eNews for Thursday, June 26

6/27/2025

eNews for Thursday, June 26

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, June 29, to worship with Norma Bailey & Laura McBride as worship leaders and Kelly Green who will present a "Summer Reflection." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Welcome to summer! Summer worship will be different and somewhat shorter; we will still have a hymn, chalice lighting and extinguishing, sharing of joys and sorrows, and an offertory but no Story for All Ages, the children going directly with the child care workers at 10:30. Each Sunday a different member of the congregation will briefly reflect on one of the following prompts:

How are you coping with national/world events?
What is your perspective with what is happening in the world and what does it mean to you?

Then we will open up discussion in response to their reflection. We hope you will join us each Sunday for our summer worship series, which runs through August 3."

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

June 29 - Summer Worship Series (with Kelly Green)
July 6 - Summer Worship Series (with Carol Rard)
July 13 - Summer Worship Series (with Katie Zapoluch)
July 20 - Summer Worship Series (with Kirsten King)
July 27 - Summer Worship Series (with Jacq Roberge)
August 3 - Summer Worship Series (with Bob Busch)

In Case You Missed It...

Many past sermons are available on our website under Sermon Videos and Archives.

In order to access any services 2024 on, go to the website and click on Worship, then Sunday Services.

Minister’s Column:

Minister's Column will return in August. Read the previous columns here.

Summer Schedule

Minister’s Time Off

The Summer Worship Series goes from June 29 - August 3, while our minister Rev. Drew is off for the summer. You are still welcome to contact Drew for urgent matters, and he will be available for some scheduled meetings and Fellowship business. As always, texting his cell phone (440-935-0129) is the best way to reach him.

Simplified Worship - Summer Worship Series

Welcome to summer! Summer worship will be different and somewhat shorter; we will still have a hymn, chalice lighting and extinguishing, sharing of joys and sorrows, and an offertory but no Story for All Ages, the children going directly with the child care workers at 10:30. Each Sunday a different member of the congregation will briefly reflect on one of the following prompts:

How are you coping with national/world events?
What is your perspective with what is happening in the world and what does it mean to you?

Then we will open up discussion in response to their reflection. We hope you will join us each Sunday for our summer worship series, which runs through August 3.

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 - On summer hiatus; resumes August 6
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Thursdays 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 - next meeting to be announced
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - On hiatus until further notice
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
No meetings this week!

Happy Birthday!

In July, we celebrate the birthdays of Matthew Emerick, Guy Newland, Norma Bailey, Sharon Rust, and Steve Lifson. For the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so.

June 30 Ends Our 2024-2025 Fiscal Year

Our 2024-2025 fiscal year ends on June 30. If you haven’t had a chance to complete your pledge for this year, please try to do so by the 30th if you can.

Movie Night - THIS Saturday, June 28

Join us for our June Movie Night featuring Last Chance Harvey starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.

Harvey travels to London for his daughter’s wedding, expecting a joyful family reunion. But when his ex-wife snubs him, his daughter chooses her stepfather for a key role, and he gets fired over the phone, things spiral quickly. Then he meets a stranger—played by the always-wonderful Emma Thompson—and maybe, just maybe, life offers him one last chance. Come find out what happens on Saturday, June 28 at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall – popcorn provided, conversation encouraged!

Welcome to UU Orientation – THIS Sunday, June 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 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.

Wedding Announcement & Celebration - Friday, July 4

Abdou Chalal and David Wagstaff are delighted to announce their upcoming marriage on July 2nd at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan, officiated by Rev. Drew. The couple will exchange their vows and commitment to one another in a small private ceremony in the sanctuary.

While the wedding ceremony itself is private, everyone is warmly invited to the open house and celebration on Thursday, July 4 from 9:00am to 11:00am at: 631 N Rock Lake Dr, Vestaburg, MI (Please stay on Vestaburg Road until you see the mailbox marked 631—Rock Lake Drive is little more than a driveway.) No gifts, please.

An RSVP is appreciated (though not required). Text RSVP to 610-220-3359 if you plan to attend.

Call to Action

Urge the Senate: Save Public Media

Public media is facing multiple serious threats. The White House proposed eliminating federal funding in its annual budget request, issued an Executive Order to block support for PBS and NPR, and plans to claw back funding approved by Congress.

Federal funding ensures that local public radio and TV stations can continue to give access to essential educational, local, and cultural programming; trustworthy, in-depth news; and emergency and community-based services.

Our local PBS and NPR affiliate, WCMU Public Media, utilizes four television and eight radio stations to reach over 2 million people across 42 counties within Central and Northern Michigan. Community Service Grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting provide just over 19% of WCMU's annual budget.

