Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist

Friday News News Update           October 14, 2011

Theme for October: Atonement

This is one of those “heavy” religious words that can carry a lot of baggage for Unitarian Universalists, but look carefully at it and you will see it is simplest definition built right in: at-one-ment. At its core, atonement has to do with the rebuilding of relationship. This month we will explore how atonment functions at both the individual and collective levels.

Services – 9:15 AM+11:15 AM

October 16, Sunday: Sermon - What’s In A Name? Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church has quite a name to live up to. TJ is an ancestor to be truly proud of. And his legacy includes much that cries out for atonement. What could be TJMC’s role in that process? Elizabeth Breeden and Rev. Erik Wikstrom will explore. The choir will sing “All My Trials.”

Religious Education classes for children and youth are offered during both services.

Four year-olds through fifth grades begin their morning in Children’s Worship in the Parlor.

The two and three year-olds RE class as well as the youth classes (sixth thru twelveth grades) start in their classrooms. For more information, see the RE display table in the Social Hall on Sunday morning.

Nursery care is available for children under two years-old in the lower hall of the main building.

The “Comfort Room” at the Rugby Road entrance of the Sanctuary is designed for parents with young children. Audio from the service can be heard in the Comfort Room.

Church This Week.

October 15, Saturday: Bulletin Submissions for the November Bulletin Due. Please note: any articles received after the deadline will be held until the next month. Please limit your formatting.

October 15, Saturday: Newcomer Orientation, 9 AM–12 PM, Summit Room 1. We would like to welcome visitors to join our minister, Membership Committee and other church leaders to our Fall Newcomer Orientation. This session is an opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and about our church. A light breakfast and snacks will be provided along with fellowship and coffee. The sign up sheets are located on the Community Life Council bulletin. Please feel free to contact Jean Newland with any questions or concerns.

October 16, Sunday: Social Action Collection - TJMC Food Pantry. Our Food Pantry gives out about three bags of food to over sixty families each month. Last Friday alone we gave out 11,000 pounds of food. We obtain our food at the Food Bank. We try to stay in a budget under $300 per month plus we give out turkeys in November.

October 16, Sunday: PACEM Sign-Ups. There will be sign up sheets for volunteers to bring food, host dinner and stay overnight with our homeless guests in our church from November 29 to December 2 in the Social Hall after the services. Many hands make light work. All of us who have enjoyed dinner with these gentlemen have found that our community is larger than we have known.

October 16 Sunday: AFD: All Church Hike at Ivy Creek, 1:30–3 PM, Meet in the parking lot at Ivy Creek Natural Area, about 10 minutes from TJMC. Come and join your church friends for some time walking in woods after church! Bring your own picnic lunch or snack and join in the fun. All ages welcome. Our own Ruth Douglas will lead a hike/nature walk for approximately an hour and a half. The pace will be conversational. If you have binoculars or a field glass, bring them. Be sure to pack a water bottle. Come one, come all and see some lovely autumnal delights!  Rain cancels. Leader: Ruth Douglas. Fee: free of charge.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 17, Monday: Board of Trustees, 7 PM, Social Hall.

