The

Latitudinarian

August
2016

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY

Worship and Religious Education Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Aaron Stockwell
Developmental Minister

Vicki Carter
Director of
Religious Education

Searching
Choir Director

August Theme: Mystery

August 7th
Embracing Mystery
Rev. Aaron Stockwell preaching
So often it seems as though we are seeking answers to our questions. What if we instead learned to love the mystery, embraced the questions, and learned to love ambiguity? By embracing mystery, we are changed, we are
transformed.
Give the Plate
Augusts give the plate is supporting Pride Community Center. Pride Community Center is a valuable and muchneeded provider of resources and safe space events for LGBT+ individuals throughout the Brazos Valley. Their
mission statement reads: Through collaboration and consensus, the Pride Community Center strives to support
and empower individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and allied persons of the
Brazos Valley. It also provides outreach and education to the public at large which will (1) lead to greater safety,
comfort; understanding and respect for all, (2) lessen social tension, and (3) promote harmony between the Community and the citizenry as a whole.
August 14th
Into the Mystic
Rev. Aaron Stockwell preaching
Mysticism is a religious tradition and philosophy that many of our world religions have. Rev. Aaron shares wisdom
from some of these mystic traditions and explores what a mystical Unitarian Universalism might look like.
August 21st
Mystery Seeking Understanding
Rev. Aaron Stockwell preaching
Faith and religion for many centuries have been pitted against science and reason. Why is the case? How do we
interact with the 5th Source of Unitarian Universalism? "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit."
August 28th
Mysterious Language and Compassionate Communication, & Blessing of the Backpacks
Rev. Aaron Stockwell preaching
Often times our language can be imprecise. Our words can hurt. We can, unintentionally, be violent with our
speech. What does practicing compassionate communication or non-violent communication look like? What does
it sound like? Tomorrow is also the first day of classes at Blinn and A&M and the second week of classes in Bryan
ISD and College Station ISD, so bring your back packs to be blessed this Sunday!

Page 2 August 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos

Developing
Thoughts
Dear Church,
Earlier in June, your Board of Trustees and the Committee on Ministry, sat down with me to discuss my renewal for Preliminary Fellowship evaluations. You see after
a minister has been granted their credentials in our tradition, they then have to renew their fellowship three
times before they are granted final fellowship. I entered
into preliminary fellowship in May of 2015, so this was
my first evaluation. As I wrote my self evaluation, I
pored over pages of board reports from this year, nearly 15 pages detailing all the ministry we have done together. Yet I am starting my second year with you, it
seems like I have been here much longer.
This summer while on study leave and vacation, I stayed
largely close to Bryan/College Station taking day or long
weekend trips with Libby. We visited Houston, the Hill
Country (and a rodeo!), San Antonio, tubing in San Marcos, spent time in Austin, and caught a Brazos Valley
Bombers game, among others things. I spent some
time getting more confident in my wood working and
car repair abilities as well.
With all the driving we have done this year, the car
needed some work done on it. I know next to nothing
about car repair. I took matters into my own hands and
replaced the engine and cabin air filters on our car.
Amazingly, the gas mileage seems better and the air
conditioner cools quicker. It was amazing, I changed
them and the car got better.
Why am I even talking about filters? When I think about
the state of the world, violence, war, the climate crisis,
the election, I think we need good filters. Filters let certain things in, and keep certain things out. We need to
be open what the happens in the world, but at some
point we also need to protect ourselves. That's good
self care. The problem is sometimes our filters are too
restricting. Sure sometimes they've become clogged,
but other times they don't let enough in. Yes, there is
the temptation to not read the news, to not go stand
with neighbors who need our support or to not discuss

