eNews for November 30

11/30/2023

eNews for Thursday, November 30

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, December 3, to worship together with Norma Bailey, who will present "Separation of Church and State – The Linchpin of Many of Our Rights." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"A battle over the separation of church and state is being waged in our country today. How does this battle affect you? What is accurate information about how the founders and the Constitution addressed this issue? In what ways does our UU faith speak to this issue? And what part might you play in fighting this battle? Join Norma Bailey in exploring these important questions."

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

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#

Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

Upcoming Services
December 3: Separation of Church and State – The Linchpin of Many of Our Rights
December 10: Hope for Our Children
December 16 at 4:00pm: Blue Holidays
December 17: Mystery
December 24: TBD
December 24 at 7:00pm: Christmas Eve
December 31: The Burning Bowl

If you happen to miss being in worship, please check out our website sermon archive for sermon video and/or text.

Minister’s Column

I have been enjoying beautiful views of the full moon this week, which I have just learned is called the Beaver Moon because beavers retreat to their winter dens at this time of year. As one holiday weekend—Thanksgiving--was ending, I was reflecting that another holiday—Christmas—is four weeks away. The next full moon will be on December 26.

Read more 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.

- Welcome to UU Orientation - Last Sundays at 12:30pm
- UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
- Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
- Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
- UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Drawing Workshop - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm (3rd Saturday at 7pm in December)
- Monthly Soul Matters Small Group Discussion - Tonight! At 6:30pm

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

Team Meetings
Coordinating Team - Sunday, December 3 at 12:30pm
Building Team - Monday, December 4 at 6:00pm *new day

If you are interested in helping any of these teams or committees, please fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you haven’t already.

First Friday Potluck – December 1

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.

CMU Public Media Annual Drive

It's time to once again consider donating to CMU Public Media. We gather our funds, writing checks to UUFCM, and then purchase air time on WCMU. We typically amass $1,000 to $1,500 and purchase all the air time we can. Please write "WCMU" on the memo line of your check. Mary Alsager will deliver the combined check. Let's wrap this up by Sunday, December 10, please.

Youth Religious Education Events for December

Youth RE Cookie Decorating Party - Sunday, December 10
On Sunday, December 10, the Youth RE Team will be hosting a cookie decorating party for youth of all ages during their RE class during service and continue into the coffee hour with a cake to celebrate and say goodbye to Katherine Stillson as she moves on in her studies to do her student teaching.

Christmas Caroling -
Sunday, December 17
On December 17, the Youth RE Team will be caroling to local congregants. We will gather at the Fellowship on Sunday at 1pm to go caroling and then return to the church to have some hot chocolate. Families are encouraged to come along and bring their youth and their friends!

Chalice Lighter Donation Call

The Wheelchair Accessibility Task Force is working on a project to make our sanctuary welcoming to persons in all types of wheelchairs. To help fund this project, we are planning to apply for a Chalice Lighter grant in February and we need your help. Chalice Lighter grants help congregations across the MidAmerica Region of the UUA with specific growth projects and are funded by small donations from individuals that are pooled together. To be eligible to apply for the grant, we need members of our congregation to become Chalice Lighters. To become a member, you have to commit to donating at least $20 three times a year ($60 for the year). You can donate online here: https://www.uua.org/midamerica/giving/chalice-lighters

Please make sure to write in the name of our fellowship in the online comment field.

You can also give a check or cash to Cynthia Damer and she will mail in the donations. Brochures about the Chalice Lighter Program are available in the hallway outside the sanctuary and online here: https://www.uua.org/files/2022-01/MidAmerica%20Region%20Chalice-Lighters-brochure-2022.pdf

Happy Birthday!

In December, we celebrate the birthdays of James Scott, Aaron Jones, Chris Swier, Matt Cavalieri, Laura Frey, and Sally Van Cise. For the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so.

• • • Community News • • •

Native American Heritage Month - November 27, 28, and 30

Central Michigan University is celebrating Native American Heritage Month and invites community members to its various events. Please see a list of the events at
https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/indigenous-affairs/programs/native-american-heritage-month

Free COVID Tests Available Again

The US government is making four free COVID home tests available again upon the asking. Log onto COVID.gov/tests to order the tests. Also check on the same website to find if there are extended expiration dates for the test kits you already have.

Donate Now!

