Unitarian Universalist's topics - tribe.net

The Bible- where to start?

Alida — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:15:03 GMT

I grew up without much exposure to formal religion, and as an adult my spirituality evolved into a blend of Paganism and UUism. I'm beginning to realize that I am woefully ignorant of the foundations of Christianity and feel like I should learn more about it since it's the most prevalent religion in our country. I tried to read The Living Bible because someone told me it was easier to understand, but I felt like it was "dumbed down" and all the beautiful language had been sucked out of it. Can anyone recommend their favorite version of the Bible or an online resource for someone beginning Bible study? Thanks!

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 14 replies

Rev Wright talking about black churches being misunderstood got me thinking

Raymond — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:04:21 GMT

Rev Wright talking about black churches being misunderstood got me
thinking about things. It has me wondering how we can promote
understanding and tolerance of people's religions and ethnicities. I
feel that they only way it can be done is through a
gathering,discussion,education.

I was wondering wouldn't it be a good idea to have some type of
religious convention so that all churches,religious organizations
could participate and interact with one another and discuss
religious,ideological differences and maybe learn that they have some
similarities that give them some common ground.
They could also have some debate about their beliefs,practices too
Also invite the religious leaders and others to set foot in their
congregations and to observe what goes on... learn to understand
different religious believers.
They could hold the religious convention every year.
There can be an annual survey about people's religious
beliefs,practices that also include matters dealing with tolerance.
They could answer questions that include how many of them know people
of different religions,how many people read books about different
religions including the actual books pertaining to religion like the
Bible in regards to Christianity,the Koran in regards to Islam....ask
questions about interfaith friendships/dating/relationships/marriages.
Ask questions about religious bigotry,discrimination whether they
were victims or perpetrators.
During the religious convention, there can be pamphlets about
religious,and so people can read about other's religions...they can do
surverys on them to see what they approve and disapprove of .
In schools, there could be elective classes on religion. I feel that
religion is very important subject to learn in school....because it
seems religion dominates American culture to the point that all
religious beliefs influence our politics. There could be field trips
to religious institutions to actually experience customs,traditions.
I also believe that we shouldn't just study the good stuff....but also
the bad stuff including persecutions and how religions can oppress
people and limit their rights.

Now this same thing can be done in regards to ethnic groups.

Their their differences and their similarities.....learn about the
similarities to find common ground.
There could be a multiethnic,multicultural week.....where people of
all ethnic groups get together, teach about their cultures and way of
life even included various cuisine. There could be
multicultural,multiethnic exhibits. There could be an annual survey
in regards to ethnic relations including questions like how many
people know people of certain ethnic groups, how many people go to
gatherings,functions that involve different ethnic groups, things like
food..
also ask things about interethnic friendships/dating/relationships.
also ask negative stuff about experiences of ethnic
bigotry,discrimination. Ask about fears,resentments in regards to
ethnic groups....I also feel that questions of affirmative
action,reparations can be part of the survey. I also believe that
ethnic stereotypes need to be addressed during the survey to see how
many people believe in them.

These surveys can be done anonymously too.

I feel empathy and tolerance can only be done through actual
experiencing.

I feel that you have to walk a mile in a person's moccasins to
understand them.

That's just my view.

Raymond

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

The Secret

Sonya — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 11:54:19 GMT

Check out the new tribe "The Secret". Have you all seen the movie? As an upstanding Unitarian, I certainly hope you have! It's great! Join the tibe "The Secret" or "The Secret to Life" in order to share the insight you have gained from this movie, or other secrets you have learned about life.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 19 replies

The UUA sucks a lot

Suzy — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:20:54 GMT

UUA to Cease Funding Continental YRUU

below is the draft copy of a letter from the Continental Steering Committee. Please watch The Continental Steering Committee blog at http://uulogy.blogspot.com/ for updates and such.

this makes me want to not be a UU anymore
I am so upset and enraged I have no words

Dear Unitarian Universalist Youth,

As the continental YRUU Steering Committee, it is with
great sorrow, that we inform you that on June 30, 2008, the UUA will
cease to fund the YRUU youth leadership at the continental level.
Therefore, there will no longer be having Youth Council, this summer
or years following, and the work of youth ministry within the UUA will
shift to a congregationally based focus.
This change has been in the works for several years. At
the Long-Range Planning Meeting in 2003, between YRUU and the UUA,
"Common Ground III" was proposed. Common Ground III stated that
further goal setting and re-imagining of youth ministry and YRUU was
needed. The name Common Ground comes from two meetings in the early
1980's that dissolved Liberal Religious Youth (LRY) and created Young
Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU). At Youth Council 2004
consensus on the resolution of Common Ground III was blocked, at which
point the UUA Board of Trustees convened the Consultation to and with
Youth on Youth Ministry culminated with the Summit on Youth Ministry
in July 2007. This summit resulted in the Youth Ministry Working Group
comprised of UUA staff, and volunteers, three of which are youth. The
working group has been tasked with implementing the objectives
outlined in the Summary Report on Ministry to and with Youth.

However, youth programming on the district and
congregational levels will continue. YRUU Steering Committee will now
be advocating for a strong continental youth leadership body that will
be empowered to direct the youth office with the goal of serving
congregations. We will also be advocating for the growth of
anti-racism/anti-oppression work within youth ministry. This will
include support for the Groundwork collective of trainers, DRUUMM
YaYA, and future identity-based youth and young adult ministries.

As representatives of the larger UU youth community, we
value feedback, and will be setting up a blog for that purpose.
Thoughts, memories, rants, and love notes are appreciated and
welcomed.

In Faith,
YRUU Steering Committee

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 4 replies

I'm a PCDYRUU council member!

Ducky — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:42:59 GMT

If you have questions regarding the PCDYRUU, I can figure most of it out either by asking other coucil members, or I might just know the answer myself.

My exact position is the Social Action Coordinator, but I am involved in decisions made in all aspects of PCDYRUU business.

Katie Fogel

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 4 replies

Study / Action Issue: Peacemaking

growlbear — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:57:45 GMT

Has anyone been following the UUA "Peacemaking" study/action issue?

If so what're your thoughts? I have some thoughts...but poorly informed at best. Looking for some conversation on the topic.

<a href="http://www.uua.org/socialjustice/issuesprocess/currentissues/peacemaking/index.shtml">Peacemaking Page</a>

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

more on the UUA killing YRUU

Suzy — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:27:47 GMT

http://uulogy.blogspot.com/

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Should the US pay slave Reparations for Slavery?

bostonlifestyle — Sat, 05 Feb 2005 10:18:49 GMT

From a Unitarian point of view, Should the descendants of slavery in America be given monetary reparation for the years that their ancestors were subjected to American slavery and indentured servitude?

And if so, who should pay, the American government? The current family members who are the direct descendants of slave owners?

And if no reparation should be granted, then why not?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 47 replies

Strengths of Dyslexics

Raymond — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 23:02:28 GMT

A lot of people focus on the weaknesses of Dyslexics,and they don't even understand those. They don't even consider the strengths of Dyslexics,and those even have less understanding. Dyslexics are visual,imaginative,lateral,global,intuitive,picture thinkers.

