This Sunday, May 11
Christine Branum-Martin, “Standing Barefoot On The Earth”
The seventh Principle, which affirms “respect for the interdependent web of all existence”, is the center of our worldview as UUs. Yet we have difficulty finding religious language to express this theologically. I found myself in need of a spiritual practice that reconnected me to the natural world and explored a way to talk about it in religiously humanistic terms.  I found in the 2003 incarnation of the Humanist Manifesto a foundation for a theology that celebrates a language of reverence and spiritual depth.  From this, I found renewal as a person of faith in a secular world.
Greeter:  Vickie Francil    Board Member/Facilitator: Gerry Carr     Facilitator:     Music:  Margaret Canavan

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Pledge Drive:  We had hoped for all pledges to be in by today, but we are still lacking a few. We thank all the members who have already returned their pledge, and the generous friends who have done so as well.  Board meets this Thursday, May 8 and will set the 2008-09 budget based on pledges received. If you haven’t yet returned your pledge please send it in as soon as possible.

Baseball Anyone?;  In past years we have had group outings to an Astros game, and had great fun . Are you up for organizing this? We just need someone to pick a game/date, and coordinate tickets.  Let us know if you’d like to be that person! Pretty please!

UU Marketing Campaign:  Check out the May 12 issue of TIME magazine on newsstands today.  On page 48, amongst TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World, you will find the second of two ads running as part of Phase II of Unitarian Universalism’s National Marketing Campaign. See <http://www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/marketing/index.shtml> .

Neat website:  Hear UU audio sermons at <http://www.uuaudiosermons.com/200803.htm>

THIS WEEK AT THE FELLOWSHIP:

UU “Bowlers” Wednesday May 7, 5:30pm:  Join in the fun of creating bowls for the Fall Jesse Tree fundraiser.  All are welcome and no experience is necessary.

Board Meeting Thursday, May 8, 5:45 pm:  All are welcome. Please be sure to have your pledge information in, as they will be preparing our budget for the year beginning July 1.

Provocative Film Friday May 9, 7pm: : Crash.  A 36-hour period in the diverse metropolis of post September 11 Los Angeles is the theme of this unflinching drama that challenges viewers to confront their prejudices.  Lives combust when a Brentwood housewife and her DA husband, a Persian shopkeeper, two cops, a pair of carjackers and a Korean couple all converge.  An Academy Award Best Picture.  Free admission, bring a friend and a snack to share.

UU Spring Music Festival Saturday May 10, 3-9(?)pm:  Performers, enjoyers and vendors from the eight Houston area UU congregations. Bring a picnic, cooler, lawn chair, blankets, etc. Information at <http://uuhouston.org> .For vendor space email mark@gorilladanceband.com <mailto:mark@gorilladanceband.com> by April 30.

COMING SOON:

Spirit Circle Covenant Group Tuesday, May 13, 7-8:30pm:  The purpose of this group is to deepen our relationships to each other and our Unitarian Universalist faith through deep listening and sharing.  Discussion will revolve around meaningful life/spiritual issues.  Currently I am choosing topics from a wide variety of small group sessions developed by UU's across the country.  Please contact Gerry Carr  at gcarr@tlc-galveston.org for more information or questions.

Book Club Wednesday May 14, 7pm: The May book is Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro. All are welcome to join this discussion. The book for the June 11 discussion is The March, by E.L. Doctorow.

Newsletter Submissions are due Friday May 16:  Any changes or special occasions in your life?  Events you’d like people to know about?  Get information in so it can be included in the  newsletter.

Supper Circle Sunday May 18: Cheryl & Red Henry are hosting his month from 4-8 pm. Sign up on the bulletin board or contact Judy Glaister.

ONGOING WEEKLY:

Adult Forum Sundays at 9am:  Now is the perfect time to join with this adult religious education group as they begin discussion of Enough, by Bill McKibben.  This is an open group and all are welcome to participate.

Zen Meditation Sundays at 4pm.  The Zen Island Fellowship invites new members to attend. Visit their website at <http://www.galvestonzen.org/> for more information.

A Course in Miracles, Thursdays at 7pm. All are welcome to join this world-renowned course in Spirituality. The participants also meet for dinner before the group.  To join them, or for more information, contact Susan Persons at slpersons@comcast.net <mailto:slpersons@comcast.net>

Galveston Dance Club Dance Classes Thursdays, 7-9pm: West Coast Swing each week from 7-8, Cha-Cha from 8-9. Classes are free to members of the Dance Club. First lesson is free, and UU members can join for half-price, at $30 per person for a full year. Betty and Lou Whistler are the instructors. Come join us for fun and exercise.

Microfinancing update:  To date we have loaned a total of $800 to recipients in developing countries, and have donated $55 to support the activities of Kiva.  Read about our loan recipients at <http://www.kiva.org/lender/unitarianuniversali3384> . We will make more loans as we receive donations or loans are repaid. Anyone can help select loan recipients.

Have a great week!