Beacon (March 2011)

March 2011

The Lowcountry

Beacon

It should come as no surprise that many of my sermons recently have focused on the subject of change and how we as individuals and in groups adapt to change.

In a sermon last month, for instance, I stated that change and pain are integral to life where as suffering is a choice, it is not inevita-ble. The Buddha said, “Life is dukkha.” In the original Sanskrit, dukkha meant liter-ally “an unbalanced axle.”

Imagine riding in a wooden cart that had one or more axles not centered on the wheel; an out of balance potter’s wheel that would squeak as it turned.

Given this insight then, in-stead of saying “Life is suffer-ing,” the Buddha was really saying that life is “less than perfect.” Or, it could be un-derstood as “Life is not bal-anced.” The Buddha then taught us how to achieve the balance we desire, not by changing the conditions of life, but by changing how we think about life.

If dukkha is equated to imbal-ance with changing life con-

ditions, then couldn’t it be argued that Evolution is Life’s response to dukkha? If so, then maybe a better under-standing of Evolution might shed greater light in our pur-suit of sukkha, the opposite of dukkha.

The first lesson we should recognize about Evolution is that it tends to move towards ever greater levels of com-p lex i t y and i nc l us i v -ity. Whether we are talking about the evolution of matter (from atoms to molecules to the first living cells), the evo-lution of life (from single cell creatures through the rise of consciousness), or culture (from prehistoric cave paint-ings and rituals through the rise of a global peace move-ment), developmental waves tend to include and tran-scend that which came be-fore it.

Molecules include atoms but can do things unincorporated atoms cannot; living cells include molecules but can do things that molecules alone cannot. It is the same for individuals and institutions, maturity is marked by the

ability to adapt to increas-ingly complex issues. The second lesson we can learn from Evolution is that it is directional. By that, I mean that its effects cannot be undone by a sudden re-versal of external circum-stances. Instead, an organ-ism must adapt to meet the needs of those changing conditions.

As an example, consider putting some ice, berries, a n d y o g u r t i n t o a blender. Then change the conditions by turning the blender on. Naturally, the result is a fruit smoothie.

Then you reverse the condi-tions by turning the blender off. Is it possible to now “unchange” the ingredients? Of course not. It’s likewise true that a being (or an insti-tution) cannot revert to previ-ous stages of development, it must deal with the new con-ditions like them or not.

In the coming months, this congregation will be making decisions to adapt to chang-ing conditions. It may be tempting to seek answers in the past, it may be tempting to return to ways of doing things that were once suc-cessful under previous life conditions, but Evolution shows us that the appropri-ate response to dukkha is to move forward, forward to greater levels of inclusivity.

This is what Evolution shows us, we can accept it or we can fight it. We can accept the facts and seek ways to adapt to the changing condi-tions with open minds and hearts, or we can resist and perhaps allow the changing conditions to overtake us. As always, the choice remains in our hands.

In Peace and Love, - Rev. Thomas Schmidt

Standing on the Side of Love in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island for over 30 years.

A Month of Sundays

Sunday Service: 10:00 am

March 6 Warning! Construction Zone Rev. Tom Schmidt

March 13 Celebrating our Chips and Cracks along with our Finest Creations! Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson

March 20 The Circle of Moral Concern Rev. Tom Schmidt

March 27 TBD Honoring our long-term UU members. Induc-tion of new members.

Editor Mary-Michael Hanbury Email: [email protected]

Contact Information

110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton, SC 29910

(843) 837-3330

[email protected]

www.UULowcountry.org

Office Hours Volunteer Office Staff

Thursdays 10:00—12:00 Rev. Thomas Schmidt

Thursdays 10:00—3:00 or by appointment

Minister Thomas Schmidt Minister Emeritus Manuel Holland Religious Education Ann Harrison President Peggy Tweel

Rev. Schmidt is always available for pastoral care and counseling, please do not hesitate to call.

