eNews: October 30, 2025

10/30/2025

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eNews for Thursday, October 30, 2025

Youth RE Visits Papa’s Pumpkin Patch!

Two Youth RE families, our program facilitator and assistant, and Norma Bailey spent the afternoon of Sunday, October 26, at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch. We went on a hayride, got lost in the corn maze, petted the animals, the children rode the train, and we all enjoyed fresh cider and donuts. It was a really lovely way to spend the day!

Fall Building Clean-up Went Well!

Thank you to Norma Bailey, Bob Busch, Daniel Davis, Jim Dealing, Drew Frantz, Kirsten King, Joe Middleton, and Darlene Ritchie for cleaning up the outside of our building on Saturday, October 25. It looks great, so be sure to tell them so when you see them!

Worship Matters

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

"This Sunday we perform our yearly ritual of honoring the ancestors. In keeping with the various traditions of All Souls Day, Samhain, and Día de los Muertos, we take this day to remember those who have died and to welcome them as living spirits. What do we have to learn from the ancestors? How can we keep alive their memory and honor them?"

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

November 2: Day of the Dead

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: "North Manchester"

On Sunday night and Monday this week I travelled to North Manchester, Indiana to inter my father’s ashes in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. North Manchester is the town where my dad grew up, where he and my mother met in high school and where they both attended college. When I was a kid, growing up in Massachusetts, we would come here occasionally and visit my father’s parents in a local nursing home. They are now buried in a plot close to my father’s, and adjacent to the cemetery is the church where my father’s parents first met. More...

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 7:00pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Mondays at 6pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm - Due to everyone's hectic pace, we are taking a break from movie night but will resume in January. Enjoy your holidays and see you in 2026.
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
Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated

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 Meeting: Tuesday, November 3rd 5:30pm
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team Meeting: Sunday, November 2nd 12:00

Fellowship News

UUA Bylaws Renewal Team

Unitarian Universalists are called to imagine and build systems that truly reflect our values, and you’re invited to join this work through the UUA Bylaws Renewal Team. Regardless of your current level of involvement in the faith, your input is needed to help the Team explore key issues of leadership, authority, and institutional structures as we move our faith forward together. Join an upcoming webinar on October 30 or November 13 to get involved.

For more information and to register click here.

Session 1: Portions of Article IV — Sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.14 (e) & (f), and 4.16 (b)
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 7:00pm — 8:30pm ET
Register NOW for the October 30th session.

Session 2: Article V
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 8:00pm — 9:30pm ET
Register NOW for the November 13th session.

Infant Pantry

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.

Adult RE: Book Discussion

The very moving memorial for Janet Olson reminds us, once again, of the fragility and preciousness of our lives. The reality and inevitability of death remains a challenge for many people.

During the first four Sundays of November, at 12:00 after services, Jim Dealing and Nancy Roeder will offer a facilitated discussion of Love and Death: My Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow by Forrest Church, pastor at All Souls UU in New York City for thirty years. The book is a series of reflections on death as his fatal cancer returns. I found it moving and profoundly helpful.

We shouldn't wait to come to terms with this reality but, as Church offers, "to live in such a way that our lives prove worth dying for." This is a perspective that all of us need to learn. It is not only for elders but for all ages.

The book (140 pages in 20 chapters) is available new from the UUA bookstore, or used from Amazon or Thrift Books. Contact Jim Dealing to indicate interest or if you have any questions.

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations – use REMIND

When we decide to cancel or postpone a UUFCM event due to weather, 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.

Beware of Text Scams

Check out this informative Youtube video! Click Here!

Community News

Don Julin Trio ’25 Concert November 19

All are invited to an evening with Don Julin and His Trio on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:00 pm in the UUFCM sanctuary. Don Julin is a world-renowned mandolinist, and he and his trio will provide fun for the whole family. The suggested donation is $25, and more information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/share/1A2Hg55J8F/.