The House of Representatives passed the rescissions package, and the vote now goes to the Senate.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Contact your senators and tell them to reject the rescissions package and stop the dismantling of public media!
Gary Peters: 202-224-6221
Elissa Slotkin: 202-224-4822

Community News

Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival - THIS Saturday, June 28

Celebrate Pride in Downtown Saginaw: Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival at the Jolt Event Park!

Our welcoming, inclusive festival unites the LGBTQ+ community, allies, friends, and families from across the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Enjoy retail vendors, community resource partners, live entertainment, and a children’s activity area—all in one vibrant, family-friendly celebration.

Saturday, June 28, 2025, 11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M.
Jolt Credit Union Event Park, 300 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI 48607
Admission is FREE FOR ALL!
https://bit.ly/4l7C2AJ

What to expect?
‣ Family-friendly, outdoor Pride festival; plan accordingly for weather!
‣ Retail vendors and community resource partners
‣ Live entertainment throughout the day
‣ Children’s activity area with fun for all ages
‣ New Location: This has always been a regional Pride event and we’re excited to bring the celebration to Saginaw this year!

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
Tuesdays 10am-noon
Wednesdays 1-3pm and 8-9pm

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
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, June 19

6/20/2025

eNews for Thursday, June 12

6/12/2025

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Thank you!

Thank you to Darlene Ritchie for keeping our grounds so beautiful!

eNews for Thursday, June 12

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, June 15, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz who will present "Flower Communion." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"The special ritual of Flower Communion is celebrated by Unitarian Universalists everywhere. All are invited to bring a flower to the service if you can (we will have extras to share). Each person places a flower in the common vase to represent what you bring to the congregation; at the end, each person takes home a different flower to represent what you receive from the congregation. Please join us!"

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

June 15 - Flower Communion
June 22 - UUA General Assembly (virtual only - 11:00am)
June 29 - Summer Worship Series

June 22: General Assembly Livestream
Virtual at 11:00am. UUFCM will be closed.

Embrace the electrifying spirit of the year's largest UU gathering, where we come together in unity for an awe-inspiring Sunday worship celebration like no other! It's a vibrant, communal worship experience that promises to uplift your soul and ignite your passion. Don't miss out on this extraordinary gathering of hearts and minds! The Office of the President, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, is thrilled to announce that Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk will lead the 2025 GA Sunday Service.

Order of Service
More information
Link to Livestream (Link will be live on Sunday, June 22, at 11:00am)

In Case You Missed It...

Many past sermons are available on our website under Sermon Videos and Archives.

In order to access any services 2024 on, go to the website and click on Worship, then Sunday Services.

Minister’s Column: Peaceful Protest

As I write this on Tuesday, the protests in Los Angeles and the response of the federal government are ongoing. Aggressive raids against immigrants triggered community protest, which in turn led to the calling out of the national guard. This deployment is unlawful because it is against the wishes of the governor of California, and I fear it will lead to further escalation.

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 - On summer hiatus
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Thursdays 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 - next meeting to be announced
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - On hiatus until further notice
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Joyful Noise Choir on Vacation until Fall

The Joyful Noise Choir will be on vacation from mid-June through early August. The choir will sing on June 15 (for the flower communion service) and resume rehearsals on August 6.

Team Meetings
Worship Team - Thursday, June 12, at 7:00pm
Youth RE Team - Sunday, June 22, at 3:30pm

No Kings Day Rally & Social Picnic - June 14 (A Big One!)

If you haven’t already heard, June 14th is both Flag Day and DT’s birthday - and he is spending $45 million on a parade honoring......himself. National resistance groups have mobilized across the nation to draw attention away from Washington D.C. and to oppose the march towards authoritarianism - NO KINGS! - being the theme. Indivisible Mt. Pleasant is hosting an event here in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, June 14! Marchers are meeting at the parking area between Meijers and Mission at 11:00, then lining the sidewalks on Mission and Pickard for a rally, ending at 1:00. We very much encourage everyone to be there if you can! And bring friends!

This short PowerPoint explains the theme of NO KINGS Day, who the partners are, and important information about what the plans are in Mt. Pleasant. Click HERE!

