“We are all born for love. It is the principle of existence and its only end.”
~ Benjamin Disraeli
Sunday Worship
The theme for this Sunday, February 2nd is Standing on the Side of Pete. A reflection on Pete Seeger and what it means to stand on the side of love. Upcoming sermons include:
February 9: Marching on the Side of Love. What calls us into action?
February 16: Spiritual Resilience and Climate Change. How do we keep hope alive when the news is bad?
February 23: Quietude and the River
First Sunday Food Pantry Collection
We started this year with an excellent collection of 52 items, and we need to continue in February with even more if we can. When shopping this week, please consider buying a few more items to donate to our collection this Sunday, February 2. Those coming to the Food Pantry depend upon the generosity of those of us who can provide a little extra. Items for personal use (tissues, toilet paper, lotions, tooth paste, etc.) are particularly needed, along with canned and dry foods. Cold weather is particularly difficult for those in need. Thanks for your help.
Time Line of Important Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 2
Noon: Memorial Open House for Margaret Nash at Library Annex
3-5:00 p.m.: “2000 Years of Heresy” - first in a new Adult RE series, lead by Reverend Joe
Sunday February 16
11:45 a.m.: Fellowship Life Meeting - an All Congregation discussion of the 2014-1015 Proposed Budget
1-3:00 p.m.: “2000 years of Heresy” - second in the Adult RE series
Sunday February 23
12:30-2:00 p.m.: Second of four Transition Team meetings with the congregation
You Are Invited to STAND ON THE SIDE OF LOVE!
Use this link – http://standingonthesideoflove.org/blog/join-me-in-raleigh – to see the call to all UUs to join Peter Morales, president of the UUA, in Raleigh, North Carolina for a march on Saturday February 8. Vicki Chessin will be traveling to Raleigh on Friday, February 7, to worship with the UU congregation Friday night and attend the march on Saturday. She will fly back on Sunday morning. Consider joining her. If you are interested in details: email Vicki at [email protected] or text her cell 989-560-4614 in the next few days. There have been some offers of funding assistance from members who cannot go themselves if anyone can go and finances are the limiting factor.
Interested, But It Slipped Your Mind?
A gentle reminder that a "Path to Membership class" is being offered this Saturday, February 1st at 9 a.m. at the UU Center. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Unitarianism and Universalism, the history of our fellowship, our 7 Principles, governance structure and how you can get involved to make a difference, come to this special event. Rev. Joe Cleveland and Membership chair Gisela Moffit will be the facilitators. Contact them ASAP to secure your place in this orientation class.
CUUPS • Imbolc 2014
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhog's Day occurs at the beginning of February. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. It is a festival of spiritual purification and dedication. We invite those of you who are interested in participating in this ritual to bring an item of food or drink to share at the potluck that follows the ceremony. We will gather at UUFCM at 6:30 pm and begin our ceremony promptly at 7:00 pm., Saturday, February 1st.
Remembering Margaret
Margaret's two daughters and one granddaughter will be in town this week, so we are planning an open house on February 2 after the service at the library annex for the fellowship, Margaret's family and close friends. We want to honor her memory and share stories about this wonderful woman who touched so many of our lives. Start thinking about what you would like to share. The official Memorial Service for the entire community is still set for the end of May, but this will be our opportunity to recollect and share memories of the woman who was a teacher, a Rosie the Riveter, a good friend and a life-long UU. A light lunch will be served.
2000 Years of Heresy
What is Unitarian Universalism? Where might it be headed? One of the best ways to start answering these questions is by exploring where Unitarian Universalism came from. Rev. Joe will lead this adult religious exploration series based on a 6-part film that features stories – often funny and always entertaining – that not only reveal but revel in the real lives of people who were so often choosing to live their lives according to beliefs that went against the prevailing beliefs of their time and culture. Each session will offer as much time for discussion as we'll spend watching the films.
We will be able to relate our own wrestling with religious ideas to the stories we hear from the films and Rev. Joe.
