We all love seeing the chancel table decorated each Sunday, and the church has struggled for the past few years to have a sustainable system for responsibility for decorating this table. (In case you’re not familiar, the chancel table is next to the chalice!) The Worship Committee has recently found two generous volunteers within the congregation to take on decorating the chancel table on a regular basis. They will be taking six-week rotations, and likely will leave up a seasonal installation for that length of time. They are investing their own time, talent, and treasure in this work, and we ask that you respect that by not dismantaling or distrubing the chancel table decoration in any way. If you need to use the sanctuary and the table is not appropriate (e.g. wedding, memorial service), please move the table rather than dismantaling the decorations. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Worship Committee Chair Katie Dalbey.

We will have lots of info tables set up including: Bees & Butterflies, Eating for the Planet, Climate Change, Recycling Do’s & Don’ts, Gleaning, Arlington Community Garden, Bat Houses, Water-Wise Advice,

Sugar (how much is too much?), plus sign-up sheets for GS efforts & upcoming classes. There will also be some giveaways and a possible raffle. Come join the fun!

Peter Racine is the Senior Vice President – Jaguars Foundation and Community Impact, overseeing grant making, community outreach and charitable initiatives on behalf of the team and Khan family.

Beginning his nonprofit career as a college volunteer at the Covenant House homeless and runaway youth shelter in New York City, Peter went on to help begin Covenant House shelters in Houston, Texas, Toronto, Canada and Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Peter was featured on Dateline NBC for his work with glue addicts and in Time Magazine for work on behalf of minors exploited by prostitution rings. His work in child abuse prevention in northeast Florida was recognized by former Governor Lawton Chiles.

Peter joined UUCJ in 2000 and has served as President and on various committees including Covenant Groups, Religious Services, Covenant Committee and Stewardship Campaign. He received his B.A. at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and his M.T.S. at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He and his spouse Kelly reside on the west side of Jacksonville.

General Assembly is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. The 2019 General Assembly will be June 19-23 in Spokane, Washington. Most General Assembly events will be held in the Spokane Convention Center.

The Power of We

What do we want Unitarian Universalism to be? It is a time when we are asking big questions in our faith, and GA 2019 will be focused on digging into those questions together. It is a critical chance for congregational leaders and passionate UUs to set new goals and aspirations for our religious community. Help begin to reshape our Association and our congregations in new and powerful ways.

This year’s theme is about collective power, “The Power of We,” as well as the possibility, the purpose, the struggle and the joy of what it means to be together in faithful community. In the past two years, Unitarian Universalism has recommitted to the work of liberation inside and outside our faith community. The antidote to a time of dangerous dehumanization is a love that connects us to our deeper humanity. Come to Spokane to experience what our shared faith can become when we embrace the Power of We.

Registration and Housing

GA Registration and the GA Housing Reservation System are open at uua.org/ga.

Spokane

The Spokane region is the gateway for adventure and exploration in the Intermountain Northwest. Located driving distance from Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, Spokane is nestled in natural beauty. Spokane is located on interstate I-90, 110 miles from the Canadian border and 18 miles from Idaho. It is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is serviced by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines. Nonstop service is offered to 17 destinations, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, and LAX. Spokane is accessible by rail via Amtrak’s Empire Builder route (Chicago – St. Paul/Minneapolis – Spokane – Portland/Seattle). It is also reachable by Greyhound Bus.

Excellent Programming

GA will offer more than 100 programming selections over the course of five days. This year, in addition to Theme-Based Programming, the schedule will feature Role-Based Track Programming, including time for discussion among attendees, sharing inspiring models and stories, and concrete suggestions for how to further the work or “take it home.” More programming details are available at www.uua.org/ga.

Financial Aid Available

The UUA is committed to the goal of making GA accessible to as many attendees as possible. Go to uua.org/ga to learn about scholarships to support delegates – particularly those from marginalized groups – and volunteer opportunities (work in exchange for registration).