Sunday, April 30, 2017

Pulpit Preview, May 2017


NewsTalk Topics for May 7 -- volunteers needed

NOTICE:  Allen Maxwell will be gone until mid-October, so volunteer moderators for NewsTalk are needed for the last  two Sundays in May, all four weeks in June, the last two weeks in August, all four Sundays in September, and the first four Sundays in October.  Please sign up on the sheet in Ministers Hall.

Topics for May 7

- an early recap of the work product of the Florida legislature

- what is in the latest Continuing Resolution from the Congress?

- is Obamacare still on life-support?

- staffing the Trump Administration --
lots of open positions, no nominees

- are the congressional committees getting anywhere on "the Russian connection"?

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Order of Service for April 30

At the sound of the chime, please join in singing Hymn #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude: Singing Bowls Meditation
Opening Words
 
Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
We light this chalice to affirm that new light is ever waiting to break through to enlighten our ways: That new truth is ever waiting to break through to warm our hearts. May we be open to this light, and to the rich possibilities that it brings us.

*Hymn: # 123 Spirit of Life

Candles of Joy and Sorrow and Meditation  

Reading

Offertory: Guitar Solo by Ryan Monaghan

Affirmation (in unison) Love is the spirit of this congregation and service is its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love and to help one another.

For Good performed by Lynn Pernezny

Goodbye Claudia Jimenez

Looking Up by Michael Petruciani performed by Steve LaPointe

Farewell Rev CJ McGregor

What I Did For Love performed by Rebecca Peets

Extinguishing the Chalice Flame (in unison) We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Words

Presentation to Claudia Jimenez
Postlude:  Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head  by Burt Bacharach
 
Gratitude & Applause
* Please stand in body or spirit
Hearing devices, and envelopes for cash pledges are available on the hymnal cart or ask
an usher.

This Week
Today: Nursery is open at 10:15am.  Harriette Glasner Scholarship lunch 11:30am in Ministers Hall.
Saturday:  Spring Justice Meeting at UCC Ft. Lauderdale 8 am -5 pm.
Sunday:  News Talk 9:15am in Ministers Hall  

Gratitude
Thank you to all who contribute to our service and fellowship hour each week. This week:
·        Chalice Lighter:  Claudia Jimenez
·        Ushers: Vangie Gruen & Nickie Albert
·        Cover Art: Larry Stauber 
           Fellowship Hour Hospitality:  Volunteers


2017 Harriette Glasner Scholarship Recipients: Vandi Allen, Jaanel Berrick, Derquan James, Ako Johnson,  Emma Lehmannn,  Ameein Martin-Preston, Eddie Newton, Grayson Phillips, Shirley Pierre, Brianna Washington.

Announcements
·        Next Sunday: “Who will make Democracy work?” by Kindra Muntz.
·        Rev. CJ McGregor Office Hours: by appointment (Please call 561-627-6106 ahead) Tuesday- Thursday 9:30am-2pm.
·        Food Items collected during the offertory are donated to the Lake Park Food Pantry,
·        Shoes and Toiletry Articles collected are donated to the Haitian Community.


Sunday, April 23, 2017

NewsTalk Topics for April 30

- should it be malpractice for a doctor or hospital to overrule advance directives?

- why is the Trump administration operating with fewer than 5% of its policy-making positions filled?

- why you should sign up to moderate a NewsTalk session, or two or three, during the summer.

- did the government shut down this week?  if not, why not?

- how would you grade President Trump's first 100 days in office? 

First Friday Film May 5


Saturday, April 22, 2017

Judy Bonner Retires as JAM Chair, Servant Leadership Role Model

After many years of servant leadership, Judy Bonner has retired as chair of our Justice Action Ministry.

She has done so in order to focus her social justice work on her long-time passion for racial justice and to spend more time with her immediate family.

As is the case with all great leaders, Judy made sure that her committee was not left without a dynamic new leader. She put out a call for the Justice Action Ministry’s next generation of leadership and Ramsey Laing answered the call. With that, Judy’s clinic in how to lead a committee was completed. 

Physical evidence of Judy’s past contributions to 1stUUPB abound. The Peace Pole just outside the Sanctuary,  the yellow congregational t-shirts, the Black Lives Matter banner, the JAM newsletter, and the Jam Facebook page are examples.

Programmatic evidence also abounds, including  the monthly community-grant collection and the scholarship program.  Her persistent efforts to get good turnouts for the Gay Pride Parade and the Martin Luther King parade are two more examples.  And, of course, we can’t forget her annual arm-twisting to boost our Congregation’s contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. We, and she, won a national award for that.

