eNews for January 30

1/30/2020

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eNews for Thursday, January 30

RE Movietime

Children got to enjoy movie snacks, bean bags, and the sanctuary "all to ourselves!" on Sunday with our showing of Hidden Figures. If you are looking for an entertaining movie that touches on subjects of race and gender roles, Hidden Figures is a must-see!

Follow-up from the Annual Congregational Retreat

We had a wonderful turn-out of 45 members and friends at our annual congregation retreat on Saturday, January 25. We ate a hearty and delicious breakfast provided by our UUFCM Board members (thank you!) and participated in a well-organized and participatory workshop led by our Social Justice Coordinating Team (thank you!). After presentations and lots of discussion, we had a “spend a buck” vote (ask someone what that is!) which determined that as a congregation we will commit to making our congregation’s 2020 social justice efforts be directed to voting rights and environmental issues. We have formed two initial committees to organize and create an action plan for those efforts: Voting Rights – David Wagstaff, Jim Moreno and Melissa Nix – Environmental Issues – Sara Prussing, Deb Allore, Daniel Davis and Matt Cavalieri. Thanks to these people for stepping up and providing leadership! They’ll be meeting soon and then getting out information to the rest of us – how we can participate in these efforts, whether it’s just one time or multiple times, depending upon each of your interests and/or availabilities. When we lift our collective voices and actions, we can change our world!

Worship Matters

We will gather this Sunday, February 2 to worship together with our minister Drew Frantz, who will present “Diversity: This Is Who We Are.” Please join us!

“The Unitarian Universalist congregation in Tulsa, one of the largest in the nation, has a unique history including the blending of a mostly white UU congregation and a mostly black evangelical congregation. Their story has more in common with Mount Pleasant, Michigan than you might think.”

If you happen to miss being in worship, the texts to previous sermon messages (and some of the readings as well) can be found in our website sermon archive.

Upcoming Services

February 9: Egbert Ethelred Brown, the First Black Unitarian Minister
February 16: When a Coffee Cup Becomes a God
February 23: Resilience

Minister's Column

Read the Minister's Column at uufcm.org/andrew-frantz.

Infant Pantry Collection - February 2

We collect donations for the Infant Pantry on the first Sunday of each month. Most needed items are things for baby care - diapers and pull-ups in sizes 4, 5 or 6, creams, shampoos, lotions, and baby food in jars. To donate money, make the check out to CCN (Community Compasionate Network) with memo “Infant Pantry.” Questions? Contact Tom Moffit (989-772-1602; [email protected]).

CUUPs Imbolc Ritual - February 2

Imbolc, also known as Candlemas and Groundhog's Day, 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 6:30 pm.

UU History Webinar - Continues Monday, February 3

Join Drew Frantz to watch a 5-week webinar on UU history presented by a UU minister in Cincinnati. We'll meet on Mondays from 7:45-9 p.m. to watch together, then have a brief discussion afterwards. Feel free to join us for week 2 even if you missed the first week.

Webinar: Whose History Is It Anyway?

Presenter: Reverend Connie Simon
How much do you know about the roots of our faith tradition? Explore the history of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism in this five-week class. Using an anti-colonialist, multicultural lens, we’ll look beyond the traditional, dusty facts of history and examine to see how our faith was born and how it has developed and evolved over the years.
Topics include: Whose Story Is It Anyway, Why History Matters, The Roots of Liberal Religion, The Universalists, The Unitarians, Transcendentalism, Westward Expansion, Humanism, Consolidation, Principles and Sources, Drawing the Circle Wider, Indigenous, Latinx, Black and Non-Black People of Color, GLBTQ, and Disability.

Soulful Sundown - February 6

Join us on the first Thursday of the month for an uplifting service of songs, drumming, poetry, and reflection, beginning at 6 p.m. This month’s theme is Resilience. All are welcome: all ages, all genders, colors, beliefs.
Donations for the pizza dinner at 7pm are appreciated but not necessary.

First Friday Potluck - February 7

Candi Tomlinson is hosting, with the theme of “Whatever!” The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. – helping hands are welcome at 6:15 p.m. to assist with set-up preparations. We will also be celebrating the February birthdays of Annette Pratt, George Lentz, Katie Zapoluch, Kris Los, Lexi Calhoun, Laura McBride, Elliott Moreno, and Glenn Lewandos.

UUFCM Book Club - February 12

Olive Kitteridge is the highly acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Strout. The author intertwines the lives of the small town inhabitants of Crosby, Maine with her main character. As Olive mingles in their existence, it's left up to the reader to determine if she is a loathsome busybody or a redeeming soul. Join us on February 12th at 1:00 and make your case for Olive!

Coffee Hour Refreshments

If you like to have a variety of refreshments for the coffee hour, please bring some on a Sunday coming up. Sign up on the bright green sheet on the bulletin board left of the exit door in the social hall. You can bring sweets (cookies or muffins), savory items (pretzels, chips, cheese or popcorn), or fruits and vegetables. Please do not bring nuts (including peanuts) as we have members with nut allergies. If you cannot bring refreshments, please consider a financial donation (in the cookie jar next to the coffee pot). Thank you so much for your generous support!

ICRH Volunteers Needed

The Isabella County Restoration House continues to be in need of more volunteers throughout the shelter season. We are particularly in need of people for day shelter shifts (1-4 pm) and intake shifts (4-6:30 pm). To volunteer, submit an application on the website, and then sign-up to volunteer. Should you have questions, feel free to contact Norma Bailey ([email protected]) or Joyce Henricks ([email protected]).

• • • Community News • • •

Day of Action – Making Your Voice Heard

Friday, February 14 between 11am and 2pm
at the Veterans Memorial Library Annex
The League of Women Voters of the Mt Pleasant Area invites you to join them for the League’s nationwide Day of Action. Here is your opportunity to learn how to make your voice heard to elected officials at all levels. Learn how to contact officials, track legislation and find information to support your opinions. Learn how to recognize fake news. Learn about Michigan voter laws and upcoming elections. And learn about the League of Women Voters. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome.

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].

Mindfulness in Parking Requested
Let us be mindful to leave the parking spaces directly across from our Wisconsin entrance open for our friends who have mobility issues. Thank you for your consideration.

Pastoral Care Concerns

For support with life's challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Arms Around team via Gisela Moffit at [email protected] or 989-772-1602. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance.

Drew's Office Hours and Contact Information

Office hours:
Monday 10:00-12:00, Tuesday 4:00-6:00,
and by appointment.
Day off: Friday.

[email protected]
Phone/text:
440-935-0129

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2019-2020
President: Carol Rard (989.561.2969; [email protected])
Past-President: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; [email protected])
President Elect: Guy Newland (989.944.0534; [email protected])
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; [email protected])
Co-Treasurer: Jen Prout (989.400.3130; [email protected])
Secretary: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; [email protected])
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; [email protected])
Trustee: Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; [email protected])
Trustee: Daniel Davis (616.540.4759; [email protected])

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

Copyright © 2020 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan. All rights reserved.

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