The Meridian
Christmas Eve Share the Plate for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund
The Minister’s Discretionary Fund exists as a resource for people in financial crises. Your generosity can help pay a month’s rent, buy groceries, or ensure that someone gets proper medical care. Through this fund, you can bring the herald of goodwill to people all year round. Just this month, we have helped keep someone’s utilities…
Development of the 7 Principles and 6 Sources
The first major revision was in the mid 1980s. It is striking to read the original 6. They reflect their time. The language is male-centered and Judeo-Christian is the only religious tradition. The members of the UU Women’s Federation [UUWF] took issue. There was a multi-year/meeting/draft effort that culminated in the 7 which had ‘religious…
Season’s Greetings
Message from the Minister Season’s Greetings Beloveds, This holiday season can bring a mix of emotions – joy and sorrow. Joy at being with loved ones and seeing old friends, of giving and receiving gifts – especially the joy of watching a child open a gift. This past weekend, it was a joy to see…
Intentions & Impacts
A recent mention of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend reminded me that a neutral policy can have a racist impact. I worked at a non-profit that sold an annual family pass; free entry for a household and any out-of-town guests. After a decade or so, family was re-defined: only household members. After…
UUCT Festival on the Green This Saturday!
Join in some festive fellowship and joy as we celebrate our community together again (while following the UUCT Covid safety guidelines)! The Festival is this Saturday! We have a few slots open for musicians and to help set up for the event! The outside of the church is decorated with garland, wreaths, lights and a tree.…
Winter Light – A Solstice Celebration
Register Now: We’d love to see you on Wednesday, December 22 for Winterlight – A Solstice Celebration, sponsored by UU Ministry for Earth with Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen on Zoom at 5pm PT / 6 MT / 7 CT / 8 ET. This sacred gathering reminds us of our interdependence with Earth, life, and the universe. Enjoy an hour of music,…
The 8th Principle and Black Women
After the Civil War Black women like Ida B. Wells adopted “respectability” centered in clothing, coiffures and careers. They gladly shed the attire and pursuits foisted on their mothers when held in slavery. But, being a lady didn’t truly change their status, as Ida learned when she was forcibly ejected from the “Ladies Car” and…
Share the Plate – Advancement Project
The Advancement Project is a next generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, they exist to fulfill America’s promise of a caring, inclusive and just democracy. They use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high impact policy change. Locally, Advancement Project National Office provides…
January Read – Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment
We’ll start the New Year off right with the book selected as the UU Read for the year. Defund Fear: Safety Without Policing, Prisons, and Punishment, by Zach Norris. Beacon Press writes: “In a time when the most powerful institutions in the United States are embracing the repressive and racist systems that keep many communities struggling…
Start Planning For SUUSI 2022!
Start planning your vacation; in-person SUUSI* is coming back July 17-23, 2022! We’ll be back at the beautiful Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee, NC, the ancestral home of the Cherokee Nation. The theme next year is “Gratitude”. For more than 70 years we have come together to explore our interconnectedness, delight in the outdoors,…
Why Does the 8th Principle Evoke a Journey?
The 8th Principle begins with the words: We covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness… Why evoke a journey? Doing what the 8th principle commits us to doing, working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community, is something that will take time and many steps to accomplish. As with any journey, there may be bumps in…
Help Shape Tallahassee’s Clean Energy Future
Community-wide Meetings are Scheduled for Early December to create a roadmap toward our community’s clean energy future, the City of Tallahassee is hosting another series of community meetings to provide an update on the planning process and seek the community’s input on next steps. To support community-wide participation, multiple dates and venues are available (both…