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

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

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

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

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2023-2024
President: Cynthia Damer (989.506.5750; [email protected])
President Elect: Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; [email protected])
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; [email protected])
Secretary: Laurie Meadows (989.317.8299; [email protected])
Trustee: Victoria Sladek (989.506.7039; [email protected])
Trustee: Monica Jean (616.443.8782; [email protected])
Trustee: Kevin Daum (989.546.7701; [email protected])

Team and Committee Leaders

Adult Religious Education Team - Jodi Fisher
Building, Grounds & Safety Team - Norma Bailey
Communications Coordinating Team
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Gisela Moffit
Membership - Laura McBride
Arms Around - 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 © 2023 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan. All rights reserved.

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eNews for November 23

11/23/2023

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eNews for Thursday, November 23

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, November 26, to worship together with Norma Bailey and Laura McBride, who will present rev. emilie boggis' "On Wealth." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Henry David Thoreau once said, 'Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.' In her sermon, rev. emilie boggis asks us to reflect on how our relationship with money affects our ability to experience the gifts of life."

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 26: On Wealth
December 3: Separation of Church and State - YES!
December 10: Hope for Our Children
December 16 at 4:00pm: Blue Holidays
December 17: Mystery
December 24: TBD
December 24 at 7:00pm: Christmas Eve
December 31: The Burning Bowl

If you happen to miss being in worship, please check out our website sermon archive for sermon video and/or text.

Minister’s Column

Last night we commemorated the Transgender Day of Remembrance in our sanctuary, with a small group from our congregation and some guests from other liberal religious groups in town. The event is somber because it is built around naming and honoring victims of violence who are transgender—a group that suffers death by murder and by suicide at a much higher rate than the general population. In addition to lament and grief, we strove last night for the solidarity of community and for the naming of hope.

Read more 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.

- Welcome to UU Orientation - Last Sundays at 12:30pm
- UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
- Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
- Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
- UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Drawing Workshop - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm (3rd Saturday at 7pm in December)
- Monthly Soul Matters Small Group Discussion
"November: Generosity" Thursday, November 30 at 6:30pm

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.

If you are interested in helping any of these teams or committees, please fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you haven’t already.

Welcome Marhea Fay - Youth Coordinator!

UUFCM is pleased to announce we have hired Marhea Fay as our new Youth Coordinator. She will primarily work Sundays at the Fellowship. She can be reached at [email protected]. She will begin to lead on December 17. Welcome!

Marhea recently moved to the area with son Logan (11) and daughter Avarie (8). She has a background in education and taught social/emotional development to elementary school-aged children through the Clare/Gladwin RESD's Character Counts program. She worked with adults at MidMichigan College's Lifelong Learning service program teaching permaculture, sustainability, plant identification, and naturopathic medicine.

Marhea runs a small business called Fays Holistic Ways, whose motto is "a natural path from a naturopath" where she develops personal programs for preventative healthcare. She is also a firefighter for the Shepherd Tri-Township Fire Department and plans to become an EMT medic. Her goal is to finish her degree in Psychology with a double minor in Health Science and Dietetics to eventually become a doctor.

Marhea's life-long creed is, "Love yourself, Love each other, and Love our world." To her children she teaches them, "make good friends and make good choices." She is looking forward to building and expanding the religious education program to bring a safe learning environment where children can flourish in their spirituality. Marhea is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to meeting everyone.

Sharing the Results of Our Intentions Program This Sunday!

In September, the Social Justice Coordinating Team presented a program for each of us toset intentions to learn and/or take action based on Hispanic Heritage Month and Indigenous Peoples Day. We encouraged each of you to make an intention and then, preferably, make it public by writing it on our Intention Posters in the Fellowship Hall. Now at the end of November, we invite you to share what you accomplished to meet your intention during the service this Sunday, November 26, in a 1-minute “testimonial.” Even if you didn’t accomplish your intention entirely, could you share one thought that really grabbed? See you Sunday!

Guest At Your Table Donations - This Sunday!

If you did not have a chance to donate to the UUSC Guest at Your Table Program which supports human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world, we will again accept donations at the November 26 worship service. You can also donate online to the Social Justice Special Plate Collection Fund at our website or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with “Guest at Your Table” indicated in the memo line.

Welcome to UU Orientation – November 26 This Sunday!

Sunday, November 26, at 12:30pm
This orientation is geared to newcomers, visitors, and those seeking to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this UU fellowship. Sessions run approximately an hour and a half.

For more info or to register for Welcome to UU, contact Laura McBride at 989.772.5512 or [email protected]. Please let Laura know whether you will be attending via Zoom or in person by November 24.

