Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
On Saturday, the Board of Trustees had its annual retreat. Monica Jean graciously hosted us at her cabin in Canadian Lakes, where eight of us gathered from 9:00-4:00, seated in a circle in the shade on a beautiful summer day. As morning turned to afternoon, the sound of pontoon boats and jet-skis punctuated our conversation; Monica’s dogs made their rounds, befriending the board members and the minister.
 
In our system of governance, the Board has responsibility for the Fellowship’s money—including yearly budgeting and spending as well as long-term saving, planning, and endowment. They also serve as the personnel committee, approving job postings, hirings, and changes in employee compensation. They create policy and coordinate the work of the Fellowship’s committees and teams. As minister, I am part of the Board’s discussions. I do not vote, but I advise the Board and try to keep our focus on the Fellowship’s mission.
 
Saturday was good because Aaron, Norma, Terrie, Laurie, Monica, David, Annette and I got to know one another better. In the morning we shared our life stories and our history with Unitarian Universalism. At lunch time we had hamburgers and corn on the cob at a picnic table next to the lake. In our business meeting, we agreed on some things and disagreed on others. The Board made some decisions, and identified some issues to bring to the congregation as a whole.
 
Board members work long hours--all as volunteers of course--because of their commitment to the health and well-being of the Fellowship. On a Saturday in August, these eight UU’s chose a Board retreat over spending time with their own families. I am grateful for their dedication. Boards have to deal with many things, from copyright laws to the minister’s health insurance and the agreement to share the parking lot with the library. Their work behind the scenes allows for the joy and connection that everyone else can enjoy on Sunday mornings. May we all be thankful for what they do.
 
PRAYER:
Spirit of Life and Love, I ask your blessing on the UUFCM Board of Trustees.
 
May their judgment be sound; may their communication be direct, clear and compassionate; may their vision be inspired.
 
Grant that they may be appreciated and validated in their work, and grant them rest when the tasks are too much or the burden of decisions too great.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 27, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
Today I traveled to Brighton, Michigan for an anti-racist event hosted by the Unitarian Universalist congregation there. It was held in response to a disturbing event on Saturday, when members of a white supremacist group demonstrated in the city. According to local news reports, a similar event occurred recently in nearby Howell, with the group chanting “We love Hitler! We love Trump!”
 
Community Unitarian Universalists of Brighton (CUUB) is a small congregation, similar to the UU Fellowship of Central Michigan. Their minister, Rev. Rudra Dundzila organized and hosted today’s event that was small but very fulfilling. It had a dynamic mix of clergy and lay people; members of CUUB and others from the Brighton community. I appreciated that the event offered two spaces: the sanctuary for reflection, prayer, and singing; and the lobby for conversation and networking. In the face of bold racism on our public streets and the stressful reality of an upcoming election in a swing state, I believe that we need both things that this event offered. We need a safe retreat for our emotional and spiritual well-being, and we need vibrant interaction with our allies to inspire and energize us. I felt that I got these two needs met today, and I believe that the others at CUUB did as well. They showed up because of their shared values. They showed up with shared concern for their community. They showed up because they wanted to know what else to do, how else to be involved; and they showed up to be assured that they are not alone.
 
We are stronger together. Today I saw Unitarian Universalists connecting across the state of Michigan, religious leaders coming together to denounce white supremacy, and community members declaring that hate has no home in Brighton or anywhere else in Michigan. The strength that I felt at today’s gathering reminded me that I am not alone and that we make each other stronger. May we go forward in hope and in love, not in fear.
 
PRAYER:
May God bless the people of Community Unitarian Universalists of Brighton and their minister, Rev. Rudra.
May people everywhere be emboldened and courageous in their resistance to white supremacy and other forms of oppression.
May the masked demonstrators who disturbed the peace of Brighton with their hateful ideology find the way to love in their hearts—may they learn that all are holy and all are loved.
May harmony and loving community come to Howell; to Brighton; and to every human community on the face of the earth, with no exceptions.
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 20, 2024

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan
Minister’s Column
 
On Saturday I was watching the Olympics with my wife and sister-in-law, and I was moved by a race on the track and the story behind it. Often I focus on the athletes from the USA—as does the network covering the games. (An American network whose first audience is American, this makes sense.) This story, however, was about a runner from Kenya, Faith Kipyegon, and her attempt to win her event for the third Olympics in a row.
 
Two things moved me the most in this story. First were the images of the runner with her young daughter. Seeing this side of her—not just a gifted athlete in a uniform—showed her humanity. It also spoke to the strength and determination of this woman, especially when they explained that her training routine took her to a training center away from her daughter five days a week. Even more compelling were the images of the city in which Kipyegon lived, because it gave me a glimpse into a different world. I have never been to any country in Africa. My world-view is often local and often national: my job and the city where I live; the politics and the sports of my country. In Kenya, unlike the United States, long distance running is the national sport. The champion runners there are famous and revered the way football, baseball, or basketball stars might be here. Therefore this woman, when she competes, is an inspiration to her country—and when she wins, a source of national pride. She said that hearing girls say they are inspired by her gives her great joy.
 
On Saturday at the Olympics in Paris, Faith Kipyegon won the 1,500 meter race earning her third consecutive gold medal in that event. In a close race until the end, Kipyegon ran away with the victory on the home stretch.
 
I enjoy watching sports because the competition sometimes brings out amazing performances where athletes transcend their limitations and do amazing things. I like the drama, excitement, and joy that many sporting events contain. What this moment added for me was a glimpse into my place in the world and the diversity of human life on this planet: an athlete whose homeland, language and culture are foreign to me; yet her humanity as a parent, as a competitor, and as a winner reached me from around the world.
 
PRAYER:
Nike, goddess of victory, bless Faith Kipyegon and her young daughter. Bless the country of Kenya, so rightfully proud of their countrywoman whose determination makes her a champion.
 
May all of us rejoice in the abilities of our bodies, the amazing gift that life gives each one of us. Fast or slow, able-bodied or differently abled, may each of us strive and achieve like champions.
 
Blessed be.
 
Rev. Drew Frantz
August 13, 2024