Immediately following the event we are going to host a social/picnic at Chipp-A-Waters park. This will be a bring-your-own lunch and non-alcoholic beverage - families welcome! The picnic pavilion holds 175 people, so there may be overflow - if you can, bring folding chairs and/or picnic blankets. The admin team will be providing some sweet treats to celebrate standing up for democracy! Please use this link to register if you plan on attending so that we have an idea of numbers. Hope to see you there! https://mobilize.us/s/Myuf7j

Special Offering Collection – THIS Sunday, June 15

This Sunday a collection will be taken to supplement the minister’s discretionary fund which is used to respond to requests from people in the community who might need gas money, money to pay an electric bill, a night in a hotel, etc. You can donate online to this fund at our website or checks can be made out to UUFCM with “Discretionary Fund” indicated in the memo line, and sent to UUFCM Treasurer, P.O. Box 41, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48804-0041.

Your Presence Needed Monday, June 16!

The final vote on the recommended grades 4-6 curriculum “Puberty the Wonder Years,” which has been updated to include gender identity, will be on Monday, June 16, at 6:30 pm in the Mt. Pleasant High School cafeteria, and our presence at this school board meeting is vital so that the Board sees that there is significant community support for the revised curriculum, not just those who may attend in opposition to the adoption of the curriculum. Please attend!!

Simply attending the school board meeting is important to show support, but if you feel comfortable, speaking up in favor of the curriculum (or writing a brief email/letter to the school board) is even better! What might you say – at the Board meeting or in a written communication?

If you reviewed the curriculum at the public hearing, you could comment about how you, as a community member (or parent), feel very comfortable with the material in the updated version.
You could state how you believe that complete and accurate information about human diversity is important for all our students.
You might talk about how inclusive curriculum is important so that all our students can feel respected, safe and that they belong.

You decide what you would like to say; it doesn’t have to be long, just affirming and supportive.

If you wish to write the school board members, here are the addresses of the members.
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Please pass this information on to others in your circle of family and friends who might also like to show their support with their presence and/or voice.

Wedding Announcement & Celebration - July 4

• • • Community News • • •

Juneteenth Celebrations! Community and Joy!

CMU invites all community members to its three Juneteenth events this year.

Tuesday, June 17, at 6:00pm
Virtual Keynote with Stacy Robinson - RSVP for link

Wednesday, June 18, at 11:00am-1:00pm
Documentary and lunch at CMU - RSVP Here

Thursday, June 19, at 4:00-8:00pm
Juneteenth Celebration at Island Park in Mount Pleasant

Community Organizations
Food
Lemonade and Kettle Corn
Community Speakers
Entertainment and Music
Arts & Crafts

Please RSVP for each event.

Urge Congress: Save Public Media

Public media is facing multiple serious threats. The White House proposed eliminating federal funding in its annual budget request, issued an Executive Order to block support for PBS and NPR, and plans to claw back funding approved by Congress.

Federal funding ensures that local public radio and TV stations can continue to give access to essential educational, local, and cultural programming; trustworthy, in-depth news; and emergency and community-based services.

Our local PBS and NPR affiliate, WCMU Public Media, utilizes four television and eight radio stations to reach over 2 million people across 42 counties within Central and Northern Michigan. Community Service Grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting provide just over 19% of WCMU's annual budget.

HOW WE CAN HELP: Please take a moment to visit https://protectmypublicmedia.org and tell Congress to reject the rescissions package and stop the dismantling of public media!

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

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

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.

eNews for Thursday, June 5

6/5/2025

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eNews for Thursday, June 5

Our UUFCM Banner Is Flying Downtown!

The banner painted by our UUFCM youth and adults is now flying on Broadway Street (in front of Max and Emily’s) with the other Festival of Banners contributions.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, June 8, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz who will present "Schooling and Graduation." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Schooling and Graduation"

Rev. Drew Frantz

The end of the school year is one milestone marking the beginning of summer. This Sunday we honor people in the Fellowship who have recently graduated. We also reflect on the terrible history of the Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School, and on the current trends in public education, asking: what values inform the schooling that we offer children in our society?

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

June 8 - Schooling & Graduation
June 15 - Flower Communion
June 22 - UUA General Assembly (virtual only - 11:00am)
June 29 - Summer Worship Series

In Case You Missed It...

Many past sermons are available on our website under Sermon Videos and Archives.

In order to access any services 2024 on, go to the website and click on Worship, then Sunday Services.

Minister’s Column: "Freedom"

In honor of this month’s theme of Freedom, I share this poem from Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, entitled “Perhaps It Would Eventually Erode, But…”

That rock that we
have been pushing up
the hill—that one

that keeps rolling back down
and we keep pushing
back up—what if

we stopped? We are not
Sisyphus. This rock
is not a punishment.

