eNews for Wednesday, April 25

4/25/2018

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eNews for Wednesday, April 25

When you're finished changing, you're finished.

~ Benjamin Franklin

Worship Matters

Our month-long worship exploration of what it means to be a people of emergence will conclude this Sunday, April 29, with a message from our minister titled “Born and Reborn” – we hope you will join us!

“I have walked through many lives,
some of them my own,
and I am not who I was,
though some principle of being
abides, from which I struggle
not to stray.”

~ Stanley Kunitz

You can read more about our monthly theme as well as explore some supplemental resources here. And if you happen to miss being in worship on any given Sunday, the texts to previous sermon messages (and some of the readings as well) can be found in our website sermon archive.

Upcoming Services

May 2018 Worship Theme: What Does It Mean to Be a People of Creativity?
May 6: “Risking Creativity”
May 13: “On Being a Co-Creative Community” + UUFCM Annual Meeting
May 20: “Eureka!”
May 27: “Remembering Liberation on Memorial Day”

Stewardship Sunday - Earth Day Festival Photos

More photos can be viewed here...

Water Crisis Documentary

Thursday, April 26th there is an opportunity to view Nor Any Drop to Drink, a documentary about the Flint water crisis. The documentary written and directed by Dr. Cedric Taylor (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, CMU) is based on interviews with Flint residents and with the people involved in uncovering the crisis. This truly eye-opening and insightful experience starts at 7:00 pm on April 26 on campus in Anspach 161 (between Broomfield and Preston).

Update: The Poor People's Campaign

Sign Up Now - Direct Action Trainings Have Begun

The Poor People's Campaign - A National Call for Moral Revival - is set to commence on May 13. To participate in any of the PPC’s "Direct Action Mondays," that will begin on May 14, please fill out the online training and organizing form to sign up for an action training session and see the schedule for direct action campaign events.

The PPC’s “Direct Action Mondays” are an opportunity to participate in civil disobedience at their state capitols. Specific themes to be focused on include women and children in poverty, systemic racism, voting rights, just immigration, the war economy, ecological devastation, and living wages.

If you are interested in learning more about the Poor People’s Campaign, you can visit the Michigan Campaign's Facebook page for more information, or the Poor People's Campaign website.

Welcome to UU - Sunday, April 29

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 on the fourth Sunday at 12:15 p.m. Sessions are approximately ninety minutes.

This is the first in a series of three steps to membership at the UUFCM. For complete information, please visit our website at uufcm.org/membership.

Young Adult Potluck - Sunday, April 29

The last Young Adult Potluck of the semester will be held on Sunday, April 29, at 6:00 pm in the Social Hall. This potluck will provide a break from studying for finals and a chance to eat good food and say so long for the summer. The fellowship will provide a main dish and beverages; all others may bring a dish to pass. But if you're short on time or energy to bring something - don't worry! Please come anyway.

First Friday Potluck - Friday, May 4

Join us for our May First Friday communal nosh! Stacey Pattison is hosting. We will also be celebrating the birthdays of Roze Bentley, Dan O'Brien, Scott Daigle, Cynthia Damer, Susan Powers, Kate Swier, Larry Hall, Stacy Guthrie, and Mary Alsager. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. - helping hands are welcome at 6:15 p.m. to assist with set-up preparations.

Infant Pantry Collection - Sunday, May 6

Donations for the Infant Pantry are collected on the first Sunday of each month. Most needed items are things for baby care - diapers and pull-ups in sizes 4, 5 or 6, creams, shampoos, lotions, and baby food in jars. Formula is not needed a this time. If you want to donate money, then the check should be made out to
CCN (Community Compassionate Network) with memo “Infant Pantry.” Please contact Tom Moffit (989-772-1602; [email protected]) with questions.

CUUPs Celebrates Beltane Sunday, May 6

Beltane is a time to celebrate fertility and the greening of the earth, to honor the arrival of spring and new life. Covenant of UU Pagans invites those of you who are interested in participating in this ritual to bring an item of food or drink to share at the potluck that follows the ceremony. We will gather at 6:30 pm and begin our ceremony promptly at 7:00 pm.

Beverages in the Sanctuary

Please be mindful that any beverages carried into the sanctuary need to be in a travel mug/container with a secure lid or cap. As careful as we are, too many spills are taking place in that space. We appreciate your cooperation in this.

