eNews for Thursday, December 19

12/19/2024

eNews for Thursday, December 19

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, December 22, to worship with Rev. Drew Frantz, who will present "Winter Solstice." The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

"December 21 is the shortest day of the year, also known as Midwinter’s Day or Yule. We often associate this dark, quiet, and cold time of year with low energy and low mood. Framed another way, however, it is an opportunity for rest, renewal, grounding, and planning."

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 24 - "Christmas Eve"
December 29 - "After the World Breaks"

Holiday/Vacation Announcement

Happy Holidays!
Wendy (administrator) will be on vacation December 22-29.
Drew (minister) will be on vacation December 29-January 5.

There will be no eNews December 26 or January 2. The next eNews will be published January 9.

With any urgent business or emergencies, contact Rev. Drew and/or Board President Aaron Jones.

Minister’s Column

"If I were much wiser, and more patient, and had much greater concentration, I could sit in silence in my chair, look out my windows at a green tree and the blue sky, and know that breathing is a gift; that a breath is sufficient for the moment; and that breathing air is breathing God.”
- Andre Dubus

Read previous columns here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm (Canceled December 25 and January 1)
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm (Canceled December 24)
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm - Resumes in January
Soul Matters Discussion Group - January - 4th Thursdays at 6:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am (Canceled December 25)
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm (December 22 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
Communications Team - Thursday, December 19, at 7:00pm
Coordinating Team - Sunday, January 5, at 12:00pm
Building Team - Monday, January 6, at 6:00pm
Worship Team - Thursday, January 9, at 7:00pm

Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations

When we decide to cancel or postpone a UUFCM event due to weather--as we did due to last Sunday's ice storm--we use a cell phone app called Remind to make these announcements. In the case of Sunday morning worship, we make our decision by 8:30 am.

Downloading the Remind app to your phone and signing up just takes a few minutes. Stay informed and prepared this winter! View our full cancellation policy along with instructions for signing up on the Remind app here.

Suggestions for Bylaws Changes - Due January 1

Any individual UUFCM members who wish to propose changes to the bylaws for consideration at the annual meeting in May may submit written suggestions to Board president Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; [email protected]) by January 1, 2025.

CUUPs Yule Ritual - Sunday, December 22

Yule, the winter solstice, is a time of great symbolism and power. It marks the return of the sun, when the days finally begin to get a little longer. It’s also a time to celebrate with family and friends and share the spirit of giving. We will hold the ritual promptly at 6pm.

No Movie Night in December

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Movie Night is taking a short break this December. But don’t worry—come January, we’ll be back in full swing with a great movie, popcorn, and hopefully you!

Welcome to UU Orientation – Sunday, December 22

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.

Happy Birthday!

In January, we celebrate the birthdays of Jubilee Daum, Egan Daugherty, Janis Shinn, Mel Bailey, Andi Christopher, Abiona Bailey, Monica Jean, Jim Moreno, Stacey Pattison, Doris Hall, Beth Armstrong, and Jennifer Davis. for the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so.

First Friday Potluck – Friday, January 3

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.

Infant Pantry Collection – Sunday, January 5

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.

UUFCM's Path to Membership

A Path to Membership class is being planned for January! Keep an eye on the eNews for the official announcement. Typically, the class takes place on a Saturday from 1:00–3:00 PM. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Laura McBride or Rev. Drew.

How to Fight Back Beyond Sending Money

Your Social Justice Coordinating Team is suggesting that there are other ways beyond sending money to help fight the effects of the results of the state and national elections this fall: volunteer with justice organizations; monitor legislative activity; sign petitions and send emails; and volunteer locally.

If you are interested in knowing ways to fight back beyond sending money, a list of ideas from your Social Justice Coordinating Team can be found here. We would particularly like to encourage you to sign up for our Social Justice Interest Survey (https://www.uufcm.org/social-justice-interest-survey.html) and the Dial for Democracy (https://votersnotpoliticians.com/dial/).

Sustainable Holiday Tips

The holiday season often brings a rush of shoppers eager to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. While gift-giving is a cherished tradition, it's also a time to be mindful of the impact on overconsumption and waste. Here are some sustainable tips for this holiday season:

Choose long-lasting or reusable gifts that can be recycled later.
Make your own gifts, like homemade breads, cakes, or crafts such as jewelry or crochet.
Limit the number of gifts you buy.
Bring your own reusable tote bag when shopping.
Use only the amount of wrapping paper you need.
Wrap gifts in reusable bags.

Save the Date! - January 20

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace March will be held on Monday, January 20. Let’s get a large number of us to march together behind our UUFCM banner! Put the date on your calendar if you can!

Save the Date: Saturday, January 25 - UUFCM Retreat

8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - 12:00pm Retreat
Our theme for the retreat is "Responding in Love to a Threatening World".

UUA Common Read

Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families

This book has been designated by the Unitarian Universalist Association as the “common read” for 2024-25. All UU congregations are encouraged to read and study this book. More information, including study guides and videos, can be found on the UUA website at:
https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/read

Rev. Drew will lead a discussion of the book at a time to be announced. Depending on interest, discussions may be in a mixed group...or there may be a separate group for trans and nonbinary people and their families.

Ten copies of the book have been purchased for UUFCM, and they are in the fellowship hall. Your options include:
-       take a copy and keep it
-       borrow a copy and return it to the UUFCM library
-       purchase your own copy at the online UUA bookstore

Please let Rev. Drew know if you have any questions, or if you are interested in being part of the book discussion.

