Monday, May 22, 2017

Life of the Congregation – May 21, 2017

Good morning! I plan to continue the practice of these brief, Life of the Congregation updates. I am sure you will let me know if I should stop them.

The search for a developmental minister continues. The Ministerial Selection Team did identify a potential candidate but members of the Board were concerned about the lack of experience of this candidate and we will be continuing our search.

As we approach the summer and if we do not find a suitable candidate, we will have to decide on next steps. This could be the beginning of a search for a settled minister which may take up to a year if we follow the UUA selection cycle. If we go this route we could consider an interim or contract minister for a while. I will keep you up to date on progress.

Members of the selection committee and the Board met and had a excellent discussion about the selection process. We reinforced the need for confidentiality. We are dealing with the lives of candidate ministers and really need to take care of the people in this process. So, if you ask about specifics, you are likely to be told “there is nothing I can share at this time.” So, I invite you to avoid putting members of the selection team on the spot. We will update you as soon as we can.   

Susan Westbrook has offered to serve as Hospitality Committee chair. Susan will be coordinating hospitality and may be asking for your help. Thank you, Susan! 

A few words on the staff:

Peilin has agreed to continue as our music coordinator. She will take a break during the summer so we will have guest musicians for some Sunday services. Thank you Peilin for your continued service.

Barbara [office administrator] will be working summer hours during June, July, August, and September. She will be in the office Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. We will be monitoring the workload over the summer to determine future needs. Barbara is also a very active volunteer in our Congregation.  Thank you, Barbara

Willie Nelson will continue as our sexton. Sylvia and Ben are working with Willie on prioritizing his activities. Thank you, Willie, and Ben and Sylvia.

We are looking for help with our Religious Education and Youth programs. We need a champion to lead that program. Please contact Suzanne Schluter or a member of the Board if you wish to volunteer.

You may have seen the email about the lay pastoral care team. Janet Fryman and I are the team and we are here to help. We have also had two additional volunteers and, once we have completed the training, will be able to extend the team. If you are interested in joining the team please contact Janet or me.

I am appreciating your emails and calls. Please reach out if I can help in any way.

Paul G Ward

President, Board of Trustees

Friday, May 19, 2017

Order of Service, May 21, 2017

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude:

Opening Words: by Frances Cobbe

Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
We gather this hour as people of faith with love and sorrows, gifts and needs. We light this beacon of hope, sign of our quest for truth and meaning, in celebration of the life we share together.       C. Robinson

Hymn: #95 There Is More Love Somewhere

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.

Meditation/Silent Time  

Reading: Towel Day, by D. Adams

Doxology (in unison):
From all that dwell below the skies
Let songs of hope and faith arise;
Let peace, goodwill on earth be sung
Through every land by every tongue.

Offertory 

Sermon: Fake News, Real Religion
Chris Juhl

*Hymn: #318 We Would Be One 

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:  

Gratitude & Applause

* Please stand in body or spirit

-- Life of the Congregation, after the service --

This Week
Today: Nursery is open at 10:15am; JAM Grant Collection during the service. Social Hour 11:30am in Ministers Hall.
Monday: P.E.A.C.E. celebration 6:45pm WPB
Wednesday: Art Studio 2pm in Ministers Hall.
Friday: Art Studio 6pm 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:

Guest speaker: Chris Juhl
Music: 
Chalice lighter: 
Ushers: Nickie Albert and Vangie Gruen
Cover art: Larry Stauber
Fellowship hour hospitality:  Kathe Bannigan and Ben Juhl

And to our permanent staff:
Barbara Hatzfeld, office administrator
Willie Nelson, sexton.

Announcements
Next Sunday: “Spirituality and the Beatles” by Elaine Silver.
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.

On Saturday, June 3rd the Justice Action Ministry will show and discuss the film AGAINST ALL ODDS: THE FIGHT FOR A BLACK MIDDLE CLASS. Gathering will begin at 12:30pm in Ministers Hall. The program will begin at 1pm. The film probes the harsh and often brutal discrimination that has made it extremely difficult for African-Americans to establish a middle class standard of living, 



Thursday, May 18, 2017

Grant Committee Report, Fiscal 2016-17

Your 1stUUPB Grant Committee has some good news to share.
You have generously donated the grand total of $5,042 in 2016-17 to the Grant Program, an outreach project of the 1stUUPB Justice Action Ministry.

Your Grant Committee, Jan Morris, Bob Shipley, Barbara Woodward, Barbara Moszynski, and I, met to review the grant requests submitted before the March 31st deadline on April 7th, 2017. We elected to give $450 to 11 local charities that are improving the lives of local folks in need.

