eNews for Thursday, January 30

1/30/2025

eNews for Thursday, January 30

All-Congregation Retreat a Success!

Our all-congregation retreat held on Saturday, January 25, was a great success, with many people participating and lots of ideas shared regarding our theme “Responding in Love to a Threatening World.” The list of ideas generated for individual actions can be found here, and the ideas generated for collective actions for UUFCM were presented and will be shared with various teams.

Many thanks go to the Board of Trustees members who organized the retreat and provided a hot breakfast – Aaron Jones, Annette Pratt, Norma Bailey, Monica Jean, David Allan, Terrie Robbie, and Laurie Meadows – as well as to AliciA Genia and Rev. Drew for breakfast items and to Sierra Burke for creating the video that was shared. Additionally, thanks go to Janet Olson, Darlene Ritchie, and Gisela Moffit for their very-welcomed kitchen clean-up efforts.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, February 2, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Lessons from the Allagash." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"As a young adult, I took a canoe trip in the Maine wilderness. That experience taught me lessons that I carry with me—and are remarkably relevant to today. What is your story of resilience that informs and empowers you?"

Zoom Invitation for Sunday Service:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 402489218

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#
Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

Upcoming Services

Minister’s Column

The “Crafty U’s” group meets in our fellowship hall on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:30am. It is an informal, drop-in group for anyone working on craft projects, especially fabric arts. This time coincides with my office hours, so I usually see the crafty UU’s who show up. Last week it was the day after the inauguration, and the group reminded me of the subtle and quiet power of community.

Read the column here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
NEW: Readers Theater - 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - 4th Thursdays at 6:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

All members and friends are welcome to attend our UUFCM Board meeting as well as the various team meetings that occur monthly. If you are interested in attending any specific team meeting, please contact the team leader for information.

Team Meetings
Coordinating Team - Sunday, February 2, at 12:00pm
Building Team - Monday, February 3, at 6:00pm

NEW: Infant Pantry Collection – THIS Sunday, February 2

Donations for the Infant Pantry are collected on the first Sunday of each month. You can donate online to the Monthly Donations for Infant Pantry on our website, or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with Infant Pantry in the memo. Questions? Contact Tom Moffit (989-772-1602; [email protected]). Thank you in advance for your generosity.

NEW: CUUPs Imbolc Ritual - THIS Sunday, February 2

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhog's Day, marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. It is a festival of spiritual purification and dedication. We will hold the ritual promptly at 6pm.

NEW: First Friday Potluck – Friday, February 7

Please join us in the UUFCM Fellowship Hall at 6:30pm (doors open at 6:15) for food, conversation, and games! Coffee, hot tea, and water will be provided. If you are able, please bring a dish to pass.

NEW: You Are Invited to a Valentine's Party

The Fellowship Life Coordinating Team welcomes you to the Many Shades of Love Valentine's Party! Enjoy an evening of treats and entertainment to share and enjoy!

When: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 6:00–9:00pm
Where: UUFCM Sanctuary and Social Hall
Who: Everyone!

How to Participate:

Bring a dish: Sign up to bring a dessert or appetizer to share. Sign-up sheets will be available on February 2 and 9.
Share your talent: Showcase your special skills, such as singing, telling jokes, playing an instrument, performing a skit or poem, juggling, or anything else! Sign-up sheets for talent performances will also be available on February 2 and 9.

Questions? Contact:

Annette Pratt: 989-400-0173
Gisela Moffit: 989-513-7827
Laura McBride: 989-772-5512
Jen Prout: 989-400-3130

Stay tuned for more to come!!!

NEW: Happy Birthday!

In February, we celebrate the birthdays of Annette Pratt, George Lentz, Jerry Cavalieri, David Allan, Katie Zapoluch, Kris Los, Laura McBride, and Glenn Lewandos. For the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so.

UUFCM's Path to Membership Class - February 8

UUFCM's Path to Membership class will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 1:00pm. This workshop is designed for those who want to understand the membership commitment to UUFCM. In this one-and-a-half to two-hour interactive hybrid session, we explore the deeper meanings and expectations of membership and shared ministry. Please contact Laura McBride to sign up.