People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often capable or even gifted in areas that do not require strong language skills, such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales, and sports.
http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/Dyslexia_Basics_FS_-_final_81407.pdf

* Often very competent in oral language
* Relies on memory; may have an excellent memory
* Often has good "people" skills
* Often is spatially talented; professions include, but are not limited, to engineers, architects, designers, artists and craftspeople, mathematicians, physicists, physicians (esp. surgeons and orthopedists), and dentists.
* May be very good at "reading" people (intuitive)
* Are often entrepreneurs
http://www.interdys.org/SignsofDyslexiaCombined.htm

(I listed on the strengths of Dyslexia from the Signs of Dyslexia)

Strengths
While there is concern about how dyslexia manifests itself negatively as a learning difficulty, research has highlighted some positive aspects to being dyslexic.
Many dyslexic people are good at architecture, engineering and other creative arts. They can also be good at acting, lateral thinking and often make good managers in people-related occupations.
If given the appropriate help for their areas of difficulty, there is no reason whu a dyslexic person should not be a high achiever and/or gain a university degree – many have done so.
http://www.dyslexia.eu.com/strengths.html

Possible strengths.
* Innovative thinkers.
* Excellent trouble shooters.
* Intuitive problem solving.
* Creative in many different ways.
* Lateral thinkers.
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/whatisdyslexia.html

Dyslexia is not a 'disease' that someone should or can be cured of. It is a type of mind, like any other, with its own particular strengths and weaknesses. We all have different talents - things we are good at and things we find hard. Dyslexic children, teenagers and adults find spelling and sequencing hard, but also have other areas at which they excel - sometimes creativity, physical co-ordination, lateral thinking or empathy with others. The important thing is to raise people's confidence!
http://www.dyslexia-test.com/dyslexia.html

Significant Strengths of people with dyslexia
Although their unique brain architecture and "unusual wiring" make reading, writing, and spelling difficult, most people with dyslexia have gifts in areas controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain. The right side controls:

* artistic skill
* athletic ability
* musical ability
* mechanical ability
* people skills
* 3-D visual-spatial skills
* vivid imagination
* intuition
* creative, global thinking
* curiosity
http://www.dys-add.com/symptoms.html

Dyslexia tends to run in families; it is known that there are several genes that contribute to a genetic risk of dyslexia. Brain scanning studies suggest that, in dyslexic people, the connections between different language areas of the brain do not work as efficiently as they should. However, these differences are not linked to intelligence, and there is evidence that many dyslexic people have strengths and abilities in tasks that involve creative and visually-based thinking.
http://www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk/Page.aspx?PageId=10

Reading and writing are fundamental skills for daily living, however it is important to emphasize other aspects of learning and expression. Like all people, those with dyslexia enjoy activities that tap into their strengths and interests. As multi-dimensional thinkers, visual fields such as design, art, architecture, engineering and surgery, which do not emphasize language skills, may appeal to them.
http://www.ncld.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=454

The mental function that causes dyslexia is a gift in the truest sense of the word: a natural ability, a talent. It is something special that enhances the individual.
Dyslexics don't all develop the same gifts, but they do have certain mental functions in common. Here are the basic abilities all dyslexics share:

1. They can utilize the brain's ability to alter and create perceptions (the primary ability).
2. They are highly aware of the environment.
3. They are more curious than average.
4. They think mainly in pictures instead of words.
5. They are highly intuitive and insightful.
6. They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all the senses).
7. They can experience thought as reality.
8. They have vivid imaginations.

These eight basic abilities, if not suppressed, invalidated or destroyed by parents or the educational process, will result in two characteristics: higher than normal intelligence, and extraordinary creative abilities. From these the true gift of dyslexia can emerge -- the gift of mastery.
http://www.dyslexia.com/bookstore/firstchapter.htm

Because Dyslexics are visual thinkers, I listed stuff on Visual Thinking:

' Verbal and nonverbal conceptualizations are regarded as the two kinds of thinking. Verbal conceptualizations are linear and results from "thinking with the sounds of words" . A person composes mental sentences one word at a time at the same speed as speech, which is about 150 words a minute. In contrast, "picture thinking is estimated to be, overall, 400 to 2000 times faster than verbal thinking. Once information has been encoded picture thinking is all at once , it exists outside of time . Visual thinking is spatial existing in 3 Dimensions and not the 2 Dimesions of language ' .

Visual conceptualizations are regarded as evolutionary thinking superior to verbal conceptualization because a visual thinking style can be both faster and more complex .Auditory sequential thinkers are born to excel at procedural tasks like reading , spelling and short term memory . A visual spatial thinker will if equipped with the right tools excel with ideas , innovation , long term memory and an ability to handle complexity .

The auditory sequential model is implemented in the classroom , listen and learn . While this model is very effective for the AS , the visual hands on learner is effectively excluded .Drill and repetition , step by step instruction will not work well for visual thinkers who not only think in pictures but also learn all at once , visual thinkers are system thinkers who need an overview .Information needs to be organised spatially and not temporally , not sequentially .

To the lecturer and the AS this means nothing more than thinking in cartoons , to a VS thinker like Faraday this means seeking understanding . Michael Faraday talked of seeing lines of force . radiating outwards . Einstein talks of using the imagination as an experimental lab . This visualization of language to some extent bridges the gap but is no substitute for actually constructing mental models . Auditory Meta models & Mental models allow the visual mind to fully function in an auditory sequential world
http://electronic-labs.co.uk/index.php/ADULT-PROFILES/FAQ1.html

I hope that after reading this,you will understand the strengths of Dyslexics. Then you can see that it's more than just seeing words backwards which is more often a myth...especially when most Dyslexics have auditory,phonological processing problems like me. You will also understand that they are not even slow thinkers,but actually very fast thinkers because picture thinking is much faster than verbal thinking It is also very important for a child's strengths not to be suppressed,invalidated,nor destroyed. The key is for them to believe in themselves. If they do that,then their potential can be unlimited,and there is no telling what they can't accomplish. I wish that I known about this stuff when I was a kid growing up with Dyslexia and having interests in things that Dyslexics tend to be interested which were opposed by my parents. I don't want that for any child...not just Dyslexic children. I definitely won't do that to any children that I might have in the future. You can't fit Dyslexics and other rightbrained people in a leftbrained box, but let them be themselves which is a concept that fit with the natural way of life for I believe that all of us should be ourselves and not try to be something that we are not.

Raymond Andrews

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 6 replies

new tribe - Jewish Paganism

windreader — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:22:41 GMT

just wanted to let you all know that I have initiated a tribe related to Earth-based Judaism and Jewish Pagan pathwork. check it out if you are interested!

http://tribes.tribe.net/jewitch

WindReader

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

The Ether

marvindublin — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:41:18 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/2crossroadsofreligion2/thread/7500e88a-3c12-4536-82bc-656a71ef95a3

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 12 replies

PCD YRUU

Suzy — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:58:31 GMT

I GOT THIS E-MAIL AND WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YRUU IN PCD!
Anybody got some incite into whats going on?

Report from Summit Released Summer Youth Ministry Summit

Those who may not recall the back-story of this important initiative can read the brief history online. The work began two years ago, with a national survey assessing how well we minister to (and with) our youth. There followed numerous congregational and district-level conversations with all the various stakeholder groups, about which youth were being well served, and which were not, and what kind of youth ministry did we want to create. This past summer, those in the photo met at a Summit on Youth Ministry to go through all the data, and we now have their report.

The diverse group of youth and adults lays out a clear vision calling for "a youth ministry that is central to the articulated mission of Unitarian Universalism, offers multiple pathways for involvement in our faith communities, and is congregationally based; multigenerational; spirit-centered; counter-oppressive, multicultural, and radically inclusive." (Read that a couple more times.)

The group focused on six aspects of youth ministry, and prepared recommendations for each:

1. Meeting the Spiritual Needs of Youth
2. Welcoming All Youth in a Multicultural World
3. Building a Multigenerational Faith
4. Organizing Youth Ministry for Success
5. Moving Beyond a One-Size-Fits-All Ministry
6. Preparing and Supporting Adults for Youth Ministry

Perhaps the most controversial part of the report is the observations it includes about YRUU:

There is a question as to whether the current YRUU structure can support the Summit's vision for youth ministry. YRUU has been allowed to function without a clear sense of mission or accountability. There are questions of whether YRUU as we know it can support visions of youth-adult partnership or youth empowerment. If YRUU continues to exist, it must have a clear, defined mission as a part, not the whole, of our youth ministry.

Therefore, we recommend that YRUU Youth Council discuss the possible future role of YRUU in a congregationally based model of youth ministry with diverse leadership structures and a variety of congregational and extracongregational ministries to and with youth. Youth Council's conversation needs to feed into and inform the UUA Board's decision-making process about Unitarian Universalist youth ministry's mission and structure. This must include an evaluation of ending the current YRUU structure.

