Every Sunday:9:45 AM Choir Practice exc.

12/24&12/319:45 AM Adult Forum10:30 AM Child Care - until

12:30 PM11:00 AM Youth RE, exc. 12/24

Preschool class, Rm CElementary classes (K - 2nd,

Rm K; 3rd - 5th, Rm 2)Middle/High School Youth

Group, Rm 3/6

Adult Forum Topics:Dec. 3, Margaret Chase, “My 30

Years in Cameroon, West Africa”Dec. 10, TBADec. 17, Jennifer Carver,

“Practicing Right Relations atUUCT”

Dec. 24, NO FORUMDec. 31, Informal discussion

Sundays 1Minister Message 2

Right Relations / This Year 3

Social Justice/Announcements 4

Green Corner / Appreciation 5

Caring / Membership 6

Lifespan RE 7-8Campus Ministry 9

Events 10Calendar 11

SMSC / Garden 2

Street Sign / District 9

December 2006

Volume 49, No. 12

Inside this issue:

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee

December Highlights:

Congregational VotingMeeting, Sun. 12/3,12:30 PM

2nd Sun. Potluck &Neighborhood ZonesMeeting, 12/10,12:30 PM

Winterfest, Fri. 12/15,7:00 PM (DessertPotluck)

Woohoo Wednesday,12/20, 6:30 PM

Winter Solstice CelebrationDec. 17

For this intergenerational service we will explore ancient ways to dare the darktime of year and venerate the light. Songs of the season, trimming our tree,and much celebration and fellowship for all ages will abound! Come and bejoyous with your community! (We’ll also light candles of joy and concern.)Rev. Lyn Plumb

The Spirit of the Christmas Tree (Christmas Eve 7:00 PM)Dec. 24

There will be NO SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE. Instead, come and share anevening of carols and candles, hear a touching message of the season andexperience a pageant comprised of both adults and children. A potluck socialtime with holiday cookies, sweets and beverages will follow the service. (Aspecial collection for ECHO will be taken.) Rev. Lyn Plumb & Company

The Secular Reality Mission of UUsDec. 31

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The recent election shookup the mythic boxes we tend to live within, and that is probably a good thing.To the chagrin of Americans who hoped for better luck if not divine aid, Sunnisand Shiites in Iraq are still not ready to choose democracy over chaos. This isa time for facts, for secular reality. What is important is that the secular realitybox remains open to all sides and stays flexible. We may think the worldaround us is no longer ruled by spirits; we may believe that cause and effect iswholly ours to manage, but huge numbers of people still hear and respond towhispered commands of the gods. The UU mission is one of secular realism ina deeply religious world.Speaker: Dr. Wm. Richard Dempsey; Lay Leader: Ellen Dempsey

Justice, equity and compassion in human relations. We will explore humanconsciousness and relate consciousness exploration to the use of entheogens.We’ll also look at the prejudices, religious and racial, that underlay our druglaws, and describe the dilemma we face where our present social remedy forillegal drug use is too often worse than the disease.Speaker: Allen Turnage; Lay Leader: Kelley Turnage

Misguided Drug Laws--Their Human and Social CostsDec. 3

The MeridianDecember Sundays (11:00 AM, exc. 7:00 PM Dec. 24)

Follow Your BlissDec. 10

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. This often-quoteddirective on bliss from famed mythologist Joseph Campbell opens us up tomany an interpretation. What is Bliss? How might we find and follow it as itunfolds within us as a spiritual sense, a sense of what ultimately matters in ourlives? Rev. Lyn Plumb

Page 2Volume 49, No. 12

The holidays are upon us! Andwith them is a heady mixture ofjoyous celebration, frenetic activityand quite possibly sadness andpain. Whatever the season bringsto us this year, I wish for you timesof quiet reflection, rest andrenewal. And toward that end Ioffer you some words fromElizabeth Selle Jones:

It starts early, too early,With an innocent, colored light,Or a jingling bell.Almost unnoticed, certainlyresisted, the momentum builds.It oozes, multiplies, infiltrates,

Permeates, engulfs, andoverwhelms.Now there is no corner, no page,no sound,No thought, no mind, no heartThat is not pregnant with it.Despite growing anxietyDo not resist it.Abandon cynicism.Suspend suspicion.Overindulge in friendship.Give endlessly of compassion andjustice.Unwrap possibility and promise.Let the Soul Season floodthroughout.

Let holiness saturate,Invigorate,Hope purify.Let love finally be born.Oh, yes, let love be born.

May you surrender yourself to thetrue meaning of this time of year.May it flood your being despiteanything else. May youexperience joy and live the hopethat each new birth, each new yearbrings.

With love and many blessings ofthe season,

Rev. Lyn

Rev. Lyn’sPlumb Line

By Bob Deyle, Committee Chair

As of November 28, five ordainedUU ministers and one seminarianhave expressed interest in ourcongregation by submitting theirMinisterial Records for our review.Several of these applicants appearto be promising. The word from ourUUA Ministerial Settlement

Representative, Rev. Katy Korb, isthat the current field of ministersseeking settled ministry is smallerthan in recent years. Nonetheless,we anticipate receiving inquiriesfrom others before the first of theyear. By early December we willhave begun the exchange of

information packets with those inwhom we are interested, followedby phone interviews through mid-January. We will keep you postedas the process progresses.