Chalice Lighter Donation Call

CMU Public Media Annual Drive

The Creativity of Our Youth RE Artists!

Youth Religious Education Events for December

Youth RE Cookie Decorating Party - Sunday, December 10

On Sunday, December 10, the Youth RE Team will be hosting a cookie decorating party for youth of all ages during their RE class during service and continue into the coffee hour with a cake to celebrate and say goodbye to Katherine Stillson as she moves on in her studies to do her student teaching.

Christmas Caroling - Sunday, December 17

On December 17, the Youth RE Team will be caroling to local congregants. We will gather at the Fellowship on Sunday at 1pm to go caroling and then return to the church to have some hot chocolate. Families are encouraged to come along and bring their youth and their friends!

First Friday Potluck – December 1

• • • Community News • • •

Holidays Around the World – November 29

Different countries celebrate the end of the year holidays in many different ways – music, dance, games and food. CMU invites community members to its Holidays Around the World celebration on Wednesday, November 29, 4:00-7:00pm in the Bovee UC Center on campus. A great event for families and the young at heart!

Native American Heritage Month - November 27, 28, and 30

Native American Heritage Month Activities - November 29

The Native Justice Coalition (NJC) is presenting Wednesday night speakers series beginning November 1 and continuing through the month. The virtual speakers series is free and on Zoom, and you can register at Native American Heritage Month Speaker Series registration.

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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

eNews for November 16

11/16/2023

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eNews for Thursday, November 16

Thanks for the Boots!

We and St. Johns collectively donated a total of 24 pairs of boots to Clothing, INC for the coming winter season! Thanks to everyone who donated. Clothing, INC has expressed their deep appreciation for our efforts.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, November 19, to worship together with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Generosity of Faith." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"Unitarian Universalists are sometimes reluctant to evangelize–to spread the word about our religion and encourage others to join us. However, if we believe that we have a life-affirming, life-changing, life-saving faith tradition then we should certainly be sharing it. Let’s reflect about both why and how we should be generously sharing Unitarian Universalism with the world."

This is the third in a 3-part series of sermons about generosity this month: generosity of resources; generosity of presence; and generosity of faith.

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 19: Generosity of Faith
*November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 26: On Wealth

If you happen to miss being in worship, please check out our website sermon archive for sermon video and/or text.

Minister’s Column

This time of year evokes many feelings and memories for me. As I write, it is 5:30 pm and the sunset is lighting up the sky with pink clouds. The air is cold…and it makes me think about football.

Read more 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.

- Welcome to UU Orientation - Last Sundays at 12:30pm
- UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
- Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm (November Game Night Canceled!)
- Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
- UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Drawing Workshop - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm (3rd Saturdays at 7pm in November and December)

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
Fellowship Life - Sunday, November 19, at 11:45am
Youth RE - Sunday, November 19, at 3:30pm

If you are interested in helping any of these teams or committees, please fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you haven’t already.

Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20

Officiated by Rev. Drew Frantz
The purpose of the Transgender Day of Remembrance, held on November 20 every year since 1998, is to remember the people who have lost their lives this year due to anti-transgender violence. In this service we lament this injustice; we commit to working for the rights and dignity of transgender, gender-queer, and gender non-binary people everywhere; and we name our hopes for the lives they will live. Join us Monday, November 20 at 7:30pm.

November Game Night! - Canceled!

Our November game night is canceled! Our next game night is Monday, December 18, in the Fellowship Hall. See you then!

Drew and Stacey Share a Puppet Story

The worship service on November 12 was blessed with a conversation between “Gator” and “Owl” about feeling loved.

November Theme: Generosity

This month our Sunday morning worship will include the theme of generosity, identified as a core value of Unitarian Universalism. Here are some questions that everyone is invited to consider:

What limits do you put on your generosity? Where do those limits come from?
Some say that giving liberates and frees the giver. How might life be trying to free you by asking you to give?
What if the secret to generosity is giving to others what we wish to receive?

Once per month, a small group meets to discuss questions like these and much more related to the monthly theme. Further questions, resources and activities around generosity can be foundhere. To join the small group, please contact Rev. Drew.

Movie Night - November 18 This Saturday!

Nomadland
Nomads - people living out of their vehicles traversing the U.S. looking for work.

Some are nomads by choice but others like Fern are forced into the lifestyle due to circumstances beyond their control. Join us on November 18, at 7:00pm in the Fellowship Hall to watch this critically-acclaimed movie. It garnished three Oscars - best picture, best actress, and best director.

