eNews for Thursday, February 27

2/27/2025

eNews for Thursday, February 27

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, March 2, to worship with co-worship leaders Norma Bailey and Laura McBride, who will present "Trusting Yourself," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Fees. The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"The Rev. Dr. Fees contends that the belief that you can be okay no matter what is the very essence of trusting yourself. What is the nature of the trust she is describing? Does trusting yourself come naturally? Can it be cultivated in our lives? Join us to explore these questions."

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

March 2: Trusting Yourself
March 9: TBD
March 16: Generosity
March 23: Loneliness
March 30: Trust

Minister’s Column

Rev. Drew Frantz is currently on bereavement leave. He will return on Monday, March 3, with normal office hours. Please hold Rev. Drew, his family, and friends in your hearts with love.

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
Readers Theater - 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - February Meeting CANCELED
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
Building Team - Monday, March 3, at 6:00pm

Happy Birthday!

In March, we celebrate the birthdays of Charles Emerick, Leslie Hildebrandt, Beth Macleod, Victoria Sladek, Daniel Davis, and Kevin Daum. For the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so.

Proposed 2025-2026 Budget

If you didn’t have a chance to attend the budget hearing after the worship service on February 16, feel free to review it here. If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact any Board member.

No New Member Ceremony This Sunday

Because Drew is on bereavement leave this week, Laura McBride will reach out to those people who have indicated interest in becoming new members to establish a date for a new member ceremony.

Do Something!

In last Sunday’s sermon “Protest and Persist: Giving Up Hope Is Not an Option,” Norma Bailey mentioned several actions that each of us could take to help make a difference. They are listed here:

Participate in the February 28 Economic Blackout. See Community News for more information.

Sign up for our Social Justice Interest Survey if you haven’t already – to receive alerts about petitions to sign, members of Congress to call or email, both federal and state.

Sign up for Dial for Democracy. Receive email alerts when it's time to call your lawmakers on legislation or decisions that impact Michigan's democracy. See Community News for how to join.

Put these people into your phone contacts and make at least one phone call or text every day. They keep track of how many calls/messages they receive.
- Senator Gary Peters (202-224-6221)
- Senator Elissa Slotkin (202-224-4822)
- US House Representative John Moolenaar (202-225-3561)
- Michigan Senator Roger Hauck (517-373-1760)
- Michigan State House Representative Jerry Neyer (517-373-2646)

Infant Pantry Collection – THIS Sunday, March 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.

First Friday Potluck – Friday, March 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.

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

Don’t risk driving to UUFCM when we’re closed—sign up for urgent alerts now!

When weather forces us to cancel or postpone events—like the February 15 snowstorm—we use Remind to send instant notifications. If we cancel Sunday worship, we decide by 8:30 AM, and you need to know before heading out!

□ Sign up now—it’s essential!

Open a new text message.
In the To: field, enter 81010.
In the message field, type @uufcm and send.

That’s it! You’ll get urgent alerts directly to your phone. Don’t miss an important announcement—sign up today!

• • • Community News • • •

February 28 Economic Blackout – Let’s Join In!

A group called The People's Union USA, a self-described grassroots organization led by Founder John Schwartz, is urging consumers to halt all purchases, both online and in stores, from starting at 12 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 through 11:59 p.m. that same day.

“The goal is to buy nothing. No major corporations/retailers, gas, fast food. If you must spend for absolute necessities (food, medicine, emergency supplies), only spend at small, local businesses,” said Schwartz.

Join Voters Not Politician's "Dial for Democracy" List!

Activists across the political spectrum can all agree that picking up the phone and calling your elected officials is the most effective way to make your voice heard. In fact, many elected officials and their staff members have stated that a phone call from a constituent holds more weight than an email, tweet, or a fax.

By joining VNP's "Dial for Democracy" list, you will receive exclusive alerts when it's time to call your lawmakers on legislation or decisions that impact Michigan's democracy. These alerts will contain info and tips to help you have an easy and productive call to your local lawmaker!

If you aren't receiving exclusive Dial for Democracy alerts yet, sign up here. You'll receive alerts when critical legislation is introduced along with your state legislators' contact information and a script to use during your call.

ICRH Requests for Household Donations for Party for a Purpose

ICRH is holding its annual fundraiser on May 3 and is looking for items for prizes for their paddle auction. If you have any new or unused item to donate (see list in Fellowship Hall or click here), please see Norma Bailey for delivery.

UPLIFT Trans/Nonbinary Monthly Virtual Gathering Space

Click here for more information - https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb.

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, February 20

2/20/2025

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eNews for Thursday, February 20

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

Don’t risk driving to UUFCM when we’re closed—sign up for urgent alerts now!

□ Sign up now—it’s essential!

Open a new text message.
In the To: field, enter 81010.
In the message field, type @uufcm and send.

That’s it! You’ll get urgent alerts directly to your phone. Don’t miss an important announcement—sign up today!