Safety Information

The UUFCM Board recently established a Safety Task Force to assist us in developing policy and procedures for safety measures needed in the event of dangerous circumstances that may result via nature and/or human intent. Be aware that as we work to become a more safety-conscious congregation, you will be seeing some changes to help make us safer from fire, tornados, and potential assailants. Please take the time to read the article “Sunday Security” on page 40 in the Spring 2018 issue of UU World magazine. It explains how the UUA and individual congregations are becoming more safety proactive.

RE News

ICYMI - Slimeapalooza and Egg hunt photos are on our website!

This month our RE classes are talking about and doing activities together that help us explore the question of what it means to be a people of emergence. Our themes in RE each month are in concert with what the grown-ups are exploring together in worship...so all of us are sharing together in our learning. If you would like your child to attend but have difficulty getting them to church on Sundays - please let us know!
Contact Anna V. (517.930.6927; [email protected]).

• • • Community News • • •

20th Annual “Walk & Roll” for Mental Health Awareness
“A Diverse Community Enriches Lives”
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Island Park in Mt. Pleasant
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Come join us for this fun community event! Whatever your pace, we have the walk for you. Choose from a one-mile or two-mile route. Both begin at Island Park and lead through the beautiful city parks of Mt. Pleasant.
*Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash*
For complete information call 989-773-6918 or visit the Facebook Event page

Let difficulty transform you. And it will. In my experience,
we just need help learning how not to run away.

~ Pema Chodron

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

Mindfulness in Parking Requested
Let us be mindful to leave the parking spaces directly across from our Wisconsin entrance open for our friends who have mobility issues. Thank you for your consideration.

Service Cancellation Policy
In case of inclement weather, a decision to cancel the service will be made by 9 a.m. There are multiple ways to learn the status of a Sunday service in our snowy months. Members and friends may request to join the Remind app and receive cancellation news via a text or email. In addition, an announcement will be posted on Facebook as well as sent directly via email. Those who are not online will be phoned. If you have questions, call Laura McBride (989-772-5512). We hope we won't have to resort to this very often, but we live in Michigan after all, so we need to be prepared!

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2017-2018
President: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Past-President: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
President Elect: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; [email protected])
Treasurer: Chris Bailey (989.775.8257)
Assistant Treas: Ricky Courlander (989.772.4457; [email protected])
Secretary: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; [email protected])
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; [email protected])
Trustee: Joyce Henricks (989.400.9743; [email protected])
Trustee: Ethan Kolek (413.387.7321; [email protected])

Copyright © 2018 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan, All rights reserved.

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eNews for Wednesday, April 18

4/18/2018

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eNews for Wednesday, April 18

The gifts demanded of me here are the very gifts
I’ve been seeking my whole life long.

~ Victoria Safford

Rescheduled Path to Membership Class

Laura McBride is willing to conduct the Path to Membership class on Saturday, April 21st from 1-4 pm. Please let her know if this works! Her contact information is [email protected] or 989.772.5512.

In Preparation for This Coming Sunday

As we were all iced in this past weekend and unable to gather together in worship, please take a moment to absorb the readings and message our minister prepared on the theme “What Emerges When We Choose to Bless the World.”

Stewardship Sunday – Earth Day Festival!!!

Our worship service this Sunday, April 22, is the main event for this “Stewardship Sunday – Earth Day Festival!” Please join us as we kick off our celebration with a special message from our guest speaker, MUUSJN’s own Jennifer Teed, a stewardship reflection from Kevin Daum, plus wonderful music offerings from our Joyful Noise choir!

Jennifer Teed - a lifelong UU and lifelong Detroiter - is currently a consultant for the Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) and serves as a Projects Coordinator for our churches. In other arenas, she is a Social Worker and Art Educator. Jennifer lives with her life partner Eric, and dog Muhammad Ali. She is an activist and advocate for all things having to do with the rights of people and our earth. Her highest priorities now are around issues of racial justice and environmental justice.

Schedule of Events for Stewardship Sunday-Earth Day Festival:

• Pledge Central Booth: 9:00-4:00 (closed during worship)
• Worship Service: 10:30-11:30 with guest speaker Jennifer Teed of MUUSJN
• Luncheon: 11:45-1:00
• Afternoon Events: 1:00-2:30
- Make garden stepping stones & rock painting
- Watercolor painting
- Earth work (garden clean-up - weather permitting)
- Meditation
- Hand and shoulder massage
- Chalk drawing on sidewalks
• Closing Group Activity: 2:30-3:00
• Clean up: 3:00-4:00

If you are unable to attend, pledge and volunteer forms may be sent via mail to UUFCM Treasurer Chris Bailey at PO Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-0041. We hope you can join us for this very special day in the life of our community!