I am sure that Judy would object to us giving her sole credit for those marvelous accomplishments. And she would be right. In most of the preceding examples, other 1stUUPB members were equally responsible for success. But Judy empowered them. That is what made her such an exemplar of servant leadership.

As Larry Stauber, one of her major partners, put it, Judy stands out, not only for her personal dedication to social justice, but also for her, “sense of the best way to accomplish social action and her instincts for effective organizing.” Or as Paul Coleman, another partner, observed, “ Working with Judy opens eyes. She is careful that emerging leaders channel their most constructive energies into effective, consistent action. This means hearing our objections and facing doubts so that no one feels herded or misused”.  A final perspective is provided by Rev C.J. McGregor’s recent letter of appreciation. In his words, “To fully honor our Unitarian Universalist faith we must understand that faith must be partnered with action. Judy Bonner models this in all areas of her life…. Judy has led our Congregation in creating a beloved community through creating opportunities for us to answer the call to justice.”

Passion, pro-action, patience, persistence and standing on the side of love. Those were some of the hallmarks of Judy’s servant  leadership of 1stUUPB’s Justice Action Ministry.

We can expect more of the same as she now sets out to lead us into a more intensive involvement in the campaign for racial justice and does so as part of Ramsey Laing’s Justice Action Ministry team.


In the meantime, let us celebrate this Congregation’s good luck in having Judy give us this marvelous clinic on servant leadership. A round of applause in admiration, appreciation and gratitude is appropriate at this time.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Order of Service, April 23, 2017

At the sound of the chime, please join in singing
Hymn #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude: Guitar Solo
Opening Words
 
Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
We light our flaming chalice to illuminate the world we seek. In the search for truth, may we be just; In the search for justice, may we be loving; And, in loving, may we find peace.

*Hymn: # 298 Wake, Now, My Senses

Candles of Joy and Sorrow and Meditation  

Reading

Offertory:  Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison

Affirmation (in unison) Love is the spirit of this congregation and service is its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love and to help one another.

*Hymn: # 123 Spirit of Life
         
Sermon:   Extinguishing the Chalice Flame
                     Richard Keelan

*Hymn: # 100 I’ve Got Peace Like a River

Extinguishing the Chalice Flame (in unison) We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Words

Postlude:  See Me, Feel Me by The Who
                          
Gratitude & Applause
* Please stand in body or spirit
Hearing devices, and envelopes for cash pledges are available on the hymnal cart or ask
an usher.

 Announcements
·    Next Sunday: “Goodbye” led by Rev. CJ McGregor.
·    Rev. CJ McGregor Office Hours: by appointment (Please call 561-627-6106 ahead) Tuesday- Thursday 9:30am-2pm.
·    Food Items collected during the offertory are donated to the Lake Park Food Pantry,
·    Shoes and Toiletry Articles collected are donated to the Haitian Community.

Gratitude
Thank you to all who contribute to our service and fellowship hour each week. This week:
·      Chalice Lighter: Wayne Johnson
·      Ushers: Pat Knight & Terry Last
·      Cover Art: Larry Stauber
       Fellowship Hour Hospitality:  Ramsay Laing & Gail Burwell


Monday, April 17, 2017

SE Cluster To Present Justice Saturday at UUCFL

The UU FL SE Cluster‘s JUSTICE SATURDAY 2017 will take place on May 6, from 9:45am to 3:45pm at UUCFL.

• How can we reclaim our democracy in a period of Republican and corporate control of virtually all levels of government?
• How can the Indivisible movement strengthen congregations supporting the UUA/UUSC Declaration of Conscience?
• How do we end racism? How do we democratize and transform oppressive systems?

Speakers:
Timothy Canova, Chair, Progress for All
*Kindra Muntz, President, UU Justice Florida
Betty Brantley, Black Lives Matter Alliance, Broward

UU Church of Ft. Lauderdale, 3970 NW 21 Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33309  www.uucfl.org
$20 per person in advance; $25 at the door
Registration includes lunch and continental breakfast.

