“A Word from Don”
By Rev. Don Rollins
Sunday 11am EST by Zoom
February 14, 2021
The old saw applies: What a difference a year makes. A year ago we could take some things for granted that no longer apply, starting with something as fundamental to our wellbeing as human touch. Masks were for surgery units. Distancing was for avoiding the uncle that always ruins Thanksgiving dinner.
It’s far too early to take inventory of all we’ve lost since this time, last year. For some, a world fairly dominated by COVID has been a matter of inconvenience; but for the majority of our human family, it’s been a season of suffering, fear and loss.
In response, those of us lucky enough to have circles of care have relied even more on the online, masked, socially distanced embraces that help keep us from despair. Maybe it’s a group of friends. Maybe it’s family, maybe a grief or recovery group. Or maybe it’s a UU congregation.
The thing about UU congregations during COVID – even for those for whom being UUFA online just doesn’t cut it – is the comfort, even the joy of knowing the message of liberal religion remains despite it all. We still value, with all our hearts, the responsible quest for truth, the need for vital community, and peace with justice. That saving message hasn’t, and won’t change, no matter how long the wait to reclaim the sanctuary.
Meanwhile, UUFA’s annual stewardship campaign is ramping up. The good folks leading the campaign will soon be reaching out to you with the details, but let me quickly make the case for a larger vision. Put simply, UUFA is more than a local congregation: it’s a real-time, real-life outpost for these precious values. It’s a modern day incarnation of liberal religion, accountable not just to the local outpost, but the crazy-long denominational sign up on Longview Heights. That sign signals you and I are part of something bigger, flawed yet determined to make a difference in a hurting world.
As you discern what you’ll be giving in support of the 2021-22 campaign, I ask you to hold this larger vision in mind. Our offerings will indeed go to support the fellowship’s ministry, but also the larger, living tradition that reminds us we are not on our own.
Thanks in advance for giving what you can, to UUFA and beyond.
Blessings and stay safe,
Don
SUNDAY SERVICE Join via Zoom: If you’ve already download the Zoom app, then simply click on this link to join us: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82365397153
SUNDAY SERVICE Join by Phone: Use your phone to dial either 312 626 6799 or 646 876 9923. Then, when asked, enter meeting ID: 823 6539 7153 OR cut & paste this whole string of numbers, a couple commas, and an ending number symbol into your phone and it’ll dial all that automagically: +16468769923,,82365397153#
NEWS FROM (UUFA PRESIDENT) SUUSAN
Hey y’all! How ya doing? I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.
I’m hearing that some of you are venturing out for your COVID vaccinations. This is wonderful news! It gives me hope that our reopening plans for the fall may actually come to pass.
The Executive Board is meeting on Saturday, Feb 13, to continue discussions of what our Fellowship might look like when we are able to gather together again. We are trying to reimagine ways in which our small-but-mighty congregation can continue to bring our liberal UU values to the larger Athens community, as well as to strengthen our bonds with one another.
If you have ideas to share, or would like to attend the Board meeting, please let me know!
Peace, Suusan suusanw.uu@gmail.com ; 240-305-0860
“TIME OUT TUESDAYS”
Looking for some midweek “vespers” time with UUFA folks? Ready to do some reflecting and sharing? Join Rev. Don Rollins NOW ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH TUESDAYS, next Tuesday, February 23rd at 7pm.
TIME OUT TUESDAYS Join via Zoom: If you’ve already download the Zoom app, then simply click on this link to join us: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82793797593
TIME OUT TUESDAYS Join by Phone: Use your phone to dial either 312 626 6799 or 646 876 9923. Then, when asked, enter meeting ID: 827 9379 7593 OR cut & paste this whole string of numbers, a couple commas, and an ending number symbol into your phone and it’ll dial all that automagically: +13017158592,,82793797593#
THE UUFA BOARD’S NEXT MEETING will be on Saturday, February 13th at 2:30 pm via Zoom. All members are invited to attend. Contact a board member for Zoom login information.
PROGRAM IDEAS?
The UUFA Programming Committee seeks your ideas of programs for our Sunday mornings. Would you like to present during one of our Sundays? Would you like to share music or readings? Can you recommend a good speaker?
The committee will meet next on Sunday, February 14th at 7pm via Zoom. All members are invited to attend. Future Sundays below, subject to change. Contact Wenda, Katie, Susan, Brian, or Barb for Zoom login info. Ideas most welcome. All information subject to change, and exact titles are likely to change. Check our website or Facebook page for the latest information.
Feb. 21st – Nate Kojun Hayes
Feb. 23rd – Time Out Tuesday with Rev. Don Rollins 7pm
Feb 28th – “Disability Day of Mourning” with Katie
March 7th – TBD
March 9th – Time Out Tuesday with Rev. Don Rollins 7pm
March 14th – Rev. Don Rollins & Pledge Sunday
March 21st – TBD
March 23rd – Time Out Tuesday with Rev. Don Rollins 7pm
March 28th – Celebrating the March 31st International Transgender Day of Visibility with Jasper Wirtshafter
HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR THIS GREENSHEET NEWSLETTER: Please email items to wendasheard@yahoo.com and put “Greensheet” in the subject line. New ideas, new columns, announcements, artwork, photographs, biographies, birthdays, anniversaries, and whatnot that you don’t mind being public are all welcome for possible inclusion in the Greensheet. Deadline for each week: Midnight Wednesday or before publication, whichever comes last. Thanks!