The first session will be offered twice. Once on Sunday, February 2, from 3:00-5:00 and again on Tuesday, February 4, from 7:00-9:00. If childcare would enable you to attend, please contact Rev. Joe and we will do our best to arrange it!
You can learn more about the films from this UU World article, as well as at this site,
where you will find a timeline and a list of recommended reading where you can continue and deepen your exploration.
Last Call!
Please check this version of the directory to see if your information is correct! If you have changed your name, postal/email address or phone number(s), please let our Administrative Assistant know by this Sunday, February 2. We will be sending the final directory to the printer Monday, February 3rd. Thanks for your help!
Restoration House Volunteers
Thanks to the following people who volunteered in the Rotating Homeless Shelter program at the First United Methodist Church, and to those who volunteered to help but were not needed at this time. We will keep the list of all who volunteered in case there is a need to help in the future.
Mary Alsager, Norma Bailey, Joe Cleveland, Erika Courlander, Jean Daab, Scott Daigle, Cynthia Damer, Liz Dealing, Kris Los, David MacLeod, Laura McBride, Gisela Moffitt, Tom Moffitt, Annette Pratt, Jennifer Prout, Erroll Putnam, Carol Rard, Patty Seymour, Janis Shinn, Nancy White, Hank Zeniewicz. We apologize if your name was left off the list.
Transition Progress
A big thank you to all of you who were able to attend the first of our four congregational meetings about the transition process! We were able to get a really good look at our 12-year history and see the multiple ways in which we have functioned and changed over time. The large timeline is posted in the hallway between the fellowship hall and the sanctuary; please take time to peruse it when you are in the building.
If you have any pictures of any of the events, or even some events we didn't think of, please feel free to tape them on the timeline. Also, we would like to get the timeline typed in a form that we can share with others, so if you have an idea of how that can be done, please let one of the members of the Transition Team know.
In love and peace, Your Transition Team
(Norma Bailey, Jim Dealing, Laura Frey, and Joyce Henricks)
RE Activity
Please join us at the Family Winterfest at Cran-Hill Ranch on Sunday, February 9th from 2-8:00 p.m. for a free community open house. All rentals and activities are free. Activities include tubing, horse-drawn wagon rides, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, broom ball, pony rides and ice skating (please bring your own skates). More information about Cran-Hill Ranch can be found on their website: www.cranhillranch.com. Please contact Niki for more information or to arrange transportation.
Coffeehouse Opportunities
With the coffeehouse just a couple of weeks away, consider participating by bringing a snack or sweet, setting up, cleaning up, or performing! If you want to see more than 5-6 acts by kids and adults, sign up! If you want to help set up the sanctuary, or put it back together, sign up! If you want to bring a tasty savory or sweet, sign up! If you want to be a part of the audience, show up! You get the idea! Sign up forms will be available in the fellowship hall on the table by the east wall this Sunday. Please help make this coffeehouse a success and SIGN UP! Your cabin-fevered maven, Laura McBride.
Service Cancellation Policy
In case of inclement weather, a decision to cancel the service will be made by 9 a.m. An announcement will be posted on our web site (uufcm.org) and on Facebook as well as sent directly via email. Those who are not online will be phoned. If you have questions, call Rev. Joe (989-941-6013) or Gisela (989-772-1602). We hope we won't have to resort to this very often, but we live in Michigan after all, so we need to be prepared!
The theme for this Sunday, February 2nd is Standing on the Side of Pete. A reflection on Pete Seeger and what it means to stand on the side of love. Upcoming sermons include:
February 9: Marching on the Side of Love. What calls us into action?
February 16: Spiritual Resilience and Climate Change. How do we keep hope alive when the news is bad?
February 23: Quietude and the River
First Sunday Food Pantry Collection
We started this year with an excellent collection of 52 items, and we need to continue in February with even more if we can. When shopping this week, please consider buying a few more items to donate to our collection this Sunday, February 2. Those coming to the Food Pantry depend upon the generosity of those of us who can provide a little extra. Items for personal use (tissues, toilet paper, lotions, tooth paste, etc.) are particularly needed, along with canned and dry foods. Cold weather is particularly difficult for those in need. Thanks for your help.