"Building Your Own Theology" Course

Sundays at noon - beginning February 9 (Note new dates below!)
Jim Dealing and Rev. Drew will jointly lead a six-week exploration of personal values and beliefs that culminates in creating your own personal statement of belief. Along the way we address our individual religious histories; thoughts about God; life and death; and the purpose of living. We use a modified version of the course laid out in Building Your Own Theology by Richard Gilbert. The book is out of print, so we will provide copies of key passages and exercises. Each of the six meetings includes large and small group discussion, with recommended readings and reflections. Please let Rev. Drew or Jim Dealing know if you are interested in attending by Sunday, February 2.

We will meet on six Sundays:
February 9
February 16
March 9
March 16
April 13
April 20

Readers Theater Resumes!

Each second Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm, we meet in the fellowship hall and read a play aloud. Roles are assigned and scripts are available about ten days before meeting. No memorization required, but reading play prior to “performance” is strongly advised. Come and satisfy your inner actor! Contact Jim Dealing for more information (989-772-0269).

Budget Hearing - Sunday, February 16

At the Fellowship Life meeting after the worship service on Sunday, February 16, the Board will hold our annual budget hearing where congregants can give initial feedback to the proposed budget for 2025-2026. Please plan on attending.

The Communications Team Wants Your Data!

(But not in a scary way.)
The Communications Team has been hard at work creating a strategy for navigating the fast-moving universe of social media and electronic information. Before we make any drastic changes, we’d like to have a better understanding of how UUFCM members and friends use the digital channels we have now, such as the eNews you’re reading right now and the UUFCM Connections group on Facebook. You can help us serve the congregation better by taking a minute or two to complete this quick survey. That’s really how long it should take, and we truly value your input. Thank you!

New Food Policy for UUFCM

Because we have a number of children who have significant food allergies, on January 12, the Board of Trustees approved a food policy that basically makes the nursery and the green room food-free. See the attached policy. If you have questions about the policy, contact any member of the Board.

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

When we decide to cancel or postpone a UUFCM event due to weather--as we did on December 15 for the ice storm--we use a cell phone app called Remind to make these announcements. In the case of Sunday morning worship, we make our decision by 8:30 am.

Downloading the Remind app to your phone and signing up just takes a few minutes. Stay informed and prepared this winter! View our full cancellation policy along with instructions for signing up on the Remind app here.

• • • Community News • • •

Ways to Donate for CA Wildfires

The most impactful way to support disaster response is through financial donation, according to Bishop Wash, director of public relations for the Salvation Army. “Your donation helps meet both immediate and long-term needs. It also enables the purchase of supplies from local vendors, which supports community businesses. During emergencies, 100% of designated gifts are directed toward specific relief efforts.” Monetary donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed in real time, whether it’s blankets, medical supplies, food, or temporary housing. This ensures that the support goes directly where it is most needed.

The following charities have been vetted by NBC News:
California Community Foundation
California Fire Foundation
L.A. Fire Department Foundation
Pasadena Humane Society
Ventura County Community Foundation
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Direct Relief
World Central Kitchen

UPLIFT Trans/Nonbinary Monthly Virtual Gathering Space

Uplift meets virtually on the 4th Tuesday of each month. Their Pastoral Group meets virtually on the 2nd Friday of each month. Click here for more information - https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb.

What do we do? Gatherings are a cozy community space where we connect with each other with games and breakout groups, share ideas and stories on all kinds of topics, listen to music and poetry (often by trans/nonbinary+ creators), and much more!

PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region

A local chapter of the LGBTQ+ support group Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets monthly in Saginaw. Their mission is "to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them." The meetings are at 4790 ½ Gratiot Road on the third Sunday of the month from 2:00-3:00. Please see Rev. Drew for more information including possible ride sharing from Mount Pleasant.

Scam Alert

Several congregants have received emails and texts purportedly from UUFCM leadership. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, please remember that we would never solicit money or ask for help in this way, and do not respond to the message.
Read more here.

Donate Now!

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan is funded solely by its members and friends.

For your convenience, you can make a donation electronically with the button below, or via the GivePlus Church App. Please consider the option of offsetting the cost to the Fellowship for providing the convenience of making an online donation.

If you prefer not to donate electronically, you may also write a check payable to UUFCM and send it to: UUFCM, P.O. Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0041

Got News?
The deadline for submissions to
the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly eNews
is Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Please send all submissions to [email protected].

