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DO Say Gay!

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a screening and discussion of the documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So”, which is an exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how some have used their interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community. For two Sunday mornings, I was proud and honored to share laughs, questions, experiences, and tears with 23 others in our FUUN community. Many of them would like to continue meeting, as would I, to try to pick up again on the good work that our GLBT+Friends group did in past years.

Now is the time. There were two recent suicides in Middle Tennessee that were the result of gay bullying. We Unitarian Universalists have a role to play in helping to see that “it gets better”. Our legislature is debating the Don’t Say Gay bill which would prohibit the use of the word “gay” in schools (until eighth grade). How will children who are gay be able to talk to a teacher or guidance counselor about themselves? How will those with gay parents be able to talk with friends about their families? How will other children know that it is not okay to bully these children? And as always, marriage equality is still an issue, as are adoption rights, and HIV/AIDS has not gone away. We have work to do, and now is the time.

We cannot do this work without the support and fellowship we find with each other in this beloved community. If you would like to be a part of the work, please join me on Sunday, February 19, at 10:15 (or when the first service ends) in the Thoreau Room. If you have questions or would like to offer your support but are unable to attend the meeting, please contact me at my phone number or email address in the church directory, or via socialjustice@firstuunashville.org.

In Faith,

Greg Miller

Posted in Social Concerns & Action on 02/03/2012 04:57 pm by Marguerite

February Adult Religious Education Classes

Adult RE classes meet on Wednesday nights 7-8:30 and Sunday mornings 10:45-12:15, unless otherwise noted. Childcare is available. To submit a course proposal, please visit the ARE blog at firstuunashville.org/education/are. Schedule and locations are subject to change; check the blog for the most recent information.

 
Wednesday Classes

Personality by the Numbers
February 1-29
Classroom A

Human beings have always sought to understand the differences among themselves. In this class led by Cindi Brown and Mary Beth Ross, we will look at a variety of ways of categorizing human personality, including the ancient Greeks’ four humors, the four paths of yoga, modern psychology’s big 5 personality traits, the “six types of person” in Buddhism, and the Enneagram’s 9 types. Participants will be encouraged to classify themselves according to each system and to consider their implications for personal growth and spiritual development.

Partner Churches: Unitarians in Transylvania and India
February 8-22
Fireside Room

Gail and Jim Seavey will lead this class, using curriculum produced by the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists. In January, we will explore Transylvania: its history and context, beliefs and practices, and worship. In February, we will explore the same topics in India and conclude by exploring the UU Partnerchurch Program.

Making Felted Soaps for the Herb Fair
February 15
Morgan House Kitchen and Alcott Sitting room

Come learn how to make felted soaps (like soap in a permanent washcloth, but oh, so pretty). We will be making these to sell at the Herb Fair, and we need as many hands as possible because we always sell out of our felted soaps! It is a very easy process to learn (if you can wash your hands, you can felt soap), especially with our special tips. Led by Becky Bowman.

Safety Net
February 29
Morgan House Palmer Living Room

Come join the Rev. Gail Seavey, Safety Net, and Governance in a discussion about ministry and policies that undergird a truly healthy congregation.  The first part will be background information and the second hammering out details of our bylaws.

PG-13 Players
February 29
Sanctuary

The PG-13 Players are teens from high schools across Middle Tennessee. They will perform two skits they developed as part of the Planned Parenthood Peer Education Program. Audience members may then question the actors, who remain in character for the discussion. The scenarios are left unresolved so that, by exploring the motivations, feelings, and choices of the characters, the audience helps them make responsible decisions. Suitable for middle school and above, as well as adults. (Bonus: See one of our very own FUUN youth perform!)

 

Sunday Classes

Literary Figures of the Transcendentalist Movement
February 5-19
Fireside Room

Transcendentalism was the first notable American intellectual movement, inspiring succeeding generations of American intellectuals as well as a number of literary giants (and UUs) like Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman. Join Dawn Thornton for screenings and discussions of entertaining lectures on these writers by Dickinson College professor Ashton Nichols. We will also look at samples of their writings that speak to our UU values – feel free to bring in your favorite pieces to share. Each session stands alone, so see one or see them all.

February 5: Louisa May Alcott

February 12: Emily Dickinson

February 19: Walt Whitman

 

Posted in Activities, Adult Religious Education on 02/01/2012 04:51 pm by Rita Frizzell

FUUN Seeks Youth Coordinator

FUUN is seeking a part time Youth Coordinator. This is a unique leadership position for someone who enjoys leading, mentoring and empowering youth. Will also recruit and manage adult volunteers who enjoy the same.

UU preferred; FUUN members and friends strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation is within the UUA’s Fair Compensation Guidelines.

Send cover letter and resume to Marguerite Mills, Director of Lifespan Religious Education, at mmills@firstuunashville.org. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 14.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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FUUN Youth Coordinator Job Description – DRAFT (1/26/12)

Role

Responsible for coordinating programs for youth in grades nine through 12. Works collaboratively with the Director of Lifespan Religious Education, youth, youth advisors, parents, committees, staff, and ministers. Maintains a well-balanced program that includes opportunities for worship, community building, social action, learning, leadership development, and congregational involvement.

Supervisory Relationships

  • Supervises adult volunteers who work with youth.
  • Supervised by the Director of Lifespan Religious Education (DLRE).

