You Are The Sunshines (APF SHINES)

You may remember the old song, "You Are My Sunshine." I don't know the author or to whom (s)he was dedicating this familiar tune but it seems an appropriate manner in which to "sing" APF (Annual Program Fund) appreciation. I have rewritten the words and hope you will indulge my attempt to make the tune fit.

You are the sunshine, the District Sunshine.
You provide the dollars, for all we do.
You'll never know friends, how much we love you.
Please continue to show your APF support as caring U.U.s."

Your ever busy APF Florida District chair missed the last two deadlines for the Sunshine submission and am most apologetic for this slipup. However, not so for many of our hardworking, generous congregations who have already paid their 1999 APF gifts and are much ahead of the deadline (June 30, 1999). I am pleased to acknowledge these wonderful congregations, realizing that by the time this Sunshine reaches you, many of your congregation will have contributed their fair share for this year, in order to be Honor Societies" at this years General Assembly. These folks are our APF honorees so far: Manatee UU Fellow-ship, UU Church in the Pines, Community UU Church, UU Fellowship of Key West, UU Congregation of Lake County, UU Congregation of Naples, UU Fellowship of Marion County, Buckman Bridge UU Society, Friendship Fellowship at Pineda, UU Church of Sarasota, UU Church of Tampa, Spirit of Life UU Congregation, and UU Congregation of Venice.

As you know the UUA is an association of independent congregations. It's primary purpose, according to its by-laws, is "to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen UU institutions and implement its principles." Support of our UUA is voluntary and although the amount per member is designated by the UUA, it is what is required of us as stewards of a larger and very important movement. Most of us take that very seriously and I am forever grateful. In the next Sunshine I will write some thoughts on what’s it worth to be a part of the UUA. In the meantime please know that I am available to talk with your board of trustees and/or congregation about the importance of us sharing the financial commitment together in our wider UU world. My UU friendship and thanks to you all.

— JOAN LUND FLORIDA DISTRICT CHAIR ANNUAL PROGRAM FUND 813-931-9727/JBLUND@AOL.COM