certain topics. I think we miss an opportunity if we do

not pay attention to the injustices in our world.
I think every now and then we need to live in a nonfiltered way. The Jewish people have a concept called
Tikkun Olam, that is repairing the brokenness. I think
this is our mission to work to repair our broken and
beautiful world. If we live lives with restricting filters
we might not know how broken our world is.
Since this is the first column of my second year, I
thought it'd be good to reprise part of my first column.
The Rev. Peter Lee Scott, a Unitarian Universalist minister had some great answers as to when you might call
the minister:
When you feel lost in your spiritual journey.
When you have not met me yet, but would like to.
When you have problems you would like to discuss concerning your marriage, children, job, or anything else
where an empathetic ear might be of help.
When you are in the hospital or know someone else in
the congregation who is.
When someone close to you has died or is critically ill.
When you are planning to be married.
When you have a child to be dedicated.
When you are pregnant but wish you were not; when
you are not pregnant but wish that you were.
When you have been arrested.
When you have a friend or neighbor who would like
more information about our Unitarian Universalist faith.
When you are considering joining the congregation.
When you would like to help with committee work or
with other congregational activities.
When you are mad at me.
When you would like to talk religion with me.
Or maybe some other reason.
I'm always available by appointment, so send me an
email at minister@uucbv.org, or if you prefer send me
a text at 979.393.0292.

See you in church!

Rev. Aaron

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Page 3 August 2016

Religious Education
August Lessons
August 7th
Wondering About Stars with Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle.
We will draw our own star constellations and dance as shooting stars.
August 14th
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle
We'll draw the man in the moon and create a toothpick ladder to reach him.
August 21st
Still a Mystery: Things We Still Can't Explain
We'll look at strange natural phenomena that science cannot explain and experiment with a magical rising coin.
August 28th
Great Joy the Ox: A Tale of Speaking Kindly
We will make cards to give to loved ones and friends, and we'll practice speaking kindly to one another.

Upcoming
Vicki Carter
RE Potluck
We are in the process of taking a Doodle poll for the best date and time for an August or September potluck. This was one of the many great ideas produced at the June 11th Parent Teacher meeting in the Jefferson Building.
Once we come up with a date, we'll be asking people to bring the kids and a kid-approved dish to the
Jefferson Building. The children can play games while we talk. We can all get to know each other better,
whatever our generation!
Safety Policy
Parents and teachers were recently provided with a link to our child abuse prevention policy. If you need
the link, email me at dre@uucbv.org.

Fall Teachers
All during August we will be gearing up for the busiest time of our year in RE. Let's talk about how you
want to help and the support we can give you as an RE volunteer!

Page 4 August 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Presidents Column
Molly Ward
President, Board of Trustees

Reclaiming
Prophetic Witness

If you are like me, your summer has really flown by. I am still looking
In anticipation of the election
forward to enjoying the next few weeks, but am seriously in awe that it and the 2017 Texas Legislative
is coming to a close.
Session, Rev. Aaron will be
hosting 3 discussions of Paul
But I do not see that as a bad thing. It is just what is.
Rasor's book Reclaiming ProThis year we are planning to most likely sell our property as well as cele- phetic Witness at the Ministry
brate 60 years as a congregation. On the one hand, the celebration
for Social Justice and the Earth
may seem like a happy thing and the sale like a sad thing.
meetings on 9/11, 10/9, and
11/13. You can order the book
But I do not see it that way. For me it is just what is.
used on Amazon.
It is what is unfolding for us and where the universe has placed us at
this moment in time.
Even when the thought of figuring out the future and making a lot of
big decisions as a group scares me, I am full of excitement and joy because I have faith that we will be able to accomplish anything we dream
of. Really and truly, the hardest part of building any future is in the
dreaming. There are so many possibilities out there when it comes to
what we can create, and no shortage of ideas. So let us have fun with
it! I know it also takes money, I really do, but a great big pile of money
is worthless when you do not know how you want to spend it. We all
know that making changes as a group can be a challenge. Our church is
full of intelligent people with their own opinions and unique experiences...but there is such a strong sense of love and respect amongst our
congregants, that I know we have nothing to fear.

Midweek Service August 17, 7:00 p.m.