Chop Wood, Carry Water

Another way that you can continue to make a difference is to contact our senators and representatives, and an easy way to do that is to utilize Chop Wood, Carry Water, a Substack publication which sends daily emails with actions to take, including scripts. This is the link to subscribe:
https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/

Indivisible Protests Continue!

Indivisible Central Michigan plans on continuing their weekly Saturday protests at the usual location (corner of Mission and Broadway), but will be shifting the time to 11:00-1:00. In case of extreme weather, a cancellation email will be sent out by 10:00. Email [email protected] to get on the email list.

Update and Call to Action for Trans Rights from Equality Michigan

In case you missed it, after months of gridlock, Michigan lawmakers finally passed the state budget, and every single one of the original anti-trans provisions was removed. That only happened because you spoke up. Hundreds of you called, emailed, and made it clear that trans people are our neighbors, coworkers, and family, and that hate has no place in our state budget.

We stopped extremists from holding Michigan's state budget hostage, but we've already had to turn our attention to the next fight: inclusive health education standards are under attack. Keep reading for more.

The Michigan State Board of Education is preparing to adopt updated health education standards that would make sex education scientifically accurate and inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities.

But right-wing extremist groups like Moms for Liberty flooded the process with misinformation and are pressuring the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education to strip out references to gender identity for middle and high school students. Their campaign is making some left-leaning board members and the interim state superintendent shaky ahead of the November 13 meeting, when the final vote to adopt the standards happens.

While the standards aren't binding and schools are not mandated to follow them, many schools use them as a model, and removing LGBTQ+ inclusion at the state level would send a harmful message that discrimination is acceptable. Transgender students, like all students, deserve safe, inclusive classrooms that affirm who they are.

Tell the State Board of Education and the Interim State Superintendent to stand up for Michigan's trans students and keep the inclusive standards intact. Take action online here:

Send your message now

Equality Michigan Action Network also invites you to attend the November 13 State Board of Education Meeting in Lansing to protect trans students.

Sign up to attend

Monthly Online Support for Trans People and Families

The Woodlands is a monthly online gathering designed for trans children, youth, and adults—as well as the parents and caregivers of trans people. Each session will begin with a shared message and grounding ritual, followed by breakout rooms tailored to different communities within our circle, and we come back together for a release. Sessions will be about an hour and a half.

Each breakout room—co-facilitated by two chaplains—will offer space for meaningful check-ins where we can honor our grief, celebrate our joy, and support one another. The spirit of each room will reflect the people within it.

For example:

The Sequoias Room: for parents and caregivers of trans people
The Saplings Room: for trans children and youth
The Sycamores Room: for trans adults

The Woodlands will gather on the first Sunday of the month:

Sunday, November 2nd
Sunday, December 7th

TIME: 4:00pm EST / 3:00pm CST / 2:00pm MST / 1:00pm PST

Facts on Petitions

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. 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 2025-2026
President: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
President-Elect: Guy Newland (989.944.0534; newla1g [email protected])
Treasurer: David Allan (989.941.7349; [email protected])
Secretary: Jennifer Davis (989.280.7010; [email protected])
Trustee: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
Trustee: Jennifer Prout (989.400.3130; [email protected])
Trustee: Marco Muñoz-Fortino (989-600-6738; [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 Annie Peters
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Laura McBride
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 © 2025 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan. All rights reserved.

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eNews: October 23, 2025

10/23/2025

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eNews for Thursday, October 23, 2025

UUFCM members and friends living their values!

Worship Matters

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

"This Sunday we explore several aspects of compassion, including having compassion for ourselves and for others–including difficult people. Our universalist theology teaches that the primary characteristic of God is not judgment but compassion. How can we cultivate greater compassion within ourselves?"

