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Gradual reopening continues October 30 in the courtyard.
Read more in our Newsletter...
Read more in our Newsletter...
Minister Search:
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
During the focus groups and mentioned on the survey, several people asked why we didn't ask congregants to clarify their beliefs systems. Read our response in the article below
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
During the focus groups and mentioned on the survey, several people asked why we didn't ask congregants to clarify their beliefs systems. Read our response in the article below
Zoom meetings this week:
With the church campus closed, many activities have moved to Zoom. Here are some of them. Monday, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Spirituality - (postponed) Read more... Tuesday, 10:00 - 11:00 am, Tai Chi Easy- drop-in class Read more... Wednesday, 11:30-12:30 am, Coffee, Tea or Lunch Read more... Thursday, 10:00-11:00 am, Qigong drop-in class Read more... Thursday, 10:00- 11:00 am, Chair Yoga (postponed) Read more... Thursday, Noon -1:00pm Mindfulness (postponed) Read More... Friday Happy Hour, 5:00 - 6:00 pm Read more... Sunday, 9:30 am, Forum (details below) Sunday, 10:45 am, Live Service via YouTube (details below) Sunday, 11:00 am, Religious Education (details below) Sunday, 11:30 am, Coffee Hour following the live service (details below) Sunday, 7:00 pm, Zen Buddhism (details below) Small groups and committees are also meeting via Zoom These events are listed on our calendar. The meetings are live events and not recorded.
Sunday, October 31:
Live Sunday Service on YouTube at 10:45 am:
Sermon by Rev. Doug Wadkins
This season is often understood as the time when the curtain between the living and the dead, and the past and future is most thin. It is often the case that many of us carry memories from the past. Some of those memories are joyful, some of them are difficult, and many memories are a bittersweet mixture. Let us explore the deeper components of what it might mean to be haunted by our past and how one might manage such truths in our lives. Live Music:
Religious Education: 11:00am We encourage everyone to watch the Youtube worship service starting at 10:45am for the Story for All Ages and then join in the Religious Education zoom from 11:00-11:30am. No matter your age, ALL ARE WELCOME to join us if you are in line with our UU values and principles. Not on our current religious education mailing list? Sign-up here to get the Zoom link. Call Catherine Bonner at (941) 720-8437 if you have any questions. Live Forum via Zoom at 9:30 am Linda Albert
Living Longer, Living Wisely, Living Deeply - A Dialogue on Aging
The psychologist C.G Jung believed that once we've carried out the mandates required of us by society, the tasks of the second half of life revolve around becoming most completely "ourselves" - an inborn call to consciously live the largest life possible, within the boundaries of our destinies and fates - a way not toward selfishness, but rather leading toward taking greater responsibility toward self and others. But can we accomplish such a mandate concerning our own and the outer world's growth, in a time of such rapid change and constant chaos and differences of opinion? Our speaker is an award winning writer, and communication and life coach. Presenter, Linda Albert; Moderator, Linda Jones; Zoom Host, Terri Holzinger. Coffee Hour via Zoom at 11:30 am
As the pandemic continues, I hope that you will renew your dedication to the practice of Sunday mornings. We will gather on Zoom after the service for Coffee Hour. We use the same Zoom sign-in as for the Forum, above. To receive the login, sign up on our Virtual Guestbook. We hope to see you there!
Live Zen Buddhism via Zoom at 7:00 pm
A group focusing on "The Study and Practice of Zen" meets every Sunday evening at 7 pm via Zoom. Each session is organized into two components: The study of Zen and the practice of Zen through a 20-minute meditation. Open to newcomers as well as experienced Zen practitioners. To join the session click here so we can email you the password and credentials. Read more...
Minister Search:
Inquiring Minds Want to Know During the focus groups and mentioned on the survey, several people asked why we didn't ask congregants to clarify their beliefs systems. Here is our response: Two years ago when we were preparing for the interim minister search, we conducted a survey which was required by the Unitarian Universalist Association and was part of our Congregational Record. The first page of that record includes the following statement: "The vast majority of our members describe themselves in multiple religious terms. The largest number of our members (57%) describe themselves as identifying with humanists, followed by eclectic (44%), ethical religion (44%), agnosticism (35%), ethical Christianity (26%)." Additionally, during every focus group we asked the question: "We know we represent a range of beliefs or non-belief systems. How could a minister most effectively address the wide range of beliefs in our congregation"? We believe this is the important question, not so much how we classify ourselves but how a minister would deal with the varied beliefs existing within our congregation. That is most important and will assuredly be part of our interviewing process. The committee also discussed this with Rev. Beth and Rev. Doug who provided insights into how a prospective candidate would react to this topic. So now you know. Have something to share that you didn’t include on your survey? Send your thoughts to SearchUUCS@gmail.com. We’re all ears. We look forward to hearing from you. Read more about the Ministerial Search Committee's work at Timeline and Committee Updates... Your Search Committee Past services are on our Virtual Church page. Past Forums, including links to documents, are on our Forum Archive page.
Future services are on our Upcoming Services page. Zoom meetings are live and not recorded. How are our Sunday services livestreamed via Youtube? see Making of Virtual Church Our Youtube channel is at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.