Note: November and December movie dates have been moved to the 3rd Saturday of the respective months due to the holidays.

Guest At Your Table Donations

Donations collected this Sunday.
Last Sunday, Rev. Drew explained that we will again be participating in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Guest at Your Table program, and he shared another one of the four Stories of Hope organizations. The UUSC Guest at Your Table Program supports human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world; please consider donating to this very effective program. We are accepting donations at the November 19 worship service; you can also donate online to the Social Justice Special Plate Collection Fund at our website or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with “Guest at Your Table” indicated in the memo line.

Legacy Giving Explained

Last summer, a Board-appointed task force developed a Gift Acceptance Policy to guide the Board and a brochure explaining various options for donating legacy gifts to the Fellowship. Both were approved by the Board at their August meeting. The Gift Acceptance Policy can be accessed on our UUFCM website, and the legacy brochure is linked here with hard copies available in the church foyer.

• • • Community News • • •

X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

The Metropolitan Opera is premiering the new opera on Saturday, November 18 at 1:00pm, and can be seen live in HD at Celebration Cinema in Mt. Pleasant. This contemporary drama recounts the contentious family relationships of the Civil Rights leader and his struggles with his mentor, Elijah Muhammad, for control of the Black Muslim movement. For more information, go to X: The Life of Malcolm X, Metropolitan Opera. You don't want to miss this event.

Native American Heritage Month - CMU

Native American Heritage Month Activities - Speaker Series

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies! This Saturday

November 18
Join UUFoM on Saturday, November 18, at 1:00pm as we watch Home Alone at the Midland UU fellowship. This event is for all-ages. Please bring a snack to share with others. Doors open at 12:30pm.

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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

eNews for November 9

11/9/2023

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, November 9

Worship Matters

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

"One of the greatest gifts that we can give to one another is to show up when someone needs us. This is true in family life, in friendship, and in communities of mutual care like a religious congregation. This type of compassionate presence involves setting our own agenda aside and refraining from giving advice—unless it is asked for. Cultivating this type of compassionate presence in our personal lives and in our congregation is a spiritual practice that we can all benefit from."

This is the second in a 3-part series of sermons about generosity this month: generosity of resources; generosity of presence; and generosity of faith.

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 12: Generosity of Presence
November 19: Generosity of Faith
November 26: On Wealth

If you happen to miss being in worship, please check out our website sermon archive for sermon video and/or text.

Minister’s Column

Yesterday was election day: a very quiet one in Mount Pleasant Michigan with just one local race on the ballot; and an important one in neighboring Ohio where a state-wide abortion rights amendment passed with strong support. I am reflecting on the trends in politics and society in this country through a spiritual lens.

Read more 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.

- Welcome to UU Orientation - Last Sundays at 12:30pm
- UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
- Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
- Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
- UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Drawing Workshop - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm (3rd Saturdays at 7pm in November and December)

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
UUFCM Board - Sunday, November 12, at 1pm
Social Justice Team - Monday, November 13, at 7pm
Building Team - Tuesday, November 14, at 6pm
Worship Team - Tuesday, November 14, at 7pm

If you are interested in helping any of these teams or committees, please fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you haven’t already.

November Theme: Generosity

This month our Sunday morning worship will include the theme of generosity, identified as a core value of Unitarian Universalism. Here are some questions that everyone is invited to consider:

What limits do you put on your generosity? Where do those limits come from?
Some say that giving liberates and frees the giver. How might life be trying to free you by asking you to give?
What if the secret to generosity is giving to others what we wish to receive?

Guest At Your Table Donations

Last Sunday, Rev. Drew explained that we will again be participating in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Guest at Your Table program, and he shared one of the four Stories of Hope organizations. The UUSC Guest at Your Table Program supports human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world; please consider donating to this very effective program. We will be accepting donations at the November 19 worship service; you can also donate online to the Social Justice Special Plate Collection Fund at our website or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with “Guest at Your Table” indicated in the memo line.

Path to Membership Workshop - November 18

Saturday, November 18, at 1:00pm in the Social Hall
This workshop is designed for those who want to understand the membership commitment to UUFCM. In this one-and-a-half to two-hour interactive hybrid session, we explore the deeper meanings and expectations of membership and shared ministry. Please contactLaura McBride to sign up.