It's a very thoughtful, comprehensive, and incredibly impressive piece of work, and I truly hope it will be widely read--this is important stuff. I don't see it published online yet, though I'm sure it will be soon, and I will call your attention to that as soon as I've got the information. In the meantime, I'd be happy to share the 27-page report with anyone who would like it sent as an attachment. It's well worth reading. . .and comes with great photos!

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Find a Friend

RevDorris — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:42:34 GMT

Find a friend who is God loving.
Find one who delights in knowledge and wisdom.
Find one who delights in God's friendship.
Find one who delights in striving for the good.

Find a friend who has the flame of the Spirit.
Find one who lets the Spirit flow freely at all times.
Find one who lets the Spirit guide and protect.
Find one who lets the Spirit radiate with love.

Find a friend who prays to the One.
Find one who with the Spirit of love cares for their fellow man.
Find one who is pious in speech and action.
Find one who radiates with the Spirit of love.

Find a friend who has accepted the yoke of love.
Find one who will keep the bonds of friendship.
Find one who will promote the brotherhood of all.
Find one who will walk in the path set by the One.

Find a friend who claims the One God's full protection.
Find one who radiates with the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Find one who is willing to guide others in the Way.
Find one who is striving to be a worthy Child.

Find a friend who is well inclined to follow the Spirit.
Find one who has experience in life.
Find one who has the ability to learn and grow.
Find one who will use the gifts of the Spirit in the proper way.

The One gives shelter to just such a friend.
He gives shelter to the friends of this one.
He gives shelter to all who seek for the good.
He gives shelter to all who strive in the proper way.

The One will be to them, a Father and Friend.
He will be to them, a caregiver and guide.
He will be to them, the source of all good.
He will be to them, the only one worthy of worship and praise.

Many claim to be the children of the One.
Few will be truly worthy of this station.
Few will be truly the friends of the One.
Few will be truly striving to walk in the Sacred Way.

Many will claim that they are pious and true.
Few will be devout in walking in the Sacred Way.
Few will be zealous in striving to learn and grow.
Few will be willing to accept the yoke of love.

Many will claim that they have received the Spirit of the One.
Few will demonstrate the power of the Spirit.
Few will follow-up their words with actions of love.
Few will seek to lead others in the Sacred Way.

The One will be with all who are zealous in the Way.
He will protect the worthy from all harm.
He will share the Spirit with all who truly strive.
He will be like a Father to each who strives to walk in the Sacred Way.

Shine forth with the Spirit you have received.
The One will be to you a caregiver and guide.
He will accept you as kin and friend.
He will not turn you over to the destroyer of man.

Many today strive only for material wealth and power.
They turn their backs to the Sacred Way of the One.
They seek their own advantage and not the good for man.
They forfeit the Spirit and an alliance with the One.

The many will seem to prosper for a time without the One.
He will draw away their wealth.
He will leave them naked to the ravages of time.
He will turn His back as they turned their backs to Him.

You may be of the highest rank.
You may be of the lowest level as considered by man.
With the One you will have contentment, whatever you might be.
With the One you will have a Father and Friend.

Show forth your Spirit for all to see.
Be strong in your faith as you seek to serve.
Call upon the One each hour of the day.
The One will say of you: “This is my child in whom I am well pleased.”

With love,

Rev Dorris

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Our Good News

growlbear — Sat, 12 May 2007 12:31:34 GMT

Once upon a time it was "There is one God who loves all people." What is the good news that you are trying to spread today. (I would request refraining from referencing The Seven Principles. I know Evangelical Christians who agree with them, but they're hardly UU...)

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

American Unitarian Conference

growlbear — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 23:26:44 GMT

http://www.americanunitarian.org/

Anyone have any experience with this group?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 38 replies

Motorcycles

genghis_don — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:58:05 GMT

Getting away from politics for a bit, I have a question.

I've been moving toward getting back into motorcycling lately and was wondering how that would mix with UUism.

e.g., there are Christian motorcycle organizations...would UU people be likely to have a license plate reading "UU BIKR" funny?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 8 replies

why is my church full of old white folks?

Suzy — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 21:21:59 GMT

So I moved from San Jose CA to Olympia WA. That in and of it self may answer my question. But this church is so old and white and cristian and small and white and old and lame... i miss my home town church! The sermons are crapy. The people have $. There is no out reach to the college campus. Which makes NO SENSE at a school where SO MANY uu kids go.
just complaining.
I don't get it.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 43 replies

has your uu group had a peace rally or mother's day event? would love to hear it. (we did!)

newbie — Fri, 18 May 2007 20:24:57 GMT

uu mother''s day peace rally in san francisco covered by media:

we had an awesome peace rally here in sf that was covered really well in the media. our minister was very brave and did not mince words about violence perpetrated by the state. he really reclaimed the mother's day holiday which was started as a peace movement!

we all wrote messages of peace and hope on a huge blue ribbon and wrapped it around the entire church.

it looks really hopeful. the most touching part was the mother of a soldier who'd been killed. it just breaks your heart to hear her words.

you can see the pictures and read our minister's words.

here's the link:

Rev. Stewart's Public Witness Statement
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozdachs/sets/72157600217911648/show

Photo Slideshow of the Day
http://www.ozdachs.com/enews/we070517Greg.htm

Mother's Day Witnessing Draws Crowds and Media

The Congregation gathered on the church steps Mother's Day morning to issue a 2007 Proclamation for Peace, a rekindling of the original spirit of the holiday started in 1870 by Unitarian Julia Ward Howe.

Moderator Linda Enger, The Reverend Greg Stewart, and MC Dolores Priem were in the spotlight at the event which included Gold Star Mother Karen Meredith, Assemblyman Mark Leno, and peace makers Camilo Mejia, Pablo Paredes, Sean O'Neill, and Agustin Aguayo.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Church Point

growlbear — Mon, 07 May 2007 10:03:17 GMT

KTM: "I disagree that the "point" of church is "The Service." But perhaps that is for a different discussion all together."

So here it is: What is the point of going to church? Who decides?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 6 replies

"America the Gun Crazy" program at Unitarian Society of San Francisco

newbie — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:54:06 GMT

http://www.uusf.org/

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 7 replies

The effects of being raised UU

gamp — Sun, 14 Mar 2004 21:08:56 GMT

I am interested in what happens to those of us that were raised UU. Although religous education programs have changed much, hopefully for the better, I feel that being raised UU made life interesting, to say the least. I wonder how it has affected others and how many of those that are raised UU stay UU, go to other religions, reject all religion or end up crazy or in prison. I've heard of all of these outcomes before.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 13 replies

Please sign petition to end gun violence

newbie — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 06:44:34 GMT

Blacksburg is such a beautiful town. It's bike friendly and full of nature lovers. They have the kindest, friendliest small town folks. The gorgeous New river, which is one of the oldest rivers in the country, runs near it. College students love to float down it and climb the mountains which are close by.

I'm just heartsick about these murders. I worked at Virginia Tech in 1980 in the Chemistry department. My sister volunteered there with countless students and my brother-in-law taught there for years. I dated a police officer there who's still in active duty. I've contacted him to tell him people all over the world are thinking of them. I have college age kids so I particularly empathize with the parents who sent their loved ones to school, expecting them to be safe.

How long will we let American companies profit from the blood of our children?
www.vpc.org/studies/vidintr.htm

Please sign this gun control petition in response to the Blacksburg, Virginia tragedy.
www.bradynetwork.org/site/Survey

This week I'll light candles for those who were killed, all the more tragic, knowing this was utterly preventable.

Newbie
UUSF

More helpful links:

California gun law report card:
www.bradycampaign.org/legisla...tate.php

from Million Mom March:

"All Americans have the right to be safe from gun violence in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and places of work and worship.

All children have the right to grow up in environments free from the threat of gun violence.

Gun violence is a public health crisis that harms not only the physical, but also the spiritual, social, and economic health of our families and communities.

The availability and lethality of guns make death or severe injury more likely in domestic violence, criminal activity, suicide attempts, and unintentional shootings.