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Rev. Budd Friend-Jones
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The Reverends Beth Miller (Bethmuucs@gmail.com 617-893-1949),
Doug Wadkins (dougwuucs@gmail.com 941-371-4974 extension 4)
Budd Friend-Jones (Buddfjuucs@gmail.com 224-623-9200) are available to respond to your pastoral needs. In addition, Caring Committee and Pastoral Care Team members are available to help in a variety of ways. Please contact Beth, Doug or Budd if you or someone you know in our church community has a need, or just to talk.
Doug Wadkins (dougwuucs@gmail.com 941-371-4974 extension 4)
Budd Friend-Jones (Buddfjuucs@gmail.com 224-623-9200) are available to respond to your pastoral needs. In addition, Caring Committee and Pastoral Care Team members are available to help in a variety of ways. Please contact Beth, Doug or Budd if you or someone you know in our church community has a need, or just to talk.
Social Justice Action
Racial Justice News
UUCS offers many different ways to get educated and get involved. More information here. 
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE November 7 at 3 pm
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee invites you to join them in a commemoration of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass) on Sunday, November 7, at 3:00 pm via Zoom. World-renowned Holocaust and Genocide Scholar, Dame Helen Hyde will be the featured guest speaker. On November 9, 1938, the Nazis unleashed pogroms against Germany’s Jewish community, known today as Kristallnacht. "We remember. We commemorate. We stand up against antisemitism and all expressions of hatred, together." Click here to read more and get the zoom link... 
Ready to Take Action?
There are many ways to share your opinions about current events with your local, state and federal representatives. The most effective way is by phone, followed by writing letters. The Social Justice Committee is here to help by providing contact information, all in one place. Visit our Activist Corner for easy access to the phone numbers of your local, state and federal leaders. 
At this time, only financial donations are requested. We recently donated $1,540. 
Did you know? From clothes to food, the closer to home these products are made and bought, the less carbon is created with their transportation. Not only that, but you’ll be supporting the local economy. Vote for our community and our planet with your wallet.
Solution: BUY LOCAL 
Fair Trade Program
Our fair trade program is on temporary hiatus awaiting the end of the Covid issues. |
UUs in the News: Julie Leach featured in safety protocols report
A recent Sarasota Herald-Tribune article features Julie Leach in a report about public reaction to safety protocols at local arts venues. Click here to read the full article... 
Chalice Groups
Small groups are active now. Contact Suzie Brucklacher for more information or check out our Chalice Groups page. Arts Council
“Glass Creations” by Esther Jensen
UUCS Member Artist of the Month “At the heart of my glass creations is a desire for honesty, harmony, structure and a strong sense of physicality. I find the physical weight of my items to be comforting and grounding.” To see some of the beautiful work she has created click here. Click here for a Guide to Streaming Sunday Services, Meetings, and Classes
Beware of scams. Our ministers do not solicit contributions via email. Click here to read a scam email recently received by a member. The Sarasota Mindfulness Institute, a local non-profit and friend of the church, warmly welcomes you to join us! SMI hosts free, twice-weekly guided mindfulness meditation/book discussion sessions via Zoom: on Wednesday evenings at 6pm, and/or on Fridays at noon. SMI also offers a variety of community classes, including mindful movement--Qigong & Tai Chi--via Zoom, three times a week. Donations are gratefully accepted. Easily register for all SMI classes, programs, and retreats at www.sarasotamindfulness.org.
Garden renamed Dick & Diane Happy Memorial Garden.
Dick Happy's latest reflection is at his "From the Garden Gate" blog ... |
Here we affirm and promote reason and the scientific method as the tools in learning to love each other and live in harmony with the earth.
We have no creed, but we do strongly encourage everyone to treat each other with respect. We are affirming and promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
We have no creed, but we do strongly encourage everyone to treat each other with respect. We are affirming and promoting the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Our religious education program helps our children develop their own common sense and logic in evaluating religious claims. We provide a safe place to help children learn and talk about the big issues such as God, Death, and Sexuality.
We are a Welcoming Congregation, celebrating and affirming the active presence here of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual members and friends, and their families.
We are a Green Congregation, promoting respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
We are a Green Congregation, promoting respect for the interdependent web of all existence.
Minister Search
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Meet the Ministers
Rev. Dr. Doug Wadkins, Interim Senior Minister, joined our church
August 1, 2020
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August 1, 2020
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Rev. Beth Miller, Associate Minister, joined the church on September 1, 2019
Read more...
Read more...
Rev. Gilbert (Budd) Friend-Jones, Associate Minister, joined the church on September 1, 2019
Read more...
Read more...
Special Congregational Meeting June 27 Click on text to read report
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Videos and Audios
Our Board of Trustees is elected annually by the congregation. Read more...
The Board of Trustees meets at 7 pm on the third Tuesday of the month. Read the latest minutes here. The current year budget can be found in the Members Corner.
Conquering Technology-
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Free Help Here
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Drone video of our partner church is now available. Click here to view...
Read more about our partner church...
Read more about our partner church...
Happy gets distracted in church
Read more in Dick's "From the Garden Gate" blog...
Read more in Dick's "From the Garden Gate" blog...
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We are a
Welcoming Congregation Our church is a safe space for g/l/b/t persons. We take positions against oppression in our larger community. |
We are a
Green Sanctuary Congregation practicing reverence, gratitude, and care for the living Earth. |
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