Movie Night - November 18

Legacy Giving Explained

• • • Community News • • •

Native American Heritage Month - CMU

Native American Heritage Month Activities - Speaker Series

Native American Heritage Month - CMU

We Are Invited...
UU Midland's Advanced Care Planning Workshop This Saturday!

UUfoM's Pastoral Care team is offering an Advanced Care Planning Workshop
on Saturday, November 11, at 11:00 AM at the Midland UU fellowship. Kelly Perry, an Advance Care Planning educator with My Michigan Health, will discuss end of life decisions, advanced directives, power of attorney, and more. There will be time for any questions you may have regarding this topic.

Sign up now!

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies!

November 18 | December 16
Join UUFoM on Saturday, November 18, and December 16, as we watch holiday-themed movies at the Midland UU fellowship. YOU choose the movies. Your choices are Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, or The Santa Clause. Please choose your two favorite movies. Popular vote wins!

Vote in our poll for your favorite 2 holiday movies!

Native American Heritage Month Activities -
Community Gathering

NJC will also host a Native American Heritage Month Community Gathering on Saturday, November 11 in Saginaw, MI at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

Advanced Exploration in DEI - November 15-December 31

Registration is open for Central Michigan University’s Fall 2023 course titled Advanced Exploration in DEI which is available to community members. The course runs November 15 – December 31 and is online and self-directed. Those who complete the course will receive a “Certificate of Completion” through the College for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Participants can register at https://forms.gle/cYhST1mma7Qt7Stx5 by November 12. See the attached flyer for further information.

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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

eNews for November 2

11/2/2023

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, November 2

Fall Back!

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 5. Don’t forget to give yourself another hour of sleep - on Saturday night turn your clocks back one hour at bedtime!

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, November 5, to worship together with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Generosity of Resources." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"The importance of being generous with material goods is affirmed in Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity; in the potlatch tradition of Native Americans of the northwest; and in the birthday traditions of hobbits. A wider view of generosity should include not just things and money, but resources such as expertise, knowledge, power, privilege and space. Why is it universally good to be generous? How does generosity benefit everyone?"

This is the first in a 3-part series of sermons about generosity this month: generosity of resources; generosity of presence; and generosity of faith.

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 5: Generosity of Resources
November 12: Generosity of Presence
November 19: Generosity of Faith

If you happen to miss being in worship, please check out our website sermon archive for sermon video and/or text.

Minister’s Column

Today is All Souls Day, also known as Samhain. Last Sunday we celebrated and honored those who have died--especially the members of our Fellowship who died over the past year, but other loved ones as well—with a ritual of both letting go and of welcoming in. I’m still reflecting about the importance of this.

Read more 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.

- Welcome to UU Orientation - Last Sundays at 12:30pm
- UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
- Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
- Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
- UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Drawing Workshop - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10am
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm

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

Team Meetings
Coordinating Team - Sunday, November 5, at 1pm

If you are interested in helping any of these teams or committees, please fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form if you haven’t already.

Legacy Giving Explained

First Friday Potluck – November 3 This Friday!

Teen Movie Night - November 4 This Saturday!

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Infant Pantry Collection - November 5
This Sunday!

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.

Help Needed for Homeless Shelter

We are scheduled to provide dinners and services for the homeless shelter at St. John’s church. We have been asked to provide the following:

Dinners for Sunday, November 12, and Wednesday, November 15; and
Volunteers for the morning shift (7:00-9:00am) and the evening shift (7:00-10:00 pm) any day of the week.

If you are interested in helping, or in getting more information, please contact Joyce Henricks ([email protected]).

Updating Our Nametags and Our Directory

“My Name Is _____ and My Pronouns Are _____”
In order to be more welcoming to everyone, we are encouraging everyone to put their preferred pronouns on their name tag (actually we will print it for you). We have a form for you to fill out here that asks your pronouns and your birthday, and asks whether you want the pronouns on your nametag, in the directory, both, or neither. This is voluntary.

Why pronouns? Here are the words of Sinclair Sexsmith, a queer nonbinary blogger, on the subject:

Dear cis people who put your pronouns on your “hello my name is” name tags: Thank you.

When you do that, I feel more comfortable putting my pronouns — they/them. I feel more comfortable being visibly out as nonbinary. I feel more comfortable asking people to use the pronouns that feel most like me, that make me feel most seen and whole, instead of just resolving to be mis-gendered and mis-represented and whatever who cares anyway.
(Maybe I do, somewhere, a little.)