Sara Reece, Annette Pearce, HollieLloyd, Mimi Jones, Chris Ellrich,Bob Deyle, and Bruce Brandt

Settled Minister Search Committee

Memorial Garden Happenings

A huge “thank you” to all whodonated to make Phase II a reality.By Christmas all of the flowers willbe planted!

We are now ready to take ordersfor cast-bronze plaques andengraved brick pavers. Anyonemay pay for a cast-bronze plaqueto be affixed to the plaque wall, butthe name on the plaque must bethat of a deceased member of thechurch. Cost of a cast-bronzeplaque is $250, and you may haveup to three lines of wording.

If you wish to memorialize or honorsomeone such as a parent, child,relative or friend who is or was nota member of the church, you maypurchase an engraved brick for thepaved area that will be installed infront of the plaque wall. A 4” x 8”engraved brick costs $100, and an8” x 8” square costs $190. Threelines of up to 18 characters per linemay be engraved on the brick.Five or six lines are allowed on thesquare.

There are price breaks for orders ofmore than 1 brick if purchased atthe same time.

Order forms for plaques, bricks andsquares are available in the back ofthe sanctuary in the little plastic boxnext to the permanent display onthe right-hand wall. Checks shouldbe made payable to UUCT, with“Memorial Garden plaque, brick orsquare” in the memo line.

Thanks for your continued supportof this beautiful addition to ourchurch grounds.

By Joan Patterson, Committee Co-Chair

Page 3Volume 49, No. 12

Right Relations InitiativeWhen asked what makes usproudest of our congregationduring the 2004 congregationalassessment, two of the three mostfrequent responses included(1) tolerance and acceptance ofdiverse ideas, beliefs, and culturesand (2) the caring nature of ourcongregation. A common theme inthe congregational conversationswe have had since then, however,has been that we have room forimproving our relationships witheach other and with our ministers.

In an effort to enhance thepersonal interrelationships withinour church, the Committee on theMinistry is working with ReverendLyn and several other members ofour congregation to coordinate aRight Relations Initiative that willculminate in a congregation-wideprocess to develop a Covenant ofRight Relations.

What does it mean to speak of rightrelations? "Towards RightRelations" was the theme of theUUA General Assembly this pastsummer. In a keynote address tothe Assembly, Jim Wind, presidentof the Alban Institute, describedright relations as "healthy, life-giving, respectful, loving, and openrelationships with one another.”

The UUCT Right RelationsInitiative includes a number offacets which are brieflysummarized here. Some have

already transpired, others will beforthcoming. Watch for moredetails in future issues of TheMeridian and through other media.

(1) Sunday service onCovenanting – Presented byRev. Lyn on October 15.Copies of her sermon,“Covenant: From Sinai toTallahassee,” are available onthe sanctuary back counter.

(2) Adult Forum on PracticingRight Relationship –Scheduled for December 17,this is a warm up for an AdultEnrichment course to beoffered by Jennifer Carver andIsabel Sheridan based on abook of the same title:Practicing Right Relationship:Skills for Deepening Purpose,Finding Fulfillment, andIncreasing Effectiveness inYour Congregation, by Mary K.Sellon and Daniel P. Smith.

(3) Sunday service on RightRelations – To be presentedby Rev. Lyn on January 14.

(4) Practicing Right Relationscourse – This six-week longcourse, based on Sellon andSmith’s book Practicing RightRelationship, will provide agroup of UUCTers anopportunity to spend timelearning about right relationsand how practicing rightrelations helps strengthen ourchurch community. Participants

will actually practice rightrelations through a series of in-class and outside activities,sharing circles, readings,reflection and journaling, in aformat similar to Evensong.Scheduled to start in lateJanuary. Look for moreinformation in the JanuaryMeridian or talk with JenniferCarver or Isabel Sheridan.

(5) Right Relations in Committee– An option to be provided tothe church’s committees via theChurch Council to conduct afew selected exercises from thePracticing Right Relationscourse.

(6) Right Relations CovenantingWorkshop – To be facilitatedby Rev. Lyn on a weekend inlate March or early April. Thiswill produce a draft covenant tobe further refined by a smalltask force and presented to thecongregation for discussionand formal adoption at theannual meeting in May. Wehope to make this a church-wide event, with activities forchildren and youth so that allparents can participate andwith a celebratory festivaldinner following conclusion ofthe workshop.

The UUA Settlement Officerequests evaluation, by both theinterim minister and the layleadership, of the progress of acongregation that is "in the interim"by February 15 and June 15 ofevery year. Each of theseevaluations reviews progress made

toward goals set at the beginning ofthe interim.

The Executive Board, theCommittee on the Ministry (COTM),and Rev. Lyn will collaborate toprepare this evaluation in lateJanuary. If you have any thoughts

to share on how we are doing as acongregation this year – What arewe doing well? What could we dobetter or differently? – please shareyour thoughts with any member ofthe Board, the COTM, or Rev. Lynsometime in the next month.

How Are We Doing This Year?

Announcements Joyous Giving.Canvass for 07-08 fiscalyear will be under the banner ofjoyous giving. What is “joyousgiving”? Trudy Deyle says it is “togladly and generously give to beand feel a part of something largerthan myself -- something aboutwhich I feel passionately: UnitarianUniversalism.”

Nursery/RE class helpneeded. No special skills required,only a willingness to help. ContactDRE Maggie Geraci.