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

October 26: Cultivating Compassion
November 2: Day of the Dead

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: No King's Day 2

"Getting ready for the No Kings demonstration last Saturday, I was nervous. I had decided to wear my “Sunday best,” including a stole, to be recognized as clergy. And my head was full of the images from the previous week of clergy at protests in Chicago and Portland being attacked and shot with pepper balls by armed law enforcement. I summoned my courage, said goodbye to my wife, and headed down to the protest." More...

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 7:00pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Mondays at 6pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm This Saturday
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
Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated This Sunday

Team Meetings

Adult RE Team Meeting: Monday, October 27 at 7:00pm

Fellowship News

October Cleanup - This Saturday!

Movie Night "Big" October 25 at 7:00pm

Josh is a 12 year old who like many kids is tired of being told what to do and wants to be big. At a carnival, he sees a Zoltar machine promising to make wishes come true. As soon as Josh puts his coin in, Zoltan spits out a card, "Your Wish has been granted." Who would believe a wish would be granted. Certainly not Josh who goes to bed and wakes up the next day a 30 year old. Join us at the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 on the 25th to see how the mind of a 12 year old handles the body of a 30 year old.

Welcome to UU Sunday October 26

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:
Rev. Drew: 440-935-0129 [email protected]

Please let Drew know if you will be attending via Zoom by the Friday prior to the orientation.

CUUPs Samhain Ritual - October 26 - 6:00pm

Samhain (pronounced SAH-win) is a holiday known by another name - Halloween. The ancients believed this was the time of year when the veil between the living and those passed was the thinnest. It is a time to remember those who have passed before us and listen to their stories that still live on inside us. It is also the Pagan “new year” with death and birth being two sides of the same coin. We will hold the ritual promptly at 6:00pm.

UUA Bylaws Renewal Team

Session 2: Article V
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 8:00pm — 9:30pm ET
Register NOW for the November 13th session.

Adult RE: Book Discussion

The very moving memorial for Janet Olson reminds us, once again, of the fragility and preciousness of our lives. The reality and inevitability of death remains a challenge for many people.

During the four Sundays of November, at 12:00 after services, Jim Dealing and Nancy Roeder will offer a facilitated discussion of Love and Death: My Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow by Forrest Church, pastor at All Souls UU in New York City for thirty years. The book is a series of reflections on death as his fatal cancer returns. I found it moving and profoundly helpful.

We shouldn't wait to come to terms with this reality but, as Church offers, "to live in such a way that our lives prove worth dying for." This is a perspective that all of us need to learn. It is not only for elders but for all ages.

The book (140 pages in 20 chapters) is available new from the UUA bookstore, or used from Amazon or Thrift Books. Contact Jim Dealing to indicate interest or if you have any questions.

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations – use REMIND

Beware of Text Scams

Check out this informative Youtube video! Click Here!

Community News

Indivisible Meeting with Guy Newland as speaker!

Indivisible Central Michigan will be meeting Thursday, October 23, at 6:30 pm in the Library Annex. All are welcome!

League of Women Voters Movie and Conversation

The League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area invites community members to attend a showing of the video Suffragette on Wednesday, October 29, 5:30-8:00 at Veterans Memorial Library.

Facts on Petitions

Donate Now!

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

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

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

eNews: October 16, 2025

10/16/2025

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, October 16, 2025

Worship Matters

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

"Imara Jones presented the Ware Lecture at General Assembly this past June – the keynote address of our national gathering which boasts past speakers including Mary Oliver and Martin Luther King. Imara Jones is a trans woman and an award-winning journalist. Her talk on how trans people are perceived in America, socially and politically, is both inspiring and sobering. This Sunday we reflect on her message and its meaning for 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

October 19: Prophetic Witness: Imara Jones
October 26: Cultivating Compassion
November 2: Day of the Dead

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: "HUUMA Retreat"

As I write this I am the annual retreat for the Heartland chapter of the UU Minister’s Association (HUUMA), serving Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky. A small group of us is gathered here at a retreat center in northern Indiana: ministers serving congregations in Detroit, Petoskey, Louisville, Bloomington and more; as well as retired ministers, student ministers, and UUA staff. More...

