Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation

February 11, 2010

The Ministerial Search Committee has been meeting with pre-candidates for our settled minister position. We have reviewed more than 30 initial applications, talked to interested ministers on the phone, talked to references, and are now down to just a few possible choices. Our formal survey was done long ago, and while we've been talking with all of you since then, we want to check in with you to make sure your thoughts and ideas are heard as we wind up this long process. Our pre-candidates are all very well qualified to serve us, and their personal & professional styles vary. We cannot make an offer until March 15, according to UUA guidelines, but that isn't very far away. Once we make a decision, the candidate will be introduced to the congregation and will visit us in the spring for a week. Please share your questions and thoughts with any one of us on the committee: Kate Araujo, Jack Bregger, Dick Coulter, Jennifer Johnston, Lisa Kelley, Helen Sohlberg, & Tony Paulson. Thank you for your continued support!

If you are interested in learning more about TUUC and Unitarian Universalism in general - or are interested in becoming a member of TUUC, please join us on two Sunday mornings, March 6th and 13th, for our Pathways to Membership classes. These classes will be held here at TUUC from 8:30 AM until noon.  A light breakfast will be available at 8:15 AM and childcare will be provided. We do request that if you do need childcare, let Barbara Tripp (see below) or our church office know in advance so we can provide adequate childcare personnel.

These classes are an introduction to UUism in general and specifically to our TUUC community. Attending them is in no way a commitment to membership but is a great way to get to know a core group of people with diverse backgrounds but similar interests, as well as to better understand what UUism is. If you have questions, please call the church office at (253) 474-4646 or Barbara Tripp at (253) 265-0871 (e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Our covenant is having fun!

TUUC Intrepids Outing, March 20th, either lowland hike (S. Fork Skokomish River?), or if adequate snow/conditions, snowshoe trip; type of outing/destination to be determined based on conditions. All day outings, details to be posted nearer to 3/20 via weekly announcements, order of service, group email list. Details/signup contact Felice This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  , 756 4977, or Fran This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  , 253 359 4314.

Possible other impromptu outings, contact us to be added to group e-mail list.

More information on Intrepids available on our member blog.

Did you know . . .
Individuals from all backgrounds face hunger in Pierce County. Food Lifeline recently released the key findings for Western Washington from the study, "Hunger in America 2006". America's Second Harvest, the largest not-for-profit domestic hunger relief network in the United States, commissioned the study. Of those surveyed in Western Washington:

• 62% count a job, social security, SSI, or unemployment as a main source of income;
• 4.5% count welfare as their main income source;
• 51% of food bank customers choose between food and paying for heat;
• 40% choose between food and paying for medicine or medical care;
• 40% must choose between food and rent.

Join TUUC members in helping fight hunger in Pierce County by bringing dry milk, soups, canned fruits or vegetables, tuna, oats, beans, rice, peanut butter, chili, stews, baby formula, and other non-perishable items on the 3rd Sunday of each month.  We will deliver the food to a local food bank.  Cash donations are welcome; checks may be payable to TUUC with "food drive" in the memo line.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Jan Karroll for more information.

Photos of the mosaic art works that grace the front of our sanctuary, depicting diverse major religions of the world, are now on our website. In the top menu, click "Spirituality", then click in the drop-down menu on "Our Sanctuary Mosaics".

On March 11, 2009, several TUUC'ers, including Rev. Heather Lynn Hanson, joined in the dedication of a "Peace Pole" at Gateway Park in the Old Town district of Tacoma (North 30th and Starr St.).  Former Tacoma city councilman Bill Evans hosted the event, with students from local schools holding "Doves of Peace" and a Native American contributing a Salish blessing.  The dedicated Peace Pole displays, in 12 languages, the universal wish, "May Peace Prevail on Earth."