Workday helpers needed.Coming by even for an hour or twowill be a big help. Time: 2ndSaturday, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM.Good chance to get to knowchurch members and friends better.Contact Don Berger (442-2847,berger-don@comcast.net)

Kitchen Kontrollers needed.For 2007. Kontrollers arevolunteers that oversee the kitchenand volunteers for a month.Contact Nancy Harvey (668-9096,npharv@aol.com)

Appreciating staff. Our pastpractice of informally collecting forholiday gifts of cash to staff is notIRS-allowed, unless reported astaxable income. Instead, small giftsof appreciation to staff fromindividuals are allowed; any checksshould be to the individual and notthe church.

Budget requests due 1/7/07.2007 – 2008 budget requests,fundraising plans and programaccomplishments and visions (2-3very short, key items) due, on formprovided, to VP for Finance JimDawson (jwdawson53@aol.com,383-1213). Deadline firm.

Mountaincamp Scholarships.$450 total available in UUCTbudget for scholarships to TheMountain. Mountaincamp 2007brochure soon atwww.mountaincenters.org.Deadline for scholarship requests:1/1/07. Send letter with amountrequested and why needed toUUCT: Scholarship Comm., or putin DeWayne Carver’s box.

UUA Social Witness Process.Congregational comments due3/1/07 on: (1) Draft Statement ofConscience on Moral Values for aPluralistic Society and(2) Study/Action Issue onPeacemaking (resource guide atwww.uua.org/cws). Contact AbbeJustus or Kim Ross for more info.and UUA comment forms.

December Trustee Tidbits.FL District UUA Trustee JoanLund’s article posted at the back ofthe sanctuary. Subject: UUAindependent affiliates.

Board Actions: 10/06. ByMolly Schmid, Executive BoardSecretary. (1) Approved ConsentAgenda: a. Report from SettledMinister Search Committee, b.Report from Committee on theMinistry, c. Vice President forManagement Report. (2) Approved9/24/06 Board meeting minutes. (3)Approved Sept. Treasurer's Report.Note: Brief meeting before BoardRetreat follow-up gathering.

Page 4Volume 49, No. 12

CROP Walk report. Thank you toall who participated. If you walkedor helped raise money, see me fora small appreciation gift. Sinnersand Wizards tied for first place(literally!), with Saints coming in adistant third. (But Saints get aprize, too – the real winners arethose we helped!) UUCT:

Raised $2,100 (~13.5% of totalraised of $15,500).

Brought in several dozen cans.

Had 32 people actually walking.

Once again, UUCT was wellrepresented in an interfaith socialjustice event!

UU Service Committee (UUSC).The Nov. 19 Sunday serviceeducated us about UUSC’s workand ways to support their work ofhelping others. Norene Chase hasUUSC Christmas cards and fair-traded coffee for sale at a Sundaytable, also UUSC educationalmaterials. Coffee is shade-grownby small farmers in cooperativesgiving them a fairer return.

Support UUSC through:

membership,

“Guest at Your Table” box,

or donation (to UUCT forUUSC).

Keep "Guest at Your Table" boxesover the holidays and return by1/31/07. Save collecting treasurerwork by writing check to UUCT forUUSC for box total. Thanks foryour support of UUSC!

Social Justice CommitteeSurvey. Please complete.Available at church or in NovemberMeridian. Return to Abbe Justus orKim Ross, or place in VP SocialJustice mail-box.

Next Social Justice Committeemeeting. In January. Stay tunedfor details.

By Kim Ross, Committee Chair

Social Justice

Page 5Volume 49, No. 12

To: Susan Snyder and Frank

Deasy, Christine Boczarska,Annette Pearce, RodOldenburg, Sara Reece,Steve and Mary VanSciver,Barbara Sterling, JoanPatterson, Carolyn DuBard,and Francis Ventre forgreeting Sun. 10/29 - 11/26.

Gabriel Justus, Chris Ellrich,Carolyn and Howard Pardue,Sara Reece, Linda Logan,Elinor Elfner, Jerri LeeWagner, and kitchen controllerAbbe Justus for OctoberSunday coffee and clean-up.

Joanne Taylor, Elinor Elfner,Dick Leinberry, Joe Lama, &Norene Chase for Sun. set-up.

Claudia Joyner for Novembernursery help.

All who have prepared mealsfor members recovering fromsurgery: Linda Logan, KathieMackie, Peggy Lentz, JoanPatterson, Mimi Jones, AmyMann, Jennifer Carver, PamHoskins, Debbie Holt, Pam &Don Crosby, Junelle Brandt,Elinor Elfner, Lorin Pratt, andJoanne Taylor.

Dan Damerville, Abbe Justus,Isabel Sheridan, JanOldenburg, Jan Miller, Ed andJames Oaksford, EmilyLeventhal, Susan Snyder andFrank Deasy, and UniversityUUs Brian Lee, Jessica Gist,Charles Starr, & Frank Greenfor doing the Nov. Shelter meal.

Barbara Sterling and Bruceand Junelle Brandt for hostinga fall dinner for 8.

Linda Logan for coordinatingUUCT’s Thanksgiving Daypotluck and all those whoentertained, purchased,cooked, decorated, helped setup and take down, and washeddishes. You helped make theevent a pleasure!

Pam Crosby for serving as oneof UUCT’s TEAM co-coordinators over the past year.