Hours

Works an average of 10 hours per week August through May, with breaks at various times (such as Metro public school breaks when the youth group does not meet), for a total of 400 hours per year.

Responsibilities

  • Attend weekly youth group meetings and monthly Youth Adult Committee (YAC) meetings.
  • Work with the YAC and youth group to plan and coordinate weekly youth group meetings, including both programming and required adult supervision.
  • Work with the YAC and youth group to plan and coordinate social gatherings, lock-ins, social justice projects, trips, fundraising and other activities.
  • Monitor Safe Congregation Policy compliance by adults, youth, and self. Includes ensuring adults are trained in accordance with the Policy, staying current on any Policy changes, and attending Safe Congregation Panel meetings if needed.
  • Maintain communications via the newsletter, blog, order of service, etc.
  • Oversee use of Yahoo groups, Facebook, and other such vehicles as they come into use.
  • Attend worship service with youth once a month.
  • Participate in planning and offering multigenerational worship services.
  • Assist in recruiting and supporting adult volunteers.
  • Attend appropriate trainings, as time permits and as agreed upon with DLRE.
  • Meet weekly with DLRE.
  • Report monthly attendance to DLRE.
  • Other tasks as needed, as time permits and as agreed upon with DLRE.

Skills/Qualifications 

  • Must be at least 25-years-old.
  • Able to develop and maintain strong relationships with youth while still observing appropriate boundaries.
  • Must support Unitarian Universalist values as reflected in the Seven Principles.
  • Unitarian Universalist preferred.
  • High level of interpersonal skills with all ages.
  • Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Post high school education.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends.
  • Famiiliar with MS-office, social media, some web-based applications.

Posted in Staff on 02/01/2012 03:46 pm by Marguerite

Share the Plate – February

February’s Share the Plate recipient is Project Return, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on the successful reentry of ex-offenders from incarceration to free society. Our mission is to provide a broad range of assistance and support to anyone with a juvenile or criminal record, aid in the transition from incarceration to the community to ensure a chance for success, and education to the community and clients that offenders are human beings first and offenders secondly. Founded by five Nashville ministers back in 1979, PRI has developed a holistic case management approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by the ex-offender, with a paramount focus on job readiness and retention. For more information, see http://www.projectreturninc.org/

Posted in Social Concerns & Action on 01/30/2012 08:06 am by Susan Johnston

Guest at Your Table boxes

Please bring in your Guest at Your Table boxes as soon as possible. You can give them to Joan Moore at the Sunday Food Table or during Wednesday night dinners. Thank you for supporting the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee with your gifts.

Posted in Communication on 01/25/2012 12:18 pm by June

Volunteers Needed for Room in the Inn

Room in the Inn continues through February and March. FUUN hosts eight homeless men the first and third Friday of these two months. We need help in specific tasks:
February 17:
–Friday night driver. One needed
–Saturday morning driver. One needed
–Vegetables for 10 people
–Morning server-4-7 a.m. One needed

March 2:
–Overnight 10 p.m.-4 a.m. One needed
–Breakfast-prepare casserole and bring to Morgan House Friday evening
–Friday night driver. One needed

March 16:
–Overnight 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. One needed
–Morning server 4-7 a.m. Two needed

We are very pleased at how our congregation has stepped up to help. It has been a good year. Please email Phillip Vest or Sara Plummer (co-chairs) if you can help. Thanks for your continuing support.

Posted in Communication on 01/25/2012 12:11 pm by June

Valentine’s Dance Saturday, February 11 and Good Times Table

What could be more FUUN than a Valentine’s Dance? In the social area there will be decorations (need we mention the disco ball?), groovy tunes, and non-alcoholic beverages beverages provided. Snacks and alcohol are BYO. Last year got rave reviews so it’s back by popular demand. Bring your sweetie or be everybody’s sweetie!

New in February: The Good Times Table. After church services a table will be located in the social area with all current and future events, sign up sheets, and a suggestion box. Let us know what you want. It’s “Welcome to Fantasy Island” time!

Posted in Fellowship on 01/25/2012 12:00 pm by June

Co-ed UU Friendly Scouting Is Coming

Navigators USA is  a co-ed and UU-friendly Scouting option. As they say on their website, “The Navigators USA is committed to providing a quality scouting experience that is inclusive and available to all children and families regardless of gender, race, religion, economic status, sexual orientation and social background.”

FUUN is starting its own chapter with the support of the Children’s Religious Education Committee and the approval of the board. If you’re interested, or if you have questions, please contact Gina Austin via mmills@firstuunashville.org.

Posted in Children’s & Youth RE on 01/25/2012 11:52 am by Marguerite

New Social Justice Committee

A new Social Justice Committee is being formed, and we are looking for seven to nine committed folks who like to work through process and oversee projects. If you prefer the hands-on work, out in the field, there will be plenty of opportunities going forward. But if you would like to be involved in oversight for social justice issues, and can commit through June 2013, please contact socialjustice@firstuunashville.org

 

Posted in Social Concerns & Action on 01/23/2012 09:41 am by Susan Johnston

Social Justice Discernment Team

The Discernment Team is wrapping up its work and will be presenting its new process for FUUN Social Justice to the congregation in the coming weeks. Watch for more information, and be prepared to join in discussions about where our efforts should be directed. There is an infinite number of possibilities for our future actions. We look forward to hearing your views, so stay tuned!

Posted in Communication, Social Concerns & Action on 01/23/2012 09:35 am by Susan Johnston

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