It is possible to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by gun violence with reasonable, common sense policy."
www.millionmommarch.org/aboutus/

The Brady campaign to prevent gun violence has excellent statistics that prove that nations that implement gun control have much less gun violence.
www.bradycampaign.org/

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 16 replies

2007 GA in Portland

Alisa — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 21:38:05 GMT

Hi,

I've attended several GA's in the past and enjoyed them. I'm happy that this year, GA is in Portland, OR, where I live.

Whose coming to Portland for GA? Maybe we could do a UU Tribe meet-up lunch or something?

Interested?

Alisa

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

We're UUs now

genghis_don — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 03:59:11 GMT

My family and I signed the book at our local congregation today so we're now officially UUs. This will be a MUCH better fit for us than catholicism.

Of course, politically I may be a bit off from some/most UUs, kind of on the liberal side of libertarian. For example, participating as a safety assistant with a local Pink Pistols group.

Wow.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 6 replies

the secret is amway for the soul

newbie — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 11:43:59 GMT

http://www.skepdic.com/lawofattraction.html

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

any UU like churches or UU similar societies in San Fran?

newbie — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:13:19 GMT

hi all; am new to this list.

i've been uu for 6 years and have traveled the country visiting uu churches so have seen lots of variety. i am now in the bay area, having moved from a very open and friendly and supportive church in nashville. am bummed after attending the sf uu church on franklin. the architecture is patriarchal pious high church. the place where the minister stands is up on a big dais above the sanctuary so you get that "i'm holier than you" feeling. also, it's really dark and has heavy wood and christian motifs throughout. add to that a concrete expansion area and it's so not feng shui!

my church in nashville has walls of windows all around the sanctuary and the dais is lower than the audience so it had a real "nature is more important than anything" feel. i loved visiting the church in Oakland and found it very warm and friendly. anyone know of another church in san francisco that is like uu in san fran? i just can't picture feeling comfortable with really long boring sermons from a white male in a place that looks like an episcopal church from the 1800's which is what i got at uusf

just moved to sf so really want to go to church in the city.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 17 replies

UU Podcasts

Paul — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 23:24:08 GMT

I listen to my iPod when I exercise every day, and I don't why it took me so long to realize this, but here are UU podcasts available for the iPod or any personal music player!!!

To get mine, all I had to do was to go to iTunes (I hate that program) and select MUSIC STORE then I typed "UNITARIAN" into the search box. Dozens of choices appeared.

Here are some pretty cool UU podcast lists:

http://www.uuism.net/uuwiki/index.php/List_of_UU_podcasts
http://www.geocities.com/scarcrest/uu_podcasts.html
http://www.uua.org/omd/news/podcasts.html

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Social justice work in your church?

flaneuse — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 03:36:01 GMT

A lot of congregations have a strong focus on justice and social action. What are some of your churches doing? The one I've been attending has a big voter registration drive going on.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

hello UU's

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:57:23 GMT

Brother Tobey here, newly introduced to the UU here in town and have enjoyed the participation greatly. I think Unity folks and UU's have a lot in common and without knowing it I'm coming at this new spirituality in kind of a Unity way. I like the vibe I'm getting at UU however and why must we be of only one 'faith' anyway?

I just wanted to say hello, give my humble respect to the group and a brief introduction of me. If you like quantum physics in your spiritual seeking I'm always open for productive and positive conversations.

And a note on 'the Secret' if I may. I think the program is very useful to watch for I feel the concepts are great. I warn those that see it for the first time or are considering it to look past the 'get rich quick' aspect that seems to get attatched to the movie. Yes there is the business aspect of the movie but the underlying principals are pretty Universal and common sense. Perhaps a sample of science explaining the actual reasons that spirituality is so important.

Science and religion, I love it.

Greetings and cheers to you all

Rev. Tobey A. Anderson
ULC

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 5 replies

Are Unitarians hot?

Toadie — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 14:20:43 GMT

My new girlfriend was showing a friend of hers my profile. She said,. "Oooh, he's a unitarian, that's so hot."

Has anybody else encountered or experienced this?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 8 replies

culturally appropriatied hair

Suzy — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 00:57:44 GMT

I was cahating about culturaly Appropriated hair styles (i.e. dreadlocks) and the middle class white kinds who sport them on a dumpster diving tribe and wanted to hear some input on the ishue from da UU's.
here is the link for the original topic post:
http://washington.tribe.net/thread/54e93b84-c724-4096-8f67-715d44261d47?tribeid=66e7dbcf-aa71-487b-9fca-7cdf28ff18f7&r=10688

here is a starter
"To appropriate means to take possession of specific aspects of someone else's culture in unethical, oppressive ways. Cultural appropriation is acting in ways that belie understanding or respect for the historical, social, and spiritual context out of which particular traditions and cultural expressions were born. The Reverend Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley defines cultural appropriation as consciously or unconsciously seeking to emulate concepts, beliefs, or rituals that are foreign to a particular framework, individual, or collective. It is incorporating language, cultural expressions, forms, lifestyles, rituals, or practices about which there is little basis for direct knowledge, experience, or authenticity into one's being. It is also the superficial appreciation of a culture without regard to its deeper meaning."
from:
http://www.uua.org/re/reach/winter01/social_justice/reckless.html

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 48 replies

My church rocks!!!

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 20:09:24 GMT

At the end of the month we are having a service inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who had a very special relationship with the animal world. They are having an animal blessing and everyone gets to bring their pets to church!! That rocks!! I can't wait to see how this unfolds. I will probably not take my 2 dogs they are at the end of their puppy phase and they are still a little too enthusiastic around people and other dogs...or maybe I will..

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

CUUPS

windreader — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 02:02:43 GMT

I was surprised to find that my search for CUUPS lead to only one local group. I have initiated a general CUUPS based tribe. check it out.

http://tribes.tribe.net/cuups

WindReader

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Churches, expenses and fundraising

flaneuse — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:45:43 GMT

Hope you all don't mind if I separate this from the other topic, since it has generated quite a lot of interest on its own.

I guess because I've never been a churchgoer before I hadn't thought much about their fundraising model. I am, actually, a professional fundraiser, so I know the drill with nonprofits (most of the money always comes from a relatively few donors). But the church "membership" thing is new to me. Was it always like this? I thought you just showed up week to week and that made you a "member" of the congregation, without any particular financial obligation.

The Quakers haven't asked for money OR passed the plate in the 4 weeks I've been going to meeting...I wonder how they maintain operations?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 7 replies

thinking about joining a UU church

vexxtra — Mon, 07 Mar 2005 02:03:37 GMT

Hey, I'm mulling over joining a UU church here in Nashville but I'm a little leary of it being too "cult-like." What is a typical service like? They don't sacrifice virgins and drink their blood or anything do they? JK!

Seriously, I read some of the transcripts of sermons online and they sound very interesting. They quote many religious texts and pull from ideologies that I feel are applicable to my life. (I grew up Espiscopal and the sermons always seemed to have absolutely no connection with my life...or maybe the language went over my head?)

The main beef I have with the typical Christian sects in the US is that they discriminate against gay people and most of my friends are gay. I don't believe you choose to be gay and I don't agree with persecuting people based on something they can't help. And the UU church seems to embrace homosexuals, that's why it appeals to me. (in fact, the one here in Nashville has a big gay rainbow on their sign!)

I would just like info on what to expect from a typical service if anyone would be so kind. Mainly I get turned off from a lot of pressure to join. I need time to gradually acclimate myself and if they come on too strong too fast, it'll turn me off.

~thanks~

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 31 replies

opus

Suzy — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 16:05:20 GMT

is anyone driving to opus from the west coast? cuz i can't aford to fly there. damn it is expensive.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Water Woman Peace Tour

Mwt — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 18:52:07 GMT

Peace & Blessings.

My name is Imakhu Mwt Shekemet. I am an African cultural performer (storyteller, music/drummer, vocalist, and lecturer -- I'm also an ordained Interfaith minister and
Queen Mother/Elder High Priestess of the African Kemetic tradition, and a Water Priestess in the South African Shona tradition.) I have had many previous affiliations and performances with the good folks of UU in a number of areas throughout NJ and PA. I am currently attending the Princeton, NJ fellowship.