Cell: 290-6819 E-mail: [email protected]

Leadership Staff

Unitarian Universalist

Congregation of the Lowcountry

mailto:[email protected]�

2 The Lowcountry Beacon, March 2011

Programs, Meetings, and Special Events Board Meeting - Thursday, March 24 at 6:30 pm. The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees is held on the fourth Thursday of each month in the UUCL Clara Barton Conference Room. Visitors are always welcome. Book Club - Friday, March 18 at 7 pm. "Making Our Democracy Work" by Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer. For more information: Call Virginia Jordan at 689-6714 or email [email protected]. Contemporary Issues Group - Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 am. The Current Issues Forum meets on the first and third Sundays of every month in the Clara Barton Conference Room. For more information: Call Folly King at 682-3191 or email [email protected]. Documentary Night - Friday, March 25 at 7 pm The March Documentary is “INSIDE JOB”, chosen as the "Best Documentary" at the Oscars this year. “An angry, well-argued documentary about how the American financial industry set out deliberately to defraud the ordinary American investor.” Roger Ebert. The location is Folly and John King’s home at the Cypress in Hilton Head Plantation. For more information or directions: Call 682-3191 or email [email protected]. E-Team - Sunday, March 27 at 11:30 am. The Environmental Team meets on the 4th Sunday of each month. Knitter’s Circle - Wednesday, March 23 from 6:30 - 8 pm. Meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8 pm. We make Prayer Shawls, Comfort Blankets, Wraps, Hats, Baby Clothes, and other items to give to members and friends of the congregation in times of need. You do not have to be a Knitter to be in this group. Our doors are open to those who crochet, quilt, weave, sew, and do macramé. Bring whatever you are working on and come enjoy an evening with good company. Our next gathering will be on February 23rd. For more information: Call Ann Harrison at 422-2598 or e-mail [email protected]. Newsletter Deadline - Tuesday, March 15. The deadline for the Beacon is on the 15th of each month. Items for consideration should be emailed to Mary-Michael Hanbury at [email protected]. Socrates Café - First Sunday of Every Month from 11:30am - 12:30pm. This philosophical discussion group utilizes questions raised by the group to explore what is on your mind at the time. Facilitated by Rev. Tom. Transitions - Thursday, March 3 from 7:30 pm - 9 pm. is a support group for anybody going through a major transition in their life. Major life transitions include (but is not limited to) the death of a partner, divorce, recovery, retirement, job loss, etc. Groups will meet twice per month initially with one group meeting during the day, one in the evening. For more information and questions, please contact Rev. Tom. UU Animal Ministry - Sunday, March 13 at 11:30 am. UU Animal Ministry meets the second Sunday of each month following Sunday’s service. For more information: Call Peggy Tweel at 757-7780 or email peggy@hargray. UU Living - Sunday, March 20. It is not easy being a Unitarian Universalist; it is not intended to be easy. It is easy to agree with our principles, it takes consider-able commitment and effort to live by those principles. This group is for you if you are seeking to deepen and strengthen your faith journey. Everyone is welcome, contact Rev. Tom for more info. UU Singers - Sundays at 9:30 am. Singers are invited to arrive early before Sunday’s service to practice the hymns for that day. This is the first step to creating a Music Program here @ UUCL.

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Committees Aesthetics & Décor Fran Farrell and Peggy Tweel

Building Maintenance Bill Barraclough

Care Dan Tweel

Committee on Ministry Jeff Donahue and Dominique Geer

Grounds Paul Brophy and Mary A. Walker

Finance/Treasurer Dan Tweel

Fund Raising Janice Alden

Hospitality & Kitchen Kathleen Mirin

Leadership Development Rev. Manuel Holland

Membership Kathy Quirk

Music Jeffrey Watkins

Planned Giving Coordinator Rev. Manuel Holland

Press & Publicity Coordinator (open)

Religious Education Richard Friedman

Social Activities Libba Beerman

Strategic Vision Team Mary Alice Walker

Worship Cheryl McCarthy

Social Justice Groups:

E Team Harry Gregory Family Promise UU Animal Ministry Peggy Tweel

The Winter Dinner and Auction Fund Raiser was held on January 29th. Thanks to Janice Alden, Chair and the Fund Raiser Committee for this enjoyable and successful event!

