The Meridian
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…
Message from the Minister
Beloveds, It has been so wonderful to meet more of you in person and that more of you have been able to attend events online. We want to see you all represented in our display in the sanctuary. If you have not had the opportunity to participate yet, there is still time. You are invited…
Message from the Director of Religious Exploration
Beloveds, One of my favorite parenting coaches is Dr. Becky Kennedy, and one of the best parenting tricks I’ve learned from her is this simple phrase: “You didn’t want that to happen.” I love this phrase because it is non-judgemental and validating, and can be used in so many circumstances. Kiddo spilled their juice? “Oops, you didn’t…
Message from the Music Director
See you all very soon! To my beloved congregation and colleagues at UUCT. The spiritual segment of my Sabbatical has begun. When I return in June to Tallahassee, less than three months away, I would have completed what seems like a daunting yet exhilarating journey to the Amazons. I am both grateful and honored to…
Board Notes- March 2022
The Executive Board meeting centered around topics that highlighted the ongoing work required to create and maintain a community─ honoring our Covenant of Right Relations, contributing our time and talents readily, and being flexible. Prior to the meeting, members of the congregation shared their reactions to the recent announcement that our DRE must relocate out…
New Frameworks for Building a Culture of Inclusion- Saturday, April 16, 2022
Whether you are wondering if we need to adopt an 8th Principle at UUCT, or if you have already formed an opinion — either in favor or opposed to adopting the 8th Principle, please make the time to attend a workshop facilitated by Paula Cole Jones. Register now online or by contacting Linda Wright. Paula Cole…
Beyond Welcome Discussions
Often first-time visitors to our church note that this is a friendly community. They report that they felt welcome here. But, is that enough? How can we go beyond that first greeting to create an inclusive community? That’s the question that stands behind all the essays in “Beyond Welcome: Building Communities of Love.” A community…
Centering BIPOC Voices: Europe, Then Back to America
The April 9th discussion will take us into the history of Africans in Europe as we go back through time with Olivette Otele. Her work “African Europeans” chronicles lives that many of us know little about. In May and June, discussions will center on “The 1619 Project” (Nikole Hannah-Jones, editor). The book, like its predecessor from…
Reading for a Change
At a recent book discussion with people in their 70’s and 80’s one of the participants said, “I don’t want to learn anything new. I’m too old.” I hope I don’t ever get that old. As one of those folks in their 70’s I’m grateful to be able to adopt new reading habits. When I…