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(posted 30 March 2008 by Eric)

Attention! Apply now for SUUSI! Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute!

SUUSI 2008: Pilgrimage

July 20-26, 2008, Radford, VA

SUUSI is an intentional community of approximately 1,000 people who gather in July to explore our interconnectedness, learn new ways of seeing our world and each other, delight in the joys of meeting old friends and making new ones, share outdoor adventures, dance, and sing.

Easter Sunday

(posted 22 March 2008 by Eric)

Come to TJMC for the 11:15am service and see how UU's celebrate Easter! Our Easter service focuses on the celebration of life, the coming of spring, and renewing the spirit. As always, rides are available if you ask Eric.

Billiards

(posted 22 March 2008 by Eric)

We'll be shooting some pool at Orbitz on the Corner, on Tuesday 3/25 at 7pm until 9-10ish. Stop by for as long as you can and hang out with UU's from UVA undergrad and grad school.

Bahai'a Discussion

(posted 22 March 2008 by Eric)

DENIAL CAMPAIGN: FIGHTING FOR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN

Tuesday, March 25, from 5-7pm at the Harrison Special Collections Library

Topic: What is YOUR responsibility as a global citizen?

Two prominent Bahá'í scholars, Dr. John Grayzel, Bahá'í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, and Dr. Kavian Milani, adjunct professor of family medicine at the University of Virginia, will be speaking on the persecution of Bahá'í students in Iran, birthplace of the Bahai'a faith, and some ways in which members of the university can help alleviate this gross violation of human rights.

Mock Hajj

(posted 22 March 2008 by Eric)

Want to feel what it's like to go on a Hajj?

Wednesday, March 26

3:00pm

In the UVA Amphitheatre

ISAC

(posted 22 March 2008 by Eric)

Interfaith Social Action Coalition (ISAC) is attempting to bring together leaders of different faiths around Grounds to make positive social change. If you're interested in attending a meeting, let Eric know.

UDems Bachelor Auction

(posted 12 March 2008 by Eric)

The UDems annual Bachelor Auction is on Thursday, March 13th from 7-9 pm in Orbitz. All the proceeds of the event will be going to PACEM, a local organization that helps house homeless men in churches over the winter. Come on over and bid on your favorite UDems and give for a great cause. The winning bidder on each bachelor gets a gift certificate to a cool Charlottesville establishment. Email Kate Vasiloff for more information.

Community Vigil for Lawrence King

(posted 12 March 2008 by Eric)

On Tuesday, February 12th, 2008, eighth-grader Lawrence King of Oxnard, California was fatally shot in the head in front of his classmates during the early morning hours of school.

King was fifteen years old and an openly gay youth to his peers and family. Deeming this a hate crime, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied communities across America have been holding vigils in an effort to bring communities together in making commitments to prevent this horrible tragedy from being repeated elsewhere.

Since Lawrence King was murdered there have been several other attacks on and murders of members of the LGBT community across the country. Attention to these incidents exemplifies the need for community involvement at all levels to create a society where violence is not tolerated and respectful relationships are supported and modeled to all our young people. Please join us in this Vigil for Unity to first honor the life of Lawrence King, and more importantly, to come together as a community to stop the violence and hatred plaguing our schools and communities in harmful and dangerous ways. Other vigils across the state and nation will be happening concurrently.

When: Wednesday March 12th, 6:30-8:00pm

Where: UVA Amphitheater – across from Garrett Hall.

Interfaith Dialogue Meeting

(posted 12 March 2008 by Eric)

Professor John Portman will be speaking. He currently teaches courses on Religion & Science as well as Religion & Psychology. He will be speaking on these areas: science, particularly psychology, and how it relates to our understanding of religion. He is a very knowledgeable teacher who is exceptional at facilitating interesting (and sometimes controversial!) discussion. It should really be great, and I hope to see you all there. So, Professor Portman, 8pm in the Kaleidoscope Room.

And also, church on Sunday at 11:15. Rides available at 11am from the IRC circle. Email me if you'd like to go.

Virginia Atheists & Agnostics Meeting

(posted 10 February 2008 by Eric)

Virginia Atheists and Agnostics would like to inform you about an event we will be holding on Tuesday, February 12 from 8-10 pm in Chemistry 304 titled “Atheists on Atheism.” The meeting will feature a panel of student atheists talking about their personal experiences and fielding other questions relating to atheism. The purpose of the meeting is to spread knowledge about the atheist and agnostic community at the University, and we are looking forward to having a diverse audience at the meeting. We at the VAA are committed to eliminating the stigma of atheism, encouraging tolerance, and fostering student dialogue on matters of faith, science, and reason.