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 7:00pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am This Tuesday
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Mondays at 6pm This Monday
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm This Monday
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
Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated

Team Meetings

Youth RE Team Meeting: Sunday, October 19 at 6:00pm

Fellowship News

Annual Harvest Feast

Our annual Harvest Feast on Sunday, October 12, was a great success! While fewer of us were able to attend, those of us who did shared a delicious meal and great conversation! Thanks so much to Jen Prout for setting everything up for us!

Special Plate Collection - THIS Sunday, October 19

This Sunday, a collection will be taken for the CMU Student Food Pantry which works to alleviate the challenges and hardships of food insecurity that many CMU students encounter during their academic career. You can put a donation into the passed plate on Sunday, 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 CMU Student Food Pantry in the memo. If you prefer to donate care items, hygiene products, cleaning products, and always toilet paper, paper towels, and laundry detergent are always needed.

Adult RE: Book Discussion

The very moving memorial for Janet Olson reminds us, once again, of the fragility and preciousness of our lives. The reality and inevitability of death remains a challenge for many people.

During the four Sundays of November, at 12:00 after services, Jim Dealing and Nancy Roeder will offer a facilitated discussion of Love and Death: My Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow by Forrest Church, pastor at All Souls UU in New York City for thirty years. The book is a series of reflections on death as his fatal cancer returns. I found it moving and profoundly helpful.

We shouldn't wait to come to terms with this reality but, as Church offers, "to live in such a way that our lives prove worth dying for." This is a perspective that all of us need to learn. It is not only for elders but for all ages.

The book (140 pages in 20 chapters) is available new from the UUA bookstore, or used from Amazon or Thrift Books. Contact Jim Dealing to indicate interest or if you have any questions.

Sleepy Time Yoga - Monday, October 20

Kelly Lawson is offering an evening of Yoga Nidra on Monday, October 20th, 6:00-7:00 pm in the UU sanctuary. Bring a yoga mat, blankets, pillows, or anything to get cozy. The evening is donation-based, and all donations will go to the homeless shelter (ICRH).

Join Kelly for this gentle and restful practice of Yoga Nidra! The evening will begin with gentle movement before finding rest in Savasana (final resting pose) for a guided meditation.

Game Night - Monday, October 20 at 7:00pm

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!

The Crafty U’s - Tuesday, October 21 at 10:30am

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.

October Cleanup

Saturday, October 25 – 9:30am-12:30pm
We’re planning to trim the evergreen bushes, clip off the dead lilac flowers, bring in the hose, pick up sticks, rake, weed, etc. Please come and help out as many hands make the work much lighter! Bring your yard tools if possible. Or if you want to tackle one of these tasks on a different day, contact Norma Bailey ([email protected]) and she will get you situated!

Movie Night "Big" October 25 at 7:00pm

Welcome to UU Sunday October 26

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:
Rev. Drew: 440-935-0129 [email protected]

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

CUUPs Samhain Ritual - October 26 - 6:00pm

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations – use REMIND

Community News

No Kings 2 October 18

Indivisible Central Michigan will be joining the national NO KINGS 2 protests on Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 am -1:00 pm. The event will be on Mission Street, between Bluegrass and Broomfield. This is a national coalition protest, with over 140 partners, including 50501, ACLU, College Democrats of America, Common Cause, Fair Share America, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Labor Today International and Women’s March! Please join to be part of a massive turnout to protest!

League of Women Voters Movie and Conversation

The League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area invites community members to attend a showing of the video Suffragette on Wednesday, October 29, 5:30-8:00 at Veterans Memorial Library.

Facts on Petitions

Donate Now!