It’s something we’ve chosen
to push. Who knows why.
I look at all the names

we once carved into
its sedimentary sides.
How important

I thought they were,
those names. How
I’ve clung to labels,

who’s right, who’s wrong,
how I’ve cared about
who’s pushed harder

and who’s been slack.
Now all I want
is to let the rock

roll back to where it belongs,
which is wherever it lands,
and you and I could,

imagine!, walk unencumbered,
all the way to the top and
walk and walk and never stop

except to discover what
our hands might do
if for once they were no longer

pushing.

I’m grateful to this poet for reminding us about the hellish task of Sisyphus, and for encouraging us to break free from the soul-crushing routines that we are locked into. Or, that we lock ourselves into, as the poem seems to suggest. To me the endless pushing of the rock uphill (only to have it roll down again) is like the rat race of working jobs we don’t like. It also reminds me of the struggle with addiction: being locked in a pattern of bad habits that we think are doing something for us, but keep putting us in the same low place.

My take-away from the poem is that we hold the key to our own liberation. That is the same message I get from these words, the chorus of a song called “Houdini” written by the band BackBone:

Teach me your magic, Houdini.
Teach me to live when it’s looking grim.
Teach me to break open all the locks
And free myself from these chains
I put myself in.

Other things can keep us feeling trapped as well: clinging to anger and resentment; doing things the same way even if they aren’t working; putting ourselves down and not believing in ourselves. In all of these examples, there is a chance of setting ourselves free through perceiving the problem and working to change ourselves. It may not be easy and it may take help, but I believe we can accomplish this kind of self-growth.

To further explore the theme of freedom, I invite you to consider these questions, if any of them speak to you:
            When did you feel most free as a child?
            Has quitting ever set you free?
            What story from your life best captures your understanding of freedom?
            Whose freedom do you envy?
            Has numbing become your cage?
            Would living more simply bring you more freedom?
            When were you freed by love?
            (excerpted from the Soul Matters “Freedom” small group guide)

PRAYER:
Spirit of Life and Love, may every human being seek and know greater freedom.
May there be freedom from oppression, freedom from sickness, freedom from poverty.
And may we have the freedom of spirit to thrive to our fullest potential, unlocking the best parts of ourselves.
May it be so.

Rev. Drew Frantz
June 3, 2025

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 - On summer hiatus
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Thursdays 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 - next meeting to be announced
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - On hiatus until further notice
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Joyful Noise Choir on Vacation until Fall

The Joyful Noise Choir will be on vacation from mid-June through early August. The choir will sing on June 8 and 15 (for the flower communion service) and resume rehearsals on August 6.

Team Meetings
Evaluation of Shared Ministry Meeting - Sunday, June 8 at 12:00
Board Meeting - Sunday, June 8, at 1:30pm
Social Justice Coordinating Team - Monday, June 9, at 7:00pm
Worship Team - Thursday, June 12, at 7:00pm

Garage Sale Information 2025

Our all-UUFCM garage sale will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 12-14, 8-4 on Thursday and Friday and 8-1 on Saturday. Volunteers are needed to organize and price items and to staff the sale.

Please deliver items to Norma’s house (222 E. Andre Ave.) no later than Wednesday, June 11. Be sure the items are clean and serviceable, and if it is a large item price-wise, please indicate what price you think it should be marked. You can drop items off anytime at Norma’s house; if not raining, you can leave them on the back porch, if raining on the front porch (covered). If you can’t bring the items to her house, please contact her to arrange pick-up.

Please contact Norma Bailey (call or text 989-560-3952 or e-mail [email protected]) to volunteer, telling her the dates and times you are available.

Organize and price – Monday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 11, times to be arranged– please contact Norma
Staff sale – 2-hour shifts each day starting at 8:00am, with extra people needed at 7:00am

If you have plants for us to sell, please bring them (with labels) on Wednesday evening or on the days of the sale.

Let’s make this a wonderful UUFCM community project! Everybody’s contributions will be valuable – items, pricing, sales, clean-up, etc.

Need to contact Norma - 989-560-3952 or [email protected]

Honoring, Healing, & Remembering - Friday, June 6

Let's gather a group to attend the Honoring, Healing, & Remembering events at the Indian Industrial Boarding School.

We will meet members of the UU Fellowship of Midland (UUFoM) at the parking lot on the corner of Pickard and Harris at 11:30am and then shuttle to the School for lunch and attend the afternoon events.

After, we will have a discussion led by a guest speaker Jon Cleland-Host with both groups at the Fellowship at 4:00pm. If you plan to attend, contact Norma Bailey ([email protected]) for more details.

First Friday Potluck – Friday, June 6

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.