TNT Meeting - God Language

(posted 8 February 2008 by Eric)

We will meet with the TNT Group on Monday, February 11 at 7:30 pm in Summit House Room 1. We will discuss "God Language" - whether the concept of divinity is useful to us, what descriptions/names are meaningful (or not) to each of us, what kind of reactions certain descriptions/names inspire, and how we use or discard these concepts in our personal views of spirituality. This is a deeply personal topic so please come with an open mind and a willingness to discuss real thoughts and feelings about a complicated subject.

Baha'i Worship

(posted 4 February 2008 by Eric)

The Baha'i student group is gathering this Friday, February 8 at around 9pm at a house on 14th street. It will involve music, drinking tea, some readings, discussion, and socializing. If you are interested let Eric know. Read about the Baha'i faith.

Interfaith Dialogue Music Night

(posted 3 February 2008 by Eric)

This tuesday at 8:00 pm in the Kaleidoscope room we have a wonderful IFD event. Mike Gannon, Ali Youseffi, and Vivek Verani will be speaking about their thoughts on music and spirituality. They will either perform a piece they find to be particularily spiritual or play a recording of a song and discuss its spiritual dimensions.

Ali Youseffi studied music therapy in Chile and has published one cd, entitled "One Step Away." He sings and plays the guitar.
Mike Gannon is a music major here at UVA who plays slide guitar.
Vivek Verani is also a music major at UVA and plays tabla.
I hope you all can come out. This is going to be a wonderful event. Be sure to bring any friends who are interested.

Baja Bean Karaoke Night

(posted 29 January 2008 by Eric)

We will be going to karaoke Night at Baja Bean, Friday, February 1, at 9pm (the one on 29 N, not the corner). Bring your favorite hits, old and new! If you need rides let Eric know.
Also, church this Sunday at 11:15.

Interfaith Dialogue meeting

(posted 19 January 2008 by Eric)

There will be an Interfaith Dialogue meeting on Tuesday, January 22, at 8pm in the Kaleidoscope Room of Newcomb Hall.
Keri Daniel will speak about her experience abroad in Brazil and her study of mental health from a Candomblé perspective. Candomblé is a historically Afro-Brazilian religion that has a strong presence in Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia. The terreiros, or houses, of Candomblé serve not only as religious institutions but also as health centers. Candomblé has proved to be very effective in the healing of mental illnesses, and Keri will be sharing her research in this area.

Church this Sunday

(posted 15 January 2008 by Eric)

Sunday, January 20, at 11:15am we will go to the church service and go to brunch afterwards. We'll be leaving from the IRC circle at 11 sharp. Contact Eric if you would like a ride.

Meeting with TNT Group

(posted 14 January 2008 by Eric)

Tuesday, January 15, at 8pm we will meet with the TNT group (Twenties & Thirties) at the Summit House next to the church. The discussion topic is trust, so please join us for meaningful conversation and fellowship. Contact Eric if you need a ride.

Billiards with TNT Group!

(posted 30 November 2007 by Eric)

Saturday, December 1, we will have an awesome game of billiards at Orbitz on the Corner from 5-7pm (with TNT group). Come by for as long as you can!

Last Meeting this Semster

(posted 26 November 2007 by Eric)

This Wednesday, November 28, we will have our last regular meeting of the semester. Join us in Cabell 337 from 7-8 pm.

TNT Meeting - Forgiveness!

(posted 11 November 2007 by Eric)

VUUS and the TNT group will be meeting together next Tuesday evening, 11/13, at 8 pm at the church parlor (when you go in the side door it's the first room on the right). Our topic will be Forgiveness. Pleasecome join us for worship and meaningful conversation.

Note: If you can make it to church on November 10, Eric will be performing in the service. He is playing a piece on piano with Wendy from the TNT group on guitar.

Halloween!

(posted 29 October 2007 by Eric)

Wiccan Service on Halloween We will be having a Wiccan Service, with the help of Laura Horn from the church, on a very appropriate night of the year! We will cast a circle, call the Elements, and do some rituals. We'll also have cookies and apple cider. Don't miss this event!

Wednesday, Oct. 31
7-8 pm
New Cabell 337

Interfaith Dialogue!

(posted 22 October 2007 by Eric)

There will be no Wednesday meeting this week, but I hope you will attend the Interfaith Dialogue Group meeting. Details below.