October 18–January 31, Tuesdays: AFD: Why Evil Exists, 1–3 PM, Parlor. Each one of us struggles with the concept of “evil” in our lives, in our community and in the larger world. Together, through video-lectures and discussion, we will explore our understandings of evil and try to make sense of this challenging and powerful topic. Highly respected University of Virginia Religious Studies Professor Charles Matthewes provides the lectures via video. Discussions following each lecture. Leader: Rev.Tony Perrino.Fee: $20 for series or $2/class. Number of participants: 4 minimum, 21 maximum. To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 18, Ongoing Tuesdays: AFD: Poetry: Reading, Writing, Sharing, Caring, 1–2:30 PM, Summit Room 1. Our gatherings open with readings of favored, pondered or newly discovered lines of our own or others’ work (we each read a line, stanza or short poem or paragraph of our choice).  Some weeks we share detailed info about various poets’ inspirations, lives and publishing and presenting history.  Some weeks we focus on a particular form of poetry. Most weeks we spend 30 to 45 minutes reading aloud, sharing and discussing, followed by 30 to 45 minutes of quiet independent writing, followed by a few minutes of sharing excerpts of what we’ve written as / if we wish. Leader: Holly Dilatush. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: 2 minimum, 7 maximum. To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 18, Ongoing Tuesdays: AFD: Caring Correspondence & Cards: A Spiritual Practice, 3:15–4:15 PM, Summit Room 1. Remember what it is like to receive handwritten letters and cards? Share a pleasant hour with other caring folks, have a cup of tea, choose a card or two or three (or sheet of stationery or two or three) and let us write! We will share opening words, share ideas and addresses of those we might write to – other UU members? People special in each of our lives? Strangers we think might appreciate a word of encouragement, inspiration and/or cheer? All of the above? Anyone (whether or not you are able or choose to join us) is welcome to donate blank stationery and cards that we might use. Leader: Holly Dilatush. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: 2 minimum.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 18–December 13, Tuesdays: AFD: Belief and Reason: Readings & Discussion in Psychology and Philosophy, 7–8:30 PM, Social Hall for first class, then Summit Room 2. Calling All Philosophers! Does reason really get us anywhere closer to the truth or is it basically point scoring in favor of our personal preferences? Can belief and reason co-exist? How about belief in God(s) and reason? or does one trump the other? The search for god or meaning, and to connect deeply with others, is a very basic emotion we all share and have feelings about. Bring your favorite philosophical questions to our discussion of 36 Arguments for the Existence of God, a so-so novel with a great appendix. Also on the reading list are excerpts from: Robert Wright’s The Evolution of God; Karen Armstrong’s The History of God; psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and neuroscientists Antonio D’Amasio and Andrew Newberg. This will be a joyous sharing of ideas, and I know we have some very smart people eager to share their passionate and informed views on these subjects. Diverse opinions are very much welcomed. We gather in covenant with each other. Leader: Barbara Shenefield. Barbara has studied many of the world’s faiths after questioning the religion she was brought up in, and ever since has been intrigued by what people believe and why they believe it. During recent chronic unemployment, she gorged on books about science, the human brain, psychology and philosophy and enjoys discussion about any one of these subjects. Fee: $18 or $2/session; come for one or come for all, drop-ins welcome. Number of participants: 5 minimum, 15 maximum.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 18, Tuesday: UUppity Women, 7 PM, Sanctuary. Here is a program you will not want to miss. The Skyline Harmony Chorus will sing beautiful, tight, four-part harmony. The music includes special arrangements of today’s ballads and upbeat songs, popular show tunes, and even jazz. Not only will the chorus perform for you, but then you will get to sing harmony with the Skyline Chorus! They will teach you how it is done, and you can do it with them. It is great fun, and you can do it.

October 19, Ongoing Wednesdays: Weekly Lunchtime Labyrinth Walk, 11:45 AM, Outdoor Labyrinth at TJMC. Come and enjoy an intentional pause in the middle of your week. We’ll meet on the outdoor labyrinth (weather permitting) and engage in walking meditation at our own pace. No prior experience with the labyrinth or walking meditation necessary. If the weather makes being outdoors uncomfortable, we will gather in the sanctuary and enjoy the silence. Come and go as suits your needs. This class is a prefect prelude to Rev. Erik’s Wednesday Wonderings which begins at 12:15. Leader: Leia Durland-Jones. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: unlimited.

October 19, Ongoing Wednesdays: AFD: Wednesday Wonderings, 12:15–1:15 PM, Summit Room 1. Rev. Erik will facilitate this weekly drop-in program which will consist of encounters with some of the great mystics of the Christian traditions. Each week we will read together some texts that illuminate a particular mystic’s primary concerns and approach, and then discuss how we react to what we have read. Come when you can, leave when you need to, bring your lunch, and keep your mind and heart open. If you like, join us on the outdoor labyrinth just prior to class (11:45 AM) for walking meditation. Leader: Erik Walker Wikstrom. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: unlimited.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com

October 19, Ongoing Wednesday: Gratitude; November 14, Monday: Incarnation; December 12, Monday: Death. AFD: Let’s Have a Conversation…, 7–9 PM, Sanctuary. About gratitude, incarnation, death, justice, grace, creation, and faith. Each of these topics is one of the monthly worship and lifespan faith development themes for the church year. Come explore a conversation with others in our church community and enrich your experience of what is happening in worship and our children’s RE classes. Conversations will be held once a month and focus on one theme at a time. This class is the perfect opportunity to deepen your religious and spiritual life as we move through the church year together. Leaders: Rev. Erik Wikstrom & Leia Durland-Jones, Director of Religious Education. Erik and Leia are excited to be bringing theme-based ministry to our church and are delighted to have the opportunity to co-lead these conversations. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: unlimited  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com

