“There is a time for every season…..a time for every purpose…”

(Ecclesiastes, adapt.)

I almost can’t believe we are beginning our fifth year together at MUUF!  Over these past years we have lived the ebb and flow. We have welcomed vibrant new members and visitors; and we have lost many of our beloved long-time members who were the stalwarts of this Fellowship.  We have added new gardens and a beautiful sign to the front of our sanctuary, and we are doing many long-needed repairs.  We have said fond farewells to long-time staff, and have welcomed in new great folks to pick-up where they left off.  Our Board shifts new leadership each year, in a manner reflecting the best of our democratic Congregational tradition. Also, I have observed the ‘mixed blessing’ of having too many people to fit in the sanctuary for peak season Sunday services!  These are only some of the major changes which I have seen in such a relatively short time.

“Where there is no vision the people perish” (Proverbs)

             This year we will embark once again on many special journeys, which will both excite and challenge us.  In order to understand the present and plan for the future, we will be having a special all-day retreat in the winter, where hopefully many of you will be able to come and share in three important tasks: First, we will be creating our first ever Congregational Covenant, something like a Mission Statement, but much better.  A ‘statement’ just says things; a ‘Covenant’ promises things from a much deeper place of relationship.  Secondly, we will continue building a healthy beloved community through the work of creating a ‘Covenant of Right Relations’.  This is happening in UU congregations throughout the country, as folks are finding ways to communicate with each other with respect, dignity and compassion.  Finally at our retreat we will work on creating real and viable Long-Range Planning, reflected in a 1-3-5+ year plan for our Fellowship.  We need to look down the road because within that time frame we might have to build or enhance a new campus for ourselves, one that truly reflects the programs of our future ministry. We will need to have bold, creative and positive vision to bring to this retreat, and to our congregational life. The Wisdom writings of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs really are wise for us.  Here’s to our new year together of endless possibilities!            Love and Blessings, Bonnie

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Minister’s Hours

 

Rev. Dr. E. Bonnie Devlin

Office Phone: 941-746-0067

Office Hrs: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30pm-5:30pm

Scheduling appointments is recommended

Emergencies at all hours

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Adult Enrichment Programs – September, 2010

Fall Term, 2010

“Getting to Know U”: Monthly Orientation Session for Guests

Gatherings:  3^rd Sunday of each month through May, 2011

Time:  12:00 – 12:20pm+/ 1^st group: Sunday, October 17

Facilitator:  Rev. Bonnie Devlin

   

If you are a guest and would like to know more about our Unitarian Universalist faith tradition and our Manatee UU Fellowship, please stop by our Sanctuary during coffee hour for some brochures and a brief informational and question/answer session.

 

“The New UU”

An Exploration into the history and paths of Unitarian Universalism, Your Beliefs, and the Manatee UU Fellowship

Three Sessions: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00.Social Room Library-Dates:  October 19, 26, November 16

Facilitator:  Rev. Bonnie Devlin

 

Come join us as we explore the roots and ‘routes’ of our spiritual and faith journeys, the fascinating religious history and path of Unitarian Universalism, and our Manatee Fellowship.  This is an in-depth program for interested visitors; and those considering membership, recent members, as well as seasoned UU who want to learn more about themselves and our UU roots & path.  Please make sure to use the sign-up sheet on Sundays, or call our office by Monday, October 18 at the very latest.  You are certain to have an enlightening and fun time! 

 

Please note:  We are planning a Share-A-Dish New Member Celebration for Friday, December 3. Everyone is invited to all our Share-A-Dish 1^st Fridays!

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*VERY IMPORTANT!  MUUF Congregational Council

Sunday, September 19 12:15-1:30

 *Gulfcoast Affirming Interfaith Network (GAIN) – Annual Fall Interfaith Service – Stay tuned for more information!

 

*MUUF All-Day Leadership Retreat – sometime in late January or early February – please watch the Update for further information.  Thanks!  Bonnie

 

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