I am currently booking my "Water Woman Peace & Power" concert tour, and would love to include UU churches in my schedule across the country and the globe. My work is about bridge building. Info is here, at http://www.mwtshekemet.org.

I may be contacted at this e-mail address, or called at 267-259-3623.

Thank you for your kind consideration,
Imakhu Mwt Shekemet
http://www.mwtshekemet.org
http://www.sacredshrineofmwtast.org

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

UU singles

Sat, 12 Nov 2005 19:18:33 GMT

I know there is a UU singles site, but it seems expensive, and doesn't have a whole lot of members.

Anyone know of UU-oriented singles activities in the NH/ northeastern MA/ southern ME area?

Thank you!

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Roles & functions in a UU congregation

AnRobaGlas — Fri, 19 May 2006 00:38:14 GMT

Hi all,

There hasn't been a post on here in a couple months, so I thought I'd offer a topic for discussion.

What do feel are the roles and functions of various people in the congregation? In other words, what do see as being the job of the minister(s)? Other church functionaries (moderator, director, RE folks, etc.)? And, most importantly, the congregants?

Thanks.

Mike Walker
San Francisco

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

I AM

Rainbow_Boy_3 — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:44:01 GMT

I am the boy who never finished high school, because I got called a fag everyday

I am the girl kicked out of her home because I confided in my mother that I am a lesbian.

I am the prostitute working the streets because nobody will hire a transsexual woman.

I am the sister who holds her gay brother tight through the painful, tear-filled nights.

We are the parents who buried our daughter long before her time.

I am the man who died alone in the hospital because they would not let my partner of twenty-seven years into the room.

I am the foster child who wakes up with nightmares of being taken away from the two fathers who are the only loving family I have ever had. I wish they could adopt me.

I am not one of the lucky ones. I killed myself just weeks before graduating high school. It was simply too much to bear.

We are the couple who had the realtor hang up on us when she found out we wanted to rent a one-bedroom for two men.

I am the person who never knows which bathroom I should use if I want to avoid getting the management called on me.

I am the mother who is not allowed to even visit the children I bore, nursed, and raised. The court says I am an unfit mother because I now live with another woman.

I am the domestic-violence survivor who found the support system grow suddenly cold and distant when they found out my abusive partner is also a woman.

I am the domestic-violence survivor who has no support system to turn to because I am male.

I am the father who has never hugged his son because I grew up afraid to show affection to other men.

I am the home-economics teacher who always wanted to teach gym until someone told me that only lesbians do that.

I am the woman who died when the EMTs stopped treating me as soon as they realized I was transsexual.

I am the person who feels guilty because I think I could be a much better person if I didnt have to always deal with society hating me.

I am the man who stopped attending church, not because I don't believe, but because they closed their doors to my kind.

I am the person who has to hide what this world needs most, love.

I am the person ashamed to tell my own friends im a lesbian, because they constantly make fun of them.

I am the boy tied to a fence, beaten to a bloody pulp and left to die because two straight men wanted to "teach me a lesson"

......................................

And I am the person who has not yet had to deal with these atrocities, because our society IS slowly changing, due to both the trailblazers of the past and people like me, who will no longer take it, and will shout out loud to the world "I AM DIFFERENT!!!! I bring only love and a different view on the world. ACCEPT ME, FOR I ACCEPT YOU!!!"

---IF YOU BELIEVE THAT HOMOPHOBIA IS WRONG... REPOST THIS

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

education

diy — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 01:57:47 GMT

I heard something awhile back that I have no reason to dispute. But, I thought i'd do my own little poll here.

What is your educational background? Not specifcally what you got your degree in -- but, at what level did you stop going to school?

Of course, i'm curious about the different degree backgrounds but the length of the education is what i'm most interested in.

Myself, I have about one year of grad school under my belt. I'm currently a teacher and pursuing a masters in educational leadership though my undergraduate degree was in philosophy

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 30 replies

Logo Contest for a UU Military organization.

ktmichael — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 18:26:37 GMT

check out: http://uumilitaryblog.blogspot.com/

"Help an organization for UU's in the military get started by desiging our logo! If yours is selected, you will win a free coffee cup with your logo on it!

Logo Contest for a UU Military organization.
Hello all!

Well, there are good things afoot! As many of you know, from our experience at the 2005 General Assembly, a determination was made that the UUA needed an affiliate organization (and perhaps eventually an official UUA Office) to support and minister to UU Military Members, Veterans, Families, and DoD employees.

There is some work and coordination being done on this, but I wanted to put out a call. Every UU Organization needs a logo. In fact, the flaming Chalice that is so loved in our denomination began as the logo for the Unitarian Service Committee. It became famous as it was stamped on the side of relief supplies sent out by the USC, and then the UUSC.

But, as everything in our faith, the process to decide upon such a logo should be democratic. First however, we need some submittals. The logo should be based upon the chalice, but should also encorporate the Defense and Military of our nation.

I do ask one favor. If you take on this challenge, please do so in love. Most of us UU's who have been or are currently associated with the Military have experienced prejudice within our own denomination. This is partially our fault, because we have failed to educate some of our fellow UU's on what it means to be a Military UU. Our formation of an Affiliate organization within the UUA is a first step in not only helping our fellow UU's to understand those of us who also serve in the military, but also to be an organized voice for liberal faith within our military, something that is desperately needed.

Now, to kick this off, I will show you all the logo that was used on the program of the "UU's in the Military" Program at General Assembly this year.

Click on the below link to see it!

http://dynamicdeism.org/uumf_logo.htm

So, get creative! If your logo is selected, I will personally buy you a coffee cup with the logo you designed on it!

Please send any submissions to me at dpyle@meadville.edu .

Yours in Faith,
David"

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Political Activism from the Pulpit

BayouBlue — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 18:42:15 GMT

In the last few months, my church has become much more focued on "Social Justice," which seems to me to be a code word for a progressive-radical left political point of view, much like "Family Values" is for the fundamentalist right.

While I consider myself to be left of center politically speaking, I am more moderate than the church leadership, and I am feeling increasingly isolated by the charged political rhetoric that has been taking over the Sunday services.

I also fear that while a majority of the church membership supports the new direction, the chruch will end up loosing the sizable minority who do want the church to advocate a specific political viewpoint.

I was wondering what experiences other UUs have had with the mixing of church and politics.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 9 replies

A new UU tribe for new UUs

cthomasesq — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 03:16:17 GMT

As a new UU myself, I wanted to find a forum where I can ask questions and discuss issues about the church. Longtime UUs are welcome, too, to answer questions, share stories about when they were rookies, and hang out.

http://tribes.tribe.net/newuu

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 9 replies

ACLU and Privacy

Anne Marie (AM) — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 16:38:05 GMT

www.aclu.org/pizza/images/screen.swf

Thoughts?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Anti-pedophile petition circulating.

jolieca1978 — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 16:37:27 GMT

http://jessicaslaw.com/

I think it's a bit harsh, and will be a bit expensive. But, I'd rather things be too harsh for convicted pedophiles than not harsh enough, which is the way it is right now in my opinion.

If you agree, you can get petitions from http://jessicaslaw.com/ to help get this law enacted.

Any opinions?

Jolie

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 27 replies

Seriously looking at UU.

sensei — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 20:44:39 GMT

Warm Greetings.

I am currently looking into attending seminary at the UU Seminary here in the SF Bay Area (StarrKing, part of the Graduate Theological Union). The attraction I had to the school was the fact that Dr. Ibrahim Farajaje heads up the Islamic Studies there.

I have been a dervish for 13 years now and I've been an activist in community and social justice issues for much of this time. I have been a teacher as well as an award winning writer. While I have studied Islamic theology, Arabic, tasawwuf (mysticism), I was really looking for a more rounded and socially intergrated post-grad education. Through friends attending the StarrKing seminary I came to take a serious look at pursuing my education there.

The administration informed me that I didn't even have to convert to UU to succeed in my studies there. That's nice, but I will say that in order for me to study with and through a UU institution, I need to look deeper to feel confident in my committment. After all, this is a life-effecting and significant decision I am making here.