October 19, 26 & November 2, 9, 16, Wednesdays: AFD: Deepening Your Understanding of Chakras, 7–9 PM, Summit Room 3. We will be listening as a group to a set of CDs about the twelve chakras presented by Cyndi Dale, a renowned author, healer, speaker and consultant. Much of Ms. Dale’s work involves helping people open to their ‘essential energy’ and the powers and perspectives unique to them. There are a total of about four hours of presentation in which each chakra is described and explained. Also, there are many meditations throughout the presentation. We will listen together and then share and discuss what we heard and experienced. Leader: MJ Lightbody. MJ believes she is on a healing and learning journey on her path here on Earth in this lifetime. She would like to share in the learning experiences with other like-minded individuals and experience the chakras together. Fee: $10. Number of participants: 2 minimum, 8 maximum.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com

October 20+27, Thursdays: Active Minds, 1 PM, Parlor.

October 20, 27 & November 3, 10, 17, Thursdays: AFD: Faith Like a River: Themes in Unitarian Universalist History, 7–9 PM, Parlor. Our history is a narrative peopled with prophets, doers, and shapers of the faith we seek to live today. The workshops, organized thematically, offer many ways for participants to explore our history and connect it with their own lives. Themes include orthodoxy and heresy, reason, reform, martyrs, tolerance, freedom, polity, idealism, multiculturalism, globalization, evangelism, and Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism. Leader: Erik Walker Wikstrom. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: 8 minimum, 21 maximum.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 22, Saturday: Green Sanctuary Field Trip to Bellair Farm, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM. Tour, Helping-Hands, and Free Lunch at Bellair Co-operative Farm! Join the Green Sanctuary in support of the UUAs Ethical Eating goals. Farmer Jamie will give us a short tour of the farm, followed by a small gardening project, and then treated to an organic lunch (courtesy of Bellair). All ages and car pools encouraged! Look for our table in the Social Hall after services. Contact: Charlotte Balkenbush.

October 22, 29 & November 5, 12 Saturdays: AFD: Yoga Philosophy & Gentle Movement, 12:30–1:45 PM, Sanctuary. Did you know that the yoga texts have practical lessons for daily life? The goal of this class is to share some “theology” and psychology of the ancient sacred yoga texts. We will use excerpts from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Class activities are designed for anyone who is ready to focus their mind on reading, discussion, breathing, and simple movement. Please plan to come to all four sessions if possible. No supplies needed, but you might like to bring a towel, yoga mat, and buy the book. By the end of each class, you will have new insights into your mental attitude and feel refreshed in your body. Leader: Chaplain Alexandra McGee, Mdiv. Fee: free of charge. Number of participants: minimum 4, 50 maximum. If this course does not have four registrants by October 12 it will be canceled.  To register email leiadj@embarqmail.com.

October 23, Sunday: Sermon - Strangers in a Strange Land. Is it possible to atone for actions that are still going on? The current immigration debate demonstrates that the work is never ending. Pam Phillips and Rev. Erik Wikstrom will be weaving our worship.

October 23, Sunday: TJMC Celebrates United Nations Day, 3 PM, Social Hall. The official United Nations day is Monday, October 24; however, TJMC will celebrate it Sunday, October 23. Please join us for refreshments and community. Blue Ridge UN Association will sponsor this event. For more information contact Mary Rose Curtis or Al Reynolds.

October 23, Sunday: NatureSpirit Potluck, 6:30 PM, Social Hall. Come join us as we continue our discussion on the direction of our group. Potluck at 6:30 PM followed by a discussion “Growing our Awareness.” If you have questions, email us at nature@uucharlottesville.org.

Church Notes & Requests for Help

TJMC-UU Calendar: Be sure to check our online calendar at http://www.uucharlottesville.org/calendar for more information about events and calendars. You can also register for AFD classes at our website at http://www.uucharlottesville.org/news-and-events/upcoming-adult-faith-development-courses.

TJMC-UU October 2011 Bulletin (click on http://www.uucharlottesville.org/news-and-events/october-2011-bulletin) and Adult Faith Development Prospectus (click on http://www.uucharlottesville.org/news-and-events/upcoming-adult-faith-development-courses) are now online at uucharlottesville.org.