Do you ever get to the middle

of the week and you need a
recharge? Have you ever wanted to sit in the silence of our
sanctuary, when the light is
different? We're going to be
experimenting with a midweek
evening worship in the Fall,
and you're invited to take part
in this experiment. We'll sing,
Thankfully we have an amazing property team working to make sure
that our deed has been cleared and our acreage is correct, just to name sit in silence, light candles and
a few of the tasks they have undertaken. Their work has been truly re- share readings. We are hoping
this will appeal to people of all
markable to me.
ages, but especially young
At the suggestion of Rev. Aaron, the Board is planning to read the book adults and college students.
We'll serve a light meal of salHoly Places: Matching Sacred Space with Mission and Message. Even
though my head is already full of ideas dancing around and calling to be ad and bread after. Come,
come, whoever you are!
brought to life, I just love getting to be inspired by what others have
already accomplished. And when it comes to making those big decisions about the future, learning from others is something we all
need. Grab a copy of your own if you would like so we can learn and be
inspired together!
Blessings,
Molly

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Page 5 August 2016

News from the Unitarian Universalist Womens Federation

Deb Wilson
Were Back! Yes, the UUWF will resume their monthly potluck meetings on Sunday, September 18th,
at noon in the Jesse Coon Room. Our guest speaker will be Julie Overstreet, Outreach Coordinator for
Brazos Valley National Alliance on Mental Illness (BVNAMI), and member of the UUCBV. We welcome, in
addition to current members and friends, anyone who would like to find out more about the
UUWF. Bring your favorite dish to share.

Committee on Ministry Report

Joseph Castiglioni
The Committee on Ministry, following its usual Summer routine, and in deference to Rev. Stockwells vacation, did not meet in July. The COM members did spend considerable time in May and June completing the written evaluation of the minister, which is a requirement of the UUA.
The Committee on Ministry will resume its monthly meetings on August 3rd, the first Wednesday of each
month to serve as a sounding board for the Minister, to informally offer observations on the life of the
Church and congregational concerns. All conversations are made and kept in confidence. Therefore, we
hope that congregation members will feel comfortable in contacting any member of the COM for help
addressing any points of conflict between members or between a member and staff, or between a member and the minister or other issues that might affect the well being of the congregation.
Current Members of the COM are Joe Castiglioni, Carolyn Clark, and Eleanor Ford.

Water Communion Returns, September 11th

On this traditional Ingathering Sunday, we commemorate beginning a new church year. In our water
communion, we'll ponder the question "What do I bring to this community?" as we add our water to our
common bowl. Bring a container of water that you may have gathered from your summer travels, or
from your kitchen faucet, as we celebrate the tributaries of lives coming together in the river of our tradition. Substitute water will be provided!

Page 6 August 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Ministry for Social Justice and the Earth