The list of charities is:

Child Protection Team of Palm Beach CountyClub 100 Charities IncDePorres Place Adult Literacy CenterFeeding FrenzyHope 4 Mobility Inc.Mothers Against Murderers IncPEACEPrisoner Art ProjectSt. Georges Center Inc.United Community OptionsVita Nova Thrift Store

The checks and charity notifications will be going out this week via 1stUUPB administration.

Thank you all for your care and concern for those who suffer and need our help in our local community. Your Grant Committee looks forward to bountiful gifts to our program for the 2017-18 fiscal year.

If you would like to submit a grant request for the 2017-18 fiscal year it should be done on the Grant Application Form, which will soon be added to the church website and submitted to 1stUUPB administration between Jan 2, 2018 and March 20, 2018. Please note, the deadline cannot be extended.

Brian Johnson - Acting Chair - Grant Committee - 1stUUPB.

NewsTalk, Sundays 9:15am


Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Rising Together, May 20






Join us in Celebrating the Rising Together: West Palm Beach 2017 Project!

West Palm Beach Library, 411 Clematis St.,
 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561-868-7700)
2pm – 4:45pm, Saturday May 20, 2017

You are cordially invited to attend a presentation on the findings of the Rising Together Project to build coastal resilience, a project of Unitarian Universalist Justice Florida conducted by First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches (1stUUPB) in partnership with Mothers Against Murderers Association (MAMA). The Rising Together Project is a public health initiative to inform residents about how to stay safe and healthy as the climate changes. Members of MAMA were trained to survey their neighbors about their perceptions and concerns about sea level rise, and to educate them about strategies to protect themselves from the health effects of extreme weather and climate hazards.  Survey participants received a laminated fact sheet on how to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather events such as heat waves and storm surges. 

This project supports the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Action Plan by providing outreach to residents on the importance of addressing climate change adaptation and preparedness.

The response in West Palm Beach was outstanding.  We hope you will join us in learning more about the positive work MAMA does in the community, and acknowledging and celebrating the work of Angela Williams and members of MAMA to increase climate resilience.  We’re establishing communication channels between community leadership and municipal officials, which should aid in solving neighborhood problems arising from contaminated water, mosquitoes, or other health effects of climate change and extreme weather.

We look forward to seeing you at 2pm Saturday May 20th at the West Palm Beach Library), 1 Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401.  RSVP to Jan Booher at 561-531-0986

Jan Booher, MS Director, UU Justice Florida                          Ramsay Laing, Congregational Climate Leader 1stUUPB 
Angela Williams, President, MAMA


Friday, May 12, 2017

Recess for Adults, May 19


Order of Service, May 14, 2017

Welcome & Announcements

Introduction and Hymn #188 Come, Come Whoever You Are

Opening Words: Mother’s Day, Female Mind & Femininity

Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
A Hero is One who kindles a Great Light for the world; who sets up blazing torches in Life’s dark streets by which people can see their ways.  A Saint is One who walks through the world’s darkness being herself The Light. 

Prelude: Quiet Time/ Meditation/ Prayer Singing Bowls Meditation

Reading

Offertory: Close to You 

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.

Sermon: The Divine Feminine, Dr. Tia Jolie Phillips*

Song

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: Reflection, sung by Marina Kabellar

Gratitude & Applause

* Dr. Phillips is ordained as a minister of the Universal Life Church and as a Holistic Health & Healing Priestess through Ecclesiology.  She holds a PhD in Holistic Natural Health & Nutrition and consults for Health & Wealth Solutions LLC.

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.

Announcements
Next Sunday: “Fake News, Real Religion” by Chris Juhl.  Life of the Congregation, after the service (Paul Ward).

This Week
Today: Nursery is open at 10:15am; Social Hour 11:30am in Ministers Hall.
Monday: SGM Facilitators meeting in Channing Room 4:30pm
Thursday: JAM meeting 4pm in Ministers Hall
Friday: Recess for Grownups 7:30pm in Ministers Hall.
Saturday: Secular Humanists 9:30am in Ministers Hall. Film & Discussion 12:30pm 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:
Guest speaker: Dr. Tia Jolie Phillips*
Music Coordinator: Peilin Ko
Chalice lighter: Kai Osterman
Ushers: Pat Knight & Barbara Hatzfeld
Cover art: Larry Stauber
Fellowship hour hospitality:  Peilin Ko

And to our permanent staff:
Barbara Hatzfeld, office administrator
Willie Nelson, sexton.


Thursday, May 11, 2017

1stUUPB Office Summer Hours

With no minister and fewer activities during the summer, the Board of Trustees has agreed to reduced office hours for the months of June, July, August, and September. Barbara Hatzfeld, our office administrator, plans to be in the office on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Workload will be evaluated at the beginning of September and hours for the remainder of the year will be agreed. Hours will also be reassessed should a minister be appointed before the end of September. We appreciate Barbara’s commitment and service to our Congregation.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact me or another member of the Board.