What I have found has pleased me for the most part. I see a monotheistic, non-dogmatic faith here that seems completely congruent with Islamic theology. There is also a progressive, democratic element to UU that I really appreciate.

There is one issue that I am apprehensive about. The CULTURE (or lack thereof) of UU's.

I saw that it is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. That said, I can appreciate that the UU's know where they are coming from and they are open to growth and change. I don't mind being something of a pioneer (with the few other UU's who identify as Muslim) as long as we are truly given support and consideration. What concerns me is the incredible whiteness of the UU culture.

I went to the seminary and saw a few people of color there. I saw them being treated with respect and they told me they were very happy with things, for the most part. They did agree that it was a very white faith, but this had to do more with history than anything else. I accept this explaination. The early Buddhist and the early Sufi groups were predominantly white due to the fact that it was white people who were priviliged enough to have the education or travel to be exposed to these systems of belief. Now, we are witnessing both becoming far more diverse than most faiths.

I don't expect to find community at StarrKing. I expect an education. I just want to know that I am getting a proper education with people who truly are committed to the values they say they are.

I see that there is a tribe called the "Unitarian Jihad". I took a look and I saw something that looked like a joke. I suppose its funny to non Muslims, but I find it to be very eurocentric and even Islamophobic. I am just as silly and humorous as anyone I know (my sister is a stand up comedian as are many of my friends) but this kind of joke coming from this religion is peculiar. "Jihad" is a very sensitive subject for Muslims these days and it is more than often misinterpreted. We are the most oppressed group in America these days and if the UU's see it fit to join in on the alienation and marginalization of Islam here, then I won't be seeking alligence and education from such a religion.

It just seems so opposite from what I've read and heard about the UU's.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 67 replies

The Socinian - What a Great UU Church Could Be

growlbear — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 02:45:20 GMT

This is a slightly edited version from the blog published one. There are some very valid points he makes. Anyone else want to add a thought about what a Great UU Church Could Be?

http://socinian.blogspot.com/2005/10/what-great-uu-church-could-be.html

Scott Wells over at Boy in the Bands started a lively conversation about whether authentic Universalist and Unitarian beliefs no longer have a home within the UUA. In the course of that conversation, visitor Kim asked what it is that UU Christians want in a UU church, considering that (in her experience) many UU churches don't like to talk about theology. It's a great question that I tried to answer over there, but I'm not sure if Scott's blog host accepted my post, and in any event I think it also deserves its own stand-alone thread. Here's my answer again, slightly edited.

Here's my idea of the ideal UU church, at least, "ideal" from this one humble seeker's point of view. Churches like these once were common, and there are still a precious few of them around. In a perfect world I'd like to see the UUA work much more aggressively to support, promote and plant more of them:

A church that promotes theological discussion and preaches theology from the pulpit, rather than avoiding it.

A church where “worship” is routinely used as a transitive verb, rather than only as a noun.

A church that embraces many different apprehensions of “God”, rather than avoiding or denying the concept.

A church where not only is the word “God” as easily spoken as “human”, but also “Jesus” as easily as “God”, “Christ” as easily as “Jesus”, and “Tao” and “Buddha” and “Brahman” and “Mother Earth” as easily as (but no more easily than) “Christ”.

A church that not only discusses theology in the abstract, but also affirms “Channing” Unitarianism and/or “Ballou” Universalism at its own foundational theological identity, and uses them as a home base for broader spiritual exploration, rather than avoiding them as anachronistic oddities.

A church that refuses to search for spiritual truths either only within the Christian tradition, or only beyond the Christian tradition, but accepts truths from all other sources as accretive and supplemental to its Christian heritage, rather than superior and contradictory.

A church that is not afraid to see the “Humanist” worldview first pronounced in the 1930s as a half-true, half-false heresy, at odds with itself, rather than as an inviolable bedrock doctrine: half-true in its affirmation of human worth, but half-false in its bitter, categorical denial of all prior human apprehensions of the Holy throughout the entire course of human experience.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Other Religions with Common Goals

eosceres — Sun, 24 Jul 2005 17:47:20 GMT

I'm sure many of you may are aware of the banning of a commercial by CBS & NBC that this Wiki article describes (below). This is mostly about the Church of Christ & being inclusive. I know I signed a petition several months ago on this issue.

I'm not trying to start another discussion about the gay marriage issue, but about the our connection & the values we share with many other religions who historically also promote peace, nonviolence, inclusion, & other social conerns. I grew up a Brethern - although we rarely attended church, I realize my mother promoted these values everyday & tried to live them. The Church of the Brethren has always promoted peace & justice causes. Here is a link to some of their beliefs.

http://www.cob-net.org/peace.htm
http://www.brethren.org/ac/ac_statements/70War.htm

Others, in this realm, include the Mennonites &, of course, Quakers.

I can't find it right now, but in the past the Church of the Brethren & a couple of others published a book about peace & social concerns that was very good...not what we hear about or from most mainstream Christian religions these days.

*******
[In 2004, the UCC joined the United Methodist church and others in using paid commercial advertising to reach potential members. The "God Is Still Speaking" branding initiative featured "the comma," the colors red and black, and a quote by Gracie Allen warning, "Never place a period where God has placed a comma." In keeping with their covenental rather than authoritarian structure, individual congregations were able to opt in or out of this initiative.

In December 2004 several US TV networks, including NBC and CBS, refused to air an advertisement by the UCC, deeming it too controversial. The "Bouncers" advertisement showed bouncers allowing into the church building a white, well-dressed family consisting of a heterosexual couple and two children but rejecting a number of other people, including two men holding hands, an African American female, a Latino male, and person using a wheelchair. The text displayed on the screen says: "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we." (CBS claimed that "Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups by other individuals and organizations, and the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] networks.") The President of the denomination stated that commercial communicates that the UCC welcomes all persons, speaking to the sense of alienation from the institutional church felt by many in American society.

In the context of the resolution discussed below, God is Still Speaking Campaign has also been accused of being a campaign that frames the denomination's brand identity as "the gay-friendly church." rather than its former self identity as a "United and Uniting" church that merges Christian traditions and gets along despite doctrinal differences.

Same Sex Marriage controversy

On July 4, 2005, the General Synod endorsed a same-sex marriage resolution with an estimated 80% of the 834 representatives voting in favor of the resolution. With the resolution, the UCC became the first major Christian denomination in the US to approve same-sex marriages, and is hitherto the largest Christian denomination supporting such marriages. It is important to note that the provisions of the resolution made this recommendation on a civil/governmental level and not on a religious doctrinal level. In keeping with denominational polity, the resolution left it to each of the individual congregations to prayerfully consider changing their wedding policies. (see footnote 1).

This decision was considered highly controversial by some local congregations because the General Synod's highly publicized endorsement further aligns the UCC with Liberal Christianity in the public eye and may alienate churches and members who are less Progressive or who may disagree with the implied endorsement of homosexual activity. More Conservative churches are faced with a decision to leave the denomination or to stay and remain associated with a denomination that publicly advocates for issues it may oppose. Some felt that the General Synod's 80% vote in favor of the resolution is a sign that those in the "UCC hierarchy" (national and regional offices) are much farther to the Left than the general membership which is more evenly balanced with various political affiliations. In response, several renewal movements withing the denomination took various responses. The Biblical Witness Fellowship issues press releases questioning the legitimacy of the UCC as a Christian denomination (footnote 2), and churches in the Southern Renewal Conference, a signed onto the Lexington Confession (footnote 3), listing several points of dissent and calling on UCC congregations to remain in dialogue with the UCC.]

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

Hawaii

just4fun6464 — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 02:32:39 GMT

Does anyone know of a UU congregation on the Big Island of Hawaii? Most interested on the Kona side.

Thanks

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 9 replies

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 15:17:06 GMT

Don't know if you've seen this, but I thought this tribe would appreciate it.

http://www.venganza.org/index.htm

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

I know it's goache to pimp your own blog...

cthomasesq — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 17:24:02 GMT

But it's just too long to rewrite.

http://detocqueville.tgof.org/2005/09/root-causes.html

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

Transhumanism and UUism

jhughes — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 20:07:51 GMT

On August 14, 2005 I gave this sermon to my congregation, the Unitarian Universalist Society East in Manchester Connecticut. It went over very well.

