The Unicorn - Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Boca Raton
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January 2022
The Unicorn
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Boca Raton
In this issue
2 From the Rev
3 Sunday Worship
5 Board Corner
6 Interim Search
8 Calendar
9 Meetings
10 Share the Plate
11 Online Auction
12 What's Happening
16 Healing Justice
17 RE Visioning
18 Announcements
FROM THE REV
THE REVEREND HARRIS RIORDAN
Here we go again...another surge!
Another opportunity to invent ways to live
fully, joyfully with the virus in our midst.
To keep ourselves and all around us safe,
Worship will continue outside on the
Sanctuary Patio for those that have been
vaccinated. Masks are to be worn inside.
We ask that unvaccinated folks take part on
ZOOM, joining the growing number that are
enjoying worship from their armchair at home.
The one exception to meeting on the Patio will
be January 9th when Worship will be on ZOOM
only due to mold remediation work that will be
taking place in the Sanctuary.
January 2022 UUFBR
HYBRID WORSHIP- ZOOM AND IN-PERSON SANCTUARY
PATIO * ZOOM ONLY IF RAIN
SUNDAY SERVICES
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91482017108?pwd=bkRpYldxZHhNbld3NExWNG5odHI0UT09
Meeting ID: 914 8201 7108 Password: 952914
JANUARY 2 10:30 AM
DON'T POSTPONE JOY!
MORE WILL BE REVEALED
AND CELEBRATING THE SUCCESSFUL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
with lunch for all!
JANUARY 9 10:30 AM
ARCHBISHOP TUTU, JUSTICE AND FORGIVENESS
Due to work taking place in the Sancutary, this
service will take place by ZOOM only.
JANUARY 16 10:30 AM
MLK SUNDAY - FINDING A PLACE TO STAND
After the death of George Floyd, some saw America entering a
period of racial reckoning. Now our Governor wants to outlaw
teaching of CRT in schools. What does all this mean?
How can we think about it?
How can we find our place to stand?
This will not be a political sermon, but a reflection on how we
can respond faithfully to the voices around us.
January 2022 UUFBR
HYBRID WORSHIP- ZOOM AND IN-PERSON SANCTUARY
PATIO * ZOOM ONLY IF RAIN
SUNDAY SERVICES
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91482017108?pwd=bkRpYldxZHhNbld3NExWNG5odHI0UT09
Meeting ID: 914 8201 7108 Password: 952914
JANUARY 23 10:30 AM
BLURDAY: LIFE IN THE 4TH DIMENSION
KEEPING TRACK OF TIME, EACH OTHER AND THE BEST WE KNOW
IN THE 4TH DIMENSION OF A PANDEMIC LIFE.
followed by special congregational meeting
JANUARY 30 10:30 AM
PLANNING FOR OUR NEW NORMAL
The Kick off of the Annual Budget Drive
Oh no, not money again?!
Yes and No.
Deciding on this year’s budget and raising the money is an annual task that can’t
be escaped. But the conversation is about our values and our hopes...
A conversation more interesting and more important than money.
Board of Trustees
BOARD Barb Jensen, Co-President
Sandy Troiano, Co-President
Patrick Larsen, VP, Facilities
CORNER Louis Merlin, Secretary
Paul Libert, Treasurer
Trustees At Large
Barbara Messick
Ron Roth
John Tilton
uufbr-trustees@google
https://groups.google.com/g/
uufbr-board
The Board of Trustees meets on the fourth Thursday of the
month at 7:00 pm. c h e c k c a l e n d a r f o r u p d a t e s
https://zoom.us/j/92709543921?pwd=M0o2dUp1d3BDNkYwM0xka05kYjlnZz09
Your Board is thrilled by your response to the capital campaign. Your pledges
have greatly exceeded the minimum goals you set at our congregational
meeting in September. The projects outlined in the white paper are
underway and we look forward to completing our property's revitalization.
As you know, Harris' retirement comes this June. We have begun the process
of seeking an interim minister who will guide us for a transitory time while
we look for a new settled minister. The interim minister will be our coach in
this process. The UUA will help us find the interim minister pursuant to a set
process it has established for this purpose. In order to comply with the UUA
process we need to amend the provision in our By-laws dealing with the
interim minister. Your Board has approved this amendment and will present
it to you for your approval at a special congregational meeting to be called
for on Sunday, January 23, following service. Please look for future
announcements about this.
Your Board wishes you the very best for a joyous and peaceful 2022!
Sandy
From the Chairperson
Interim Search Committee
Barbara Messick
As we all are painfully aware, our beloved minister,
Harris, will be retiring after 26 years, and we will need a
new minister. Retirement is set for mid to late June, 2022.
But there is some good news! The Interim Search
Committee has been formed, and work has begun.