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

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

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

eNews October 9, 2025

10/9/2025

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, October 9, 2025

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, October 12, to worship with Norma Bailey who will present "Siding with Love" by Fred Small. The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Fred Small, a minister at Arlington Street Church in Boston, shares in his homily that the essence of Unitarian Universalism is siding with love in everything we say or do. We will also acknowledge two significant days where we can share our love – October 11, National Coming Out Day, and October 13, Indigenous Peoples’ Day."

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

October 12: Siding with Love
October 19: Prophetic Witness: Imara Jones
October 26: Cultivating Compassion

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:

"Monday, October 13 is Indigenous People’s Day. To me the core of this holiday is for everyone to appreciate the cultural wisdom and beauty of Native Americans, celebrating their unique place in the tapestry of this country. And the reason we need to have such a holiday in the first place is that native people and native culture have been widely and systematically disrespected and mistreated. It comes naturally to me to approach this holiday with a mindset of superiority: my people (white people) have more power and money than Native Americans, generally speaking. We have oppressed them throughout the history of this nation. Therefore, as a woke white person (aware of historical systems of oppression), I should honor Native Americans on this day to be nice—as a gesture toward racial equity and in recognition of the harm done by my ancestors." More...

Office Hours Cancelled Next Week

Rev. Drew will be away at a minister’s retreat from Sunday October 12 - Wednesday October 15. Office hours will be cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday. With any urgent business, you can still reach Drew by cell phone.

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 7:00pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Mondays at 6pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
Readers Theater - 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm This Tuesday!
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
Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated

Team Meetings

Worship Team Meeting: October 9 - 7:00pm
Board Meeting: October 12 - 2:00pm
Social Justice Meeting: October 13 - 6:30pm
Communications Team: October 15 - 4:30pm

Fellowship News

CMU Banned Books Week

Read-in on Friday, October 10 from 1-5:00 on the east lawn next to Park Library on CMU’s campus.

Vigil for Humanity October 10

All are invited to a Community Interfaith Vigil for Humanity - To Recognize and Rekindle the Sacred Light in One Another Amidst the Chaos and Darkness. The Vigil will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 @ 7 pm at the Town Center in downtown Mt. Pleasant, MI, the corner of Main and Broadway (rain location Library Annex). All are Welcome; come join us and bring your family.

UUFCM Annual Harvest Feast - October 12

Plan to attend the annual harvest feast right after the worship service on Sunday October 12th, in the library annex. All are welcome: feel free to bring a dish if you are able. Contact Annette Pratt (989-400-0173) or Jen Prout (989-400-3130) to coordinate.

October Cleanup

Community News

Hispanic Heritage Month

Central Michigan University invites community members to attend the various events on campus celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15. All are welcome! See the calendar for events.

Indigenous Peoples Day Event MidMichigan College, October 13

MidMichigan College, in partnership with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, is inviting community members to an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 13. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon in the Community Room on Mid’s Mt. Pleasant Campus. This event is free and open to the public.

No Kings 2 October 18

League of Women Voters Movie and Conversation

The League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area invites community members to attend a showing of the video Suffragette on Wednesday, October 29, 5:30-8:00 at Veterans Memorial Library.

Facts on Petitions

Donate Now!

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

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

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

eNews October 2, 2025

10/2/2025

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, October 2, 2025

Thanks to all who came to write letters to Pennsylvania voters. We sent 160 letters to encourage them to participate in the election of Supreme Court justices.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, October 5, to worship with Rev. Drew who will present "Prophetic Witness: Mariann Budde." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Bishop Mariann Budde, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and the Washington National Cathedral, is well-known for a passionate sermon she delivered at Donald Trump’s inauguration this year. Her example inspires those who would speak truth to power. Bishop Budde’s other published writings are also inspiring, making her a model of faith and wisdom."

