It is my privilege to work with a congregation at such a time of change, where many of the patterns of how the community is with long members, new friends, and those in its service are in formation. This period of transition is a unique opportunity to infuse those patterns with higher functioning and new life. The significance of unveiling the bonds begins with discovering their existence. e.e. cummings describes the "human merely being". Knowledge of another’s existence is indeed motivation enough to act for justice. The next step is to go further in expanding the networks among us that will support a broader vision and a greater strength. As the church strives to increase the number of people and to address anxieties about the future, each of us is called to greater levels of communication. First Jefferson is a multi-celled community, with its own channels and groups within the whole. More than ever First Jefferson needs the gift of assuming good intentions and direct conversation. This religious community exists because of your willingness to unveil the bonds time and again. We are all on the same side in nurturing Unitarian Universalism in the Southwest. I have faith that we can succeed beyond all imagination if we so desire.

Namaste,

Jennifer

As of this newsletter, I expect to work out of the church office on most Wednesdays and Thursdays this month. I will attend the Committee on Ministries on September 8, the quarterly planning meeting of Worship Arts on September 9. I will participate in the New to Unitarian Universalism course beginning Sunday afternoons on September 19. I will be in West Texas for September 10-14 and 24-29. While in Midland I may take a little longer to respond to calls and email. Please let me know if a matter needs my urgent attention. More than a full-time minister, I rely on you to reach out to me with questions and concerns.

Bowing to the Light within,

Jennifer

As this church explores a new covenant of behavior, let us explore the meaning of covenant. How we are called to live out our promises in actions, not just words?

You can embody peace even in stressful situations. How? Rev. Dr. Melanie L. Harris shows us how to honor our creative, intelligent, and spiritual selves by using the practices of Ancient Christian sages and promoting the healing wisdom of African Religion. Even in the midst of chaos, peace stands. Let us learn to stand with peace.

Join us for one answer to the question, "What is the meaning of life?" during this response to the theological theme of the month: Vocation

Phil Shiva Jones has been a frequent guest present at Deepak Chopra's Center for Well-Being and has appeared on radio (NPR) and television (ABC, Fox, CBS, NBC)  Phil studied seven years with a Hindu teacher and will use music and chanting for this worship service.

Rediscovering Jesus and Communities of Hope is the theme of the annual revival retreat hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship (UUCF). This retreat will run Thursday, October 14 - Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Horizon Unitarian Universalist Church in Carrollton.

Come be a part of our spiritually uplifting, community forming, personally deepening, Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship Revival Retreat. Revival transforms our lives and our movement. This will be our ninth such gathering since the first in New Orleans in 1999. Keynote lectures will be presented by Dr. Bernard Brandon Scott of the Jesus Seminar and the Rev. John Buehrens, former president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. All are welcome. For more information, see www.uuchristian.org/revival.

As we come together in this annual service to affirm our common bonds and purposes, we have something special to celebrate this year—the 50th anniversary of our Association of Congregations! The theme of Association Sunday 2010 is Celebrating 50 Years and the Future of Our Faith.

Association Sundays are a request by the UUA for all congregations to recognize and support, both spiritually and materially, the national work of the Association. We envision a day – an "Association Sunday" - during which thousands of Unitarian Universalists across the nation are simultaneously celebrating our shared commitment to Unitarian Universalism. Like Ministry Sunday in 1995, (which was a request to support the financial needs of ministers and seminary students) and Mind the Gap Sunday in 2002 (which was focused on supporting Youth and Young Adult Ministries), each Association Sunday includes a worship service based on a particular theme and congregations are asked to host a special collection to support the Association of Congregations.

First Jefferson will celebrate Association Sunday and take a special collection during the worship on October. 3. See Rev. Jennifer Innis for information.