Attendees at the January 29th Winter Dinner and Auction Fund Raiser.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

~ Reinhold Niebuhr ~


Please remember to bring your food donations on Sun-days, which are donated to the Sandalwood Food Bank. The Sandlewood Food Bank, founded by Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson, serves food to 50 low income fami-lies. There are now 300 low income families (1,000 peo-ple) that are served each month, demonstrating the critical need and poverty in our area.

Sandalwood Community Food

Pantry Reverend Dr. Nannette Pierson

PO BOX 5061 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938

Phone: 843.645-0935

Email: [email protected]

Website:

www.sandalwoodfoodbank.com/

Food Donations for

People and Pets

“Vegetarianism serves as a criterion by which we know that the pursuit of moral perfection on the part

of humanity is genuine and sincere.”

Leo Tolstoy (1828 to 1910)

“We acknowledge and affirm the kinship and interdependence of human and non-human animal, and adopt ethics of interspecies compassion as an integral component of liberal religion.”

Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry

Meetings are on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 11:30 am following Worship ser-vice. For information contact Peggy Tweel at 757-7780 or [email protected]





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Documentary Night Friday, March 25 at 7 pm

INSIDE JOB, chosen as the "Best Documentary" at the Oscars this year. “An angry, well-argued docu-mentary about how the American financial industry set out deliberately to defraud the ordinary American in-vestor.” Roger Ebert. Location is Folly and John King’s home at the Cypress in Hilton Head Plantation. Call or email for directions and pass. 682 3191 or [email protected]. SYNOPSIS From Academy Award nominated filmmaker, Charles Ferguson (“No End In Sight”), comes INSIDE JOB, the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the eco-nomic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive re-search and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, INSIDE JOB traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relation-ships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia.

A BIRTHDAY PARTY’S CA BIRTHDAY PARTY’S COMING!OMING! The Unitarian Universalist Association turns 50 next year and planning for that milestone is well underway. The anniversary of the consolidation of the Universalist Church of America and the American Unitarian Association is actually May 15, 2011, but the real festivities start a month later at General Assembly 2011 in Charlotte, N.C.

The opening ceremony on June 22 will be given over to a cele-bration of that anniversary. One of the highlights will be a hymn, commissioned for the occasion, with words by the Rev. Thomas Mikelson and music by composer Tom Benjamin.

After the opening worship the wall dividing the plenary hall from the exhibit hall will be rolled back and a party, sponsored by ex-hibitors, the Planning Committee, and the 50th Anniversary Task Force, will commence in the exhibit hall. “There will be cake for 3,500 people,” said Don Plante, General Assembly and Meeting Services planner. Registration starts March 1st.

Register here:

http://www.uua.org/ga/registration/index.shtml


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This is the last Island Recreation Center Event, its most well-attended of the season AND it benefits our Congregation! Taking place at Shelter Cove Community Park on Hilton Head Island. Local restaurants will cook their best wings in a family friendly atmosphere. A kid's zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump will be on site. Custom Audio Video will provide a big screen television to watch March Madness basketball games. Deas Guyz and Good People will entertain w i t h l i v e m u s i c . Come join the fun and help out. Shifts are available to help with ticket sales, admission booth, drink ta-bles, etc. For more information contact Rebecca at 815-4015or email at [email protected]. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer.

WingFest Volunteers Needed!

March 19th 6 to 8 pm

Rev. Manuel Hollard, Minister Emeritus and Rev. Doc. Nanne tte Pierson, Guest Minister.

Book Club

March 18th Selection “Making Our Democracy Work”

Written by one of the brightest minds on the Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer looks at how the Supreme Court evolved historically and defined its role largely in relation to the willingness of the public to embrace its decisions.

Breyer tells the story of President Jackson's grudging accep-tance of a Court decision protecting the treaty rights of the Cherokee nation, only to seize their land using Federal troops to the recent Court decisions in favor of rights for Guantanamo detainees.

An accomplished writer, Justice Breyer's absorbing stories offer insight into how a democracy works, and sometimes fails.

For more information contact Virginia Jordan at 689-6714 or [email protected].