First, a definition of an Interim Minister. As Harris
recently noted: An Interim Minister is a consultant,
brought on for a short time, one or two years. This
person’s job is to keep the ministry moving forward
(preaching, etc.) and to support the congregation as we
search for our new minister. As an Interim, this person is
"prefired” - they leave after their contract expires.
The process is highly structured and guided by UUA; and
our committee has met with one of their specialists. She
has already been most helpful, in that our bylaws, which
were written some years ago, were vastly out of date. A
correction has been drafted, with help from Harris and
from our board chairperson and retired lawyer, Sandy
Troiano. The correction was approved by the Board at the
December meeting. We will present the amendment to
you, the congregation, in January.
cont.-
From the Chairperson Interim Search Committee Barbara Messick, cont. Note that UUA has very specific “time-lines” to which we must adhere. In January, the committee will be working on next steps. We will focus on creating a document describing our UUFBR community. We will send this to the UUA, and, later, this document will be shared with potential Interim Ministers. Some of you know ministers who may be interested in serving as an Interim Minister. Please have them send their resumes to the UUA. The UUA has staff who specialize in suggesting Interim Ministers to best meet a congregation's needs. That is, the UUA will match interested, qualified candidates with likely congregations. This will be a busy and exciting period for the UUFBR. We invite you to stay informed, not just on the Interim Minister, but on the capital campaign, Harris' retirement, and the continued evolution of the UUFBR over the next year. We intend to keep you informed through ongoing communication, perhaps even a "White Paper" explaining the process. This is your congregation. We welcome all your questions, comments and concerns. We will respond as quickly as we can.
JANUARY
EVENTS
To support the work of UUFBR with a
donation, open the QR Code or click
on this link:
https://donorbox.org/support-uufbr
Thank you!
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of
Boca Raton
UUFBR.org Website
Facebook
MEETINGS
THE MEMBERSHIP OF UUFBR IS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS
ENDOWMENT
Please check weekly eblasts for latest information
COMMITTEE
The Endowment Committee meets throughout the year.
ZOOM https://zoom.us/j/95661758153
The Finance Committee meets the third Monday
7:00 pm.
https://zoom.us/j/93286318047?
pwd=bU5nSGUvOEwzaVh1OEJTd2xBZjRRQT09
The Membership Committee meets the second Tuesday
at 7:00 pm
ZOOM https://zoom.us/j/93534994263?
pwd=WEwwVE0wMHQzZVg2bC9TeU5NMGdwdz09
New Discussion Group
1619 PROJECT: A NEW
ORIGIN STORY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18TH
7:30 PM
Read the preface & chapter 1 ( pgs xvii - 43)
We will meet on the Third Tuesday of every month
The Community Services/Share the Plate Team would like to thank
UUFBR members and friends for their generosity in making it possible to
make donations to 6 worthy organizations in 2021: Sunflower Creative
Arts, Palm Beach County Food Bank, PEACE, Bridges of Bel Glade, Planned
Parenthood, and American Association for Caregiving Youth. This also
means that we delivered $6,000 to the congregation since half of each
week’s offering goes to UUFBR to offset expenses.
In addition to Share the Plate, we contributed 13 bags and $800 in
cash and checks to the Boca Helping Hands Thanksgiving Box
Brigade, not counting donations made directly to BHH.
The team welcomes and encourages suggestions from the
Congregation for organizations worthy of our donations. The criteria
for the selection of an organization is that it is a registered 501 (c)3
non-profit, non-political organization in Palm Beach County, and that
is activities are in accordance with our UU values. We especially favor
organizations which inspire our members and friends to participate
with their time, talents, and treasure. If you have a suggestion please
convey it to our coordinator Seyril Siegel (seyril@gmail.com) for
consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Seyril Siegel presents
November's Share the Plate
offering to Dr. Connie
Sisowski, president of the
American Association of
Caregiving Youth.UUFBR 2022 Online Auction
Before COVID (forever after referred to as “BC”), UUFBR held
an annual auction. The annual auction, along with the Flea
Markets, has been a major fund raiser for the UUFBR. Our
last auction raised over $10,000! These funds help UUFBR
continue its operations on an annual basis.
To start 2022, we will hold our first after-COVID online
auction. The whole reason auctions work that we don't pay
for the goods being auctioned off. Instead, we solicit these
from local merchants, our board members, and volunteers,
and so forth.
So, how can you help make the 2022 online auction
successful? Volunteer to get auction items. Nearly anything
that isn't used, tacky, or too unusual, can attract a wide
audience and may make a good auction item, from vacation
packages to craft items to gift certificates for massage and
other services to parties at a board member's home or yacht.