The Southwestern Conference is sponsoring its fall leadership training on November 12-14, 2010 at Glen Lakes Retreat Center, Glen Rose TX. The theme is: Living Our Faith: Unitarian Universalism at Work. Participants will have 14 hours of training in one of four tracks. The tracks are:

• Curriculum Development Renaissance Module (Gaia Brown, Pat Kahn)
• Examining Whiteness - an ARAOMC training (Carrie Stewart, Jennifer Nichols)
• Small Group Ministry (Diana Dorroh, Helen Zidowecki)
• Conflict Engagement (Margaret Borden)
• Check www.swucc.org for information.

One of the things that I have been happy to see in the recent past is the interconnection that members of our church have with members of other churches within our area. I see this when I see members of our community at NATUURES events, NTAUUS events and SWUUC District events. For one thing, being at larger events like these make us feel good. We come into contact with others who feel and believe as we do. We also frequently find that there is so much that we can learn from each other. And when we plan joint activities, it also helps to lessen the burden on us. Many hands make light work.

For those of you who have taken the time to become involved in work with people at other churches in our cluster or district, Thank You. You bring a wealth of information back to us which makes us stronger. But you also help in the other way. You pass along your insights, your knowledge from your experiences in this church. You help build a larger community from which we can continue to seek insights and more.

For those of you who have not been involved with any of the larger UU communities of which we are a part, I offer this challenge. Share your knowledge. There is a set of forums set up at the NTAUUS website which are open to all. There are email discussion groups at the UUA website which are open to all, and include at least one SWUUC specific group. These discussion areas provide an easy way to participate in discussions that are going on beyond these walls. If computer mediated communication is not your style, attend some district events or trainings, or find out about events that are happening at other area NTAUUS churches and go and represent us. The bridges you build and the knowledge that you return to us can only help us grow.

We at First Jefferson are a religious community, but we don’t exist in a vacuum.

In Faith,

Don Hayward

President, Board of Trustees

The board has been discussing church finances this summer and decided we need to address our budget deficit.  Our fiscal 2011 expenses are $219k while our income is $187k leaving a deficit of -$32k.  Pledge income is $155k and other income (fundraisers, rental, and plate) is $32k. 

We have decided to launch a deficit stewardship drive in the month of September.  I know many of us are stretched and times are tough. But I also know we are committed to this church moving our program forward. 

The church needs more than a half time minister.  If we hope to move Jennifer to ¾ time next fiscal year we have to reduce our current deficit.  We should talk to Jennifer this October about committing to us next year.

Everyone is invited to join the Committee on Ministries on Sunday September 12 after Potluck at 12:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We are working on the final draft of the Congregational Covenant and need your thoughts and suggestions for this document that will become our covenant of right relationships. We have compiled many of your ideas from the large bulletin board in the foyer and from two meetings where you met to discuss this covenant. The initial draft for your review can be found on the church website at fjuuc.org. The town hall meeting will not last beyond 2:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided. We hope to see you there!

On Monday, September 27 at 7 p.m., visiting Australian interfaith minister and recording artist Phil Jones (our guest minister for worship the previous Sunday) will present an interactive workshop teaching meditation and simple breathing techniques with the Australian didgeridoo, an ancient mesmerizing drone instrument made from a eucalyptus tree and traditionally played in ceremony and healing by the Aboriginal clans of Australia. Phil has been performing Sanskrit chants for over 40 years and will begin the evening with meditative chanting. No musical experience is necessary. All participants will be provided an instrument to play during the workshop. A donation of $15 to $20 is requested of participants.

An engaging interfaith minister and inspiring singer, Phil speaks and performs at churches and spiritual fellowships, universities, yoga studios and wellness centers across the USA. Phil has been a frequent guest presenter at Deepak Chopra's Center for Well-Being, has appeared on radio (NPR, Sightings, etc) and television (The Wisdom Channel, ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, BBC), and is featured performing and teaching the Australian didgeridoo on the IMAX DVD: 'Sydney - A Story of a City.'