Maria Mena for the lovelyMexican chocolate surpriseafter the 10/29 service.

Jennifer Carver, Trudy Deyle,Joan Patterson, and SteveUrse for attending the fall FLDistrict Leadership Conference.

Bake Sale Thank You!

The Youth RE Committee thankstalented bakers who helped ourbake sale be a huge success:Kelley Turnage, Hollie Lloyd,Isabel Sheridan, Kim Ross, LorinPratt, Linda Oaksford, JenniferCarver, Amy Hall, Eliza Coyne,Eleanor Enge, Lindsey Weaverand Janet Kistner and otherunsung bakers! Thanks to thecongregation for generous support!$170 was raised for a teacherretreat for our hard-workingvolunteers!

Workday Thank Yous

The all church workday on 11/11was attended by these volunteers:Mitch McDermott, Tom Baldwin,Don Berger, Charlotte Dudley,Tom Chase, Joe Lama, and JohnWhitton. Thanks go out to eachand every one of them for a jobdone well. If someone wasforgotten, thank you and ourapologies. Also thanks to thosewho have done maintenance workaround the church during the restof the month: Francis Ventre whohas volunteered to blow the leavesoff the drives and walks, thewatering crew, and others.

Appreciation

UUCT is a Green Sanctuarychurch. Concern for theinterdependent web of all existencepermeates our church life. Thecommittee now meets only everyother month to share informationon “green” activities. All interestedparties are welcome to attend thenext potluck in January.

Solar Power Project: On Dec. 3the congregation will consider amotion to approve the project toinstall solar photovoltaic panels on

the south roof of the new buildingand to authorize the financing asplanned. Over $34,000 has beencontributed to the fund. Hopefully,by February we will be using somesolar-generated electricity.

Alternative Christmas: Considergiving alternative gifts this year. Bymaking a donation to worthycauses in the name of your lovedones, you experience the joy ofgiving while reducing excessiveconsumerism. There are two

opportunities in Tallahassee:

John Wesley Methodist churchon Lafayette, near Blairstone,Dec. 2 & 3.

Christ Presbyterian Church onBannerman Road, Dec. 8 & 9

UUCT continues to audit ourenergy consumption and to work toreduce carbon emissions by usingenergy more efficiently. Are youdoing the same at home?

Green CornerBy Elinor Elfner, Green Sanctuary Member

Page 6Volume 49, No. 12

Caring Network and Membership NewsCaring Ministries Network

Our hearts and minds are with:

Nina Cline as she recovers fromsurgery on 11/15.

Michele Hope as she recuperatesfrom an 11/15 surgery.

Abbe Justus as she copes withthe death of her mother, JeanDavis, 11/16.

Marty Beech as she copes withthe loss of her partner, TonyJohnson, 11/20.

Ann Conn whose husband, Erling,is in Hospice House.

Linda Logan whose cataractsurgery was successful.

Jan Miller who is recovering nicelyfrom a recent hospitalization.

Mary Braunagel whose home wasdestroyed by fire 11/17. (She andher husband are living in a rentedhome while theirs is being re-built.They lost two cats, and their dog isquite ill. They have adequateclothing, but can use moral supportand perhaps household furnishingswhen they have a new home.)

The family and friends of EleanorMoore whose memorial service willbe at UUCT on January 13.Dinners for 8

Winter round after Jan. 1. Hostingmeans welcoming guests to yourhome, providing main dish (anystyle or theme you wish), andcalling the others to completemenu. Two dinner categories:adults-only and intergenerational.Adults without children welcome tosign up for intergenerational; andadults with children, find a sitterand enjoy an all-adult evening. Toparticipate as guest or host, contactJunelle Brandt (893-5511,junellebrandt@earthlink.net).

Welcome New Friend!

Diedra Schaub

New UU Sessions

Next sessions: Wednesdays, 12/6and 12/13. Sign up at back ofsanctuary, or contact the churchoffice (uuct@nettally.com,385-5115) or membership chairTrudy Deyle (422-1057,gdeyle@juno.com). Childcareavailable on request.

Offered on a regular basis for thosenew to Unitarian Universalism andUUs new to UUCT, usually twoweeknights, but occasionally in one3-hour Sunday afternoon session.Participants share some aboutthemselves, including their spiritualjourneys, and learn a little aboutthe church and the greater UUmovement. Some discussion time.Rev. Lyn co-facilitates 2nd night.

Connecting with Visitors

The “Greet & Meet Group” is aspecial team of UUCTers who takethe initiative to really connect withvisitors during Sunday social time.To volunteer for group or makingphone calls to visitors, contactLinda Oaksford (422-0240,lloaksford@earthlink.net).On-going Opportunities

2nd Saturday Workdays:Contact Don Berger (422-2847,berger-don@comcast.net).

Nursery Help: Contact DREMaggie Geraci (877-6301,dremaggie@earthlink.net).

2nd Monday Shelter Meal:Contact Frank Deasy (907-1740, deasyf@comcast.net).

Sunday Hospitality and CleanUp: Contact December kitchenkontroller Carolyn Pardue(pardue2@comcast.net,386-1494).

Sunday Service Greeter:Contact Debbie Holt (553-3231,holt0119@earthlink.net).