Water Crisis Documentary

Update: The Poor People's Campaign

Sign Up Now - Direct Action Trainings Have Begun

Beverages in the Sanctuary

Welcome to UU - Sunday, April 29

Young Adult Potluck - Sunday, April 29

CUUPs - Celebrates Beltane Sunday, May 6

Safety Information

RE News

ICYMI - Slimeapalooza and Egg hunt photos are now available!

This month our RE classes are talking about and doing activities together that help us explore the question of what it means to be a people of emergence. Our themes in RE each month are in concert with what the grown-ups are exploring together in worship...so all of us are sharing together in our learning. If you would like your child to attend but have difficulty getting them to church on Sundays - please let us know!
Contact Anna V. (517.930.6927; [email protected]).

MUUSJN/Inclusive Justice Conference
9-4pm on Friday, April 20
in Clawson, MI
“Faith, TLGBQ, Inclusion & Human
Rights: An Interfaith Conference”
For further information, please see the flyer.

We must be knit together in this work as one…

~ John Winthrop

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

eNews for April 11

4/11/2018

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eNews for Wednesday, April 11

The day widened, pulled from both ends by the shrinking dark, as if darkness itself were a pair of hands and daylight a skein between them, a flexible membrane, and the hands that had pressed together all winter — praying, paralyzed with foreboding — now flung wide open.

~ Annie Dillard

Worship Matters

This Sunday, April 15, we continue our exploration of what it means to be a people of emergence with a message from our minister titled “What Emerges When We Choose to Bless the World” – please plan to join us!

“When I look at the inspired, devoted, and brilliant people at work in so many ways to repair and nourish the world, in families, communities, and sustainable enterprises everywhere on Earth, I see the imaginal cells of our own transformation. That’s us, people like me and people like you…people creating new ways, seeing new possibilities.”

~ Lynn Twist

Upcoming Services

April 2018 Worship Theme: What Does It Mean to Be a People of Emergence?
April 22: Stewardship Sunday – Earth Day Festival!
Guest speaker: Jennifer Teed
April 29: Born and Reborn

Path to Membership Workshop - This Saturday, April 14

This workshop is designed for those who are ready to make the membership commitment to UUFCM. In this interactive session we explore the deeper meanings and expectations of membership and shared ministry. Childcare is available. Let Laura know by email, phone call, or at church if you would like to attend at [email protected] or 989-772-5512.

Seriously, Don't Miss This Opportunity!

This year we have the opportunity to send a good number of people from UUFCM to the General Assembly (GA), the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. This year the GA 2018 will be held in Kansas City, MO, June 20-24.

Attending a General Assembly is an amazing experience! If you’ve never been to a GA, feel free to see other people who have – Laura McBride, Dawn Daniels, Gisela Moffit, Jim and Liz Dealing, Chris Bailey, Mary Alsager and Brigitte Bechtold, and they will confirm! You can also find a great deal of information at uua.org/ga. Just poke around a bit!

Because an anonymous donor has given money in support of leadership development to send more people to GA this year, all expenses will be paid (registration, housing and transportation [car]) except for meals. If you are interested, please contact Norma Bailey at 989-560-3952 or at [email protected]. We must have the final count by this Sunday, April 15.

Update: The Poor People's Campaign

Sign Up Now - Trainings Begin on April 14!

The Poor People's Campaign - A National Call for Moral Revival - is set to commence on May 13. Please fill out the online training and organizing form to sign up for an action training session and see the schedule for direct action campaign events. You can also visit the Michigan Campaign's Facebook page for more information.

Special Plate Collection this Sunday

This Sunday a special plate collection will be taken to supplement the minister’s discretionary fund. Our minister is often contacted by people in the community who might need gas money, money to pay an electric bill, a night in a hotel, etc., and she uses her discretionary fund to provide this. While we have a line item in our budget, it does not suffice for the needs like this in the community, which is why we take a special plate collection to supplement the fund. Given that the homeless shelter closes at the end of April, this fund may be especially needed. Checks for this fund should be made out to UUFCM with “Discretionary Fund” indicated in the memo line.