Beverly Fogleman needs help with Jim so she can get out to take care of other necessities. She has proposed some specific times. Also needed are those who could come on one or two weeks' notice to cover unforeseen events. Jim is easy to work with, requiring someone who can assist him out of a chair or help him walk around. Mainly you would need just to sit with or read to him. He sleeps a lot so you might have to help him into bed. He likes restaurants and DVDs also. Sign up with Thea Chambers at church Sunday or call 817-451-4055 to volunteer or for questions. Visitors are welcome anytime but call first and he will determine if another time would be better.

Jane Maute would like us to keep in our circle of concern, her friend Joanne Gisocerd and her family. Joanne is waiting on a double lung transplant. Also please keep Jane's co-worker, Sharon Murray and Sharon's fiance, Frances Lee in our thoughts. Frances had a major stroke and is now in a rehab facility.

Gail Rowntree and Thea Chambers now co-chair the Caring and Sharing Committee. Please give us a call or email us with any joys or concerns you may have.

The purpose is to determine what classes you want and when you prefer to attend. The committee is delighted with the quantity of response.

Of 125 adults who attend First Jefferson somewhat regularly 49 (39%) completed the survey. Classes and times are listed in order of preference.

The committee meets again Monday, 7:00 pm, September, 20^th to create and calendar and a year-long curriculum according to your preferences. You are welcome to come to help make your preferences a reality.

31 (63%) Spirit of Life: Exploring Spirituality Seeks to bring meaning, beauty, inclusivity, and growth to Unitarian Universalist adults as they deepen spiritual awareness and connections.

26 (53%) Adult Forum Features speakers and discussions on current events, scientific and historical topics, local institutions and programs and church and Unitarian topics.

24 (49%) Covenant Groups Covenant groups share the goals of building friendships and nurturing spiritual health.

23 (47%) Spirit in Practice Provides guidance to engage in meaningful, affirmative spiritual practices for deepening individual spirituality and promoting spiritual growth.

21 (43%) The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory & Practice Explores the connection between spirituality and social action and fulfillment having to do with both personal meaning and social responsibility.

12 (24%) Bible Workbench A resource for) developing a deeper understanding of the foundations of Judaism and Christianity.

12 (24%) Book Discussion Goup Read fiction and non-fiction, classics and contemporary, a variety of topics and authors. Participants suggest the books.

25 time preferences X 13 class choices = 325

Especially designed for Newcomers, Getting to Know UU is an informal session with the Minister designed to help newcomers learn more about Unitarian Universalism and First Jefferson Church. Join us in the Parlor for conversation. Childcare provided.

This Tapestry of Faith series of four 90-minute classes covers our worship and theology, history, covenant and polity, religious education/faith development, social justice and membership. Newcomers learn who we are and what we believe, and can examine their own personal stories in light of our Unitarian Universalist tradition and heritage. The series also provides opportunity for newcomers and long-timers to connect. Finally, the classes serve as a path to membership by providing newcomers the knowledge to make an informed decision about becoming a member of First Jefferson Church.

This session explains the process-oriented nature of the Unitarian Universalist approach to religion, while presenting some of the basic theological understandings of most UU’s, and addresses some of life’s Big Questions.

This session offers a brief overview of UU history, focusing on ideas and people more than on institutional and denominational structures. Hear stories from our UU tradition and our congregation at First Jefferson.

This three-part session introduces 1) the philosophy of UU religious education, especially the concept of lifespan faith development as the search for truth and meaning that goes on throughout our lives. 2) Social justice work in a UU context. Because the focus of Unitarian Universalists is on this life, and because we embrace such principles as justice and compassion, we feel compelled to live out our values by working for social justice. 3) An overview of congregational polity and covenant, focusing on the spiritual underpinnings, highlighting the role of and importance of membership in a congregation.

This culminating session ties up loose ends and invites newcomers to consider moving into membership. The class covers the rights and responsibilities of membership, how to join First Jefferson and how to get involved in the life of the congregation.

From the Diversity Task Force, Come join us in our first forum of Building the World We Dream About, a Unitarian Universalist based curriculum. The guiding principles of this curriculum is framed around transforming how we see ourselves, our community and our world through the lens of race and ethnicity. Our first session is an introduction to the curriculum and First Jefferson Diversity Task Force. Please join us on September 5, 2010 at

12:45 p.m. in Jaggers Parlor; your support is greatly appreciated.