Certified Membership (asof 1/06) -174

Current Membership - 173

Current No. Friends - 52

Average Sunday ServiceAttendance - Adults

October 2006: 95.6

7/06 - 10/06: 97.5

7/05 - 6/06: 99.4

7/04 - 6/05: 107.3

7/03 - 6/04: 107.4

7/02 - 6/03: 96.5

RE Enrollment (nursery -12th)

06-07: 40(incomplete)

05-06: 52

04-05: 61

Average RE Attendance(not including Fun Days)

11/06 - 28

9/06 - 11/06: 29

9/05 - 5/06: 27

9/04 - 5/05: 33.8

Current UUCT Stats

Page 7Volume 49, No. 12

Youth ReligiousEducation (RE)Committee Meeting, Sun. 12/3,9:30 AM, Rm. K

YOUTH RE CONTACTS: Eliza Coyne, Youth RE

Committee Chair (877-5415;krelcoyne@gmail.com)

Vacant, Nursery Sub-Committee Chair

Maggie Geraci, Director ofReligious Education (DRE),(dremaggie@earthlink.net;wkdays, 443-2586; eves &wkends, 877-6301)

December RE Classes

Explorers (ages 3 to 5)

12/3 “Winter Brings Changes”

12/10 “Different ReligionsCelebrate…”

The Artists (grades K, 1, 2)

12/3 “A Time For Freedom ofWorship”

12/10 “A Time For Joy to Be Born”

The Bridgers (grades 3, 4, 5)

12/3 “Moses in the Bulrushes”

12/10 “Moses and the Burning Bush”

Youth Group (grades 6 – 12)

Sundays 10:30 to 12:30, includesbusiness meeting, discussion topics,and activities.

Contact a Youth Group Advisor formore details.

For All Classes

12/17 Intergenerational Service – allchildren attend, no RE classes.

12/24 Evening Christmas EveIntergenerational Service (no morningservice or RE classes).

12/31 Holiday Fun Day – allelementary-age children gather inRoom K for fun activities. Crafts,games, and a few special treats.

Holiday Fun Day Help Needed

If you’d like to volunteer as a helperfor Holiday Fun Day, 12/31, pleasecontact DRE Maggie Geraci.

December WOOHOO Wednesday

What could be more representativeof this magical, holiday time than ameal shared in community?

Wednesday 12/20, 6:30 PM,sanctuary

Stone Soup (postponed from Nov.)& Singing!

Bring an ingredient (choppedvegetable, pasta, rice or aseasoning) for community soup.

Carol Sing in Rm. L afterwards.

Set-up help needed - come around6:00 PM if you can.

All ages are invited to attend!

Contact: DRE Maggie

FL District CONS

The Youth Group and theiradvisors decide which FL DistrictCONS to attend. Trained advisorsmust accompany youth to districtCONS. CON schedule:

1/12-14 All-Age Con, Gainesville

2/16-18 Transition-In Con, TBA

3/16-18 Social Action Con, TBA

4/27-28 Youth Caucus, Clearwater

5/4-6 All Age Con, Tampa

2006-2007 MT. CON Schedule

2/2 - 4 Junior High

2/16 - 18 Elementary

3/2 - 4 Senior High

For more information or tovolunteer to take a group, contactDRE Maggie.

Adult EnrichmentPlanning Meeting, Thurs. 12/14,6:00 PM, sanctuary

ADULT ENRICHMENTCONTACTS:

Isabel Sheridan, AdultEnrichment Coordinator(iasheridan@nettally.com,668-0785)

Maggie Geraci, Director ofReligious Education(dremaggie@earthlink.net;wkdays, 443-2586; eves &wkends, 877-6301)

Intergenerational Coding

In an effort to address the needs of allour congregants, find the followingcodes at the ends of some classes:

Baby-friendly – Infants and youngtoddlers welcome to come w/ parents,who assume responsibility for them.

Childcare provided – Childcare hasalready been lined up for this.

Childcare available upon request – Letcontact know childcare needed; s/hewill arrange for it at or near gathering.

In addition, transportation can bearranged upon request for those whocannot or prefer not to drive. Pleasecontact the Adult Enrichmentcoordinator for assistance.

Details on Classes

Classes which have an asteriskfollowing class name have moredetailed information available atSunday RE welcome table orchurch website:www.nettally.com/uuct (AdultEnrichment Offerings or ReligiousEducation - Adult Programs).

Current Classes & Opportunities

Exploring Spiritual Practices.Newcomers of all ages arewelcome! Join us on our journey,by exploring some simple spiritualpractices. Led by Rev. Lyn Plumb.Class meets in the sanctuary at

Lifespan Religious Education

Lifespan Religious Education (Continued)7:00 PM on Thursday, Dec. 14.Will continue throughout the winterand into the spring. Contact Rev.Lyn (LynPlumb@aol.com,671-2634).

Future Classes andOpportunities

The following classes will beoffered in the winter and spring.Visit the Lifespan RE table onSundays for the latest informationand to sign up for the class.

Evensong. This 8-session courseis designed to promote a deepersense of community in a smallgroup setting that allows deeplistening and knowing of eachother. We are planning multiplegroups of ten with a facilitator foreach. The class facilitated by Rev.Lyn Plumb starts February 4,running the first, third, and fifthThursdays through early May.Sign up at the Sunday RE table orcontact Rev. Lyn (385-5115,LynPlumb@aol.com). See JanuaryMeridian for schedule of additionalclasses and facilitators.