Ask businesses such as theaters and sporting venues
whether they have extra tickets to donate. And, as we come
out of COVID, ask restaurants for gift certificates.
And volunteer to help organize. No event is successful
without participation from us all.
So, please contact me, to volunteer to time to create a
wonderful, successful UUFBR
ENDOWMENT auction.
COMMITTEE
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Patricia Rogers
prl17@att.net
561.739.3449WHAT'S HAPPENINGEveryone is welcome!
Please check weekly eblasts for latest information
MYSTICS & METAPHYSICS
2ND SUNDAY 6:30PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/673628605?
pwd=bC9mQnVsbCt5OVNuUVNjYm4zSW5kUT09
Meeting ID: 673 628 605, Password: 941456
This adult group meets to deepen and share their
individual spiritual quests.
FACILITY MAINTENANCE
TUESDAYS AT 10 A.M.
Help maintain the church
buildings and grounds.
Tools provided!
UU COMPLINE
WEDNESDAYS AT 8:30 P.M.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89596610440?
pwd=MllXTDJwOGhjWUJVZk12NTN3LzhXQT09
Meeting ID: 895 9661 0440, Passcode: 271990
Join this half hour of music, time just to
breathe together, and sharing of words to lift
the spirit!WHAT'S HAPPENING
Everyone is welcome!
Please check weekly eblasts for latest information
BOOK GROUP
THIRD WEDNESDAY 7:00PM
https://zoom.us/j/96791636930?
pwd=TERoVVplVU9CRmZZU0tiL2ZsYlVjQT09
Meeting ID: 967 9163 6930, Passcode: 926697
The Four Winds
by Kristin Hannah
January 19
Presenter: Cathy Lowes-Nelson
MORNING COFFEE & TEA
THURSDAYS AT 10 A.M.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85215002201?
pwd=ZXRJMUZQdHlSK0loZXNIem5icVB5dz09
Meeting ID: 852 1500 2201, Password: 145886
Share your thoughts i n a
conversation with no agenda!
HEALING JUSTICE
COMMITTEE
new day and date coming!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/394521579pwd=M0hST05MejdDaW5XWXZGTC9C
ak9UUT09 Meeting ID: 394 521 579 Password: 097945
To further understand how racism fuels
hatred and ways to continue our journey
to reverse these trends.WHAT'S HAPPENING
Everyone is welcome!
NONVIOLENT
COMMUNICATION
SECOND THURSDAY
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/914863060?wd=azA1UW56SVJrU2paNGRWd1BtaW5pdz09
Meeting ID: 914 863 060, Passcode: 849635
NVC is taught as a process of interpersonal
communication designed to improve
compassionate connection to others. It aims to
support change on three interconnected levels:
within self, between others, and within groups
and social systems.
VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR
FRIDAY FROM 5 - 6 P.M.
HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/8447
6361082?
PWD=ZHEWM2W2TLJEMNREBFHBZE
9MN0DRZZ09
MEETING ID: 844 7636 1082,
PASSCODE: 758629
You and your spouse, partner, buddy or whatever are
invited! BYOB & snack (Virtual sharing)WHAT'S HAPPENING
Everyone welcome!
Please check weekly eblasts for latest information
THE FORUM
SATURDAYS AT 10 A.M.
Engage in spirited group
discussion of social and
political issues.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98427394990?
pwd=TkxpZjlyd0tqbzRsNmM0djR3R21Rdz09
Meeting ID: 984 2739 4990
Password: 785892
Watch the selected movie at your convenience any time before
we meet. Then take part on Saturday at 3pm via ZOOM for
the discussion. You’ll be glad you did! Ellen
https://zoom.us/j/97402403939?pwd=NXM4dGhHblVpeVN3Yyt5RXFlUXJudz09
Meeting ID: 974 0240 3939, Passcode: 8FJTV2Greetings from Healing Justice on this first day of 2022. When I awoke in the dark of this morning I was almost ready to 'throw in the towel' on working to eradicate racism.It's a long, and for my lifetime, a never-ending journey. Then came the light of day and I was ready to keep on trudging forward. The light born of solstice won. I read the latest UU World and realized I was part of a greater Unitarian- Universalist movement toward eradicating systemic racism at all levels. Our UUA president, Susan Frederick-Gray, moves us to action in Our Faith Calls Us to Antiracist Work | UU World Magazine when she notes that our aim as UUs is to continue to free ..."ourselves and the culture of our congregations and communities from mindsets and practices rooted in white supremacy..." (p.8) We do this together with all of us at UUFBR and our communities. When you read this, also read the UUA 2021 Statement of Conscience immediately following Frederick-Gray's article. Healing Justice invites you to join us at our January meeting. Watch for the announcement of time and date in our weekly e-blasts as our meeting date will be different beginning in January 2022. Carolyn Brown, Chair February 2022 Unicorn Wed., January 26 @ 2pm Send submissions to: admin@uufbr.org Include UNICORN in the subject line.