Interfaith Dialogue Meeting

(posted 16 October 2007 by Eric)

WHO? Professor Jahan Ramazani and his wife Caroline. Ramazani is the chair of the English Department, professor of the acclaimed "Cross-Cultural Poetries" seminar class, Editor of the Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry, and a fabulous person - he is a big deal on and off Grounds! Professor Ramazani's wife is Caroline Rody, also an esteemed professor of the English Department here at UVA. She specializes in in ethnic American, Caribbean, and women's fiction. She has also taught in the Jewish Studies Department.
WHAT? Professor Ramazani and his wife will talk on the topic of their interfaith marriage. They will talk for about 30 minutes, and then open it up for questions.
WHEN? Thursday, October 25 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the Kaleidoscope Room, which is room #311 in Newcomb Hall.
WHY? Because Kaleidoscope is sponsoring the event, there will be free food and drinks! Also, Ramazani is a highly acclaimed professor and a wonderful person, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to get a glimpse into his personal spiritual and family life!

Fall Break News!

(posted 8 October 2007 by Eric)

Hope you all are having a wonderful fall break, and maybe getting some actual reading done on reading days. There will be NO weekly meeting on Wednesday this week, but in its place there are quite a few events at the church.

I will be walking/biking to these events, so meet at the Chapel 15 minutes before it starts and we'll go over together.

T-N-T MEETING

The Twenties 'N' Thirties group is meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8pm in the church parlor. We have done a couple social events with them already and they are a great group to hang out with. They really want us to be a part of their group so I hope you will come. The meeting should last for an hour or two but you can stay as long as you like.

SPAGHETTI, SONGS, and SUNDAES.

An international generational event at the church on Friday, October 12 at 5 PM. You're invited to an all-church FUN party where we'll eat, sing, and eat some more. The Music Committee is sponsoring this delicious event—yum! Besides the great food, the evening will be filled with fun songs from musicals (Oklahoma, Sound of Music, Godspell, etc.).

UNDOING RACISM MOVIE NIGHT

Right after the spaghetti dinner, Gay-Straight Alliance is holding a Movie Night in the church parlor (7 PM). They will show "The Bird Cage," a great movie where Robin Williams plays Armand, a gay nightclub owner who lives in South Beach with his partner, Albert (Nathan Lane). They're enjoying a happy and relatively unexciting life until Armand's son, Val, announces his engagement to the daughter of an extreme, right-wing senator (Gene Hackman). Join us for popcorn, laughter, and post-movie conversation.

BOWLING with T-N-T

We'll be going bowling with the Twenties 'N' Thirties group on Saturday, Oct.13. Details TBA.

Upcoming Events!

(posted 1 October 2007 by Eric)

Meeting @ same place and time (CAB 337 on Wednesday 7-8 pm) TJMC Events

October 9, Twenties ‘n’ Thirties Group, 8–10 PM, Church Parlor

Come join T‘n’T, the TJMC Twenties‘n’ Thirties Group, for our monthly Second Tuesday Worship. T‘n’T, 20’s and 30’s, is a young adult ministry of TJMC for folks from 18-39 years of age. We are young adult UU's, members, and friends active at TJMC. We are gay and straight, singles and couples, parents and chi ld- free, students, workers, professionals, and seekers. Come join the newly revamped T‘n’T under new leadership, as we open up to new faces, and create new opportunities for young adults at our church to connect! For more info, please e-mail the four coleaders (Kirstin Fritz, Wendy Robertson, Brian Haluska, and Christine Gresser) at tnt@uucharlottesville.org.

October 12, Gay-Straight Alliance & Undoing Racism Movie Night, 7 PM, Church Parlor

Today’s offering is The Bird Cage. Robin Williams plays Armand, a gay nightclub owner who lives in South Beach with his partner, Albert (Nathan Lane). They’re enjoying a happy and relatively unexciting life until Armand’s son, Val, announces his engagement to the daughter of an extreme, right-wing senator (Gene Hackman). Join us for popcorn, laughter, and post-movie conversation. Youth are particularly welcome! Contact gaystraight@uucharlottesville.org

October 21, Faith in Action, 11:15 AM, Summit Rm 1

David Slutsky will join us to speak on “Growth vs. Sustainability.” Mark your calendar for 7 PM Sunday, November 18, when Deena Hurwitz of UVA will speak to us on the US and international law.

October 27, Game Night for all ages! FREE!, 6:30–10 PM, Social Hall

You are invited to an intergenerational evening of games and fun. Costumes are optional but welcome for this Halloween celebration. Bring snacks and/or drinks to share. We have a wide variety of games for you to try out, but everyone is encouraged to bring along favorites. For more information, contact volunteers@uucharlottesville.org

Events this Week!

