Manatee UU Fellowship NEWS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AND REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Oct. 2

On Sunday, Oct. 2, at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Fred L Hammond will lead a service celebrating animals and our pets. You may bring your pet to the service for a blessing. Please bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier or bring a picture of your pet.

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER

Women’s Resource Center is a nonprofit agency that has provided women (and men) with life skills training, career planning and educational scholarships in Manatee and Sarasota counties for more than 35 years. It assists thousands of women in creating independent lifestyles by identifying problems, enrolling them in programs, and connecting them to appropriate resources they need. Go to https://www.mywrc.org/ for more information about the center’s activities.

Our special collection runs from Sept. 11 through Sept. 25. Please make checks payable to Women’s Resource Center and bring or mail to: Manatee UU Fellowship, 322 15th St. W, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Thank you for your help in supporting this important local organization.

UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.

Don’t miss our next monthly social outing at Motorworks Brewing on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. The address is 1014 9th St. W, Bradenton. Come early for a parking place right next to the building. Plan to join us for a drink, an appetizer or an early dinner here on the second Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome! You can check out the venue online: https://motorworksbrewing.com/bradenton

And enjoy our popular monthly Share a Dish potluck Friday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m., at our building’s social room. Bring a brunch dish to share and connect with friends new and old.

We gather for our Motorworks outing on the second Tuesday of each month, and for our Share a Dish event the second Friday of each month. Please join us!

UPDATE FROM OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

At the August meeting of the Social Justice Committee, Chris MacCormack, Cindy Evans, and Bill Hayes made a detailed presentation regarding Afghan refugees (Chris) and the visit to the Black heritage house on the State College of Florida campus (Cindy and Bill ).

The committee approved the League of Women Voters of Manatee County for the October Special Collection.

I am proposing the following special collection calendar for the next 12 months. Let the SJC Chair know if you have any other suggestions. Also, a second volunteer is needed to organize and make necessary preparations with the Special Collection organizations. Let the SJC Chair know if you wish to volunteer.

The Social Justice Committee meets next on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom right after the Sunday service.

— Mariano Vera

EXPLORING IDEAS WITH OUR BOOK CLUB

At its meeting on Sept. 5, the Book Club discussed The Children Act by Ian McEwan. The story involves Britain’s Child Welfare law for children under 18 and how it affects a boy who is refusing, for religious reasons, medical treatment that could save his life and the judge who is ruling on the case.

Our next meeting is Monday, Oct. 3 at 2:00pm on Zoom, for which we will read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Set in Nazi Germany, the historical novel is about a young foster girl living in a dysfunctional home that includes a Jewish man hiding in the basement. This book had a lengthy stay on the New York Times Best Seller List.

For November, we have scheduled Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. This book is also about a young girl, Kya, who is abandoned by her mother in the North Carolina swamplands. She lives alone until the need for human companionship tugs at her and her life drastically changes. The book has received much acclaim, and a movie version was released this summer.

The Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 2 p.m. on Zoom. Come join us; everyone is welcome, and discussions are low-key and congenial. Contact Bill Hayes directly or though this website for more information and to receive the Zoom link.

— Bill Hayes

The_Book_Thief_by_Markus_Zusak_book_cover

SPEAKING OF READING: GET READY TO DONATE TO (AND SHOP AT) OUR NOVEMBER BOOK SALE

We all tend to accumulate more books than we actually want to keep after we have read them, or we have finally acknowledged that we may have never read them. We will be having a book sale at the fellowship Nov. 5-13. This gives you a reason and a nudge to go through your books to see which ones you would like to donate. If there are some that would more suitably be added to our library, they may be set aside for cataloging.

You may begin today to bring books for the sale! Please label the bag or box that they are for the sale, and we’ll store them until the big week arrives. Books that do not sell will be donated to local groups that may need them, our public library bookshop, or to thrift shops.

— Carol Bartz

UPDATE FROM OUR RACIAL CONCERNS DISCUSSION GROUP

On Aug. 8, the Racial Concerns Discussion Group watched the first hour of Green Book, an Academy Award-winning film based on a true story about two men on a road trip in a classy Cadillac through the Jim Crow South in 1962. Cultures and attitudes clash as the driver of the vehicle, a white prejudiced street wise former bouncer from a close-knit Italian American family in the Bronx tries to bond with an educated and cultured black classical pianist who lives above Carnegie Hall. As they make their way toward the Midwest and begin their descent into the South, they rely on a travel guide, the Green Book, to safely navigate the roads and towns during the era of segregation and overt oppression. As they are scheduled to perform at private homes and concert halls, nuances of humility and affection bond the two men as they become aware of their common humanity.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. on Zoom, the group will finish the last hour of the film as the protagonists venture into Louisiana during the Christmas holiday. And what adventures they will have!