Religious Education Visioning Sessions Parents, Please join us for a Visioning Session on either Saturday, January 22nd at 10:00 AM or Saturday, February 19th at 10:00 AM, both events on Zoom. We want to hear your ideas for what you are wishing for in a Unitarian Universalist community. As Parents, UU’s and Daily RE Educators for our children: How can we help our children grow socially and spiritually and connect with like-minded peers? What do families with kids specifically need now, in the continuing pandemic? What other activities, focusses, and relationship structures support you as parents that you’d like to see UUFBR incorporate into our community? As members of UUFBR and the RE Council: What are you passionate about conveying to our children that could translate into projects and programs we could implement at UUFBR? What aspects of Unitarian Universalist fellowship are you missing and wish we could bring back? How could we be a stronger, closer, and more supportive community for families with children of all ages? Please RSVP to louismerlin@gmail.com with your email, name, and the date you’d like to attend. Louis Merlin
Grief Work Training in Boca Raton
January 15, 2022
This 5-hour, in-person Grief Work Training
taught by Amy Wright Glenn is open to all.
Those involved in holding space for life’s difficult passages ~ mental health providers, birth &
death doulas, hospice and hospital chaplains, as well as religious/spiritual leaders ~ are
particularly welcome.
*Members of the Institute and well as members/friends of UUFBR receive 50% off of the tuition
for this course. Members simply need to enter their membership coupon code upon check out.
Members/friends of UUFBR, please contact Amy to register.
*Fifty percent of all revenue earned will be donated to UUFBR
FROM FORMER UUFBR MEMBER SUSAN COLE:
I was a member of UUFBR until my husband and I left the area. When I first began coming (in 2002,
though we joined later), I attended a Tuesday evening writing workshop, which Mary Cadwell ran! I found
myself writing about a sailing voyage my husband, young daughter and I had taken just before we came
to Florida.
In 1996, I followed my husband John's lifelong dream when we left our Connecticut home behind and
sailed away to the Caribbean in what turned out to be a three-year voyage. I went from the glitzy world of
Madison Avenue advertising to riding out Hurricane Mitch, the largest hurricane on record at the time, on
a sailboat in Guatemala. I hadn’t wanted to go in the first place, but ended up on a life-changing odyssey.
The workshop started another, much longer journey of writing a book about the voyage. During that
time, my beloved husband passed away in 2016. I finished the book last year and it was published in
October, 2021!
https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/books/article_f40049ae-35e5-11ec-a824-2b3a122d1ec7.htmlLaissez les bons temps rouler
on the Patio! Mardi Gras Party
save the date - February 25 fundraiser
MLK JR Day Celebration
The City of Boca Raton will host the MLK JR Day Celebration on Monday, January 17, 2022. The
day begins with free breakfast at Ebenezer Baptist Church, next to the King Monument, from 8-
9:45am. The march will commence at 10am. The event will take place at Mizner Park
Amphitheater, East Lot. The ceremony will begin at 10:30am, followed by performances and a
carnival. Refreshments will be available. The event ends at 2pm. There will be a free trolley
running from the King Monument to Mizner Park Amphitheater during the event. The Pearl City
Youth, directed by Debra Weiss, will be presenting a program celebrating Allen's Place Pearl City
Community Garden. If you haven't seen the garden, which is next to the King Monument, stop by
and take a look! It is 100% organic! For more info, contact Debra Weiss dnweiss88@gmail.com
First Roundtable of 2022
Monday, January 10, 2022
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm via ZOOM
Register at jamandallinterfaith.org
Are there questions you would love to ask a Muslim about their faith and practice? Maybe you don’t
know any practicing Muslims… or you feel embarrassed to show your ignorance… or that you might
even feel threatened by what you might learn. You are invited to submit the questions that you
want answered.
JAM & ALL’s mission is to connect people through conversation and education to create peace,
harmony and understanding. We aim to create a safe space to learn about each other’s religion,
faith and spirituality. Come join the conversation!
Leave fear behind in 2022– open yourself to new learnings and deeper understandings… uncover
truths hiding in plain sight about our commonalities.
Come be part of our Winter 2022 series of online Interfaith Roundtables, starting with our January 10,
2022 roundtable. There’s a seat at the table waiting for you!
Questions? Call Judy Keiser at 954-444-0446.
JAM & All is a non-profit organization of Jews, Muslims, Christians and all peoples dedicated to fostering understanding, social harmony, and peace through dialogue, multicultural
interaction and educational projects. A dedicated membership serving to bring the Broward County interfaith community together since 2002.You can also read
