August 2004 Worship Services

Ministerial Cognitions

Carrie Ballance, Kim Bean, Donna Birdwell,Enrique Martin-del-Campo, Mona & Rob Ferguson, Klethia Garcia, T.J... Geiger, Chelsea Hagar, Mike Hauk, Ann Marie & Bill Hicks, Charlie & Allana Lounmala, Bob Mark, Pat McGown, and Matthew Rhone.

This is a list of the members of Spindletop Unitarian Church who joined us during the church year 2003-2004. Most of these members are extremely active in the congregation: some are members of the Board of the church; some are on committees; some have started their own covenant groups; some have kept existing covenant groups active; some have worked to renovate the church; all have participated in the life of the church.

When we recognized these new members in the Spring of 2004, I was extremely happy and surprised at how many of these members have become integral participants in the life of Spindletop Unitarian Church. Sometimes I may forget to say so, but each member of Spindletop brings something special and important to our congregation. Sometimes I may forget to recognize those members, both new and old, who make being part of this church so special. I do care for and feel a special place in my heart for each and everyone one of you.

As a community, we do the best we can to support one another. We all will make mistakes, and unintentionally may hurt one another. But we will constantly work toward understanding and forgiveness of each other because we know in our hearts that we care for each other. Love truly is the doctrine of our church.

Let us hope that during this church year, we will be blessed with as dynamic, involved, and numerous new members as we were last year.

"Being a member of a community of faith is what makes the meaning of one's religious identity come alive."

This is a quote from Belonging: the meaning of membership by the Commission on Appraisal of the Unitarian Universalist Association. As members of Spindletop Unitarian Church, we have the opportunity to explore the meaning of spirit, love, covenant, faith with one another. We have the to opportunity to join together to support one another through good times and difficult times. We have the opportunity to grow together mentally, emotionally, spiritually. We have the opportunity to find meaning and purpose, to fight for justice, to aid those in need--as a community and as individuals. We have the opportunity to covenant with one another, as equals, to keep this lighthouse of liberal religion a dynamic force in the greater Beaumont area.

Let us look forward to an exciting church year. This year our Board has a new vision: We the Board of Spindletop Unitarian Church are committed to: being open to creative, positive, and productive change in ourselves and in our congregation; being more actively involved in our community; and being financially responsible in order to keep this bastion of liberal religion a vital force in the Golden Triangle. This statement means we will do more than provide high quality worship and adult education; we will also reach out into the community to be a consistent voice for social justice and an aid for those in need. This will be an exciting year for our congregation. And your support will be needed as we work to help those in need in our community.

We are members of an incredible, growing, sharing community of faith. Let us convenient with one another to make this year one that brings us closer together and closer to our community.

Worship Services:

August 1

A-Historical Wicca presented by Sharon Colbert

"I've been watching the evolution of Wicca for the last twenty years as it triesto connect itself to a pre-Christian woman centered religious tradition of whichlittle is known. Some creativity has been applied to that history to shape it tosuit modern sensibilities. A mythology is being created out of little more than speculation in some cases. Can Wicca evolve into a real religion without relying on these distortions?"--from the sermon by Rev. Samuel Trumbore

August 8

Exploring Worship Matters by Rev. Tom Capo

A wise person has said, "Worship is a body-thing, not a head-thing." By beginning with the "body-thing," we begin to touch the sacred and mysterious reality within this world of earth, body, and spirit in which we live. At SWUUSI, our UU district summer institute, we explored this idea of worship with Dr. Marjorie Proctor Smith.

August 15

Sex as a Spiritual Path by Rev. Tom Capo

Many of us have trouble talking about sex, perhaps because of family of origin issues, personal experiences, or lack of permission from those we love. But sex is a mood altering experience, and can be a soulful experience. Some faiths even acknowledge sex as a spiritual path; for instance the Kama Sutra is a spiritual path to growth and enlightenment.

August 22

Ingathering by Rev. Tom Capo

This is the official beginning of our church year and our annual Ingathering Ceremony We all come together with stories to tell of our many adventures this summer. We share these as we mingle waters from the many places that we visited. We will use these commingled waters to bless our children and for other ceremonies in our church year. Please bring waters from your many journeys this summer.

August 29

A Person's A Person No Matter How Small by Ann Marie Hicks

Get ready for fun in this intergenerational service. Inspired by Dr. Seuss and in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth.