Summer has sprung! School has recessed; the beaches are packed; summer camps and schools are teaming with creative activities. While the Fellowship is on summer hiatus for worship services we will host an Open House (July) and a Discussion Group (August), both at the home of Emy Thomas (call 778-1952 for directions or email emythomas275@gmail.com). These summer gatherings will be facilitated by Rev. Qiyamah. In addition we are planning a kayak tour of the bio bay in Salt River.

July 28 (Sunday) 10 am – Open House – come and bring a friend. The topic is “Unitarian Universalism in Times Like These” led by Rev. Qiyamah. This is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge of UUism and contribute to the conversation, “Why I am Unitarian Universalist?”  So bring a friend, a dish and your questions and comments. Location: Emy’s house.

August 6 (Tuesday) 7 PM-8:45 PM: An evening kayak tour of the bioluminescent bay in Salt River. See Thru Kayaks VI has 16 seats now available for that date, two people to each kayak. UU Paul Chakroff, executive director of the St. Croix Environmental Association, will be along to share information about a study of the luminous creatures currently underway. The kayaks depart from the boat ramp on the Salt River Road, south of the marina. Park along the roadside; someone will be there to watch all the cars.

We will pay a group discount price of $40 per person, to be paid in cash that night. Please respond to uufstx@gmail.com ASAP to reserve your seat(s). Call Emy Thomas 778-1952 if you have questions. If you reserve and then  need to cancel, please do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a charge on Emy’s credit card. Restrictions: Maximum weight per person: 235 pounds. Combined weight of two persons can’t exceed 385 pounds.  Must be fit enough to paddle in strong winds. Children over 6 are allowed if accompanied by an adult who can handle all the paddling.

 

August 11 (Sunday) 10 am – Discussion Group led by Rev. Qiyamah: “Navigating Change in Our Lives”. Everything alive in the universe is in a constant state of change. How do we cope with change? How does ones theology/ideology/philosophy dictate how we view and approach change? Join us for a lively discussion about change. Location: Emy’s house.

QIYAMAH’S COLUMN

As a Unitarian Universalist you are a member of three faith families – Your immediate UU family is made up of the individuals you see on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays at the Jewish Community Center and at the twice-monthly Covenant Groups held at Emy’s. Your extended UU family is all the folks in the Southern Region (formerly District) which we are a part of (some of whom meet several times a year at Regional gatherings). The larger UU movement and denomination comprises the third component of our family of about 150,000 who make up our UU roots. Typical of large families you might only see these individuals at reunions such as the General Assembly held once a year state side in various locations: June 25-29, 2014, Providence, RI; June 24-28, 2015, Portland, OR; June 22-26, 2016, Columbus, OH.

I hope to spend some of my time this summer getting to know some of you, my immediate UU family, on a deeper level and to find out what we can do for each other and together to grow and deepen our community experience and disseminate our great faith.

The Gift of Membership

Those of you that are contemplating membership or are curious about what it entails please feel free to contact me.  I will be available over the summer by appointment. Please note that my telephone number has changed. You can reach me at 704 458 7676.

I have had some questions about the benefits of membership. Besides knowing that you have a safe place to ask questions and search for answers; celebrate joyful occasions and grieve losses; honor the rituals of life changing events; raise your children and be cared for in your senior years; celebrate your strengths and explore your opportunities for growth; make lifelong friendships and work to make the world a better place there are additional benefits. Members are entitled to the following services free of charge: marriage ceremony, funeral or memorial service, child dedication, bridging ceremony (youth graduation) and pastoral care and counseling. 

Steel Drum Band for Youth Summer Camp

 (Rev. Qiyamah Rahman has been instrumental in starting a steel drum band as a youth summer camp under the auspices of the Interfaith Coalition. Here is her report:)

June 25th the Interfaith Steel Drum Band for Youth Summer Camp began its weekly summer camp. However, through a partnership forged with Ms. Dorsette Bailey, school psychologist and Director of Life Line Educational Services, the campers can reap the advantages of a full time academic summer camp. The camp, located in Frederiksted, includes a weekly music session with master musician Yoshea Daniels. Daniels will instruct approximately 15 youths ranging in ages from preschool to teenagers in the art of steel drum. At the conclusion of the summer the youth will feature a performance for their parents, clergy and other supporters.  Frances Andrews, a member of the UU Fellowship of St. Croix, works in concert with Daniels guiding the youth through literacy activities and other academics. The partnership with Life Line Educational Services allowed the Interfaith Coalition of St. Croix to maximize the small grant of $1,000 and stretch its one day camp experience to include field trips, gardening and a wide array of activities sponsored through Life Line. The Interfaith Steel Drum Band for Youth Summer Camp program was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. We are grateful for their support and look forward to future opportunities to serve our youth. 

 

Rev. Qiyamah A. Rahman 

 

JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We will be hiring a new Religious Education instructor for the coming year—September through May. We hope to have a new Music Director on board starting in January but we need someone to fill in from September through December. If you know of anyone who might be good for either of these jobs please reply to this email.

Members and friends will be needed to participate in running the fellowship next year. If you are interested in contributing to any of these fields please let us know:

Religious Education: assisting the teacher

Small Group Ministry: Leading a covenant group or leading one or more discussions within a covenant group

Membership: Attracting new members

Hospitality: Greeters, set up and clean up

Publicity: Writing newsletter, writing press releases, preparing monthly ad for Avis.

Fund-raising