Pop Up Pride in the Park - Saturday, June 7

2:00-5:00 pm
Broadway Park, 2451 Nish Na Be Anong Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Join us in celebrating, uplifting, and advocating for our regional 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the 3rd Pop Up Pride in the Park at Broadway Park in Mount Pleasant. We’re excited to welcome food trucks, a Two-Spirit presentation, local 2SLGBTQIA+ vendors, and community resources! UUFCM and UUFoM will share a table – come join us!

UUFCM Is Hiring

Administrative Assistant job starts July 1

After working with us for two years, our Administrative Assistant Wendy Altmeier will be moving on at the end of June. We are now posting the job to find her successor. The starting pay is $17.50-$19.40, for seven hours per week, working remotely. The full details are in this job posting, which everyone is encouraged to share.

Often the best employees come from word of mouth, so please let Rev. Drew know if you have a person in mind who might be good for this job. It is UUFCM policy that we do not normally hire someone who is a member of the congregation.

The application deadline is June 1st, and Rev. Drew will interview candidates along with a representative from the Board of Trustees and the Communications Team.

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.

• • • Community News • • •

No Kings Day Rally & Social Picnic - June 14 (A Big One!)

If you haven’t already heard, June 14 is both Flag Day and DT’s birthday - and he plans to spend $45 million on a parade honoring......himself. National resistance groups are mobilizing to draw attention away from Washington D.C. to oppose the GOP’s march towards authoritarianism - NO KINGS! - being the theme. Indivisible Mt. Pleasant will be hosting an event right here! We’ll be meeting at the parking area between Meijers and Mission at 11:00am, then lining the sidewalks on Mission and Pickard for a rally, ending at 1:00pm.

Immediately following the event we are going to host a social/picnic at Chipp-A-Waters park. This will be a bring-your-own lunch and non-alcoholic beverage - families welcome! The picnic pavilion holds 175 people, so there may be overflow - if you can, bring folding chairs and/or picnic blankets. The admin team will be providing some sweet treats to celebrate standing up for democracy! Please use this link to register if you plan on attending so that we have an idea of numbers. Hope to see you there! https://mobilize.us/s/Myuf7j

Your Presence and Action Are Needed!

Now that the Sex Education Advisory Board of the Mt. Pleasant Public Schools has forwarded a recommendation to the school board by a narrow 6-5 vote, our presence and action are needed. The recommended grades 4-6 curriculum “Puberty the Wonder Years” has been updated to include gender identity, and there is very likely significant opposition to the revised version. In order to show that there is community support for the updated curriculum, we who believe in the inclusion of all our students need to take action.

What can we do?

The final vote on the recommended grades 4-6 curriculum “Puberty the Wonder Years,” which has been updated to include gender identity, will be on Monday, June 16, at 6:30 pm in the Mt. Pleasant High School cafeteria, and our presence at this school board meeting is vital so that the Board sees that there is significant community support for the revised curriculum, not just those who may attend in opposition to the adoption of the curriculum. Please put this on your calendar!

Simply attending the school board meeting is important to show support, but if you feel comfortable, speaking up in favor of the curriculum (or writing a brief email/letter to the school board) is even better! What might you say – at the Board meeting or in a written communication?

If you reviewed the curriculum at the public hearing, you could comment about how you, as a community member (or parent), feel very comfortable with the material in the updated version.
You could state how you believe that complete and accurate information about human diversity is important for all our students.
You might talk about how inclusive curriculum is important so that all our students can feel respected, safe and that they belong.

You decide what you would like to say; it doesn’t have to be long, just affirming and supportive.

Please pass this information on to others in your circle of family and friends who might also like to show their support with their presence and/or voice.

This is a lot of information so if you have questions, please feel free to contact Norma Bailey at 989-560-3952.

Urge Congress: Save Public Media

Public media is facing multiple serious threats. The White House proposed eliminating federal funding in its annual budget request, issued an Executive Order to block support for PBS and NPR, and plans to claw back funding approved by Congress.

Federal funding ensures that local public radio and TV stations can continue to give access to essential educational, local, and cultural programming; trustworthy, in-depth news; and emergency and community-based services.

Our local PBS and NPR affiliate, WCMU Public Media, utilizes four television and eight radio stations to reach over 2 million people across 42 counties within Central and Northern Michigan. Community Service Grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting provide just over 19% of WCMU's annual budget.

HOW WE CAN HELP: Please take a moment to visit https://protectmypublicmedia.org and tell Congress to reject the rescissions package and stop the dismantling of public media!

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

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