Practicing Right Relations. Startsin late January. See RightRelations Initiative on pg. 3.Contacts: Jennifer Carver (402-0622, jzcarver@earthlink.net),Isabel Sheridan (668-0785,iahseridan@nettally.com).

Monthly Potlucks & Discussionsfor Parents*. Will begin in thespring of 2007, depending oninterest. UUCT parents wouldcome together to share a meal.After the meal, the discussionwould center on Parents asResident Theologians, a UUA-published parenting course whichhelps adults articulate theirreligious experiences and beliefs inorder to more effectively respond tochildren’s religious questions.

Would occur monthly throughoutthe year. Parents of all ages wouldbe welcome! Contact DRE MaggieGeraci for more information.

UU Parent Support Group.Several parents have expressed aninterest in forming a parent supportgroup. Participants will play a rolein planning the format and topicsdiscussed. Sign up at the SundayRE table or contact Cathy Briggs(219-3637, cbriggs@nettally.com).

UU Committed CouplesEnrichment Program*. A new, 20-hour, UU principles- and values-based enrichment programdesigned for married/partneredadults, gay and straight alike, tonurture intimacy, spiritualconnection, and emotionalfulfillment. To be offered as aseries of short workshops or as amore intensive retreat-typeprogram. Currently seekingvolunteer couples to facilitatesome or all of the course.Contact Kim Ross (877-1972,kim@associatedadvocates.com).On-Going Opportunities

Adult Forum. Meets Sundays9:45-10:45 AM , Rm. L. Open toeveryone. See front page of thisMeridian for the month's topics.Contact: Norene Chase (422-1985,nochase@earthlink.net).

The UUCT Book Club*. Meets at7:00 PM the 2nd Tuesday of everymonth in Rm. C. Newcomers arewelcome. Contact: Linda Oaksford(lloaksford@earthlink.net,422-0240). Childcare availableupon request.

12/13: March, Geraldine Brooks

1/10: The Sea, John Banville

Freethinkers' Forum*. Meetsweekly to study and discuss issuesof philosophy and religion, inc. thecontributions to civilization offreethinkers across the ages, thehistory and evolution of religiousmythology, and the effects oforganized religion on ourdemocracy and the world'scivilizations. Meets Thursdays,7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, Rm. L. ContactRon Crowe (rongcro2@juno.com,997-5307).

Knitting for All*. MeetsThursdays at 7:00 PM, Rm. 3/6.Baby-friendly. Contact: ChelseaFox (chelsuu@yahoo.com,421-1575).

UU Buddhist Fellowship. Willresume when Anne Rudloe is againable to lead the group, anticipatedto be in Spring 2007. Contact:Anne Rudloe (984-5204,rudloe@bio.fsu.edu).

Programs at TheMountain

New Year’s Celebration, 12/29 -1/1, “Living Simply and Well,” withgifted musicians Randy and SandraLocke.

Elderhostels throughout the year.

For more info., contact TheMountain (828-526-5838,info@mountaincenters.org) orUUCT Mountain AmbassadorElinor Elfner (524-1026,eelfner@comcast.net) or visitwww.mountaincenters.org.

Page 8Volume 49, No. 12

If we are serious about increasingthe membership of our church, whydo we forego the most effective(and cost-effective) way of puttingout the good word? I'm referring tothe church street sign.

I was told the sign was selected to"blend in" (or something to thateffect). Think about that for amoment. A sign designed to “blendin” is like a candle that sheds nolight, a book of blank pages, a facethat can't be kissed, a kielbasa thatcan't . . . you get the idea.

Here's a contest/game: Try to findany church sign in Tallahassee thatconveys less information than ours.While other churches list times,events, and pass along pithy (yes,sometimes idiotic) messages, wedon't even announce whenservices are held!

To take two nearby examples, thechurch just north of us has anattractive sign that offers amplespace for information. NFC/TempleBaptist has two "scrolling" signs.All we have on our sign is our

name and the street addressnumber. Yes, the number might behelpful, except the only people whoread it are already there.

Think about the thousands of carsthat pass the church everyday(often at a crawl). What messagedoes our sign convey? I think itwhispers, "We're back in the woods. . . leave us alone."

Is that all we have to say to thecommunity?

Are We Tallahassee’s Best Kept Secret?By Dan Damerville

Page 9Volume 49, No. 12

Campus Ministry CornerBy Brian Lee, Campus Ministry Coordinator

The UUUs have had a busysemester, helping out with theShelter Meal each month andparticipating in the CROP Walk andthe CIW Breakfast (Coalition ofImmokalee Workers). All that andclasses, too! We also had thepleasure of attending long-timeUUU member Jessica Gist’s fluterecital on Friday, Nov. 17. Jess isa very expressive and talentedmusician, and it was quite a

privilege to have the opportunity tohear her perform.