Time Line of Important Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 2
Noon: Memorial Open House for Margaret Nash at Library Annex
3-5:00 p.m.: “2000 Years of Heresy” - first in a new Adult RE series, lead by Reverend Joe
Sunday February 16
11:45 a.m.: Fellowship Life Meeting - an All Congregation discussion of the 2014-1015 Proposed Budget
1-3:00 p.m.: “2000 years of Heresy” - second in the Adult RE series
Sunday February 23
12:30-2:00 p.m.: Second of four Transition Team meetings with the congregation
You Are Invited to STAND ON THE SIDE OF LOVE!
Use this link – http://standingonthesideoflove.org/blog/join-me-in-raleigh – to see the call to all UUs to join Peter Morales, president of the UUA, in Raleigh, North Carolina for a march on Saturday February 8. Vicki Chessin will be traveling to Raleigh on Friday, February 7, to worship with the UU congregation Friday night and attend the march on Saturday. She will fly back on Sunday morning. Consider joining her. If you are interested in details: email Vicki at [email protected] or text her cell 989-560-4614 in the next few days. There have been some offers of funding assistance from members who cannot go themselves if anyone can go and finances are the limiting factor.
Interested, But It Slipped Your Mind?
A gentle reminder that a "Path to Membership class" is being offered this Saturday, February 1st at 9 a.m. at the UU Center. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Unitarianism and Universalism, the history of our fellowship, our 7 Principles, governance structure and how you can get involved to make a difference, come to this special event. Rev. Joe Cleveland and Membership chair Gisela Moffit will be the facilitators. Contact them ASAP to secure your place in this orientation class.
CUUPS • Imbolc 2014
Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhog's Day occurs at the beginning of February. It marks the middle of Winter and holds the promise of Spring. It is a festival of spiritual purification and dedication. We invite those of you who are interested in participating in this ritual to bring an item of food or drink to share at the potluck that follows the ceremony. We will gather at UUFCM at 6:30 pm and begin our ceremony promptly at 7:00 pm., Saturday, February 1st.
Remembering Margaret
Margaret's two daughters and one granddaughter will be in town this week, so we are planning an open house on February 2 after the service at the library annex for the fellowship, Margaret's family and close friends. We want to honor her memory and share stories about this wonderful woman who touched so many of our lives. Start thinking about what you would like to share. The official Memorial Service for the entire community is still set for the end of May, but this will be our opportunity to recollect and share memories of the woman who was a teacher, a Rosie the Riveter, a good friend and a life-long UU. A light lunch will be served.
2000 Years of Heresy
What is Unitarian Universalism? Where might it be headed? One of the best ways to start answering these questions is by exploring where Unitarian Universalism came from. Rev. Joe will lead this adult religious exploration series based on a 6-part film that features stories – often funny and always entertaining – that not only reveal but revel in the real lives of people who were so often choosing to live their lives according to beliefs that went against the prevailing beliefs of their time and culture. Each session will offer as much time for discussion as we'll spend watching the films.
We will be able to relate our own wrestling with religious ideas to the stories we hear from the films and Rev. Joe.
The first session will be offered twice. Once on Sunday, February 2, from 3:00-5:00 and again on Tuesday, February 4, from 7:00-9:00. If childcare would enable you to attend, please contact Rev. Joe and we will do our best to arrange it!
You can learn more about the films from this UU World article, as well as at this site,
where you will find a timeline and a list of recommended reading where you can continue and deepen your exploration.
Last Call!
Please check this version of the directory to see if your information is correct! If you have changed your name, postal/email address or phone number(s), please let our Administrative Assistant know by this Sunday, February 2. We will be sending the final directory to the printer Monday, February 3rd. Thanks for your help!
