The Meridian
UUCT Bathroom Blues
The past few months have been great! I’ve seen so many people at the church that I am starting to feel normal again. Unfortunately, with so many people at church now, our bathrooms aren’t faring so well. First, we had problems flushing toilets in the bathrooms by the Sanctuary. We called the plumber out and…
Capital Area Justice Ministry Delivers Local Official Commitments and Then Some
UUCT turned out 73 people for the CAJM Nehemiah Action on April 5, despite stormy weather: 52 in person and 21 via Zoom. The people power CAJM mustered, over 600 in person and another 100 or more on Zoom and YouTube, secured a clear win on our gun violence ask and elevated public discourse on…
A Better Way to Support a UUCT 8th Principle
The proposed 8th Principle calls on us to: Dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. I agree with adding such a Principle to the existing 7 and with taking action to implement it. What I don’t support is the lengthy wording proposed for adoption by our Congregation. That wording is: “We covenant…
Centering BIPOC Voices: The 1619 Project
On May 14, at 3:30 p.m. we’ll meet via Zoom to discuss the Preface through Chapter 8 of “The 1619 Project”. Then, on June 11, again via Zoom, we will gather for a discussion of Chapters 9-18 to conclude our explorations. The book is available from Amazon in ebook, print and audio versions, as well…
Climate Justice: Lessons from the First and Seventh UU Principles
I’ve frequently said: while I care about many progressive issues, climate change is most important because we have to act now! However, I’ve begun to realize I can’t just choose to work on the Earth and let other issues take care of themselves. Taking care of the Earth means I must care for the lives…
Dreaming of Change
“The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way a person looks or people look at reality, then you can change the world.” James Baldwin Sometimes we change and the church has not kept pace with us. Many of us have been changed by…
Board Notes – April 2022
Important votes on the UUCT horizon! Most of the agenda items from April’s Board meeting will be discussed further, and voted on, at two upcoming congregational meetings. Please plan to attend Sunday meetings on May 15 and May 22, following the services, so that you are part of these important decisions. The Board approved several…
Message from the Director of Religious Exploration
Hello and Bright Blessings! It’s been a busy few months with RE at UUCT! This message includes everything you need to know about RE for May and going into the summer, and I promise I’ll try to keep it brief. Going forward, Youth Group for middle and high school will meet at their regular time –…
Where Would the 8th Principle Reside After We Adopt It?
Some churches, such as First Unitarian Church of Portland, Oregon, reference the seven principles in their bylaws, listing each one. So, they will amend their bylaws to speak to eight principles. UUCT does not currently include the 7 UU Principles in our bylaws, nor do we mention them. Other churches adopted the 8th Principle as…
Share the Plate with Rethink Energy Florida
ReThink Energy Florida is a nonprofit whose mission is to engage, educate, and empower Floridians to take action and achieve a just transition to clean energy for a healthier, more sustainable environment through youth education, adult engagement and community organizing. This year, in addition to our usual programs, such as our Energy Camp and the advocacy…
UUA General Assembly- June 2022
General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. In 2022, we will have the option of meeting online or in-person! For those who enjoyed the convenience and accessibility of remote participation, General…
Share the Plate with the Kearney Center
The Pandemic has changed much in our community. What it has not changed is the need for shelter (both emergency and long-term) for the clients of the Kearney Center. In fact, the number of homeless in our community has increased. Some may think their small donation doesn’t mean much. That negative thought is incorrect. Every…