Thanksgiving is coming up, and so is the question of how the TJMC community is going to cultivate connections during this holiday time. Some people have suggested continuing the practice of coming together in the Social Hall for a community meal for any who would like to participate. Others have proposed that people with extra space at their own tables might be coordinated in a sort of “Guest At Our Table” program. If you have ideas, and especially if you would be interested in spearheading an effort, please contact Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom at erikwikstrom@comcast.net.

Soup Kitchen looking for recruits! Soup Kitchen has been active in providing a meal every Sunday for the needy for the past twenty years. We are currently serving at the Haven, downtown. We have six teams who rotate Sundays with each team having a crew of volunteers. Volunteers are asked to contribute to the meal and also to serve when available. You need not be a gourmet chef as we usually serve simple meals. And the more people who volunteer, the more we can spread out the $$ and the energy required. Currently, we are serving about forty to sixty people each Sunday. Come join us one Sunday at the Haven between 1:30 PM–2:30 PM. No need to make a firm commitment without trying it on for size first! For more informaiton contact Cynthia Pulaski, the Soup Kitchen Coordinator, at 823-8548 or minister@uucharlottesville.org.

Prepaid Orders of Rev. Erik Wikstrom’s Books are being Accepted: Our own Rev. Erik has three published books and is part of a contemporary anthology. Information about these books will be available at the UUsed Bookstore and Membership table for the next three Sundays after both services. We are accepting prepaid orders for these books with anticipated delivery for the last two Sundays in October. If you have any questions, please contact Jean Newland.

Membership Committee Launching bUUddy System to Whole Congregation: The membership committee has been cultivating connections with new members of the church by using a bUUddy system of pairing up new members with long time members in the church to make a deeper connection with TJMC-UU. Now it is time to expand our base of long time members. A bUUddy is an involved member of the church who would like to share his/her interests with a new member. Detailed forms are posted on the bulletin board under Community Life. If you would like to become a bUUddy, forms are available in the membership box. Please do not be discouraged if you do not get a bUUddy right away because as we keep adding new members, our program will continue to expand. Patsy Swindler and Gayle Floyd, bUUddy Coordinators.

Wondering where the Fall Auction/Chili Fest went to? Your hardworking Fundraising Committee is channeling its efforts into a single auction this year for Saturday, February 25, 2012. It will be a “one-derful” event with live and silent auction items, yummy food, and lots of fun. If you are already thumbing through cookbooks thinking about the dinner you want to host, contact our Dinner Diva, Lynn Heath, to get your date on the calendar. We will be booking events from March 2012 through February 2013. For more auction information, write auction@uucharlottesville.org. We will be One; it will be Fun.

Seeking Barn or Garage or Storage Shed: The Yard Sale Crew is desperately seeking a dry storage space for donations through the year. Our angel, Shirley Paul, is downsizing and her perfect one car garage is no longer available. We prefer a place close to town, but any offer would be nice. Please notify Elizabeth Breeden.

TJMC Holiday Card: Send a TJMC Holiday card to members and friends and contribute to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) at the same time. Edith Good is collecting on Sundays in the Social Hall for the card that TJMC distributes during the end-of-year holidays to benefit UUSC. UUSC is a social justice affiliate organization of the UUA. See their website at volunteerservices@uusc.org. The card will be distributed electronically with the December issue of the monthly Bulletin. Hard coies will be available. Donations are tax deductible as are memberships (seniors 65 and over $20, adults $40, adult couples $75, youth $10). Make checks out to UUSC. Your name will appear on the card if you donate before November 13. Lorie Craddock has again agreed to design this year’s card.

Greeting Cards Collection for FWCC: The Labyrinth Ministry is collecting stationery items (greetings cards of all kinds, writing paper, and especially stamps) for our annual holiday donation to the Fluvanna Women’s Correctional Center (FWCC). At 23 cents an hour, it takes almost two full hours of inmate employment to afford a single first-class stamp. Please help by placing your donations in the FWCC Collection Box located at the Edgewood Lane entrance. Deadline is the end of October.

Registration for the 2011-2012 Religious Education Program for Children & Youth is available at http://www.uucharlottesville.org/education/religious-education-program-registration on the church’s website. All families with children infants through twelfth grades participating in the program need to register.