Now Hiring: Two Job Postings for UUFCM Religious Education

We are looking to hire two people for our religious education program. The Assistant position ($15 per hour, 2-3 hours per week) is available immediately. The Facilitator position ($16 per hour, up to 6 hours per week) is available January 1st, when our current facilitator Seally is leaving.

Per UUFCM policy, we do not normally hire from within the congregation. Please see the full job postings here. Applications and inquiries should go to Rev. Drew.

Choosing Where to Give: End-of-Year Donations 2024

In previous years, your Social Justice Coordinating Team has suggested that your donations in the holiday and end-of-year giving season be given to meet local, national, and global needs with a focus on advocacy for change locally, nationally, and internationally for global justice and peace.

This year, as a result of the state and national elections this fall, many of the organizations working for justice will need additional support to combat the efforts that are already being made to undo some of the protections that have been put in place for many years.

If you are interested in supporting any of these organizations, a list from your Social Justice Coordinating Team of organizations that support justice can be found here.

• • • Community News • • •

Free COVID 19 Tests Available

The program for ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests are available. Check this link https://special.usps.com/testkits for further information.

Scam Alert

Several congregants have received emails and texts purportedly from UUFCM leadership. If you receive a message that seems suspicious, please remember that we would never solicit money or ask for help in this way, and do not respond to the message.
Read more here.

Donate Now!

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

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

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

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

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2024-2025
President: Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; [email protected])
President-Elect: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; [email protected])
Secretary: Laurie Meadows (989.317.8299; [email protected])
Trustee: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
Trustee: Monica Jean (616.443.8782; [email protected])
Trustee: David Allan (989.941.7349; [email protected])

Team and Committee Leaders

Adult Religious Education Team - Jodi Fisher
Building, Grounds & Safety Team - Norma Bailey
Caring Team - Laura McBride
Communications Coordinating Team - Jessica Jernigan and M onica Jean
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Gisela Moffit
Membership - Laura McBride
Welcome & Hospitality - Gisela Moffit
Social Fun - Jen Prout
Social Justice Coordinating Team - Norma Bailey
Worship Team - Drew Frantz
Youth Religious Education (RE) Team - Norma Bailey

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

Copyright © 2024 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan. All rights reserved.

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eNews for Thursday, December 5

12/5/2024

View this email in your browser

eNews for Thursday, December 5

Worship Matters

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

"On December 8, Buddhists in Japan and elsewhere celebrate Bodhi Day, commemorating the enlightenment of the Buddha. In a culture overshadowed by the Christmas holiday this month, we take a moment to reflect on a very different religious tradition. While we may not achieve enlightenment on December 8, we can be open to the wisdom of Buddhism.
"

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

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

Minister’s Column

Winter arrived suddenly during Thanksgiving weekend--with a touch of Christmas magic. On Friday evening we took our visiting grandchildren up the street to Kinney Lodge Christmas House amid the first snowfall of the season.

Read previous columns here.

Upcoming Events

Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7pm
Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm
Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am
First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm
Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm
Soul Matters Discussion Group - Tuesday, December 17, at 5:30pm
UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am
UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom
UUFCM Women's Circle - 3rd Thursdays at 7pm
Welcome to UU Orientation - 4th Sundays at 12:00pm

Team Meetings
Board of Trustees - Sunday, December 8, at 1:00pm
Worship Team - Thursday, December 12, at 7:00pm

Suggestions for Bylaws Changes

First Friday Potluck – December 6

Youth RE Cookie Decorating Party - Sunday, December 15

On Sunday, December 15, the Youth RE Team will be hosting a cookie decorating party for youth of all ages during their RE class during service.

No Movie Night in December

UUFCM's Path to Membership

Sustainable Holiday Tips

Choose long-lasting or reusable gifts that can be recycled later.
Make your own gifts, like homemade breads, cakes, or crafts such as jewelry or crochet.
Limit the number of gifts you buy.
Bring your own reusable tote bag when shopping.
Use only the amount of wrapping paper you need.
Wrap gifts in reusable bags.

Save the Date! - January 20

Save the Date: Saturday, January 25 - UUFCM Retreat

8:00am - Breakfast
9:00am - 12:00pm Retreat
Theme/topic coming soon!

UUA Common Read

Now Hiring: Two Job Postings for UUFCM Religious Education

Choosing Where to Give: End-of-Year Donations 2024

Give to CMU Public Media, Help the UUFCM!

We are once again collecting for CMU Public Media. In the fall, we pool our resources together in order to purchase airtime on CMU Public Radio. Depending on the amount gathered, we get 1-2 ads per week for a good part of the year. Please make your check to “UUFCM,” include in the memo line “for CMU Public Media” and give it to Mary Alsager at church by December 14. A single check for the total collected will be sent to CMU Public Media. Thank you in advance for contributing to this worthy effort – you are appreciated!

Suggested Safety Apps for Trans People (and Everyone Else)

Because the current environment is less safe for transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary people, Sierra Burke has compiled and annotated a list of apps that can be used to increase safety. Please see the full letter here with details about each app. The apps are listed below. Thank you Sierra!

bSafe
My Safetipin
Refuge Restroom
Yelp
Google Maps

• • • Community News • • •

Free COVID 19 Tests Available

The program for ordering free at-home COVID-19 tests are available. Check this link https://special.usps.com/testkits for further information.

Scam Alert

Donate Now!

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

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

Drew’s Contact Information

Team and Committee Leaders

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