Drew’s Contact Information

Please contact Drew via email, phone, or text.
[email protected]
Phone/text: 440-935-0129
Office Hours (in person and/or Zoom):
Tuesdays 10am-noon
Wednesdays 1-3pm and 8-9pm
Office Hours Zoom Link

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2024-2025
President: Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; [email protected])
President-Elect: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; [email protected])
Secretary: Laurie Meadows (989.317.8299; [email protected])
Trustee: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
Trustee: Monica Jean (616.443.8782; [email protected])
Trustee: David Allan (989.941.7349; [email protected])

Team and Committee Leaders

Adult Religious Education Team - Jodi Fisher
Building, Grounds & Safety Team - Norma Bailey
Caring Team - Laura McBride
Communications Coordinating Team - Jessica Jernigan and M onica Jean
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Gisela Moffit
Membership - Laura McBride
Welcome & Hospitality - Gisela Moffit
Social Fun - Jen Prout
Social Justice Coordinating Team - Norma Bailey
Worship Team - Drew Frantz
Youth Religious Education (RE) Team - Norma Bailey

We are a religious community guided by love, transforming our lives and our world.

Copyright © 2024 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan. All rights reserved.

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eNews for Thursday, January 23

1/23/2025

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, January 23

NEW: Peoples March in Lansing on Saturday, January 18

On Saturday, January 18, 14 of us traveled down to Lansing to participate in the Peoples March to have our voices be heard. Thanks to Norma Bailey, Sierra Burke, Marco Muñoz Fortino, Drew Frantz, Daria Kingman, Kelly Lawson, Sarah Longstaff, Kelly Lawson, Jenny Main, Kathy Millar, Jim Moreno, Darlene Ritchie, Ariah Siwik, Thomas Siwik, and Cathryn Young for participating and representing our UU faith tradition.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, January 26, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Responding in Love." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"This moment in American history sees profound changes (both actual and potential) that affect immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, law and justice, health care, the environment and more. As religious people we are called to respond to current events and politics through our values–and our primary value is Love. How does Love call us to respond to this moment, individually and collectively? This is the question for the Saturday retreat and the Sunday sermon this week."

Zoom Invitation for Sunday Service:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 402489218

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#
Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

Upcoming Services

January 26: Responding in Love

Minister’s Column

Donald Trump’s inauguration sparks many thoughts about policy and protest: immigration, health care, education, law and justice, abortion rights and trans rights are just some of the issues that confront us individually and collectively. At our congregational retreat on Saturday we will do a deep dive into what’s happening and how we might respond. For today, however, I’m reflecting on self-care, engagement, and retreat.

Read the column here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
NEW: Readers Theater - 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - 4th Thursdays at 6:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Team Meetings
Adult RE Team - Monday, January 27, at 7:00pm

NEW: UUFCM Named 2024 Good Trouble Congregation

We have just received notification that we have been named a “2024 Good Trouble Congregation” by UU the Vote for our work writing 780 letters encouraging people to vote in the November general election! Congratulations to us, and thank you to all who participated!

NEW: The Communications Team Wants Your Data!

NEW: New Food Policy for UUFCM

NEW: Readers Theater Resumes!

NEW: Ways to Donate for CA Wildfires

UUFCM Retreat - THIS Saturday, January 25

Every January we hold our all-congregation retreat for members and friends. This year, the retreat will be on Saturday, January 25 with a hot breakfast served from 8:00-8:45, and the retreat activities from 9:00-12:00. Our theme this year is "Responding in Love to a Threatening World,” and we will explore the theme with small and large group discussions. What actions can we take individually and collectively as UUFCM to respond in love? Everyone is welcome! Looking forward to seeing you there!

UUFCM needs YOU! - THIS Saturday!

Want to get involved, but have little time? We have the perfect opportunity for you to be part of our faith community by volunteering for hospitality on a Sunday when it is convenient for you. We need greeters, pre-service hosts, post-service hosts and refreshment providers.

On Saturday, January 25, before and after the congregational retreat, you can sign up for any task you would like to try. Bring your calendars to find the date(s) that would work best for you. For more information contact Gisela ([email protected]). See you there!

Movie Night - THIS Saturday, January 25

Many believe that successful military campaigns stem from meticulous planning and expert intelligence, but sometimes, victory comes down to pure luck. Such was the case in the Pacific Battle of Midway. Join us on January 25 at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall for a screening of Midway. Enjoy an evening of history, drama, and freshly popped popcorn!

Directory Update Request - THIS Sunday!