By Kate Cupps, Social Justice and the Earth, justice@uucbv.org
I am still reeling in response to so many incidents of injustice and violence - some of them in our local community.
Now is the time to take a stand, to hold firmly to our values and beliefs, and to give them our wholehearted support. Now is the time to reach out and become a more Welcoming Congregation. This summer, our Ministry for
Social Justice and the Earth has renewed efforts to do just that. We have also ordered customized Standing on the
Side of Love t-shirts to support our values in style.
Give the Plate for August - The Pride Community Center
Pride Community Center is a valuable and much-needed provider of resources and safe space events for LGBT+
individuals throughout the Brazos Valley. Their mission statement reads: Through collaboration and consensus,
the Pride Community Center strives to support and empower individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities
and expressions, and allied persons of the Brazos Valley. It also provides outreach and education to the public at
large which will (1) lead to greater safety, comfort; understanding and respect for all, (2) lessen social tension, and
(3) promote harmony between the Community and the citizenry as a whole.
Survey Results What Breaks Your Heart in the Brazos Valley
During the month of June, our ministry sought input from the congregation. We asked members and friends to
share What Breaks Your Heart in the Brazos Valley by posting comments on the poster near the Social Justice
table. Over the next few months, we will use the survey results to inform our decisions on the activities we support
throughout the Brazos Valley. Of the 45 responses we received, three areas emerged as important to the most respondents:
Human rights abuses (including immigrant, African American, and LGBTQ communities)
Poverty (including hunger and homelessness)
Mental health treatment deficiencies (including inmates and veterans)
Other areas receiving support included environmental abuse, education deficiencies, and animal rights. Thank you
to all who participated.
Standing with our Muslim Neighbors
Ramadan is a Muslim holy month of increased religious devotion including fasting, self-examination, and community outreach. This summer UUCBV members broke the Ramadan fast with our Muslim neighbors at three events: a
community dinner at Turkish Raindrop House; a special invitation to UUCBV for dinner and dialog at the Islamic Center of BCS (in Bryan); and the community-wide Dinner of Abrahamic Traditions at the Hillel Center.
On July 7, around 4:30 AM, the mosque of the Islamic Community of Bryan-College Station (ICBCS) was damaged by
gunfire resulting in bullet holes and broken glass at the front of the building. UUCBV has expressed support by writing letters and standing watch during prayer services at ICBCS.
Standing with our local LGBTQ Community
Just last month, we mourned the loss of 49 killed; 53 wounded in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.
Our local Pride Community Center sponsored an interfaith vigil well attended by UUCBV. Rev Aaron was one of the
speakers at this event.
Then, our Pride Community Center received its own threat. A credible comment saying "Lock and load. Time to get
on the news" was posted in response to a flyer for the groups annual July picnic for the LGBT and allied communities. In response, the Pride Community Center cancelled (or postponed) their picnic. Meanwhile, show your support
with a generous donation to our August Give the Plate, The Pride Community Center.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Page 7 August 2016

Ministry for Social Justice and the Earth

By Kate Cupps, Social Justice and the Earth, justice@uucbv.org
Standing with our African American Community
We support our local African American community and the Black Lives Matter movement of non-violent protest
against racial profiling, police brutality, unjustified killings, and racial inequality in the United States criminal justice
system. We also stand against violence targeting police officers such as the recent shootings in Dallas (5 officers
killed; 7 wounded; 2 civilians wounded) and Baton Rouge (3 officers killed; 3 wounded).
This summer we celebrated the life and legacy of our own Judy McCoy in her role as secretary and advocate for our
local NAACP and former chair of MSJE. May she continue to be an inspiration to us all. We attended the NAACP
banquet, walked in the Juneteenth Freedom Walk, and stood with the Aggie chapter of the NAACP in their
#HateIsBadBull non-violent protest. Another way to show support is to wear a Black Lives Matter button. I
have been amazed at the number of I like your button and thank you comments I have received.
Standing with the Texas UU Justice Ministry
While the state legislature is out of session this year, TXUUJM remains active fighting injustice in our state. Numerous member congregations (UUCBV is one) have been sharing news of local actions around the themes of immigrant rights, inequality, and womens reproductive health.
One special focus has been the privately operated family detention center in Karnes City, where children seeking
asylum as refuges from Central America are being held pending a hearing on their requests. TXUUJM representatives spoke up at hearings over whether the prison should be issued a Texas license to be considered a day care
center. Ultimately, a six-month provisional permit was issued, so this will remain a concern. National attention to
this facility came with a New York Times editorial on July 18th.
Organizing on the Side of Love An On-line Course
This summer, some of us are taking an online course focusing on movement building, community organizing, spiritual sustenance and practices in organizing, assessment, base building and intersectionality. It is not too late to
join us. The $30 course is offered in 8 pre-recorded sessions of about 30 minutes each, with some readings/short
videos: you can watch whenever you want, just watch them all by September 15th. If there is enough interest, we
may follow-up with our own discussion group. Enroll at http://www.uuinstitute.org/courses/organizing-160-su16/
Monthly Meetings
We believe that the entire congregation is part of our ministry. To better serve, we are now holding potluck meetings immediately following church on the second Sunday of each month. We are seeking energy and new ideas. All
are welcome to join us.
Change for Change
Our ministry depends on your generosity to fund supplies and outreach efforts. All change given in our Sunday collection plates goes to support our ministry.

