WEEKLY
December 11, 2016
3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota FL 34232
Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota (UUCS)
(941) 371-4974
Fax (941) 377-4897
www.uusarasota.org
MINISTER'S MESSAGE FROM ROGER FRITTS
In September our excellent Pianist, Don Bryn, mentioned to me that we needed to start thinking about replacing
our current piano. In our Florida climate our piano goes out of tune quickly. Newer models have a built-in
humidifier that helps with this problem - they cost up to $22,000. I passed this information on to the Finance
Committee and the Board. Three families quickly pledged a total of $10,000. On December 8, the Finance
Committee voted to hold a special fund raiser for the remaining funds by symbolically selling the 88 keys on the
piano for $137 each.
If you would like to buy a piano key, I invite you to bring a check book Sunday and look for the piano key table. We
hope to have a paper key board where you can sign your name on your key. After we raise the money and on the
first Sunday that have the new instrument, we will have a piano christening ceremony!
SUNDAY EVENTS, DECEMBER 11
UUCS
*10:30 a.m. "Stone Circles," sermon by Roger Fritts
Trying to understand the nature of the universe, our ancestors built stone calendars, not just on the Salisbury plain
in England, but in many places.
* Music: Elise Amaral, flutes, violin, djembe and vocals; Joni Adno, the electric keyboard, guitar
and vocals; Don Bryn, piano
Elise Amaral, a native of Sarasota, grew up singing, playing piano and violin. She always had a love for different
cultures, their music and dance. Her love of flamenco guided her to a local teacher, Isabel Dubrocq, where she
decided to take up flamenco dance and did many shows with the local flamenco dance troupe, Rumba Flamenca.
This is where she met David Munoz, who was the guitarist for this troupe and had a rumba band called Los
Rumberos, which she joined as their vocalist and percussionist. Over time, they continued as a duo developing their
love of world music and adding different instrumentation (Native American flutes and exotic percussive drums).
The name of the band changed to Latin Rendezvous and developed to include music from Brazil, Spain, Latin
America, Greece, France, and Arabia. Elise also likes to dabble in the esoteric genre of sound through the use of
crystal and tibetan bowls.
* 9:30 a.m. Forum: "Inequality In the U.S. Tax Code"
Alarmed by growing American income inequality? Upset when safety net programs are stigmatized as entitlements?
A discussion of how the many special benefits the wealthy receive in the U.S. tax code affect these issues. Presenter,
Fred Gosman; Moderator, Marie Keeney.
Fred Gosman, whose latest book is "The Entitlements of the Rich," has spent his career in sales and
entrepreneurship. In 1980 he invented a board game that was advertised around the country by Toys R Us and KMart. In 1990 he self-published a book on parenting that was picked up by Random House and translated into four
languages. Since 2000 he has owned a small advertising business.
Unitarian Universalists of Lakewood Ranch
* 10:00 a.m. "Let Every Day Be Christmas," sermon and music by Mindy Simmons
* 11:00 a.m. Brunch and Conversations: Join us for brunch at the Caddyshak next door to our meeting room
for a relaxing brunch. First-time visitors are guests of the church.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) by Susan Hallock, [email protected]
Nursery: Loving care for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:30 a.m. Service.
RE Classes: A religious education program is available for children & youth during the 10:30 a.m. Service.
* Parents Night Out & Holiday Decorating party is this Saturday, December 10th, from 5:30 pm - 9:30
pm. Drop the children off in the West Wing for an evening of holiday decorating, crafts, games, dinner and a movie.
* RE Classes, Sunday, December 11th, 10:30 am
This Sunday, the children will be meeting by age/grade for our Tapestry of Faith curriculum.
PreK-1st Graders: "The Zak" - by Dr. Seuss. In the story, "The Zak," the children learn how being stubborn can
lead to challenges. Can being fair with each other solve problems?
2nd-5th Graders: Miracles: "It's All In The Timing"
Join us in exploring the concept of serendipity: being in the right place at the right time and stumbling on
something fortunate, especially while looking for something else. We'll also hear the story of Joseph Priestley, a
famous Unitarian minister who was also a scientist. Did he have a "serendipity" moment? Note, we'll be meeting in
the Teen Room this Sunday.
Youth Group: The youth group will meet in the West Wing for a special craft project with Nanette Vogler (Ella &
Zoran's Mom). Learn how to make artisan soaps for holiday gifting.
Parent/RE Committee Meeting, Sunday December 11th, 11:45 am. There will be a brief meeting to discuss
upcoming RE events and programs. Special topic: De-Stress the Holidays, a short discussion on making the
holidays more joyful and less stressful. This is a UUCS Potluck Sunday, so please make a plate and join us in the
West Wing. Child care is available.
The Youth Bake Sale was a great success. Over $400 was raised for their teambuilding outing to Common
Ground Adventures. Thank you to everyone who supported the efforts of our youth.
Save the Date: Our annual Christmas Eve Family Service is December 24th at 5:30 pm. Join us as we gather
for a special celebration of the holiday season.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
* The Members' Art Exhibit is up in the Lexow Wing Gallery! The Arts Council is proud to present this
great display of the talent and creativity among our UUCS congregation. If you are going to the potluck this Sunday,
you'll be able to enjoy the artwork during and after lunch. And everyone, please reserve time after the service next
Sunday, December 18th, for the 11:30 artists' reception.
* Giving Tree Sock Drive - The Religious Education program is collecting new pairs of socks during the month of
December to donate to the homeless shelters in Sarasota & Bradenton. The drop-off box is located outside the West
Wing.
* Let's eat less meat together on Sunday, December 11 at our potluck sponsored by the Task Force for
Sustainable Eating. Drop off your vegan or vegetarian contribution at the kitchen. Your contribution should serve 8
to 10 people. Meat dishes are discouraged. All are welcome.
* Quilted Chalice Hanging on Podium
The beautiful quilted chalice hanging on the podium in the sanctuary was designed and handmade by our own Peg
Green who has been making quilted UU-themed items for 25 years. You can see more of her work at
http://peacepeg.tripod.com./
-- Design Committee of Arts Council
CARING
* Condolences to the family of Waldo Profitt, who was President of the Board of Trustees of this church from
1967-69. He also spoke a number of times to our congregation. The service will be held at Toale Brothers Funeral
Home on December 29 at 4 p.m.
* Does the Minister have your Memorial Form on file? Has your emergency contact information changed
since you filled out the form? Update and submit your form for a memorial service and have peace of mind
knowing you've made choices easier for your loved ones. The form can be found online at www.uusarasota.org or in
the church office.
* The Caring Committee offers short term help with rides, meals and companionship. If you are ill or having
surgery and would like us to be in touch, please contact Dee Widder at 377-9028 or [email protected].
News of our congregation can also be found at Caring in the Members Corner.
* Would you like to honor a friend who passed away or someone who made your day a little brighter or
celebrate a birthday, anniversary or your grandchild's accomplishment? Make a Tribute donation today and send
your check, with a Tribute form, to the office. Forms are available in the office and online. The Tribute will be
acknowledged in the Contact.
UPCOMING EVENTS
* UU Women's Group. All UU women are encouraged to come to our group meetings the third Saturday of each
month at 10:30 a.m. in the Lexow Wing. On December 17, we will be talking about Christmas memories,
traditions, etc. Please bring an ornament, picture or other memorabilia to share. Questions? Contact Jennifer
Meinert at [email protected] or 203 561-0295.
* All Singles are invited to a Holiday Party to be held on Tuesday, December 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. The
gathering will be at the home of Cathy Cyrus, 4858 Tivoli Court, Sarasota 34235. You are asked to bring hors
d'oeuvres to share for 6. Please bring your own wine. We will have a gift exchange which will be a lot of fun. Bring
a gift valued around $10. Questions: email [email protected].
* Get Together Dinners
Now is the time to sign up for our Winter 2017 Get Together Dinners. The dates are January 28, February 25,
and March 25. It is a great way to get to know new friends at the church and/or reacquaint with old friends. The
dinners, usually 6 to 12 people, are held in people's homes. The host provides the main dish and guests bring the
sides, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. See the Participant letter on the Church website for additional information.