All members and friends are invited to join us on the second Tuesday of each month.

— Cindy Evans & Bill Hayes

LATEST CHATTER ON OUR KNITTERS

Knit ‘n Chat met only once in August, on the 2nd, and will meet only once in September, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the fellowship. Knit ‘n Chatters are working on several projects— squares for our Auction quilt, scarves for Women4Peace’s children’s international dental clinic program, and other personal projects.

In October we will return to meeting the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10 a.m. at our fellowship building.

For more information, get in touch with Carol Alt in person or through her contact form on this website.

— Carol Alt

BUILDING SIGN REFRESH

In conjunction with our re-opening to in-person services this spring, Manatee UU Fellowship commissioned new signage for the front of our building. Set within the original frame, the new printed sign provides essential basic information that is easily seen from the street. You can see it for yourself in this photo and, even better, when you next visit our building.

Thanks to all who were involved in this project, especially to Bill Denison, who was instrumental in making this happen, and to our webmaster (and graphics expert), Jody Calder, for her clean, readable design. And extra special thanks to Bernie Salzinger for rehabbing the sign’s frame — and painting it to match our building. We couldn’t be happier with the result of these folks efforts!

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Welcome to our new members

At the July 17 service, Rev. Fred L. Hammond and our congregation officially welcomed three new members to our fellowship. Pictured with Rev. Fred after the special service are David Smith (left) and Drew Hensley (right). Not pictured is new member Joanne Peters, who was unable to be with us that day.

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Take us out to the ballgame!

On July 29, a group of 18 members and friends of the fellowship attended the Bradenton Marauders‘ Nine Devils Tribute Night baseball game at LECOM Park. The Nine Devils was the Bradenton team that played with great success in the Florida State Negro League from 1937 to 1956, before the full integration of professional baseball in the U.S. Our group was treated to free Marauders caps and (soft) drinks, and our fellowship got a shoutout over the PA system and on the jumbotron. See Rev. Fred L Hammond‘s photos at right.

Top photo: Marauders mascot Marty stops by to say hello to Bob Yavis during the game.

Bottom photo: Among our group were Ted Medrek (Row 1); Pat Rohrer, John Isham, Sally Isham, Bill Denison, Carolyn Denison (Row 2 from left); Hank Grogan, Bob Yavis, Bernita Franzel, Ed Janz, Cindy Evans (Row 3 from left).

VESPER SERVICES ON SUMMER HIATUS

Our popular monthly late-afternoon, midweek vesper services began in November 2021, and we continued to hold them on the first Wednesday of each month outside in the grassy area behind the children’s playground at the back of our fellowship building, depending on the weather.

Now that Florida summer weather is upon us, we are suspending these outdoor services until the fall. Check back for updates at that time.

SUPPORTING UKRAINE

As Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), said, “We continue to join in solidarity with so many around the world and pray for the people of Ukraine. Our hearts go out to those who are enduring devastating loss of life, violence, instability, and upheaval due to Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Our UU faith calls us to remain committed to justice and we believe we have a moral responsibility to support the creation of peace and the equal rights of all people.”

Follow this link, then click on “Donate Now”: https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/supporting-ukraine.

RENEWING OUR LEGACY CIRCLE

Anyone can join our Legacy Circle and make meaningful gifts to Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in their will. Regardless of the amount, your bequest is a statement of faith that our UU movement and our voices for compassionate justice, democracy, and religious freedom are heard long after we are gone. When you demonstrate that you care enough about this fellowship to support its future, others will follow your generous example.

No matter what your age, you can designate Manatee UU Fellowship as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of your IRA and it will pass to us tax-free after your lifetime. It’s simple, just requiring that you contact your IRA administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form or download a form from your provider’s website.

Join the Legacy Circle at our fellowship by stating your gift plan on your personal intentions form available in our office. Your name(s) will be placed on the Legacy Circle plaque in the sanctuary. Because most popular retirement plan administrators assume no obligation to notify charities of their client’s designations, the intentions form is an important document to us and will be held in a confidential file.

Please contact our treasurer, John Isham, directly or via this website to join or for more information.

— John Isham

A GIFT FOR US ALL

For our 2021 auction, Peg Green offered to create a flaming chalice fabric wall hanging “to hang in your home or give as a gift.” The winner would get to choose the flaming chalice design and color scheme. and then Peg would create the piece.