We are getting ready to print a new Directory in February. Have there been any changes in your life? New phone, new email, postal address, or pronouns (optional?) Please let Gisela ([email protected]) or Wendy ([email protected]) know before Sunday, January 26. Thanks for your help and support!

Are You Digitally Secure? - THIS Sunday!

The Adult RE team is pleased to announce its first class of 2025! Aaron Jones will present an entry-level overview of basic digital security, including best practices regarding passwords, communicating online, and ways to identify and protect against phishing attempts. Please join us on Sunday, January 26, after coffee hour. For more information, contact Aaron at [email protected].

UUFCM's Path to Membership Class - February 8

"Building Your Own Theology" Course

Sundays at noon - beginning February 9 (Note new dates below!)
Jim Dealing and Rev. Drew will jointly lead a six-week exploration of personal values and beliefs that culminates in creating your own personal statement of belief. Along the way we address our individual religious histories; thoughts about God; life and death; and the purpose of living. We use a modified version of the course laid out in Building Your Own Theology by Richard Gilbert. The book is out of print, so we will provide copies of key passages and exercises. Each of the six meetings includes large and small group discussion, with recommended readings and reflections. Please let Rev. Drew or Jim Dealing know if you are interested in attending.

We will meet on six Sundays:
February 9
February 16
March 9
March 16
April 13
April 20

Budget Hearing - Sunday, February 16

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

• • • Community News • • •

CMU Calendar of Events - Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Friday, Jan. 24

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. charity basketball game: 6:30 p.m., Student Activity Center (Courts 5 and 6)

UPLIFT Trans/Nonbinary Monthly Gathering Space

They meet twice monthly and the next meetings are January 28 and February 14. https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb

Join UPLIFT monthly gatherings for trans, nonbinary, and other not-entirely-or-at-all-cis UUs and friends of UUism. Join us to connect with other trans/nonbinary+ UUs and co-create support and community across our faith. All you need to bring is yourself (and other trans/nonbinary friends, if you’d like)! Non-UUs are welcome if they are OK with being in a UU-focused community that won't proselytize. If you are interested in this space, and you aren’t (entirely or at all) cisgender, it is a space for you.

What do we do? Gatherings are a cozy community space where we connect with each other with games and breakout groups, share ideas and stories on all kinds of topics, listen to music and poetry (often by trans/nonbinary+ creators), and much more!

This is a drop-in space, where folks can come and go as works best for them, and where people can join us at any time. You can be a regular or someone new, someone who's been curious for a while but hasn't yet checked us out, somebody who is rejoining after time away, and all other ways of relating to this space! You are welcome here, and you are loved.

All-Ages Community
This space is multi-generational. It is open to and welcoming of trans/nonbinary elders as well as children, youth, and young adults. Standard UUA online safety measures apply to ensure all people under 18 are able to attend. We're glad to have you here!

Accessibility Information
Closed captioning is available, and any common chat content will also be spoken aloud. Please be mindful of both processing and communication access. Speak one at a time. Meeting will not be recorded. Participation, as well as what is shared, is confidential. There is no requirement to appear on video or to maintain “conventional” appearances. Additional accessibility needs? Please email [email protected] or [email protected]! We will do our best to ensure you can fully access the space.

PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region

Scam Alert

Donate Now!

If you prefer not to donate electronically, you may also write a check payable to UUFCM and send it to: UUFCM, P.O. Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0041

Got News?
The deadline for submissions to
the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly eNews
is Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Please send all submissions to [email protected].

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

We are a religious community guided by love, transforming our lives and our world.

eNews for Thursday, January 16

1/16/2025

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eNews for Thursday, January 16

People’s March in Lansing on Saturday, January 18

A number of us are going to participate in the People’s March (comparable to the People’s March on Washington, DC) on Saturday, January 18, in Lansing. The march is not about one particular issue but rather to unite people with commonalities that we want to defend and to have our voices be heard. The march will be from 1-3 pm, and we will share rides leaving at 11:00 am from the church. If you would like to join us, register on the link below and then contact Norma Bailey ([email protected]) or at 989-560-3952 for transportation arrangements.
https://map.peoplesmarch.com/events/people-s-march-lansing?share=7e563579-87bf-4fe2-b478-ab5eb82fc7f3&source=email-share-button&utm_medium=&utm_source=email

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, January 12, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Martin Luther King." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Unitarian Universalists follow the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in envisioning a 'beloved community' where love unites and frees us. On this day every year we celebrate the life and work of Dr. King and re-dedicate ourselves to the version of the American dream he articulated. With Dr. King’s holiday coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump, the moment is ripe for reflection and comparison. Where are we today in America? How are we called to carry forth the prophetic work set in motion during the civil rights movement?"