Sermon: http://changesurfer.com/Bud/UUTrans.html

Links
Transhumanist UU Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TUUN/
Trans-Spirit list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Trans-Spirit/
World Transhumanist Association: http://transhumanism.org

Feedback welcome.

J.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

UU Infidels

Anne Marie (AM) — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 00:49:00 GMT

Hi everyone!

Came across this group while doing research and thought it would be a good topic of discussion. What are your thoughts? Also...do you feel your congregation sways more towards Humanist beliefs and values, Abrahamic beliefs and values or supports both equally.

http://www.spencers.net/uui/mainpage1.htm

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 19 replies

Starting a new UU Fellowship?

Crackle — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 19:44:29 GMT

Anyone have experience or knowledge in starting up a new Fellowship? We UU's have a great thing going and I think it is up to us to both solidify our existing congregations and to start up new ones.

Thanks, Rob

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

where are all the young adults at ?

Suzy — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 20:01:48 GMT

I just moved from PCD to PNWD and i can't find any young adult happenings. Can some one out there give me a hand?

p.s. I am also trying to start up a campus ministry group at The Evergreen State College. If you know any younger uu who would be interusted , or close by, let me know.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

Preaching a sermon...

Tue, 16 Aug 2005 03:38:05 GMT

As many of you have(or should have gathered by now) I am of the minority of "UU Christians"... I am preaching a sermon on the 28th of this month(so in about two weeks)... does anyone have any warnings, advice, or other kinds of input for this sermon that I mahy not have thought of... it's basically going to be about my personal experience as a UU Christian, and the struggle to seperate dogma from belief... a bit about "throwing the baby out with the bathwater", and such like that... I'm not necessarily trying to win people over to my faith, but rather touch those who come from traditionally "Christian" faith paths that may have forgotten Jesus amidst the gospels, or worse, those who suffer "cross-cringe"(so far seperated from the "christian church" that any reference to Jesus, the Cross, or any part of that faith tradition that they cringe away from any mention of it...)

So, I would really like other UU people's input here... no guarantee that it will be used in the sermon, but all will be considered...

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

Anyone in Tucson?

deamon_keltoor — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 15:15:24 GMT

newbie to UU . . . headed to Tucson this September . . . would like to have a few contact out there for coffee . . . conversation . . .
hello?
peace
dk

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

hi and, a thought.

rivervision — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 07:51:53 GMT

hi all,
i'm new to tribe, and therefore new to this particular tribe. anyhow, i'm brooke, i've been a uu since i stepped foot in the uu fellowship of athens, ga in 1996. i'm currently a member of the uu church in eugene, oregon.

anyhow, i joined to find virtual fellowship with other uu's and to participate in discussion about this faith we've all decided to identify in some way with. i'm looking forward to participating in discussions and hearing what other uu's have to say about issues and our own practice of faith. i find that our particular practice doesn't have any strict dogma and while i love that about being a uu, sometimes i find myself seeking out a bit more structure than what we have in place. sometimes i wish i could pick up a book and have it tell me exactly what to believe. and while i know that is the antithesis of being a uu, it is what i seek at times.. anyhow, its just a thought i have.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

opus

Suzy — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 22:15:02 GMT

Opus is the annual spiritual retreat of the Continental Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Network. We are an intentional community of seekers exploring liberal religion, social justice and diversity.

Announcing the Theme for Opus 2005:

Who We Art: Spirituality and Art in the Heartland

How do you express the sacred? How do you divulge your thoughts of the divine? Do you dance to convey your convictions or do you write to relinquish emotions? Does song seep out of you or do you find solace in the sciences? Whatever the mode, it is often our desire to find ways to express what our spirituality means to us. Come join us at Who We Art: Spirituality and Art in the Heartland, this year's theme for OPUS 2005, the C*UUYAN annual spiritual retreat. Here we will discover how we practice the sacred and the artist that lies within us as well as unknown gifts we possess, yet to be unearthed.

Opus will be held at Camp Hantesa in Boone, Iowa.
Visit www.hantesa.com for more info.

Register for Opus and ConCentric at www.ConnectUU.com
Apply here to lead a workshop at Opus
Expressions in Color: A Pre-Opus People of Color Retreat

Travel and Transportation Information
Apply for a scholarship
Meet the Opus 2005 Staff
Information about ConCentric
Questions? Contact the Opus Facilitator Aaron Craddick: crash@things.org

any one going?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

1,138 rights of marriage

eosceres — Sun, 20 Mar 2005 20:38:19 GMT

Interesting article - informative

_________
Voters will decide if same-sex couples should share in these legal privileges

1,138 rights of marriage
Posted on Sun, Mar. 20, 2005

BY SUZANNE PEREZ TOBIAS

The Wichita Eagle

Jerald and Jimalene Cales will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary next month. But ask the Winfield couple to name 10 rights, privileges or benefits they get because they're married, and there's a pause.

"Goodness, I don't know," Jimalene said, chuckling. "You mean I get something?"

Indeed.

A 2004 government report lists more than 1,000 laws that grant special rights to married couples. They range from tax benefits and property rights to decision-making power over medical procedures and burial arrangements.

On April 5, Kansans will vote on an amendment to the state constitution regarding same-sex marriage.

Besides defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman, the amendment declares that "no relationship, other than a marriage, shall be recognized by the state as entitling the parties to the rights or incidents of marriage."

What are those rights, and who could be affected if the amendment passes? That is the crux of debate.

Although 17 states have approved constitutional bans on same-sex marriage, the laws are new and their potential impact largely unknown. And although legal experts say people can draw up contracts to establish certain rights and protections -- medical powers of attorney, guardianship and more -- whether those contracts will hold up in court against a marriage amendment has yet to be fully tested.

Supporters say the rights-and-incidents clause -- often referred to as "Part B" of the amendment -- is crucial and necessary.

"There was a lot of concern that Part A protect the name of marriage, but Part B was needed to protect the institution of marriage," said the Rev. Terry Fox, a Wichita pastor and leading amendment supporter.

"B is important because it distinguishes that marriage really is something special in our culture, and does bring with it special rights."

Opponents, meanwhile, say Part B pushes the amendment far beyond banning same-sex marriages. They say it calls into question legal contracts made by any resident -- heterosexual couples, single people, family members or friends -- that recreate rights reserved for married couples.

"We're kind of amazed it's there, because it seems to a lot of people to be a poison pill to the whole amendment," said Caroline McKnight, executive director of the Prairie Village-based MAINstream Coalition, which opposes the amendment.

"If the purpose of the amendment is to ensure that gay people can't marry, that's one thing.... But this (second part) seems like an attempt to put a larger clamp on all sorts of personal relationships."

Long list of rights

When a couple signs a marriage license, whether in a courthouse or church, they automatically receive a plethora of rights and protections.

They share property. They can adopt children together. They get each other's military, veterans' or Social Security spousal benefits. They can consent to medical procedures for the other person. They are eligible for discounts on everything from car insurance to health-club memberships.

The list is so long that few, if any, married people could name them all.

Even Fox, who lobbies for the amendment, seemed amazed at the number -- 1,138.

"Is that right?" he said. "I'd like to see that list."

He said the number itself -- and the fact that spousal relationships are mentioned that many times in federal law -- proves how important the institution of marriage is.

"There's probably a large amount of society that doesn't even realize all the rights," he said. "But they know it's advantageous, in America, to be married. Those rights have been given to us, and it really is a special status."

So what about people who can't or choose not to marry? Can they decide who inherits their property, who makes their medical decisions or who has access to their bank accounts?

Of course, say legal experts. People can draw up wills and medical powers of attorney, or can name anyone they choose as a beneficiary on insurance and retirement forms.

But those are contractual arrangements, not constitutional rights. Opponents of the proposed amendment worry that if it passes, any contract could be challenged in court and possibly nullified if the couple who established it isn't married.