During the live auction held in February 2021, Bill Hayes kept raising his bid and finally outbid everyone. Over the summer he generously gifted the lovely quilt to our fellowship.Because we have not been meeting in person most of our members have not yet seen it, but it is bold and beautiful and is patiently waiting for our return for all of us to enjoy!

Peg’s artwork can be viewed on her website www.peacepeg.com and one of her works is on the cover of the UUA Pocket Guide for new members.

Thank you, Peg and Bill, for being so generous!

Reverend Fred L Hammond

FRED’S FLAVORINGS

September 2022

I have been thinking about a statement that Gov. DeSantis made a few days ago: “We must fight the woke in our schools. We must fight the woke in our businesses. We must fight the woke in governmental agencies. We can never surrender to woke ideology.”

Liberal religious faith is centered on the inherent worth and dignity of every person. It stresses freedom of belief, separation of church and state, the desire for equal access and building up the social good. Conservative religious faith tends to be hierarchical, narrowly defined roles for clerics and laity alike, blurs the separation of church and state, and has an authoritarian approach to living a life of piety. Gov. DeSantis’ anti-woke agenda is rooted in conservative religious faith.

The current political climate in Florida is increasingly hostile to the so-called woke agenda: Pro-LGBTQ, Pro-Women’s sovereignty over their bodies, Pro-Black Lives Matter, Pro-Voting accessibility, Pro-immigrant rights, Pro-Universal Health care, Pro-science. These are all stances that have been at the core of our liberal religious faith for decades. These have all been under legislative scrutiny in recent months, some with devastating results on a person’s integrity. Our very existence is going to be increasingly seen as a defiant act of civil disobedience to Florida’s anti-woke agenda, which is to return to a 1950s style white supremacy culture.

We have an opportunity to make the choice for freedom of religious values clearer in Manatee County. If we choose to make this choice clear, then our fellowship will attract those who are seeking similar choices.

One of the ways we can choose to make our religious values clearer is by participating in conversations later this month on our mission statement. Does our current mission define who we are in today’s climate? Does the proposed mission suggest a responsive path forward?

Join me and others in having these important conversations on who we are to be in this brave new world.

Blessings,

Fred

[NOTE: Rev. Fred L Hammond celebrated his fourth anniversary at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Sept. 1, 2022. Please join us in extending congratulations, thanks, and best wishes to him.]

August 2022

The sense of belonging/creating connections is so very important in today’s violent divisive society. In whatever way we can foster these connections is going to continue being important in the days and weeks to come.

Several months before the pandemic, Manatee UU Fellowship looked at the values we held for our fellowship. It was hard to synthesize these values down to three words, but we did, and those three words were Gratitude, Connectedness, and Love. Our task assignment was to sit with these words and, over the course of a few months, form a mission statement that would define our purpose in Manatee County.

Stating the obvious, the pandemic interrupted that process and yet, in some ways it did not. We were forced to find new ways to connect with one another. We had to learn a new technology to maintain those CONNECTIONS. We had to ferret out where there was GRATITUDE. This was made harder with the George Floyd murder on live television; the insurrection at our US Capitol; court decisions and laws passed that undermine civil liberties of voting rights, autonomy over our bodies, limitations on participation in daily activities like school sports; and a heart wrenching of politically supported gun violence. These external events weigh heavily on our hearts. They tempt us to take our focus away from the core of Unitarian Universalist teachings which simply put is ‘LOVE one another.’ I believe we have been for the most part successful towards that goal.

One possible understanding of our mission as a fellowship after the last two plus years is the following:

Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship seeks to build the beloved community through building connections that strengthen justice, gratitude, and our ability to love one another.

• We build connections through education.
• We build connections through networking and collaboration with other congregations.
• We build connections through focused small group discussions on dismantling racism and systems of oppression.
• We build connections through fun activities.
• We build connections by worshipping together.
• We build connections through exploring our spirituality together.
• We build connections by leaning in towards one another when times get difficult.
• We build connections by caring for one another.

This is not an exhaustive list. Might the italicized words above or similar words be a new redefined mission statement for Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship?

July 2022

I am writing this during a break at the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association gathering. During this gathering, I heard Rev. Alicia Forde give a keynote talk. I am still processing all that she said. Of the many things she covered, she asked three questions: What would Love do here? Who must we be (for Love to act here)? Where are we responding to harm?

At the Service of the Living Tradition, I heard Rev. Jacqueline Duhart’s sermon, “Radicals Rise Up — NOW Is A Moment.” She focused on showing up for Love by reconstituting the church to be civically engaged. Powerful and challenging words.