Zoom Invitation for Sunday Service:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 402489218

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#
Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

Upcoming Services

January 19: Martin Luther King
January 26: Responding in Love

Minister’s Column

I was nine years old when Jimmy Carter’s term as president began and thirteen when it ended. I remember the gas lines and inflation that marked this period; I remember the Iran hostage crisis; and I remember the Camp David Peace Accords mediated by Carter. An environmental pioneer, Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the roof of the White House—which Ronald Reagan later had removed. As the years and decades passed, Carter’s presidency looked better and better in retrospect—and his post-presidency was equally remarkable. His love of peace and social justice continued, with his non-profit center doing outstanding humanitarian work. I once learned a small fact that I will never forget...

Read the column here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - 4th Thursdays at 6:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Team Meetings
Communications Team - Thursday, January 16, at 7:00pm
Youth RE Team - Sunday, January 19, at 3:30pm

Help Furnish the New Homeless Shelter!

Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) is in the final portion of its capital campaign to have a permanent homeless shelter in Mt. Pleasant. They are asking people to “purchase” furnishings for the final renovation of the building – chairs, beds, tables, etc. See attached brochure. If you would like to donate an item by yourself, you can do so by downloading the brochure and sending in your personal donation. However, since our special plate collection for January 19 was already designated for ICRH, your Social Justice Coordinating Team will collect our donations from the plate collection as well as any donations made on our website and determine which item(s) we as UUFCM will donate. Please join us in this effort on Janaury 19!

You can also donate online to the Social Justice Special Plate Collection Fund at our website, or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with “ICRH” indicated in the memo line.

Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March - This Monday, January 20

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March will be held on Monday, January 20, and it will be great for us to have a large number of UUs marching behind our UUFCM banner! The march starts at 3:00pm at the Bovee University Center Rotunda and ends up at the downtown center. We will meet in front of the Art Gallery (next door to the University Center, near the corner of Preston and Franklin) at 2:50pm to line up behind our banner. Dress warm and come join us!

Game Night! - Monday, January 20

We meet on 3rd Mondays from 7-9pm in the UUFCM social hall and have fun with a variety of games decided by consensus. It is a great opportunity to learn new games and meet people with similar interests! Questions? Contact James Scott ([email protected]).

Movie Night - Saturday, January 25

UUFCM Retreat - Saturday, January 25

UUFCM needs YOU!

Directory Update Request

Are You Digitally Secure?

"Building Your Own Theology" Course

Sundays at noon - beginning February 2
Jim Dealing and Rev. Drew will jointly lead a six-week exploration of personal values and beliefs that culminates in creating your own personal statement of belief. Along the way we address our individual religious histories; thoughts about God; life and death; and the purpose of living. We use a modified version of the course laid out in Building Your Own Theology by Richard Gilbert. The book is out of print, so we will provide copies of key passages and exercises. Each of the six meetings includes large and small group discussion, with recommended readings and reflections.

We will meet on six Sundays: February 2, 9, 16 and 23; March 2 and 9. Please let Rev. Drew or Jim Dealing know if you are interested in attending.

Budget Hearing - Sunday, February 16

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

UUFCM's Path to Membership Class - February 8

• • • Community News • • •

CMU Calendar of Events - Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Monday, Jan. 20

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CommUNITY Peace Brunch: 9:30 a.m., Finch Fieldhouse. Doors open at 9 a.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, hosted by the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center: noon, Bovee University Center Rotunda.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. CommUNITY Peace March and Vigil: 3 p.m., Bovee University Center

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Mission Possible: A Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Showcase: 6 p.m., Bovee University Center Rotunda

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. keynote speaker Diana Patton: 7 p.m., French Auditorium (EHS Building, Room 118)

Friday, Jan. 24

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. charity basketball game: 6:30 p.m., Student Activity Center (Courts 5 and 6)

PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region

Scam Alert

Donate Now!

If you prefer not to donate electronically, you may also write a check payable to UUFCM and send it to: UUFCM, P.O. Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0041

Got News?
The deadline for submissions to
the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly eNews
is Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Please send all submissions to [email protected].