PayPal registration go to http://uuflorida.org/justice/ 

* Kindra Muntz is scheduled to speak from the 1stUUPB pulpit the next day, Sunday, May 7.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

UUA/UUSC DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE

The 1stUUPB Justice Action Ministry urges you to vote "Yes" at our annual meeting, thus joining other UU congregations in affirming the UUA/UUSC Declaration of Conscience, the text of which follows: 

At this extraordinary time in our nation’s history, we are called to affirm our profound commitment to the fundamental principles of justice, equity and compassion, to truth and core values of American society.  
In the face of looming threats to immigrants, Muslims, people of color, and the LGBTQ community and the rise of hate speech, harassment and hate crimes, we affirm our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
In opposition to any steps to undermine the right of every citizen to vote or to turn back advances in access to health care and reproductive rights, we affirm our commitment to justice and compassion in human relations.
And against actions to weaken or eliminate initiatives to address the threat of climate change – actions that would threaten not only our country but the entire planet – we affirm our unyielding commitment to protect the interdependent web of all existence.
We will oppose any and all unjust government actions to deport, register, discriminate, or despoil.
As people of conscience, we declare our commitment to translate our values into action as we stand on the side of love with the most vulnerable among us.
We welcome and invite all to join in this commitment for justice.  
The time is now.

NewsTalk Topics for April 23

- ghost government - how to run a government with lots of Indians, but no chiefs?

- palace intrigue at the White House - who is in, who is out?

- Gov. Scott v. Florida State Attorney over the death penalty - who will win?

- will the government shut down next Sunday night?

- who blinks first - Trump or Kim Jong Un? 

Friday, April 14, 2017

TIME'S RUNNING OUT!

Don't miss out on the biggest party our Congregation has all year!

It's just one week away, Saturday April 22, commencing at 6pm in Ministers Hall.

All you have to do is make your reservations to the office and pay the fee ($30 per).

ACT NOW!

The 1stUUPB Food Gang

April 16 Easter Service



At the sound of the chime, please join in singing Hymn #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude: I Live All Graceful Things by Thiman
Opening Words
 
Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
Come we now out of the darkness of our unknowing and the dusk of our dreaming; Come we now from far places. Come we now into the twilight of our awakening and the reflection of our gathering. Come we now all together.

*Hymn: # 38 Morning Has Broken

Candles of Joy and Sorrow and Meditation  

Reading: We’re Not Sure by Daniel Budd

Offertory:  Easter Melody by Elvey

Affirmation (in unison) Love is the spirit of this congregation and service is its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love and to help one another.

*Hymn: # 124 Be That Guide  
         
Sermon:   Roll That Stone Away
                     Rev. CJ McGregor

*Hymn: # 163 For the Earth Forever Turning

Extinguishing the Chalice Flame (in unison) We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Words

Postlude:  Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke
                          
Gratitude & Applause
* Please stand in body or spirit
Hearing devices, and envelopes for cash pledges are available on the hymnal cart or ask
an usher.

This Week
Today: Nursery is open at 10:15am. Social Hour 11:30am in Ministers Hall. Our Whole Lives 12pm in the Channing Room.
Monday: Ministerial Intern Committee meets 1pm in Margaret Fuller. SGM meetings 2pm in Channing and Sanctuary. Owning Your Religious Past 3pm in Margaret Fuller. SGM Facilitators 4:30pm in Sanctuary.
Tuesday: Pastoral Care Team Training 4pm in Margaret Fuller. Men’s Group Wisdom Circle 7pm in Channing.
Thursday: Community Meal 6pm in Ministers Hall.  7pm Program: Annual meeting Preview- Non Financial matters and By Law Revisions in Ministers Hall.
Friday: Recess-Play Night for Grownups 7:30pm in Ministers Hall.
Saturday: Italian Dinner 6pm in Minsters Hall.
Sunday:  News Talk 9:15am in Ministers Hall  

Gratitude
Thank you to all who contribute to our service and fellowship hour each week. This week:
·        Chalice Lighter:
·        Ushers: Amy Stauber & Robin Phillips
·        Cover Art: Larry Stauber
·        Fellowship Hour Hospitality:  Diana Colardi

Our Staff
Rev. CJ McGregor, Minister
Claudia Jimenez, Intern Minister
Peilin Ko, Music Coordinator
Barbara Hatzfeld, Office Administrator

Willie Nelson, Sexton.

Announcements
·       Next Sunday: “99 Days in the White House” led by Rev. CJ McGregor.
·     Rev. CJ McGregor Office Hours: by appointment (Please call 561-627-6106 ahead) Tuesday- Thursday 9:30am-2pm.
·     Food Items collected during the offertory are donated to the Lake Park Food Pantry,
·     Shoes and Toiletry Articles collected are donated to the Haitian Community.