(posted 27 September 2007 by Eric)

• Meeting @ same place and time (CAB 337 on Wednesday 7-8 pm)
• Dinner @ Newcomb 6:15 pm on Thursday (Sept. 27) - Meet by the card swipe outside the game room at 6:15 for food and fun, accompanied by Ben's running commentary
• Mini-Golfing with TJMC 20-30's group - We're going to Charlottesville Fun Park (near Fashion Square Mall) at 1:00 pm on Saturday the 29th. They have bumper boats, mini golf, batting cages, Go Karts, and an arcade. And we get to hang out with a group of UU's from the church not much older than ourselves!
  Mini-Golfing group (Click for bigger images)
• Visit the church website
  The service for this Sunday at 11:15 is: "Somewhere Near Your Heart."
  Life beckons us to venture out and meet it. Do we stay locked within ourselves, or do we answer? Rev. David Takahashi Morris and Worship Associate Laura Wallace will help us to delve into these possibilities.
• Please do the VUUS Survey! We would like your feedback about the group so far.

Hike Humpback!

(posted 14 September 2007 by Eric)

• Hiking at Humpback Rocks! (and Riverside Lunch afterwards)
  We will meet at 11am on Saturday at Echols dorm (the brick wall by the side door). If you weren't at our last meeting and want to go, please let me know so I can be sure we have rides for everyone.
  Come out on Saturday to enjoy the wonderful weather on a day hike at Humpback Rocks! We will drive about half an hour and park off the historic Blue Ridge Parkway; we will then hike 1-2 miles along the AT in a loop to get to Humpback rocks, scramble around while enjoying a 360 degree view of the Shenandoah valley and greater Charlottesville area. The descent is only about 15 minutes.
  
  Bring a bottle of water, tennis shoes, a camera if you desire, and a smile!
  We're going together as a group, and we should fit in 1 or 2 cars. For your interest, here's the driving directions:
  From Cville, take 64 West to exit 99. Get onto the Blue Ridge Parkway (Southbound) and drive about 5 miles to the Humpback Rocks parking area on the left.
  We can go to Riverside Lunch afterwards, which has delicious greasy burgers and fries (it's on 1427 Hazel St). Eric Flying
• Church at 11:15 on Sunday. Contact Laura Horn for rides (434-295-5079).
  "Conversion and Allegiance"
  Join Rev. David Takahashi Morris and Worship Associate Scott DeVeaux this STARS Story Sunday to explore the Biblical saga of Ruth, who adopts Naomi's faith and becomes part of her people. Can one "convert" to Unitarian Universalism?

VUUS News!

(posted 8 September 2007 by Eric)

• We will be meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 12, New Cabell B031, 7-8 pm. We'll be meeting there for this week only, and then I have the room from last week reserved for the rest of the semester.
• Church services at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church Unitarian Universalist (TJMC UU) are at 11:15 on Sundays. This Sunday, Laura Horn, a close contact from the church, will be offering rides to anyone who needs it. Her number is 434-295-5079.
  Visit the church website
  The service for this Sunday at 11:15 is: Radical Love
  "How do we respond to a world that so often seems mired in hatred and atrocious acts? Revs. David and Leslie Takahashi Morris and Worship Associate Chris Lilley will explore an approach that speaks to the power of a method based on love and not bitterness.
• Thank you for the advice we got on ideas for this semester. We would like to have movie nights, dinners, working with high school UUs in Charlottesville, a weekend retreat, and possibly a trip to other universities to hang out with their UU groups. If you have other ideas, let Eric know.
• We are also trying to interact with other religious groups on Grounds. I've talked with Interfaith Dialogue and here's the information they sent me:
  
  "There are 4 meetings total this semester, the first of which is on Thursday, September 20th at 8:00 in Cabell 119. Each meeting will be slightly different, in that it will be more of a performance than a discussion. for those of you that came out to or participated in the "3 P: Poetry, Prose, and Performance" night last spring, the meetings will follow this model: there will be a professor speaker, students of various faiths reading poetry and prose aloud, and musical performances from an assortment of faith groups."
  
  So far they have the Bhakti Yoga Group, the Hindu Student Group, the Baha'i music group, and several other speakers and performers. They would like for us to join them and do a reading or presentation. It would be a wonderful opportunity to explain about Unitarian Universalism to others on Grounds! So mark your calendars. We can talk about this at our next meeting.

Welcome!

(posted 29 August 2007 by Eric)

We have a wonderful program lined up for this semester. We will be at the Activities Fair this Saturday, and our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 5, in New Cabell 337 (CAB 337) from 7-8 pm. Please come and invite your friends!