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

October 5: Prophetic Witness: Mariann Budde
October 12: Siding with Love
October 19: Prophetic Witness: Irma Jones

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: "Grand Blanc"

I was enjoying my Sunday off when I saw the news: multiple deaths in a church shooting in Michigan. For the rest of the day I worried: Are those people OK? Are my people OK? And… What can I do? We live in a country where mass shootings are so frequent that they almost don’t register as big news sometimes. School shootings, parade shootings—and yes, church shootings. The feelings of fear, helplessness, and rage are all-too familiar. My rage is not against the shooter, but against the system. How have we become a nation that engenders so much violence? More...

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 7:00pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm This Friday!
Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Mondays at 6pm
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
Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated

Team Meetings

Building Team Meeting: Monday, October 6, 5:30pm
Worship Team Meeting: Thursday, October 9, 7:00pm

Fellowship News

Celebration of Life Janet Olson

Sunday, October 5th 12:00 luncheon / 1:00 service in the UUFCM Sanctuary

Janet Olson, beloved member of our Fellowship, died unexpectedly on September 9. You can read her obituary here. Please join us to celebrate and remember her life on Sunday, October 5th. All are welcome for a luncheon at noon, followed by a service at 1:00. In honor of Janet's fun-loving spirit, everyone is encouraged to wear tie-dye.

First Friday Potluck

Infant Pantry

Vigil for Humanity October 10

All are invited to a Community Interfaith Vigil for Humanity - To Recognize and Rekindle the Sacred Light in One Another Amidst the Chaos and Darkness. The Vigil will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 @ 7 pm at the Town Center in downtown Mt. Pleasant, MI, the corner of Main and Broadway. All are Welcome; come join us and bring your family.

UUFCM Annual Harvest Feast - October 12

Plan to attend the annual harvest feast right after the worship service on Sunday October 12th, in the library annex. Sign up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday or you can contact Annette Pratt (989-400-0173) or Jen Prout (989-400-3130) to sign up.

October Cleanup

Saturday, October 19 – 9:30am-12:30pm
We’re planning to trim the evergreen bushes, clip off the dead lilac flowers, bring in the hose, pick up sticks, rake, weed, etc. Please come and help out as many hands make the work much lighter! Bring your yard tools if possible. Or if you want to tackle one of these tasks on a different day, contact Norma Bailey ([email protected]) and she will get you situated!

2025-2026 UUFCM Board Goals

Each year, the UUFCM Board of Trustees establishes goals for itself in addition to the regular business of the Board. This year its goals are:

Support the production of a new UUFCM Website

Explore and make a recommendation regarding a church management system to handle directory, pledges, and master data base

Identify and act on the resistance to the Trump administration's actions and policies

Refine the Policy on the Evaluation of Fellowship Ministry

Update the Finance Team responsibilities

Feel free to contact any member of the Board if you have questions or suggestions. Board members’ contact information is listed at the bottom of the eNews.

Community News

Hispanic Heritage Month

Ballot Proposal Forum

On Tuesday, October 7, from 7:00-8:30 on Zoom, MUUSJN (Michigan UU Social Justice Network) will present a ballot proposal forum to learn about the key points of the multiple petitions being circulated in Michigan for the 2026 midterm election. Please plan to attend in order to make an informed decision on whether to sign a petition. Register at bit.ly/BallotPropForum.

Indigenous Peoples Day Event MidMichigan College, October 13

No Kings 2 October 18

Indivisible Central Michigan will be joining the national NO KINGS 2 protests on Saturday, October 18 from11:00 am -1:00 pm. The event will be on Mission Street, between Bluegrass and Broomfield. This is a national coalition protest, with over 140 partners, including 50501, ACLU, College Democrats of America, Common Cause, Fair Share America, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, Human Rights Campaign, Interfaith Alliance, Labor Today International and Women’s March! Please join to be part of a massive turnout to protest!

League of Women Voters Movie and Conversation

The League of Women Voters of the Mt. Pleasant Area invites community members to attend a showing of the video Suffragette on Wednesday, October 29, 5:30-8:00 at Veterans Memorial Library.

Facts on Petitions

Donate Now!

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

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

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