This week we witnessed the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) strike down a 100-year-old gun law in New York stating it is a person’s constitutional right to carry a weapon whenever and wherever they choose. I posted on my Facebook page that this is a powder keg for increased gun violence. Where are we as Unitarian Universalists in Manatee County showing up for Love?

And this morning, I am in tears at the news that SCOTUS has overturned Roe v. Wade. Unitarian Universalists believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. In practical terms this means women have inherently the right to self-determine and the self-autonomy to choose the medical fate of their bodies. By overturning Roe v. Wade this religious freedom is being directly attacked by the US government. How do we do Love here?

We are at a pivotal moment in our history. I will ask Rev. Forde’s question again: What would Love do here?

For our members, Love would lean in. Love would listen to the stories of women in our fellowship, should they choose to share these stories, of the decisions made, the heart-wrenching decisions made regarding their pregnancies. Love would lean in, listen with full attention and even fuller hearts. Love would lean in. We will lament and cry heartrending tears together in full awareness of the pain this ruling causes us. We, the members of Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are being asked to lean in with Love at this moment in our history. We do not travel this journey alone. We travel together with Love. We gather in Loving support of one another.

Love would respond to the harm. Our laments, our tears are powerful prayers. Together and collectively, may they bring comfort to one another. But Love must not remain only in lament. It must respond to the hurt. Love must act. Lament must be followed with acts of creative justice.

I am asking us as a fellowship to be willing to be civically engaged in this time of history. We are being called by Love to side with Love in public ways. As our UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray has prophetically proclaimed, this is no time for a casual faith. I look forward to your ideas as to how we might do this and look forward to forums to discuss our strategies and possible letter writing parties, to rallies, to marches and to voting.

Most importantly, Love one another. Be gentle with each other as these are dark times and all indications are it will get darker still. Let us hold onto Love during this time.

Blessings, Fred

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

September 2022

Transparency. We hear that word often. Usually, the context has something to do with governing on any level — federal, state, county, local. When someone mentions transparency, or lack thereof, they are often referring to an action taken by policymakers behind the backs of the people who are most affected by that policy. So usually, some baggage comes with the use of the term.

Most people I know try their best to live their lives guided by honesty and truth. I liked the part of Rev. Fred’s recent sermon where he talked about the word “Relentless” applying it to the current relentless attacks on democracy. He then put a positive spin on it by suggesting we say instead, “Relentless Love” and “Relentless Compassion” and “Relentless Truth.”

Relentless Truth. Don’t we all strive to live it and expect it from others? And when we find ourselves in a situation where we have not lived up to this value, or at least we’re perceived by others to have failed in our efforts to be open and truthful in a particular situation, what do we do?

I am leading up to a confession that the Board, under my leadership, failed to operate with openness and clarity. On July 31, I announced at the beginning of the worship service that the board had extended Rev. Fred’s developmental minister contract to end June 30, 2027, to make up for valuable lost time due to COVID lockdown.

Legally, it was the board’s decision to make. Ethically, we should have found ways to communicate our plan to the congregation prior to making the announcement on a Sunday morning. No one spoke with me directly about my announcement or the board’s decision. But I did learn that some people were surprised and disappointed that the congregation wasn’t brought along in our deliberations. They weren’t disappointed with the action we took, just how we did it.

So may I take this moment to apologize and promise to do better. Relentless truth. Relentless love.

Sally

August 2022

July 1, 2022, began our new fiscal year, which means a new budget, new board members, new Leadership Development Team members, new perspectives, new ideas.

We bid thank you and farewell to board members whose terms have come to an end: Secretary Randy Coleman, Assistant Treasurer Sharon Chofey, Directors Bill Hayes and Pat Rohrer. Our fledgling Leadership Development Team under the careful guidance of Carol Bartz has been studying and assessing programs that enhance leadership growth in Manatee UU Fellowship while observing and listening to members who exhibit leadership qualities. Linda Smith and Cindy Evans each served their one year term on the Team and each has said yes to serving on the Board of Directors. Audry Parker and Becky Smith also said yes when asked to serve on the board. Bill Hayes and Carol Alt are joining Doris Sutliff and Carol Bartz on the Leadership Development Team. Please welcome these new leaders and thank them for stepping forward.

New beginnings are always exciting, invigorating. We build on what worked well and we let go of what didn’t. The fact that our fellowship has survived two and a half years of COVID chaos and continues to thrive is an amazing truth. Financially we are strong and our membership statistics, while not increasing, are static. This past month we welcomed three new members who took the statistical place of three who either died or moved away. Obviously our goal is to grow beyond the status quo. And we will if we are able to stay ahead of COVID variants and other virus challenges that are in the news.