Best regards,Paul G. Ward
President, Board of Trustees

Monday, May 8, 2017

Art Studio Changes

There will be NO art studio Friday, May 8.

In the future, Henry Gruen will host on the second and fourth Fridays at 6pm in Ministers Hall.  He will provide materials for sketching.


Karen Wolin will host on the fourth Wednesday at 2pm.  She will provide materials for acrylic painting or bring your own preferred medium.

Sunday, May 28 Features Faerie Elaine Silver


Sunday, May 7, 2017

NewsTalk Topics for May 14th

NOTICE: Allen Maxwell will be gone until late October, so volunteer moderators for NewsTalk are needed for the last two weeks in June plus some dates in August, September, and early October.  Please sign up to moderate on the sheet in Ministers Hall.

Topics for May 14:

- what did the 2017 Florida State Legislature do for/to us?

- should monuments and flags in the South representing Confederate troops, officers, and events be removed?

- was there anything new in the testimonies this week of Trump associates' dealings with Russia?

- should "advance directives" take precedence over doctors' and hospitals' determination of "appropriate care in the best interest of the patient"?

- what are the implications of the French elections for Europe, Britain, and the United States?

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Order of Service for May 7, 2017


Introduction and Hymn #188 Come, Come Whoever You Are

Prelude: What a Wonderful World
               Sung by Vangie Gruen

Welcome, Announcements

Opening Words
 
Lighting the Chalice Flame (in unison):
Let the lighting of this flame rekindle in us the inner light of love, of peace, of joy, of hope. And as one flame lights another, we pledge ourselves to be bearers of the light wherever we are.

*Hymn: # 113 Where Is Our Holy Church?

Quiet Time/Meditation/ Prayer  

Reading: from The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to my Children and Yours, by Marian Wright Edelman

Offertory: Intermezzo, by Sydney                      George

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.

Reading: From the Study Guide for the 2016-2020 Congregational Study Action Issue The Corruption of Our Democracy

Sermon: Who Will Make Democracy Work?
                              Kindra Muntz

Hymn #187 It Sounds Along the Ages

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:  Lift Every Voice and Sing, Sung by Lynn Pernezny
 
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.
Tuesday: SGM meeting (MF) 3pm
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:
·        Guest speaker: Kindra Muntz
·        Service leader: Larry Stauber
·        Music  coordinator: Peilin Ko
·        Chalice lighter: Kindra Muntz
·        Ushers: Robin Phillips & Amy Stauber
·        Cover art: Larry Stauber 
          Fellowship hour hospitality:  Gail Burwell
          And to our permanent staff:
·        Barbara Hatzfeld, office administrator
·        Willie Nelson, sexton.

Announcements
·        Next Sunday: “The Divine Feminine” by Tia Jolie Phillips.
·        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.

Join Natalie Lederer for her tour May 12, 2017 at 10:30am at the Norton Museum of Art to view works of American Art and the “Spotlight” show “Pen to Paper”. Call Natalie for reservations at 561-790-5981.  (PS Bring your smart phones).

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Justice Saturday, May 6, UUCFL

The UU Florida SE Cluster & Broward County Move to Amend
present
JUSTICE SATURDAY 2017

How can we reclaim our democracy?
• From Citizens United & campaign finance law to corporate controlled mass media, the U.S. electoral system discourages citizen participation and empowers moneyed interests.
• How the Indivisible Movement strengthens us.
• Updates on Black Lives Matter and Move to Amend.

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

Saturday, May 6, 2017    9am to 3:45pm
Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale
3970 NW 21 Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33309  www.uucfl.org
$20 per person in advance      
$25 at the door; cash, credit card or check.
Registration includes Lunch and Continental Breakfast.

To pay by PayPal go to: uuflorida.org/justice/
Registration deadline Wednesday, May 3.

*Kindra will be in the 1stUUPB pulpit on May 7, 10:30am

Monday, May 1, 2017

Tour Norton With Natalie Lederer May 12

Join Natalie Lederer (call 790-5981) for her tour on May 12th, 2017 at 10:30am at the Norton Museum of Art to view works of American Art and the "spotlight" show "Pen to Paper".
Did you ever consider a handwritten letter an original work of art? It is a creative mix of choices: utensils, paper and an individual penmanship style using line and form.
Hundreds of thousands of handwritten letters by American
artists were collected by the Smithsonian Museum of
American Art. These manuscripts are considered to be an
important aspect of art history. Curator Mary Savig was
impressed and inspired to edit them for her book Pen to
Paper
. The letters cover issues of gender, race and sexuality.
The exhibit consists of photographs from her book with a
sampling of artists' handwritten letters to family
Ifriends and business associates.
The tour includes comparisons to art in the permanent collection.

P.S. - Bring your smart phones.