We belong, because we choose to belong.
We belong, because others have chosen to welcome us,
and include us, and make space for us.
We belong, because inherent to this faith,
is a belief that there is room for all who come
in friendship, in freedom and in peace.
~ Julie Stoneberg
Our Mission Statement: Not Just a Bumper Sticker
Please join us this Saturday as we dig deeper into what it means to be part of this UU community – to commit to uphold and live out its values, mission, and covenant. What are our expectations…what do we ask of each other here? The workshop portion of the retreat will be from 9-12, to be followed by a delicious soup and bread luncheon from 12-1. Coffee, tea and nosh will be available starting at 8:45 a.m. – the workshop will start promptly at 9:00 a.m. All members and friends are invited to add their voice to this important discussion. Please notify Norma Bailey (989-560-3952 or [email protected]) by Thursday, December 4, if you need childcare for the workshop.
Worship Matters
“Why We Wait” is our worship theme for this coming Sunday, December 7. What kind of waiting are we called to midst the cold, darkening days of December? Advent – the season of anticipation – is once again upon us. Through the lens of “Rumplestiltskin: the Advent Story” by Annie Foerster, we will examine anew the wisdom waiting within the ancient stories of the season.
• Upcoming Sunday service themes can be found here.
Worship Team News
The UUFCM Worship Team has recently been streamlined and restructured to better serve our worship administration needs. As part of this process, Chris Bailey has joined the Worship Team as Congregational Representative. In this role, Chris will serve as the primary liaison for the congregation to the Worship Team. Chris is tasked with seeking feedback regarding the worship experience to assist the team in its periodic evaluation and reflection processes. While Chris will be very intentional in seeking out responses and feedback regarding various aspects of our services, he is also receptive to any unsolicited feedback you may want to share. In addition to speaking with Chris on Sunday mornings, he may be reached at 989.775.8257 or by email at [email protected].
The Worship Team is comprised of Dawn Daniels, Vicki Chessin (Lay Worship Coordinator), Beth Macleod, and Chris Bailey. This administrative team meets quarterly for planning, evaluation and reflection. The Worship Team also provides oversight and support to the newly created Lay Worship Planning Team that is responsible for the planning and implementation of all UUFCM lay-led worship services. Current members of this team are Tom Moffit, Norma Bailey, Susan Powers, Janis Shinn, Ricky Courlander and Lay Worship Coordinator, Vicki Chessin. This team meets on an as-needed basis for planning and training.
First Friday Potluck - This Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Chris Bauerle will host the December potluck this week! The theme for the evening will be chili, soups, salads, breads, desserts. Your dish should serve 6-10 persons. If you are interested in attending, please go to PerfectPotluck.com to add your dish to the list. Enter coordinator last name: Bauerle and password: 1214. Conversation and/or games may follow, so bring your favorites of either or both. See you then!
Changes to Joyful Noise Choir Schedule
Beginning this Sunday, December 7, we will have choir rehearsals on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Please be advised that we will no longer have rehearsal on Wednesday evenings.
First Sunday Infant Pantry Collection - This Sunday
The William Ellis Brockman Infant Pantry, formerly run by the Red Cross, is now housed at the Presbyterian Church and will be open from 10 - 2 p.m. every Wednesday. Our fellowship will collect items every first Sunday of the month, beginning this Sunday. Most needed are diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5), baby wipes, Desitin, Vaseline, etc. Tom Moffit ([email protected] or 772-1602) will be in charge and you can contact him with any questions you might have. Thank you in advance for your generous donations.
Holiday Tea Planning
Our annual Holiday Tea & Treats is following the service on Sunday, December 14, 2014. Sign up sheets for bringing goodies will be available this Sunday or email Laura McBride ([email protected]) with your contribution (sweet, salty, gluten or sugar free, etc). Any sharing of teapots is also appreciated!
Movie Night
Movie Night is every second Saturday at 7 p.m. at the UU Center. The movie for this Saturday, December 13th is Babette's Feast (Danish, 1987). An exquisite, delicately told tale of two minister's daughters who pass up love and fame to remain in their small Danish village. They grow old, using religion as a substitute for living life...and then take in Parisian refugee Stéphane Audran, a woman with a very special secret. Subtle, funny and deeply felt, with several wonderful surprises (including an extraordinary feast); an instant masterpiece that deservedly earned a Best Foreign Film Academy Award. A lovely Christmas movie. Contact Jim Dealing with any questions - [email protected] or (989) 772-0269.
Float On, a weeklong UU retreat in Miami, Florida will take place December 26-January 1. Workshops, outdoor adventure, youth and teen programing are offered for families and singles by the Southeastern UU Winter Institute in Miami. For complete information, please visit www.swimUU.org.
The ache for home lives in all of us.
The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.
~ Maya Angelou
Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Please send all submissions to [email protected]
UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2014-2015
President: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
President Elect: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
Past-President: Gisela Moffit (989.772.1602; [email protected])
Treasurer: David Macleod (989.772.0595; [email protected])
Secretary: Vicki Chessin (989.463.3076; [email protected])
Trustee: Scott Daigle (989.506.5750; [email protected])
Trustee: Capalene Howse (989.488.8714; [email protected])
Trustee: Jennifer Prout (989.400.3130; [email protected])