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry covenants to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person; • Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to

spiritual growth in our congregations; • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic

process within our congregation and in the society at large;

• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The Living Tradition Which We Share Draws From Many Sources:

• Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder; affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

• Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspire us in our ethical and spiritual life;

• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;

• Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sa-cred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry

Our Mission To enrich and clarify our understanding of religious thought;

to provide experiences for spiritual growth; to encourage and protect the right of individual freedom of belief;

to promote the democratic process in human relations; and to advance these principles for the benefit of each other,

our community and our world.

On Sunday, February 13th, there was a Special Dedication of these two Commemorative Plaques Honoring our UUCL Building ’s History.


EVERY-MEMBER CANVASS: A TIME TO DECIDE

Our Membership has come together to voice opinions and to establish objectives that will enable us to become a strong liberal voice here in the low country. However, one doesn’t have to look too closely at these objectives to see that most of what we feel we have to do to achieve them will cost money; a commodity that has been rather scare in recent times.

So, what to do? Well, to me it seems that we have two choices. We have come to a fork in the road and we must make a decision as to which road to take. One road will have a lot of traffic for it is the one that many are taking today, plodding along while muttering about how bad things have gotten. This is the easy road for one needs to do nothing. Time will take care of everything until one day, one of us will turn out our liberal light and lock the church door one final time.

The other road, however, as poet Robert Frost observed, is “less trav-eled”; a difficult road that tests the mettle of those who would follow it, winding along through opportunities and setbacks, successes and fail-ures, hope and perhaps despair, but still a road that strengthens the resolve of those who would follow it ….. a road that makes all things possible for those who care and share.

On Saturday evening, March 5th we will come together for our Canvass Potluck Dinner Kickoff. The time will have arrived for us to decide. Ron Titus Every-Member Canvass Director

President’s Message

Thank you for attending the congrega-tion informational meetings on Janu-ary 30th and/or February 20th - and for all your input! We have received many positive and supportive comments about the proposal that was presented at those meetings, and so we are moving forward with the following as part of the initial Ministerial Transition after Rev. Tom leaves: (1) Rev. Manuel Holland will be our senior minister and UUCL presence in the community, provide pastoral care, conduct worship services as needed, and offer advice and counsel to the Board. (2) Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson will be a guest speaker delivering sermons twice monthly. Our Worship Committee will continue to search for diverse speakers and also plan for lay services. (Please let Cheryl McCarthy, Worship Chair, know if you have suggestions!) I hope you can all attend the “Every Member Canvass Potluck Dinner” on Saturday, March 5 from 6 to 8 PM! There will be good food, beer and wine, music, warm fellowship, and a special presentation of “Miss Alice in Wonderland” that was written by our own Donna Titus. We will also learn how we can begin to fulfill some of the desires of our congregation as ex-pressed in our Strategic Vision plan, as we continue toward an optimistic and bright future! As our Canvass Director, Ron Titus, recently stated, “When everyone con-tributes, the synergy that results is what enables us to reach our goals.” Let us see how far out the ripples of our giving can reach, as we remember that “Renewing Our Vision” lies in our collective hands! In warm fellowship, Peggy Tweel

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The Low

country Beacon, M

arch 2011

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 7:30-9 pm Transitions

4 5

6 9:30 UU Singers 10 Worship Warning! Construction Zone Rev. Tom Schmidt 11:30 Contemporary Issues 11:30 Socrates Cafe

7 8

9

10

11

12

13 9:30 UU Singers 10 Worship Celebrating our Chips and Cracks along with our Finest Creations! Rev. Dr. Nannette Pierson 11:30 UU Animal Ministry

14

15

April Newsletter Deadline

16

17

18

7:00 pm UUCL Book Club "Making Our Democracy Work" by Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer.

19

20 9:30 UU Singers 10 Worship The Circle of Moral Concern Rev. Tom Schmidt 11:30 UU Living 11:30 Contemporary Issues

21 22

23 6:30 pm Knitter’s Circle

24 6:30 pm Board Meeting

25

7:00 pm Documentary Night at John and Folly King. Movie: Inside Job

26

27

9:30 UU Singers 10 Worship Honoring our long-term UU members. Induction of new members 11:30 E-Team

28

“Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known.”

Garrison Keillor quotes (American writer and broadcaster b.1942)

MARCH 2011

Beacon (March 2011)

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Transcript of Beacon (March 2011)