Connect With Us
Call our office: 561-627-6105
Call or text our minister: 508-736-3361
Email our office: uniuni2@att.net
Visit us on the Web: www.1stuupb.org
Visit and like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/1stuupb
Visit and like our Justice Action Ministry Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/1stuupbjam
Want to join our programs and come to events? Visit our online calendar: http://bit.ly/sHI5IW
Read the 1stUUPB newsletter, the eBeacon at
http://1stuupbebeacon.blogspot.com.
Read sermons on our sermon blog Salt Air: http://uusaltair.blogspot.com
Read messages from our minister at

Sunday, April 9, 2017

NewsTalk topics for April 16

- results of the Xi v. Trump summit

- tweets v. press conferences

- what kind of Secretary of State is Rex Tillerson?

- Syrian fallout

- ghost government - where are the nominees to run the government?

Bev Davis

Friends,
We received word that Bev Davis, a dear former member, died on April 2nd. Bev was unable to return to church because of her health and her move to Boyton Beach a few years ago. 
Condolences may be sent to her daughter:
Sue Killian-Davis, 103 Sausalito Drive, Boynton Beach, FL 33436.
No service is planned per Bev’s wishes.
Blessings, CJ

Friday, April 7, 2017

Order of Service, April 9

At the sound of the chime, please join in singing Hymn #188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Welcome & Announcements

Prelude: Sonata OP 13, Adagio Cantabile
                    By Beethoven
Opening Words
 
Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
May the Light of Truth illumine our minds, May the Spark of Love set our hearts on fire, May the flame of Freedom burn brightly within us, Now and always.

*Hymn: # 347 Gather the Spirit

Candles of Joy and Sorrow and Meditation  

Reading

Offertory:  Sonata K32 by Scarlatti

Affirmation (in unison) Love is the spirit of this congregation and service is its law. This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek the truth in love and to help one another.

*Hymn: # 34 Though I May Speak with       
                    Bravest Fire

Sermon:   Letters to the Minister
                     Rev. CJ McGregor

*Hymn: # 131 Love Will Guide Us

Extinguishing the Chalice Flame (in unison) We extinguish this flame, but not the light of truth, the warmth of community, or the fire of commitment. These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.

Closing Words

Postlude:  Sonata Op 13 by Beethoven
                          
Gratitude & Applause
* Please stand in body or spirit
Hearing devices, and envelopes for cash pledges are available on the hymnal cart or ask an usher.

This Week
Today: Nursery is open at 10:15am. Social Hour 11:30am in Ministers Hall. Council meets at Noon in the Sanctuary.
Monday: Membership Committee meets at Gary Evans home 7pm.
Tuesday: SGM meets at 3pm in the Margaret Fuller Room. Board of Trustees meets at 6:30pm in the Channing Room.
Thursday: Teaching Thursday Community Meal 6pm in Ministers Hall.  7pm Program: Annual meeting Preview-Budget & other Financial in Minsters Hall.
Friday: Art Studio 6pm in Ministers Hall.
Saturday: Secular Humanists meet at 9:30am in Ministers Hall. Film and discussion at 12;30 pm in Ministers Hall. Community Passover Seder at 5pm in Ministers Hall.
Sunday:  News Talk 9:15am in Ministers Hall  

Gratitude
Thank you to all who contribute to our service and fellowship hour each week. This week:
·        Chalice Lighter: Nickie Albert
·        Ushers: Betsy & Bob Shipley
·        Cover Art: Larry Stauber
·        Fellowship Hour Hospitality:  Pat Knight &  Nickie Albert


Announcements
·        Next Sunday: “Easter Service” led by Rev. CJ McGregor.
·        Rev. CJ McGregor Office Hours: by appointment (Please call 561-627-6106 ahead) Tuesday- Thursday 9:30am-2pm.
·        Food Items collected during the offertory are donated to the Lake Park Food Pantry,
·        Shoes and Toiletry Articles collected are donated to the Haitian Community.

Connect With Us
Call our office: 561-627-6105
Call or text our minister: 508-736-3361
Email our office: uniuni2@att.net
Visit us on the Web: www.1stuupb.org
Visit and like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/1stuupb
Visit and like our Justice Action Ministry Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/1stuupbjam
Want to join our programs and come to events? Visit our online calendar: http://bit.ly/sHI5IW
Read the 1stUUPB newsletter, the eBeacon at
http://1stuupbebeacon.blogspot.com.
Read sermons on our sermon blog Salt Air: http://uusaltair.blogspot.com
Read messages from our minister at


Our Staff
Rev. CJ McGregor, Minister
Claudia Jimenez, Intern Minister
Peilin Ko, Music Coordinator
Barbara Hatzfeld, Office Administrator

Willie Nelson, Sexton.