Thank you for wearing your masks in the sanctuary. Thank you for paying attention to where you sit in the sanctuary. Thank you for your patience while we continue the ‘no singing’ policy. Thank you for your continued support of our budget and our monthly special collections. Thank you for showing up on Sunday mornings either in person or on Zoom. Thank you for being you. Without you we would not be.

My final thought turns to the word Connection. Meaningful human connection. I believe we have survived these past two and a half years so well because of the connection we feel toward one another — a sense of belonging where our own values are shared with others. Even on Zoom we can feel a sense of trust that encourages us to open up and share our fears, our needs, our losses, and know that our words will be met with understanding and acceptance. To me this is true community. Trust, love, acceptance. Hearing the words “I am so happy for you” or “I am so sorry you are experiencing pain.” Just a few words can mean so much.

With love,
Sally

July 2022

Last Sunday we had a young visitor at the service who was wearing a pink Jane Goodall tee shirt. I was still thinking about Jane Goodall when I got home so I did a Google search and found a short video titled “Dr. Goodall’s Remarks on Ukraine.” Her reflections were about human resilience, bravery, refugees, the strangers who offer their homes, their food, the community spirit that rises above deepest despair. Her final words were that the good of humanity will prevail. Will it? I want so much to believe the words of the remarkable Jane Goodall.

This afternoon I watched the Jan. 6 hearing focusing on the Speaker of the House from Arizona and Georgia’s Secretary of State. I listened to their stories and watched the videos of the pressure they were under to break their oath of office and certify fake electors, and even worse their stories about the death threats and hundreds of thousands of threatening texts and tweets and phone messages and strangers on their lawns, banging on their front doors. And the young elections worker, and her mother, whose lives will never be the same, just because they happened to be working during the counting and recounting of Georgia ballots. Will the good of humanity prevail?

A truth that is obvious from the Jan. 6 hearings is that so far, our democracy has prevailed from the pressures to destroy it. As we saw in today’s hearing, the Republican officials of Arizona and Georgia stood up to the leader of their party and said No. The good of humanity prevailed. When will the rest of their party follow suit? Where is the goodness?

The next few months will test our resilience, our principles and values, our humanity. No one can predict what will happen in Ukraine. Or in our schools. Or in the primaries. Or with COVID. Or in our Court. But we can always hope that Jane Goodall is right: The good of humanity will prevail.

Last month I started my message with a poem by Rev. Andrée Mol. I will leave you this month with words from their poem:

When I risk my comfort to ease your suffering,
When I act against hatred, violence, and injustice,
That is where courage begins.
When we experience the full presence of each other,
Because of our shared humanity,
Because of our differences,
That is where holy gratitude begins.

I think Jane Goodall would like those words.

With love,
Sally

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Sally Isham

Manatee UU Fellowship NEWS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AND REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Oct. 2

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER

UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.

UPDATE FROM OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

EXPLORING IDEAS WITH OUR BOOK CLUB

SPEAKING OF READING: GET READY TO DONATE TO (AND SHOP AT) OUR NOVEMBER BOOK SALE

UPDATE FROM OUR RACIAL CONCERNS DISCUSSION GROUP

LATEST CHATTER ON OUR KNITTERS

BUILDING SIGN REFRESH

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Welcome to our new members

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Take us out to the ballgame!

VESPER SERVICES ON SUMMER HIATUS

SUPPORTING UKRAINE

RENEWING OUR LEGACY CIRCLE

A GIFT FOR US ALL

FRED’S FLAVORINGS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Sunday Services: 10:30

LOCATION:

941-746-0067

Unitarian Universalist Association

Manatee UU Fellowship NEWS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AND REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, Oct. 2

SEPTEMBER SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER

UPCOMING SOCIAL EVENTS: Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 4:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m.

UPDATE FROM OUR SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

EXPLORING IDEAS WITH OUR BOOK CLUB

SPEAKING OF READING: GET READY TO DONATE TO (AND SHOP AT) OUR NOVEMBER BOOK SALE

UPDATE FROM OUR RACIAL CONCERNS DISCUSSION GROUP

LATEST CHATTER ON OUR KNITTERS

BUILDING SIGN REFRESH

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Welcome to our new members

AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP

Take us out to the ballgame!

VESPER SERVICES ON SUMMER HIATUS

SUPPORTING UKRAINE

RENEWING OUR LEGACY CIRCLE

A GIFT FOR US ALL

FRED’S FLAVORINGS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

MANATEE UUF NEWSLETTER

Sunday Services: 10:30

LOCATION:

941-746-0067

Unitarian Universalist Association