
There has been a lot going on here on the WUU Campus. Click Here to see the latest photos.
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.