Registration forms are available at the Get Together Dinner table in the courtyard or save paper and register online
www.uusarasota.org. Deadline for registering is December 25.
Thank you,
Carole Malone, John Brackett, and Lynda Hill
Get Together Dinners Committee
* Interweave Sun Coast: The next Interweave meeting will be held on January 7 at the home of Ellie Altman.
* NEWCOMERS! Save the Date!
If you've joined UUCS in the past twelve months, and would like to connect with other new members, then please
join us for two events: 1) Sunday, Jan. 15, at 5 pm - a potluck at the church; 2) Sunday, Feb. 19, we'll have lunch out
at a local restaurant. Both events are family friendly. More details will follow closer to the date.
OUR COMMITMENTS - SOCIAL JUSTICE
The UUCS Social Justice Committee addresses issues of homelessness and hunger, economic
justice, human rights and the health of our planet. To learn more, attend our noon meeting on the
second Tuesday of each month (except July), join the mailing list at [email protected] or stop
by the Social Justice table on Sunday.
* Next Committee Meeting. Tuesday, December 13 at noon in Lexow. Special guests: Valerie Buchand
from Newtown Nation and Black Lives Matter; Arlene Sweeting from Peace Education and Action Center. Also join
discussion of advocacy around sensible gun legislation and appreciate our table volunteers. All are welcome.
* Considering Solar Panels? Our church is a cosponsor of the Sarasota Solar Co-op starting up in January to
help homeowners learn about solar, analyze the economics and purchase at a discount.
* Chocolate Bars and Mini-bars are available at the Social Justice table.
* Looking for volunteer opportunities? Several local nonprofits are looking for readers, drivers, tutors, food
pantry helpers and more. Flyers on the SJ table.
* Backpack Volunteers Needed on the second Thursday of each month. Ten spots open on January 12. Next
packing is February 9. Sign up at the Social Justice table or call Regina at 610-986-4436 or Nina at 941-592-6297.
* UU Service Committee "Defying Hate" Membership Campaign is underway. Renew online or pick up an
envelope at the SJ table. Your gift of $125 or more will be matched by UU Shelter Rock. If you are new to our
church's international service and advocacy organization, learn more at the Social Justice table.
* Organic Produce Shopping Card. Pick up your 2-sided wallet card at the Social Justice table. Carry it when
you shop. Take an extra for a friend. Thank you, Environmental Working Group, for your research.
* Bethesda House Food Collection. Every Sunday we collect cans of food (pork-and-beans, ravioli), travel size
toiletries and paper products (TP and towels). Bring your donation to the bin outside the sanctuary.
* Safety Pin: A Sign of Safety. Americans who stand against bigotry and bullying are wearing a safety pin on their
lapel. It signals to someone who feels threatened that you are a safe person to be with. There is more information on
the church home page. Pick up a pin at the social justice table.
Also at our courtyard table today: Organic Fair Trade chocolate, coffees, teas, cocoa, olive oil; Collection box
for school points labels from food boxes; Collection jug for non-recyclable plastic caps to benefit a local school. For
Fair Trade special orders (such as whole bean coffee), contact Suzie Brucklacher at [email protected], subject
line Fair Trade Special Order.
SUNDAY EVENTS, DECEMBER 18
UUCS
*10:30 a.m. "Joseph's Christmas," sermon by Roger Fritts
* Music: Choir; Don Bryn, piano
* 9:30 a.m. Forum Christmas Party: Is it Better to Be Naughty or Nice? A discussion of the moral
dichotomy that children must resolve each Christmas season. Is this fair? Presenter, Nick Claus; Moderator, Simon
Elf. (Traditional music, drinks and goodies will follow the discussion.)
Unitarian Universalists of Lakewood Ranch
* 10:00 a.m. "Honesty Works for Me," sermon by Bill Payton
* Music: Mindy Simmons, guitar and vocals
* 11:00 a.m. Brunch and Conversations: Join us for brunch at the Caddyshak next door to our meeting room
for a relaxing brunch. First-time visitors are guests of the church.