Restoration House Volunteers
Thanks to the following people who volunteered in the Rotating Homeless Shelter program at the First United Methodist Church, and to those who volunteered to help but were not needed at this time. We will keep the list of all who volunteered in case there is a need to help in the future.
Mary Alsager, Norma Bailey, Joe Cleveland, Erika Courlander, Jean Daab, Scott Daigle, Cynthia Damer, Liz Dealing, Kris Los, David MacLeod, Laura McBride, Gisela Moffitt, Tom Moffitt, Annette Pratt, Jennifer Prout, Erroll Putnam, Carol Rard, Patty Seymour, Janis Shinn, Nancy White, Hank Zeniewicz. We apologize if your name was left off the list.
Transition Progress
A big thank you to all of you who were able to attend the first of our four congregational meetings about the transition process! We were able to get a really good look at our 12-year history and see the multiple ways in which we have functioned and changed over time. The large timeline is posted in the hallway between the fellowship hall and the sanctuary; please take time to peruse it when you are in the building.
If you have any pictures of any of the events, or even some events we didn't think of, please feel free to tape them on the timeline. Also, we would like to get the timeline typed in a form that we can share with others, so if you have an idea of how that can be done, please let one of the members of the Transition Team know.
In love and peace, Your Transition Team
(Norma Bailey, Jim Dealing, Laura Frey, and Joyce Henricks)
RE Activity
Please join us at the Family Winterfest at Cran-Hill Ranch on Sunday, February 9th from 2-8:00 p.m. for a free community open house. All rentals and activities are free. Activities include tubing, horse-drawn wagon rides, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, broom ball, pony rides and ice skating (please bring your own skates). More information about Cran-Hill Ranch can be found on their website: www.cranhillranch.com. Please contact Niki for more information or to arrange transportation.
Coffeehouse Opportunities
With the coffeehouse just a couple of weeks away, consider participating by bringing a snack or sweet, setting up, cleaning up, or performing! If you want to see more than 5-6 acts by kids and adults, sign up! If you want to help set up the sanctuary, or put it back together, sign up! If you want to bring a tasty savory or sweet, sign up! If you want to be a part of the audience, show up! You get the idea! Sign up forms will be available in the fellowship hall on the table by the east wall this Sunday. Please help make this coffeehouse a success and SIGN UP! Your cabin-fevered maven, Laura McBride.
Service Cancellation Policy
In case of inclement weather, a decision to cancel the service will be made by 9 a.m. An announcement will be posted on our web site (uufcm.org) and on Facebook as well as sent directly via email. Those who are not online will be phoned. If you have questions, call Rev. Joe (989-941-6013) or Gisela (989-772-1602). We hope we won't have to resort to this very often, but we live in Michigan after all, so we need to be prepared!
“To love is to be useful to yourself. To cause love is to be useful to others.”
~ Pierre Jean De Beranger
The deadline for submissions to the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly e-News
is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Please send all submissions to [email protected]
Important Contacts
Have a suggestion? a problem? a question? We can help!
Building Manager: Tina Christy (989.506.2985; [email protected])
Caring Committee: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; [email protected])
Children’s RE Committee: Bill Tinsley (989.488.8505; [email protected])
Hospitality: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected]), Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Membership: Gisela Moffit (989.772.1602; [email protected])
Social Action: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Social Fun: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Stewardship: Grace Rollins (989.772.1204; [email protected])
Transition Team: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Worship Team: Vicki Chessin (989.463.3076; [email protected])
is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Please send all submissions to [email protected]
Important Contacts
Have a suggestion? a problem? a question? We can help!
Building Manager: Tina Christy (989.506.2985; [email protected])
Caring Committee: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; [email protected])
Children’s RE Committee: Bill Tinsley (989.488.8505; [email protected])
Hospitality: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected]), Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Membership: Gisela Moffit (989.772.1602; [email protected])
Social Action: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Social Fun: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Stewardship: Grace Rollins (989.772.1204; [email protected])
Transition Team: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Worship Team: Vicki Chessin (989.463.3076; [email protected])
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