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. - Abraham Lincoln

Page 8 August 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Caring Corner
We celebrate with:
Robyn Banks, on a successful summer working at a camp.
Sue Bloomfield, who received a research award from her professional society, made even more special
by the presence of her daughters, Alicia and Lauren.
Harriet Smith's daughter Valerie Martin, who preached at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of
Nashville on July 3rd.
Rob McGeachin, who celebrated his 65th birthday on June 20th.
Dave Fahlquist, who celebrated his 90th birthday this summer.
With John and Kate Cupps, the marriage of their niece, Jay , to David Forester.
With Val and Pam Johnson, the marriage of their daughter, Kelsey Marie Johnson, to Graham Miller on
June 5.
With Jim Ball and Meredith Wells who were married on Jun 18th, 2016 in Maryland.

We send hopeful and healing thoughts to:

Ron Bryan, who has been undergoing additional cancer treatments in New York City this summer.
Nancy Granovsky, whose Minnesota home was seriously damaged by major water leakage.
Matt Howlett, who is distressed that the country of his birth, Britain, has voted to leave the European
Union.
Adrian Rogers, who was hospitalized at Austin State Hospital this summer.
Scott Kilburn, who had surgery this summer.
Judy Hart, who had knee replacement surgery on July 19th.
Tamra Shipman, who had surgery and treatment this summer for breast cancer.

We mourn with:
the Barton family, on the anniversary of their son Steve's death.
all those affected by violence this summer: those lost from the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Dallas Police,
Baton Rouge Police, and in Nice, France. And locally, the violence directed toward the Islamic Community Center of Bryan/College Station and the Pride Community Center.

Contact the Caring Team:

Carolyn Clark, Lead 979-823-0676
Gary Hart 979-764-7866
Nancy Granovsky 979-779-7251
Ron Ross 979-575-9072
Sharon Boston 979-693-6733
Eleanor Ford 979-774-0271
Rev. Aaron Stockwell 979-696-5285 (Office)

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Page 9 August 2016

Board Briefs
A meeting of the UUCBV Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016. Members in attendance were Ken Appelt, Matthew Howlett, Pamela Johnson, Joyce Langenegger, Bob Presley, Molly
Ward, Kathy Wheeler, Katie Womack. Our guest was Eleanor Ford.
Highlights of topics discussed were:
The Fundraising Team is still interested in any ideas. Please contact Joyce, Katie, Heather, Rev.
Aaron, or the Finance Committee if you would like to suggest something.

The Property Team has put up new All-Gender and Changing Table bathroom signs.

Ideas were discussed for making donations electronically or through direct deposit.

The 60th Anniversary Celebration will soon be here! The Board has started thinking of ways to
mark this event. Any ideas are welcome.
Board members discussed changes to several church policies including the Safety Policy, Privacy
Policy, and the way we make donations and recognize contributions.

The next Board Meeting will be held on August 18th, 2016 at 6:30pm in the Jesse Coon room. Please join
us, or chat to one of us on Sunday if think of something you feel the Board needs to address. Alternatively feel free to send an email.
Matt Howlett
Secretary

Page 10 August 2016

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Above: #HateIsBadBull protest with the Texas A&M chapter of the NAACP.
Below: Juneteenth March in Bryan.