When we’re doing the socializing part of whatever event we’re at, and we are introduced, I automatically feel warmer toward you — regardless of your gender or presentation. I feel much more comfortable talking to you, because you already tell me you know a little about gender.
Thank you.

Again, the link brings you to the form that asks you to update your pronouns and your birthday (if you want to). The UUFCM directory is for members and friends only; it is password-protected on our website. Paper copies of the form are also available.

• • • Community News • • •

Native American Heritage Month Activities - Speaker Series

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies!

November 18 | December 16
Join UUFoM on Saturday, November 18, and December 16, as we watch holiday-themed movies at the Fellowship. YOU choose the movies. Your choices are Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, or The Santa Clause. Please choose your two favorite movies. Popular vote wins!

Vote in our poll for your favorite 2 holiday movies!

We Are Invited...
UU Midland's Advanced Care Planning Workshop - November 11

UUfoM's Pastoral Care team is offering an Advanced Care Planning Workshop
on Saturday, November 11, at 11:00 AM at the fellowship. Kelly Perry, an Advance Care Planning educator with My Michigan Health, will discuss end of life decisions, advanced directives, power of attorney, and more. There will be time for any questions you may have regarding this topic.

Sign up now!

Native American Heritage Month Activities -
Community Gathering

NJC will also host a Native American Heritage Month Community Gathering on Saturday, November 11 in Saginaw, MI at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

Advanced Exploration in DEI - November 15-December 31

Free COVID Tests Available Again

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].

eNews for November 30

eNews for Thursday, November 30

Worship Matters

Minister’s Column

Upcoming Events

First Friday Potluck – December 1

CMU Public Media Annual Drive

Youth Religious Education Events for December

Chalice Lighter Donation Call

Happy Birthday!

• • • Community News • • •

Native American Heritage Month - November 27, 28, and 30

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

eNews for November 23

eNews for Thursday, November 23

Worship Matters

"Henry David Thoreau once said, 'Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.' In her sermon, rev. emilie boggis asks us to reflect on how our relationship with money affects our ability to experience the gifts of life."

Minister’s Column

Upcoming Events

Welcome Marhea Fay - Youth Coordinator!

Sharing the Results of Our Intentions Program This Sunday!

Guest At Your Table Donations - This Sunday!

Welcome to UU Orientation – November 26 This Sunday!

Chalice Lighter Donation Call

CMU Public Media Annual Drive

The Creativity of Our Youth RE Artists!

Youth Religious Education Events for December

Youth RE Cookie Decorating Party - Sunday, December 10

Christmas Caroling - Sunday, December 17

First Friday Potluck – December 1

• • • Community News • • •

Holidays Around the World – November 29

Native American Heritage Month - November 27, 28, and 30

Native American Heritage Month Activities - November 29

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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

eNews for November 16

eNews for Thursday, November 16

Thanks for the Boots!

Worship Matters

This is the third in a 3-part series of sermons about generosity this month: generosity of resources; generosity of presence; and generosity of faith.

Minister’s Column

Upcoming Events

Transgender Day of Remembrance - November 20

November Game Night! - Canceled!

Drew and Stacey Share a Puppet Story

November Theme: Generosity

Movie Night - November 18 This Saturday!

Guest At Your Table Donations

Legacy Giving Explained

• • • Community News • • •

X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Native American Heritage Month - CMU

Native American Heritage Month Activities - Speaker Series

We Are Invited... UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies! This Saturday

Free COVID Tests Available Again

Donate Now!

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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

eNews for November 9

eNews for Thursday, November 9

Worship Matters

This is the second in a 3-part series of sermons about generosity this month: generosity of resources; generosity of presence; and generosity of faith.

Minister’s Column

Upcoming Events

November Theme: Generosity

Guest At Your Table Donations

Path to Membership Workshop - November 18

Movie Night - November 18

Legacy Giving Explained

• • • Community News • • •

Native American Heritage Month - CMU

Native American Heritage Month Activities - Speaker Series

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

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies! This Saturday

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

We Are Invited...
UU Midland's Advanced Care Planning Workshop This Saturday!

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies!

Native American Heritage Month Activities -
Community Gathering

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

Infant Pantry Collection - November 5
This Sunday!

We Are Invited...
UU Midland - Monthly Saturday Holiday Movies!

We Are Invited...
UU Midland's Advanced Care Planning Workshop - November 11

Native American Heritage Month Activities -
Community Gathering

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