Fellowship Life Meeting - This Sunday, April 15

Our monthly “Fellowship Life” meeting will be held this coming Sunday immediately following our worship service. This brief meeting is an opportunity for our board of trustees to update the fellowship on current events and/or issues of concern. Please plan to attend!

Safety Information

As we work to become a safer congregation, you will be seeing changes to make us safer from fire, tornados, and assailants. Take the time to read the article “Sunday Security”, page 40 in the Spring 2018 issue of our UUWorld. It explains how UUA and individual congregations are becoming more safety proactive.

RE News

Stewardship Drive 2018-2019

Stewardship: Taking care of each other,
taking care of our church, taking care of our world.  

Reflections on stewardship continue to be shared in worship services for our fellowship's stewardship season. Aaron Jones, Norma Bailey, Susan Paton, Brigitte Bechtold, and Katie Zapoluch have shared their hearts with us regarding why they come and support our lovely fellowship (click the links to see their reflections). Join us to hear Kevin Daum's message this Sunday.

By now you will have received a letter and the proposed budget to help you plan your giving for Stewardship Sunday-Earth Day Festival on April 22, 2018. The complete Stewardship packet is available online and on the counter near the name tags by the end of the month. Pledge and volunteer forms will be joyfully received by Chris Bailey, Treasurer at PO Box 41, Mt Pleasant, MI 48804-0041. You may also give them to Chris Bailey or Laura McBride, Stewardship Chair, at church on Sundays.

Schedule of Events for Stewardship Sunday-Earth Day Festival:

Pledge Central Booth: 9:00-4:00 (closed 10:30-11:30 a.m.)
Worship service: 10:30-11:30 with Jennifer Teed from MUUSJN
Luncheon: 11:45-1:00
Afternoon Events: 1:00-2:30
- Make garden stepping stones & painting rocks
- Watercolor painting
- Clean out garden & flower beds (weather permitting)
- Meditation in or outdoors
- Hand and shoulder massage
- Chalkdrawing on sidewalks
Closing Group Activity: 2:30-3:00
Clean up: 3:00-4:00

Young Adult Potluck - Sunday, April 29

Let’s Be a Nut-Free Church (No Pun Intended)

We are asking that those of you who bring snacks for our coffee hour (thank you so much for your contribution!) no longer bring any nuts or any confection that contains nuts (for example, peanut butter cookies). We have a child with nut allergies, and we already had a scary incident in which she was offered a cookie with nuts which could have been very dangerous. It’s a good thing that there are lots of other kinds of snacks and confections to contribute that we will all enjoy!

UUA Survey Regarding Study Topic

The UUA Commission on Appraisal invites your participation in a brief survey to help them as they prepare to select our next UUA study topic. Your UU Board has sent in a UUFCM congregational response; as well, they also are seeking input from individual Unitarian Universalists. This is the link if you wish to respond.

MUUSJN/Inclusive Justice Conference
9-4pm on Friday, April 20
in Clawson, MI
“Faith, TLGBQ, Inclusion & Human
Rights: An Interfaith Conference”
For further information, please see the flyer.

The principal sources of human misery may fairly be said to lie in the over-possession, under-possession, and the unwise use of economic goods.

~ Georgia Harkness

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

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Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan · 319 S University Ave · P.O. Box 41 · Mount Pleasant, Mi 48858 · USA

eNews for Wednesday, April 4

4/4/2018

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eNews for Wednesday, April 4

Always be a work in progress.

~ Emily Lillian

Worship Matters

What does it mean to be a people of emergence? - this is the guiding question for our April worship services. We hope you will join us this Sunday, April 8
as we continue our exploration with a message from our minister titled
“The Grandness of Uncentering Ourselves.”

“When it comes to emerging into something new, the message of spirituality is “Be careful with what you’ve been taught and told because much of it takes us in exactly the wrong direction.” As a people of emergence, we are called to take a different tack. We’ve been entrusted with the wisdom that emergence is most often about breathing rather than becoming better, patience not perfection, depth not dominance; acceptance not striving, attention not constant improvement.”