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, February 23, to worship with Norma Bailey, who will present "Protest and Persist: Why Giving Up Hope Is Not an Option." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"How do we have hope in this moment of such complete disruption that at times it all feels hopeless? How can we have hope that what we do matters? Norma Bailey will share her thoughts as well as writings of author Rebecca Solnit in exploring these questions."

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

February 23: Protest and Persist: Why Giving Up Hope Is Not an Option
March 2: TBD
March 9: TBD
March 16: Generosity
March 23: Loneliness
March 30: Trust

Minister’s Column

Buddhist nun and teacher Pema Chodron offers this advice:

First, train in the preliminaries. The preliminaries are also known as the four reminders. In your daily life, try to:

1. Maintain an awareness of the preciousness of human life.

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
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 - Monday, Feburary 24, at 7:00pm

UUFCM's (Belated) Valentine's Party - THIS Saturday, February 22

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 22, 2025, 6:00–9:00pm
Where: UUFCM Sanctuary and Social Hall
Who: Everyone!
Questions? Contact:

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

Movie Night - CANCELLED

Instead of our usual movie night, join us for a fun and festive Valentine’s celebration! Don’t worry— Movie Night returns in March with popcorn, a great film, and good company. Hope to see you there!

Welcome to UU Orientation – Sunday, February 23

This orientation is geared to newcomers, visitors, and those seeking to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this UU fellowship. It is offered every month both in person in the fellowship hall and via Zoom, typically on the last Sunday at 12:00pm. Sessions run approximately an hour and a half.

For more info or to register for Welcome to UU, contact:
Laura McBride: 989.772.5512 [email protected]

Please let Laura know whether you will be attending via Zoom or in person by the Friday prior to the orientation.

Results of Drive to Help Furnish the New Homeless Shelter

Tremendous thank you to everyone who was able to donate to help furnish the new Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) homeless shelter! Donations totaled $1611, and we were able to purchase 36 new folding chairs they hadn’t been able to acquire and also sponsor one bunkbed set! ICRH sends its grateful appreciation for our generosity!

Ideas from the All-Congregation Retreat

The list of ideas for individual actions generated at our all-congregation retreat (“Responding in Love to a Threatening World”) is available here.

• • • Community News • • •

CMU Black History Events

ICRH Requests for Household Donations for Party for a Purpose

Wage Peace: A Gentle Art

Saturday, March 1, 12:30-4:30pm
In-person at Birmingham Unitarian Church and Virtual via Zoom

How do we protest illegal and unjust actions in 2025? How can we make ourselves heard in a complex world rife with disinformation and threats of violence? This workshop will explore best practices for creating impactful, peaceful protests. As we face an increasingly hostile and violent social justice climate in 2025, learning how to carry out safe, creative, and successful protests through only non-violent means is vital. The training will cover the importance of visual contrast, creating a lasting message, and exploring various protest methods. Following this training, participants will be equipped with the skills needed to plan their own direct actions that have a lasting impact.

This workshop is led by Julia A. Pulver. Julia is a lifelong UU and member of Birmingham Unitarian Church. She has extensive experience in peaceful protest, political campaigns and democracy organizing. Julia is a dedicated pacifist and peace enthusiast as well as a nursing subject matter expert and patient advocate by trade.

Hosted by Birmingham Unitarian Church in Bloomfield Hills and Michigan UU Social Justice Network.

REGISTRATION: bit.ly/WagePeace2025

UPLIFT Trans/Nonbinary Monthly Virtual Gathering Space

Click here for more information - https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/transnb.

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, February 13

2/14/2025

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eNews for Thursday, February 13

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, February 16, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "The Edict of Torda." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"On February 18, 1568, the king of Transylvania, an early Unitarian, issued a proclamation regarding freedom of religion: the Edict of Torda. As modern-day Unitarian Universalists we celebrate this piece of our history, affirming that religious inclusion is part of our DNA and that there have been progressive governments and rulers throughout many periods of history."

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

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

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.

Upcoming Services

February 16: The Edict of Torda
February 23: Protest and Persist: Why Giving Up Hope Is Not an Option

Minister’s Column

Happy birthday! Today is the birthday of the trees.

In the Jewish tradition, the Torah forbids eating fruit from a tree for the first three years, giving it time to mature. A common date was established, therefore, as the birthday of the trees to allow for accurate counting of a tree’s age: the 15th day of the month of Shevat (February 12 on our calendar). This day, Tu B’Shevat, is celebrated with a ritual of fruits. In some celebrations, 12 fruits are named with symbolic significance assigned to each one. Another way to celebrate Tu B’Shevat is to plant a tree. In this way, the holiday is akin to Earth Day.

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
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
Communications Team - Thursday, February 13, at 7:00pm
Worship Team - Thursday, February 13, at 7:00pm
Youth RE Team - Sunday, February 16, at 3:30pm

You Are Invited to a Valentine's Party - THIS Saturday, February 15

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!