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley

Page 11 August 2016

WHOS WHO

AT
THE

Committee and Team Leads

Board of Trustees
President
Molly Ward
president@uucbv.org

Finance Committee
Rob McGeachin
r-mcgeachin@tamu.edu

President Elect
Joyce Langenegger
jalhouston@aol.com

Membership Committee Social Justice Ministry

None
justice@uucbv.org

Past President
Kathy Wheeler
khmwdvm@aol.com
Secretary
Matthew Howlett
mhowlett2002@gmail.com
Treasurer
Trish Ponder
spydurhllw@aol.com
At-Large Trustees

UU
Minister and Staff

Team
Robbie Angelette

Developmental Minister
Rev. Aaron Stockwell
minister@uucbv.org

treehuggersdaycare@gmail.com

Director of Religious
Education
Vicki Carter
dre@uucbv.org

Nominations Committee Stewardship Team

Lead Not Named Yet
Deb Wilson
dfwilson@memphis.edu
Caring Team
Carolyn Clark
Tech Team
cclark@tamu.edu
Travis Ward
travis@travisward.com
Property Team
Ken Appelt
Worship Team
klappelt2@gmail.com
Contact Rev. Aaron to be
John Ivy
added to the list.
johnivy@tamu.edu

Choir Director
Searching
Communications/Office
Administrator
Shelby Hebert
admin@uucbv.org
Office Hours
11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday

Religious Education

Ken Appelt
klappelt2@gmail.com

Hospitality Assistant
Sammy Clegg

Pam Johnson
prljohnson@yahoo.com

Bookkeeper
Leslie Dempsey
leslliewhozit@yahoo.com

Bobby Presley
bobbypresley@yahoo.com
Katie Womack
kwomack@tamu.edu

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

15

22

10:30 a.m. Worship

and Religious Ed.
3 p.m. Buddhist Meditation

29

30
10 a.m. Bagel Break
(1541 Pastries and
Coffee, College
Station)

10

17
5:45 p.m. Choir
Practice
7:00 p.m. Midweek
Service

23
10 a.m. Bagel Break
(1541 Pastries and
Coffee, College
Station)
6:00 p.m. Property
Team Meeting

28

5:45 p.m. Choir

Practice

16
10 a.m. Bagel Break
(1541 Pastries and
Coffee, College
Station)

21

10:30 a.m. Worship

and Religious Ed.
3 p.m. Buddhist Meditation

9
10 a.m. Bagel Break
(1541 Pastries and
Coffee, College
Station)

10:30 a.m. Worship

and Religious Ed.
12 p.m. MSJE Meeting
3 p.m. Buddhist Meditation

24

Fri

11

12

13

18

19

20

25

26

27

6 p.m. Membership
Committee Meeting

6 p.m. Fibro Fight Club

6:30 p.m. Board of

Trustees

7 p.m. Finance
Committee Meeting
7 p.m. New Book Club

5:45 p.m. Choir

Practice

31

Sat

August

14

10:30 a.m. Worship

and Religious Ed.
11:45 a.m. Newcomer Drop-in
Circle
3 p.m. Buddhist Meditation

Thu

The

Latitudinarian
THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY

305 Wellborn Road

College Station, TX 77840
www.uucbv.org
admin@uucbv.org
(979) 696-5285

How to Get the Word Out

We're a busy and active congregation with a lot happening. Have you ever wanted to get the word out about an
event but are unsure how to do so? It's easy. Email Shelby. The only email address she has access to
is admin@uucbv.org. We're unable to receive email at any other address, so before you send, make sure you have
the correct email address.
The deadline for inclusion in the eCast, and the Happenings insert is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., no exceptions. Only
events or opportunities in the next week or ongoing volunteer opportunities will be highlighted in the Happenings
due to the limited space. The deadline for Latitudinarian submissions is the 20th of each month at 5:00 p.m.. All
submissions must be ready for publication. These deadlines are subject to change, but we'll try to communicate
any changes as soon as possible!
To keep the E-Cast short and easy to read online, we're asking that you please follow these guidelines:
Keep submissions short -- between 100 and 250 words
Identify the submission as an event, an announcement or related to a committee/RE/etc, or a classified ad.
Clearly list the name of your event, the day and date, and where it is taking place; a contact name, email and/or
phone number
Non-church related community events will run as there is room
Listings, including ads, will run no more than 2-3 weeks