~ Soul Matters (introduction to theme of emergence)

Upcoming Services

April 2018 Worship Theme: What Does It Mean to Be a People of Emergence?
April 15: The Point of It All
April 22: Stewardship Sunday – Earth Day Festival!
Guest speaker: Jennifer Teed
April 29: Born and Reborn

RE News

This month our RE classes are talking about and doing activities together that help us explore the question of what it means to be a people of emergence. Our themes in RE each month are in concert with what the grown-ups are exploring together in worship...so all of us are sharing together in our learning. If you would like your child to attend but have difficulty getting them to church on Sundays - please let us know!
Contact Anna V. (517.930.6927; [email protected]).

First Friday Potluck - April 6

Join us for our April First Friday communal nosh! Jen Prout is hosting with a theme of April Showers. Bring your favorite dish to make on a rainy day! We will also be celebrating the birthdays of Sandra Wickstrom, Rick Messick, Chris Bauerle, Brigitte Bechtold, and Rebecca Kreisher. The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. - helping hands are welcome at 6:15 p.m. to assist with set-up preparations.

What about the May 4th Potluck? Who is hosting? and what’s the theme? We don’t know, but perhaps you’d like to host and choose! If so, please contact Jen Prout (989-400-3130 or [email protected]) or George Lentz (248-346-4039 or [email protected]). If you enjoy the potlucks, please consider hosting - it is fun and easy!

Young Adult Potluck - Sunday, April 8

We gather to share a meal and engage in conversation and some game-playing or video watching (or whatever strikes our fancy) on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the UUFCM Social Hall. The fellowship will provide a main dish and beverages, all others may bring a dish to pass. But if you're short on time or energy to bring something - don't worry! Please come anyway.

Let’s Be a Nut-Free Church (No Pun Intended)

Path to Membership Workshop - Saturday, April 14

This workshop is designed for those who are ready to make the membership
commitment to UUFCM. In this interactive session we explore the deeper meanings and expectations of membership and shared ministry. Childcare is available. Let Laura know by email, phone call, or at church if you would like to attend at [email protected] or 989-772-5512.

Seriously, Don't Miss This Opportunity!

Stewardship Drive 2018-2019

Stewardship: Taking care of each other,
taking care of our church, taking care of our world.  

Reflections on stewardship continue to be shared in worship services for our fellowship's stewardship season. Aaron Jones, Norma Bailey, Susan Paton, and Brigitte Bechtold have shared their hearts with us regarding why they come and support our lovely fellowship (see Norma's, and Susan's reflections here!). Join us to hear more messages through April with the voices of Katie Zapoluch, and Kevin Daum.

By now you will have received a letter and the proposed budget to help you plan your giving for Stewardship Sunday-Earth Day Festival on April 22, 2018. The complete Stewardship packet is available online and on the counter near the name tags by the end of the month.

Schedule of Events for Stewardship Sunday-Earth Day Festival:

Pledge Central Booth: 9:00-4:00 (closed 10:30-11:30 a.m.)
Worship service: 10:30-11:30 with Jennifer Teed from MUUSJN
Luncheon: 11:45-1:00
Afternoon Events: 1:00-2:30
- Make garden stepping stones & painting rocks
- Watercolor painting
- Clean out garden & flower beds (weather permitting)
- Meditation in or outdoors
- Hand/foot or shoulder massage & reflexology
- Chalkdrawing on sidewalks
Closing Group Activity: 2:30-3:00
Clean up: 3:00-4:00

UUA Survey Regarding Study Topic

• • • Community News • • •

CMU Pride Month of Events
April 3-18, CMU Campus, Mt. Pleasant
The Social Justice Coordinating Team encourages members and friends to attend events from CMU’s Pride Month of Events. For more information, visit their Facebook page, or download the flyer.

Non-Profit Center Open House
Thursday, April 5, from 4-7pm at the Center
1114 West High St. in Mt. Pleasant
The Non-Profit Center which houses the Isabella County Restoration House and other agencies is having an open house tomorrow. There will be tours
of the facility and information available. For more information, download
the flyer here.

Peter and the Wolf
Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m. in Staples Auditorium, CMU School of Music
Nicky Graziano, professional puppeteer and UUFCM friend, has been working hard all semester with a group of students to make puppets and produce a delightful puppet show about Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Powers Woodwind Quintet will be accompanying the shadow puppets with many musical delights. Come and bring your kids and their friends for this
must-see free event!

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy,
for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves;
we must die to one life before we can enter into another.

~ Anatole France

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