A Message from Rev. Mark

San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Newsletter February 2016 Ways of Growing Jennifer Van Buren, Board President When individuals remark that their congregation is growing, they typically mean that membership numbers are increasing. While this is an important area of growth, Loren Mead, author of More Than Numbers: The Way Churches Grow, describes four types of growth possible in congregations: Incarnational, Maturational, Organic, and Numerical growth. Incarnational Growth is also referred to as “Growth in Action.” Mead proposes that there are four types of action: Civic, Activist, Sanctuary and Evangelical. Click above for a video of the MLK March & Celebration courtesy of Ben Torres. Healthy incarnational growth requires that a congregation learn to trust the wisdom of many types of action. important that we keep a balance among these action Both the Civic and Sanctuary styles of change refer to the types, and remember that not everyone is going to have relationship between the members within the the same priorities. We should continue to respect those congregational system. A “Civic” style of relationship is a who look outward more than inward, or are present-driven relationship of the congregation to its members, of instead of future-driven. There is room for all of our types working within congregational needs. “Sanctuary” style of of action. relationship is a relationship that provides an interface with Maturational Growth is also referred to as “Growth in their spiritual life. We have many ways congregants can Wisdom.” According to Mead, this kind of growth allows grow their spiritual lives. From the Drumming Circle to the congregation to "challenge, support, and encourage Circle Suppers, we participate in many enriching programs. each one of its members to grow in the maturity of their In the next year, we plan on holding monthly faith, to deepen their spiritual roots, and to broaden their Congregational Conversations, giving an open forum of religious imaginations." SGUUF has shown this kind of communication on a wide variety of topics. We will be growth through the process of becoming a Welcoming adding a Men’s Support Group to the list of many Congregation, as well as a Green Sanctuary. opportunities for congregants to help each other along our Organic Growth is also known as “Growth in Strength.” spiritual journeys. Skill building and leadership development are key “Activist” style is the relationship of the congregation to components to healthy organic growth. Several of the larger community. Supporting PFLAG and NAMI, SGUUF’s leaders have been participating in the Heart of participation the MLK March, as well as working to move Texas Leadership Series, and other members participated the Confederate Monument, are just a few examples of the in two recent Religious Education seminars, all facilitated many ways our congregation takes on the “Activist” by our UUA Congregational Life Staff, Natalie Briscoe. We position. An “Evangelistic” style brings Unitarian have also had members attend the 2015 UUA General Universalism to people who have not experienced it Assembly, and more will attend the 2016 General Assembly previously. We welcome visitors and put ourselves “out in Columbus, Ohio. there” with Courageous Conversations and the Interfaith I feel that our congregation is growing in all four of these Eco-Network of Georgetown. While we are not evangelical ways. Our numerical growth is evident and I expect it to in pressuring non-UU’s to convert, we do reach out with continue. Our decision to move Rev. Mark up to full time, pride when taking our work to the larger community. to hire a quarter time Religious Education Director and Members, whether they know it or not, prioritize these bringing on a Choir Director, all reflect ways we have forms of action. The recognition of a diversity of focus is “staffed for growth” as our congregation takes steps to the first step in understanding incarnational growth. It is grow in many ways. San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1322 E. University Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78626 www.sangabrieluu.org Sunday Worship Services All services are held at our church home, 1322 East University Avenue (Highway 29), in Georgetown. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. February 7 The Pines, the Ashes, and the Seedlings Rev. Nell Newton It’s easy to be dazzled by beauty of nature and when we wander into religious naturalism we are apt to spend more time admiring its prettier parts. Our 7th principle asks us to hold “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” But that web has some dark strands and complex connections that elude our understanding. In this sermon we’ll take a walk through the burned out forests of Bastrop to consider the implications of a deep green religion. Rev. Nell Newton was ordained by the San Marcos UU Fellowship last year and is happy to return to the pulpit of San Gabriel UU. She currently works for TreeFolks, a non-profit that empowers Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees. She lives in Central Austin with her husband, assorted teenagers, too many cats, a flock of chickens, and one sweet dog. February 14 On Religion and Science Rev. Mark Skrabacz The Clergy Letter Project maintains statements in support of the teaching of evolution and collects signatures in support of letters from American Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, and Buddhist clergy. This effort was initiated in 2004 by biologist Michael Zimmerman, now vice president for academic affairs and provost at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. On this 11th annual Evolution Weekend, the weekend closest to Charles Darwin's birthday (February 12), Rev. Mark, a signatory to the Clergy Letter Project, will speak to the fact that religion and science are not adversaries. February 21 On Just Mercy Rev. Mark Skrabacz During this Black History Month let's take a look at the book chosen as our Community Read, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. As a brilliant and idealistic lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, has made sacrificial contributions to the reform of criminal justice. Come listen to heart-wrenching and inspiring stories from this book and celebrate its gifted author who has endured the stigma of hate in his quest to make criminal justice in our nation less criminal and more just. February 28 A Special Guest Rev. Mark Skrabacz Today we will have a special Guest Speaker. The person and topic will be announced. Our Family Choir will inspire us with choral music. Keep an eye on the weekly announcements for further information and plan to attend. 2 https://www.goodreads.com/ book/show/20342617-just-mercy BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS Just Mercy, a memoir and New York Times bestseller by Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard Law graduate and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, exposes the continuing legacy of racial injustice in the U.S. criminal justice system. Discussions of Just Mercy will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays on February 3, 10, 17, and 24 on the bridge on the second floor of the Georgetown Public Library at 402 W. Eighth Street. The book discussions are free open to the public. Community discussions called Courageous Conversations about Race will explore four themes that serve as community cornerstones as they intersect with the topic of race. Each discussion will include community leaders related to each of the topics: Each discussion will be at 7 p.m. in the Friends Room of the Georgetown Public Library at 402 W. Eighth Street. The public is invited to attend and participate in these facilitated discussions. Education: Thursday, February 4 Healthcare: Thursday, February 11 Public Safety: Friday, February 19 Economic Development: Thursday, February 25 The 2014 film Selma will be shown in a public screening at the Georgetown Public Library at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26. The film showing is free and open to the public. The film tells the story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the historic march on Selma, Alabama in 1965, which helped to galvanize the civil rights movement and fueled efforts to pass the Voting Rights Act later that year. Black History Month Banquet 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 12 The banquet, sponsored by The Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association, will be held at the McKinney Christian Ministry Center at First United Methodist Church, 410 E. University Avenue. Individual Adult tickets are $10.00 and a table of eight is $100.00. Members and friends have made contributions so that SGUUF will have a couple of sponsored tables at the event. We would like to extend an invitation to those who would like to attend. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Mark at [email protected]. TEA AND DRUMMING CIRCLE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH 5-7 P.M. At the home of our awesome drummer, Fred Martinez 807 Jasmine Trail, Crystal Knolls 78626 Come Drum and Have some Fun in this growing community of sacred and creative expression! This is both a meditation and a fun social event. Bring a drum, shaker, rattles and a healthy snack to share. We welcome new people to this growing event! We have some drums to share if you don't have one and feel called to join us!! We welcome children and youthful beings. We request that youth are respectful of the meditation circle and the instruments! RSVP is appreciated but not required. Call JK Khalsa with questions or to RSVP at 512-921-9899. interfaith eco-network of PFLAG Meeting georgetown forum Monday, February 22nd The February IENG Forum on Bees scheduled for the 18th at Wellspring 6:45 p.m. UMC has been cancelled.

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