Elaine Simpson: 817-233-7147

Toni Holland is headed for Canada and her Fulbright opportunity! On Sunday August 29th, we will gather in Coleman Hall after church, from 12 noon to 12:45 p.m., to wish her happy travels and an exciting academic year.

We have entered the final stages of the search for a new Director of Religious Education! Look in the church bulletin, the weekly e-mails and next months Courier for more details. We hope to be able to introduce our new DRE in the next week or two. The position starts October 1, so look for exciting things happening in the RE wing!

After a break for the summer, child and youth religious education will start again soon! Open house is September 5th at 9:45. Parents, bring your children and stay with us. We will celebrate the Feast for All Good Children with cake and symbolic bringing together of the community. We will have a brief introduction in general to our religious education program, how Sunday mornings work, and opportunities and fun activities that will occur throughout the year. Then, you will have an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn about the curriculum, and see the classroom. Classes will start the following week, September 12, when children should be dropped off in their classroom between 9:40 and 9:45.

Our high school youth will delve into the topic of music and theology using the curriculum "Listening Between the Lines". The class will listen to modern musical selections, and then discuss the lyrics, applying the principles of Unitarian Universalism to the topics and dilemmas presented. This will be an engaging year, as we explore a familiar, popular medium together.

Each month, in addition to asking the class serving as worship leaders to dress up, we’ll also be asking every other child and youth in CYRE to dress up as a show of support to their fellow RE classes.

Wear the things in your closet that make you feel the most amazing, comfortable and beautiful (or handsome). For some, that might be a collared shirt and tie, and for others, it might be their worn-out jeans and favorite t-shirt. Some might wear sparkly shoes and fancy hats, others might wear cowboy boots or their favorite sneakers.

Putting on our Sunday best once a month is a chance to come together in community, have some fun, show support for others in our church family, and celebrate our individual differences.

Tasha Morris and the rest of The Children and Youth Religious Education Council

Dinners for Nine have been a long-time tradition of the church and they are back for the 2010-2011 calendar year. As our congregation continues to grow Dinners for Nine provide us with an a wonderful venue to know each other better, to make new friends, to discuss topics of interest and to share the splendid dishes prepared or purchased by our members. You will find a sign-up sheet in the center of this Courier and at Church. The dinners are scheduled for the second Saturday each month from September through May. The host will usually provide the main dish and each guest will be asked to bring a compatible item for the dinner. Individuals, as well as couples are welcomed. When you sign up, please note if you are willing to be a host. Each month guests/hosts will rotate so you will get to meet different people as the year progresses. Each month, I will contact the host and provide them with the list of names of those coming to dinner. The host will then contact each guest and assign a menu contribution along with confirming the date, time and directions.

Ana Evans, Coordinator

817-496-5443

Remember about four years ago when Dan Lawson and the Library Team got the church library all organized, cleaned and input all the book titles into an inventory program? Well, time has taken its toll on the organization in the library. There have been books donated which don't really 'fit' in our church library under the guidelines that were set up. These books need to be culled out to make room for donations of books that are more appropriate for a church library setting. Would YOU like to help Dan Lawson by joining the Library Team for the 'Reorganization Effort'? Dale Husband has already volunteered. The team should have at least a few more members. The library books which are taken out of circulation will be placed for sale at the Service Auction. Most are excellent books - just not really church library type books. This way we can keep these books in the church 'family'. Any remainders will be taken to Half Price Books and sold and the money will benefit the Service Auction. So, are you up for a project like this? It should only take a morning or an afternoon, perhaps on a Saturday. If you are interested, please contact Dan Lawson. Thanks!!!

Issue #290 Submission Date

Please send all Courier articles by e-mail to mejeffrey@gmail.com and fjuuc@usa.net by 7 p.m. on the Courier submission date.