McKnight, of the MAINstream Coalition, offered a personal example: She and her twin sister "joke all the time that we'll end up in a home together," she said. If their husbands are gone and the women want to name each other as conservators or beneficiaries, would that be possible?

"You're talking about thousands of people -- older people, unmarried couples, family members, you name it -- who could be affected by this," McKnight said. "It's just a huge unknown."

Issues already are arising in states that have passed similar measures.

In Cleveland, a man used that state's marriage amendment to fight a charge of domestic violence. The man, who was accused of slapping his live-in girlfriend, argued that the amendment did not recognize non-married relationships -- gay or straight -- and therefore spousal abuse laws did not apply.

The judge refused to consider the argument, ruling that the man had been charged before the amendment was passed.

Challenges in court

Gay-rights advocates in Kansas say that if voters approve the amendment here, court challenges are not a matter of if, but when.

Cyd Slayton, a Johnson County woman who recently bought a house with her live-in partner, says any legal form she completes leaves her wondering how the new law might affect her.

"We're trying to figure out how to be supportive of each other for the long term, so we're dealing directly with this," said Slayton, 51. "It comes up again and again."

Recently, for instance, she named her partner a beneficiary on her 401(k) paperwork. "Lately, I've been keenly aware that certain contracts I have signed could be deemed tenuous," she said. "And it makes me nervous."

Fox and other proponents of the constitutional amendment say concerns about judges ignoring contracts are exaggerated or just incorrect.

"That's not being honest," Fox said. "People are fair in America, and every legal counsel we have heard from agrees that people can draw up legal contracts to do all those things. Those won't be in danger in any way."

Slayton isn't convinced.

"I've heard people say, 'Don't worry about this,' but I don't think anyone knows exactly what the impact would be," she said. "Unfortunately, lots of people might fall through the cracks and be affected in ways they never imagined."

R E L A T E D L I N K S
• Explanatory statement, the proposed amendment
• GAO report on marital rights (.pdf)
• Common questions, answers on the gay marriage issue
• Marriage amendment worries gay families
• Why Kansans believe what they do on gay marriage
• Civil-union clause draws criticism
• Gay marriage guides session
• Equality Kansas.org
• One Voice Kansas.org
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/11182582.htm

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 4 replies

New to this tribe!

LilKim31 — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 21:12:19 GMT

Hi, everyone!
I signed the book at First Unitarian Church in March of this year. I was indoctrinated, uh, raised Roman Catholic, went church shopping and feel I have found my spiritual home at the church where William Ellery Channing gave a speech that I've heard laid the foundation for Unitarianism or something along those lines. I am interested to share ideas and thoughts with other Unitarian Universalists. In a group I meet with fairly regularly, we started talking about elevator speeches. We were all hard pressed to come up with how to describe what it means to be UU in 3 minutes or less. I'd be interested to learn what ideas people here have on this. How would you sum up what it means to be UU?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 12 replies

uu's in ukiah?

elzzadoll — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 23:55:28 GMT

i just moved up from oakland, and i'm trying to meet people...
anyone live in the area?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 4 replies

General Assembly

jairyg — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 22:18:11 GMT

Was anyone able to make it to the GA this past weekend in Ft. Worth? I was there only on Sunday, but I thought it was amazing. The Sunday morning service was phenominal with stream through the desert metaphor.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

Sermon Topic

Anne Marie (AM) — Sun, 26 Jun 2005 07:24:14 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I will be responsible for a summer sermon in August and was toying with the idea of presenting origin and religious beliefs from various cultures and civilizations of the distant past. By origin I am referring to how various societies believed their existence came to be. I recently had to write a research paper on Mayan math and, in the process of doing so, became intrigued by their multiple layer and beginning/end of the world theories and would like to include it in the sermon.
Does anyone have suggestions on other interesting belief systems that have existed, perhaps something that intrigued you personally. Also does anyone know of any good resources that I can research and present to my congregation?

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

Hands off Assata!

C-Bear — Tue, 21 Jun 2005 21:16:59 GMT

Brothers and Sisters,
This is the corrected version of the petition in
support of Assata Shakur. Please circulate widely.
HANDS OFF, Assata!

www.PetitionOnline.com/aramin...etition.html
_______________________________________________
www.blackradicalcongress.org

BRC Membership information:
Jamala Rogers, National Organizer
BRC National Office
P.O. Box 24795
St. Louis, MO 63115
Telephone: 314-307-3441
Email: brcnatl@blackradicalcongress.org

Technical support:
webadmin@blackradicalcongress.org

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 0 replies

Scriptural Studies

growlbear — Sat, 04 Jun 2005 02:54:59 GMT

What kind of scriptural studies do people pursue? Group? Individiual? Combination? Which scriptures? (Anyone brave enough to publically admit to studying the bible?)

Seekers want to know.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 10 replies

Favorite UU Blog?

growlbear — Sat, 04 Jun 2005 17:28:02 GMT

What's your favorite blog with a UU slant?

Right now mine is: http://www.philocrites.com/

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

Youth Group Ideas

Haruka2077 — Fri, 13 May 2005 23:58:26 GMT

Hi everyone! I'm new here. My name is Ally and I belong to a U.U. Congregation in Amherst, NY. My husband and I have been going to this church for about a year, and we were recently invited to take over the Youth Group from a couple who are leaving. We've never done this sort of thing before and I was wondering if anyone here has ever moderated a Youth Group or belonged to one and would be willing to offer some ideas or suggestions?
Thanks!

-Ally.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 8 replies

TX official says Unitarian church not a religion

growlbear — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 16:37:03 GMT

Them wacky Texans...

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/nation/8689409.htm

"But according to the office of Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, a Texas Unitarian church isn't really a religious organization - at least for tax purposes. Its reasoning: The organization 'does not have one system of belief.'"

[snip]

Craig Roshaven of Fort Worth's First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church said he has followed the comptroller's decisions with growing dismay.

His group has tax-exempt status, but he wonders what's to prevent Strayhorn from revoking it.

"The comptroller's same logic could be applied to any of us," he said.

Ancira said the comptroller's office has no plans for such reversals. But, then again, said Ancira, "there's nothing preventing us from doing so."

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 2 replies

Hi! New here...

cthomasesq — Mon, 23 May 2005 17:10:50 GMT

Hi! I recently attended my first UU service yesterday and I have to say that I really felt at home. Coming from a Roman Catholic background, I was awestruck by the diversity of belief, the casual and friendly atmosphere, and by the overwhelming kindness. I defenitely think that I will be going back!

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 4 replies

meditation?

bellajade — Thu, 12 May 2005 01:43:20 GMT

Do any of you meditate? If so, how do you approach it? Do you try to be quiet or do you focus on a problem? Do you have a ritual? How long do you meditate for? Do you do it daily? What have the benefits been?
Thanks,
Bright blessings,
Jadi

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 3 replies

Hi! New to tribe!

ChristyFricks — Tue, 10 May 2005 04:00:35 GMT

I just had to join this tribe. I'm a full time administrator at a Unitarian Fellowship so it was funny to run across this tribe.
blessings,
Chris

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Spiritual Practice

growlbear — Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:12:58 GMT

As part of their spiritual practice, does anyone here pray on a regular basis? Specifically, I'm interested in your expierence with the use of prayer beads.

Br. Katana

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 7 replies

A Funny Unitarian Joke

jairyg — Sun, 08 May 2005 22:44:59 GMT

A friend at my church told me this one today.

Q: What do you get when you cross a Jehovah's Witness with a Unitarian Universalist?

A: Someone who shows up at your door and is not sure why they are there.

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 1 reply

Unitarian Jihadists

Mon, 11 Apr 2005 19:56:30 GMT

Jon Carroll's SF Chronicle column from Friday 4/8:

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/04/08/DDG27BCFLG1.DTL

:-)

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 11 replies

UU Churches in the Bay Area?

shiny — Fri, 30 Apr 2004 02:37:43 GMT

Would anyone like to share their experiences or biases about UU churches and groups in San Francisco or the East Bay? (this is my roundabout way of asking which one is "best" :) )

posted in Unitarian Universalist - 15 replies