Questions? Contact:

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

Valentine Card Swap at UUFCM! ❤️

Share the Love! – Give your Valentine to your recipient at the Many Shades of Love party on February 15 or during the Sunday service on February 16.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Special Plate Collection This Sunday, February 16

On Sunday, February 16, a special plate collection will be taken to support the work of MUUSJN, the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network. MUUSJN is a very active state-wide network of the 24 Unitarian Universalist congregations and allies in Michigan who work together to prevent harm, protect rights and safeguard our democracy. Its mission is to foster the worth and dignity of people by promoting social justice and community service. You can donate online to the Social Justice Special Plate Collections Fund at our website or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with MUUSJN in the memo.

We are also very much encouraging individual people to become members of MUUSJN. The work of the MUUSJN director and the three project organizers employed has led to many accomplishments in 2024 that support our UU values (linked to document here and also posted on our bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall). Thus, when you become a member, you spread your small donation well beyond our UUFCM walls.

Game Night - THIS Monday, February 17

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]).

UUA Common Read: "Authentic Selves" - THIS Tuesday, February 18

Book discussion group starts Tuesday, February 18, at 7:00pm
Additional copies of the book are now available
Rev. Drew will lead four sessions exploring the book Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families. This book is the UUA common read for 2024-25, with all UU congregations encouraged to engage with the text. The discussions will follow the UUA discussion guide and will take place on the third Tuesday of the month: February 18, March 18, April 15 and May 20. All are welcome!

Movie Night - Saturday, February 22

Weatherman Phil finds himself trapped, reliving February 2nd over and over again. No matter what he does, every morning at 6:00 AM, the day resets. How can he break free from this endless cycle?

Join us on February 22 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall when we watch Groundhog Day to find out!

Results of Drive to Help Furnish the New Homeless Shelter

Ideas from the All-Congregation Retreat

The list of ideas for individual actions generated at our all-congregation retreat (“Responding in Love to a Threatening World”) is available here.

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 • • •

CMU Black History Events

ICRH Requests for Household Donations for Party for a Purpose

Wage Peace: A Gentle Art

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

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, February 6

2/6/2025

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eNews for Thursday, February 6

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, February 9, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Preemptive Radical Inclusion." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"While diversity, equity and inclusion have become a primary target of the current United States government, they are all core Unitarian Universalist values. On this Sunday we focus on inclusion, using the work of UU minister CB Beal. Rev. Beal says that preemptive radical inclusion assumes that every group of people who might be included are already present."

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

February 9: Preemptive Radical Inclusion
February 16: The Edict of Torda
February 23: Protest and Persist: Why Giving Up Hope Is Not an Option

Minister’s Column

In today’s news I read that Donald Trump is cancelling billions of dollars in international aid, and that Elon Musk is gaining access to the personal and financial data of millions of Americans. And let’s remember that on his first day, Trump released hundreds of violent criminals from jail. This is a very incomplete list! I could name many other alarming, illegal and immoral things that the MAGA government is doing.

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
Board of Trustees - Sunday, February 9, at 1:00pm
Social Justice Team - Monday, February 10, at 7:00pm
Communications Team - Thursday, February 13, at 7:00pm
Worship Team - Thursday, February 13, at 7:00pm

Valentine Card Swap at UUFCM! ❤️

Join us on Sunday, February 9, before the service for a fun Valentine card exchange! Here’s how it works:

Before the Service – Fill out a card to enter the drawing.
After the Service – Draw a name to find out who you’ll be making or purchasing a Valentine for.
Share the Love! – Give your Valentine to your recipient at the Many Shades of Love party on February 15 or during the Sunday service on February 16.

Can't make it on February 9? No problem! Contact Laura McBride at 989-772-5512 (call or text) or [email protected], and she’ll add your name and draw for you.

The more, the merrier! □

Movie Night - Saturday, February 22

Weatherman Phil finds himself trapped, reliving February 2nd over and over again. No matter what he does, every morning at 6:00 AM, the day resets. How can he break free from this endless cycle?

Join us on February 22 at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall when we watch Groundhog Day to find out!

First Friday Potluck – Friday, February 7

UUA Common Read: "Authentic Selves" - Tuesday, February 18

Ideas from the All-Congregation Retreat

The list of ideas for individual actions generated at our all-congregation retreat (“Responding in Love to a Threatening World”) is available here.

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 - Sunday, February 9

This six-week course, co-facilitated by Rev. Drew and Jim Dealing, starts on Sunday at noon. If you signed up to participate, you should have received an email with the details and the first reading assignment. If you didn't sign up, please contact Jim or Drew right away!

Readers Theater Resumes! - Tuesday, February 11

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).

You Are Invited to a Valentine's Party - Saturday, February 15

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!!!

Budget Hearing - Sunday, February 16

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

• • • Community News • • •

Daniel’s Polar Plunge!

On Saturday, February 8, Daniel Davis, a member of UUFCM, is doing a polar plunge to help raise money for the Special Olympics of Michigan. If you are interested in donating to Daniel’s effort, click here.

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

PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region

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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

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