With the end of the fall semesterand the holiday season upon us,the UUU schedule will be a bitabbreviated this month. Coffeehour will be held at 6:30 PMFridays on Dec. 1, with followingfestivities at the First Friday GalleryHop, and also Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.Location: All Saints Café located at

903 Railroad Ave., one block southof Gaines St.

For more information about theUniversity Unitarian Universalists,contact your Campus Ministrycoordinator Brian Lee (877-1972,brianlee@hcsmail.com). To signup for our email list please send anemail to UUUTally-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

FL District Packet mid-Novembermessages from FL District Execu-tive Kenn Hurto and Acting Life-span Program Consultant ConnieGoodbread are posted at the backof the sanctuary. Rev. Kenn writes:“Networking among congregationsis a priority for me, because no onehas all the wisdom we need nor arethe challenges we face unique.” Healso reminds us of the motionadopted at the 2006 UUA GeneralAssembly: “Resolved, that theDelegates to General Assembly arecharged to work with their congre-gations to hold at least one pro-

gram over the next year to addressracism or classism, and to reporton that program at next year’s GA.”Rev. Kenn asks if our congregationhas made such plans.

In her message, Connie Good-bread continues the discussion of“The Smart Church” that she beganin October. She asks us to thinkabout our congregation and answerthese questions:

- How are people greeted?

- How are they welcomed into thecommunity?

- Who is welcomed? Do we leaveopen space for true diversity?

- Who does the congregationserve?

- How and when do we talk aboutUUism? Do we practice deep lis-tening?

- What is the path to membership?Do we take membership seriously?

- What are the privileges of mem-bership and the responsibilities?

- How do we communicate both toprospective members?

FL District News

Upcoming UUCT Events

Peace Dances, Dec. 2, 7:30 PM.Simple, meditative circle dances,rejuvenating and uplifting. Contact:Tom and Katya Taylor (656-9321,katyata@earthlink.net).

Congregational Voting Meeting,Sunday, Dec. 3, 12:30 PM.Approving: UUCT Solar Project andrelated bridge loan; additions to2006-2007 operating budget. Seemid-November informationdistribution to congregation.Contact: DeWayne Carver (402-0622, ddcarver@earthlink.net).

All-Church Workday, Saturday,Dec. 9, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM.Enjoy fellowship working on choresand projects to keep our buildingsand grounds in shape. Contact:Don Berger (422-2847, berger-don@comcast.net).

Second Sunday Potluck, Dec. 10,12:30 PM. Bring your favorite dish.

Neighborhood Zones Meeting,Sunday, Dec. 10, 12:30 PM. PatMaurer, commuter servicesmanager with Commuter Servicesof Northwest Florida, will meet withus. We’ll view the map ofTallahassee with the homes of ourmembership circled. This will assistus in carpooling and in creatingneighborhood zones for caring.Contact: Joanne Taylor (893-9024,taylorjoanne@earthlink.net).

Woohoo Wednesday, Dec. 20,6:30 PM. A communal meal in thesanctuary followed by carol singingin Rm. L. See Youth RE. Allwelcome! Contact: DRE MaggieGeraci (dremaggie@earthlink.net,877-6301).

Christmas Eve Service, Sunday,Dec. 24, 7:00 PM. Our traditionalintergenerational service, followedby a dessert potluck. Note: Inplace of a Sunday morning service.

Church Council Meeting,Sunday, Jan. 14, 12:30 PM. InRm. L. Main agenda item will bereviewing the draft asking budgetwith the VP for Finance. Contact:Steve Urse (385-2864,surse2@earthlink.net).

Non-UUCT Events

Every Sunday, 7:00 PM, GentleShepherd Metropolitan CommunityChurch (Sanctuary)

Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM, ZenMeditation (Sanctuary)

Sat. 12/9, 4:00 PM-9:00 PM,Capital City Cyclist Club(sanctuary)

FL District Events

For more information on these events,contact church office, look on thesanctuary back counter or bulletinboard, or visit www.floridadistrict.org.

Southeast UU Winter Institute(SWIM), Tues. 12/26 – Mon. 1/1, WestPalm Beach.

Curriculum Renaissance Module,Fri.-Sun., 1/19-21, at UUCT for DistrictRE community.

District Youth Ministry Gathering,Sat. 2/10, Tampa. FL vision for localyouth programs.

Social Action Workshop, Sat. 3/3,with UUSC President CharlieClements, Clearwater

District Annual Assembly, Fri. & Sat.4/27 & 4/28, Clearwater

National Events

UUSC JustWorks Camps. February -- August. Katrina Relief, Return toEarth Camp, GA One-day Teen Camp,Civil Rights Journey, Teen Leadership.(www.uusc.org/info/workcamps)

wUUrld’s 2007 WhaleCoast Alaska.June or July. Alaskan UUs host & leadtours. See UUCT bulletin board orwww.wuurld.org, alaska@wuurld.org,888-998-8753.

UU Niagara Experience. 7/15 -7/17/07. Explore rich historical &natural wonders (www.uunex.net).

Events: UUCT, District, The Mountain, National

Page 10Volume 49, No. 12

UUWinterfest, Friday, December 15, 7:00 PMA celebration for all ages! Bring a dessert and food items for ECHO.

7:00 PM activities and music (make decoration, write a card orhaiku, decorate tree, pack food for ECHO).

8:00 PM yummy desserts, more music, storytelling, and lightingthe tree.

9:00 PM circle dances. Clean-up by everyone to follow. After glow by the fire outside with hot wassail and banjo picking.

Contact Charlotte Dudley (668-7126, lcdudley@yahoo.com).

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FORSPECTACULAR FUNDRAISERS

Saturday, February 10:

5:00 – 7:00 PM – Chili &Chocolate Dinner (by

UUCT Executive Board)

5:00 – 7:30 PM – UUCT SilentAuction (live auction at 6:30 PM)

Sunday, February 11:

9:30 AM – 2:00 PM – SilentAuction continues

Sunday, February 24:UUCT Rummage Sale

Details in January Meridian!