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

We are a religious community guided by love, transforming our lives and our world.

eNews for Thursday, January 9

1/9/2025

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, January 9

People’s March in Lansing on Saturday, January 18

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, January 12, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Our Stories." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"The story of our congregation and of our faith is told through songs, through words, and through the actions of our people. What is the story of Unitarian Universalism in recent years? What is the story of the UU Fellowship of Central Michigan? As we tell our story, we are connected with those who share our values, our struggles, and our joys."

Zoom Invitation for Sunday Service:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 402489218

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#
Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

Upcoming Services

January 12: Our Stories
January 19: Martin Luther King
January 26: Responding in Love

Minister’s Column

During the winter holidays, I went to see a fun Christmas movie and came away with a theological lesson about Universalism. The movie is “Red One,” and the story features Santa Claus as well as his evil brother, Krampus. It turns out that this is a figure from European folklore who would accompany Saint Nicolaus and punish the bad children while Santa (St. Nick) rewarded the good ones. In the movie, the conflict revolves around the nice list and the naughty list. Krampus is all about punishing the people on the naughty list, and takes this view to an extreme: everyone, after all, is naughty in one way or another. Santa (Red One in the movie) takes the radically opposite view: he doesn’t want to even see the naughty list anymore. Everyone is good in one way or another, so everyone gets presents. This is Universalism.

Read previous columns here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - 4th Thursdays at 6:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Team Meetings
Worship Team - Thursday, January 9, at 7:00pm
Board of Trustees - Sunday, Janaury 12, at 1:00pm
Social Justice Team - Monday, Janaury 13, at 7:00pm
Communications Team - Thursday, January 16, at 7:00pm

Help Furnish the New Homeless Shelter!
Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) is in the final portion of its capital campaign to have a permanent homeless shelter in Mt. Pleasant. They are asking people to “purchase” furnishings for the final renovation of the building – chairs, beds, tables, etc. See attached brochure. If you would like to donate an item by yourself, you can do so by downloading the brochure and sending in your personal donation. However, since our special plate collection for January 19 was already designated for ICRH, your Social Justice Coordinating Team will collect our donations from the plate collection as well as any donations made on our website and determine which item(s) we as UUFCM will donate. Please join us in this effort on Janaury 19!

Are You Digitally Secure?

The Adult RE team is pleased to announce its first class of 2025! Aaron Jones will present an entry-level overview of basic digital security, including best practices regarding passwords, communicating online, and ways to identify and protect against phishing attempts. Please join us on Sunday, January 26, after coffee hour. For more information, contact Aaron at [email protected].

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

UUFCM's Path to Membership

A Path to Membership class is being planned for January! Keep an eye on the eNews for the official announcement. Typically, the class takes place on a Saturday from 1:00–3:00 PM. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Laura McBride or Rev. Drew.

Save the Date! - January 20

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March will be held on Monday, January 20. Let’s get a large number of us to march together behind our UUFCM banner! Put the date on your calendar if you can!

Save the Date: Saturday, January 25 - UUFCM Retreat

8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - 12:00pm Retreat
Our theme for the retreat is "Responding in Love to a Threatening World".

UUA Common Read

Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families

This book has been designated by the Unitarian Universalist Association as the “common read” for 2024-25. All UU congregations are encouraged to read and study this book. More information, including study guides and videos, can be found on the UUA website at:
https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/read

Rev. Drew will lead a discussion of the book at a time to be announced. Depending on interest, discussions may be in a mixed group...or there may be a separate group for trans and nonbinary people and their families.

Ten copies of the book have been purchased for UUFCM, and they are in the fellowship hall. Your options include:
-       take a copy and keep it
-       borrow a copy and return it to the UUFCM library
-       purchase your own copy at the online UUA bookstore

Please let Rev. Drew know if you have any questions, or if you are interested in being part of the book discussion.

• • • Community News • • •

Free COVID-19 Tests Available Monthly!

The program for ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests are available. Check this link https://special.usps.com/testkits for further information.

Scam Alert

Donate Now!

If you prefer not to donate electronically, you may also write a check payable to UUFCM and send it to: UUFCM, P.O. Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0041

Got News?
The deadline for submissions to
the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly eNews
is Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
Please send all submissions to [email protected].

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

We are a religious community guided by love, transforming our lives and our world.