Page 11Volume 49, No. 12

16:30pm UniversityUUs, Off-site

29:00am RileyHouse Rock-a-thon, off-site7:30pm UniversalDances of Peace,Sanctuary

47:00pm Bldgs. &Grnds. Comm.,Rm C

5 67:00pm New UU,Rm L7:30pm ChoirPractice, Sanctuary

86:30pm UniversityUUs, Off-site

99:00am All ChurchWorkday

113:00pm MemorialGardenCommittee,Sanctuary5:00pm UniversityUUs, Off-site7:15pm TheShelter Meal, Off-site

137:00pm New UU,Rm L7:30pm ChoirPractice, Sanctuary

16

179:45am AdultForum, Rm L5:00pm ExecutiveBoard Meeting,Rm L

18Rev. Lyn Vacation3:00pm FinanceCommittee, Rm K

19Rev. Lyn Vacation

20Rev. Lyn Vacation6:30pm WoohooWednesday,Sanctuary (Rm L,7:30 PM)7:30pm ChoirPractice, Sanctuary

21Rev. Lyn Vacation7:00pm Knittingfor All, Rm 3/67:00pmFreethinkers'Forum, Rm L

22Rev. Lyn Vacation

23

25 26 27 287:00pm Knittingfor All, Rm 3/6

29 30Rev. Lyn Vacation,through 1/8/07

31Rev. Lyn VacationNO CHOIRPRACTICE9:45am AdultForum, Rm L

Saturday

1510:00amWinterfest Set Up,Sanctuary12:30pm MeridianDeadline6:30pm UniversityUUs, Off-site7:00pm Winterfest,sanctuary

FridayThursday

77:00pmFreethinkers'Forum, Rm L7:00pm Knittingfor All, Rm 3/67:15pmMembershipCommittee, Rm C

146:00pm AdultEnrichmentPlanning,Sanctuary7:00pmFreethinkers'Forum, Rm L7:00pm ExploringSpiritualPractices,Sanctuary7:00pm Knittingfor All, Rm 3/6

Wednesday

1212:30pmPersonnelCommittee, off-site6:30pmCommittee on theMinistry, Rm K7:00pm UUCTBook Club, Rm C

Monday

39:30am Youth RECommittee, Rm K9:45am AdultForum, Rm L12:30pmCongregationalVoting Meeting,sanctuary

109:45am AdultForum, Rm L12:30pm Potluck,Sanctuary12:35pmNeighborhoodZones Meeting,Sanctuary12:35pm ProgramCommittee, Rm L

24NO: ADULTFORUM,MORNINGSERVICE, ORYOUTH RE7:00pmChristmas EveService & DessertPotluck, Sanctuary

December 2006Sunday Tuesday

Place Stamps

Here

Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee2810 N. Meridian RoadTallahassee, FL 32312

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Board DeWayne Carver,

President

Christine Boczarska,Past President

Steve Urse, PresidentElect

Molly Schmid, Secretary

Dave Harvey, VP forManagement

Charlotte Dudley, VP forWorship

VP for Social Justice,Abbe Justus

Jim Dawson, VP forFinance

Kelley Turnage, VP forReligious Education

Dick Leinberry, VP forChurch Community

Non-Voting Members are:

Ellen Dempsey,Treasurer

Joan Patterson, Asst.Treasurer

Tom Chase, CollectingTreasurer

The Committee on theMinistry

Bob Deyle, chair

Maria Mena

Tony Lloyd

Directory Changes

If your mailing address,phone number or e-mailaddress changes, please letthe office know. Unless youdirect us otherwise, changeswill be published in updates.

Membership Notes

To explore becoming amember or supportingfriend, contact Rev. LynPlumb, Membership chairTrudy Deyle or presidentDeWayne Carver.

Help our visitors by wearingyour nametag on Sundays.New members and friendsreceive name tags. Contactchurch office forreplacements ($6.60).

Next new memberrecognition: This winter

Mark Your Checks Note the purpose of

every check in thememo line (pledge,UUSC...)

Note the month or fiscalyear for pledge checks.

Our Staff:

Rev. Lyn Plumb, Interim Minister, 385-5115 (office),671-2634 (home study); LynPlumb@aol.com.Office hours: Tues. & Wed., 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM;Thurs., 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM; and by appointment.

Kathie Mackie, Office Administrator, 385-5115;uuct@nettally.com

Helen Meacham, Music Director, 556-2533;pianoskin@nettally.com

Maggie Geraci, Director of Religious Education,wkdays: 443-2586; eves. & wkends: 877-6301;dremaggie@earthlink.net. Office hours: by appointment

Brian Lee, Campus Ministry Coordinator, 877-1972;brianlee@hcsmail.com

Emmy Barthel-Mackie, Nursery Worker, 553-4574;sattcomm74@yahoo.com

Our Mission:

“The mission ofUUCT is to be aliberal religious

presence thatsupports

individual spiritualquests and service

to others in acommunity of

open hearts,minds, and doors.”

Our Web Address:www.nettally.com/uuct

Phone: 850-385-5115 Church Office hours: M-FFax: 850-385-5834 7:00-3:30 (Closed 11:00-11:30)Email: uuct@nettally.com

Building A Home for Liberal Faith