eNews for Thursday, January 26

1/26/2023

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eNews for Thursday, January 26

Retreat Recap

We had an excellent all-congregation retreat on Saturday – lots of good conversation and community-building! Thanks to the team that planned the retreat – Norma Bailey, Jim Dealing, Drew Frantz, Dave Macleod, Laura McBride, and Guy Newland! Thanks, too, to the people who provided a wonderful breakfast to start us off – Jim Dealing, Drew Frantz, Laura McBride, Gisela Moffit, Jennifer Prout, and Darlene Ritchie!

The motion to amend the bylaws to reduce the size of the UUFCM Board from eight to seven members passed. Thus, the person who is elected to serve as President-Elect at the annual meeting in May will only serve two years – as President-Elect and then President. See the updated bylaws here.

We had a good discussion about the draft revision to Article II of the UUA bylaws, which include the 7 Principles. The revision report can be read here.

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, January 29 to worship together with Rev. Eric Severson of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, who will present “An Ever-Changing Faith.” The Zoom call starts at 10:00 for social time, and the service starts at 10:30.

This service will be led by Rev. Eric Severson at the UU Fellowship of Midland. We will join from our sanctuary onto their Zoom call. We will participate in various elements of the service, including the chalice lighting and joys and sorrows.

“Unitarian Universalism, as a living tradition, has evolved over centuries and continues to do so. Join us in reviewing the many ways we have found meaning in life and come to where we are today.”

Zoom Invitation for January 29 at UU Fellowship of Midland – please note that this is not our UUFCM Worship link.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 943984845
Passcode: 62201162

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,943984845#

Phone - audio only
+1 312 626 6799

Upcoming Services
February 5: Coming to Terms
February 12: Growing into Our Future

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

Minister’s Column

On Sunday morning I got up early to get ready for Sunday worship. Often it is my practice to check the news for a moment, to be aware of anything current happening before coming to the Fellowship building, rather than being surprised by the news after I’m there…
Read more here.

Staying Safe in COVID and Flu Season

A new variant of COVID is spreading and the risk of influenza in Michigan is high. The best tool to prevent the spread of disease and to limit the severity of infection is to get vaccinated and boosted. At our UUFCM events, masks remain optional and encouraged. Please don't attend if you are sick! The current list of UUFCM COVID policies may be found on our website.

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.

- Sunday Worship
- Welcome to UU Orientation - This Sunday, January 29 at 12:30 pm
- 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
- First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm
- Coffee House Open Mic - Cancelled until further notice
- Movie Night - Saturday, January 28 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
Stewardship Committee - Tuesday, January 31 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.

Message from Our New RE Childcare Assistant, Jolie Damer-Daigle

I’ve been coming to the UUFCM since I was about three years old. I remember the fun times I had in RE when I was younger and I’m excited to be helping with the RE program now. I am a sophomore at Mount Pleasant High School and I am busy rehearsing for the musical Mamma Mia and taking singing and ballet lessons. I also enjoy reading and cooking. I’m enjoying getting to know your kids and looking forward to making pizzas with them next month.
~ Jolie

Worship Services Survey - Respond by February 6

The Worship Team meets regularly to plan services with the purpose of providing high-quality inspiring worship services every Sunday. We are asking for feedback from the congregation on what you love in our worship, what is missing in our worship, and any improvements you might suggest.
We invite you to give us this feedback in one of four ways:

contact one of us directly and explain your thoughts
fill out our survey (12 questions) online with this link
fill out our survey (12 questions) on paper – look for copies in the lobby
join us at a designated table in the fellowship hall after worship on Sunday to talk about worship at the UUFCM

With gratitude from your UUFCM Worship Team:
Norma Bailey, Rev. Drew Frantz, Minister, Jessica Jernigan,
Laura McBride, Jakobe Neal (Director of Religious Education),
and Annette Pratt

UUFCM Board of Trustees Open Positions - Respond by January 31

At our annual meeting in May, we will have elections for four positions on the UUFCM Board of Trustees. Those positions are: President-Elect, Secretary, and two Trustees.

The President-Elect automatically becomes
President for the following year.
The Secretary position has a tw0-year term.
One Trustee position has a two-year term.
One Trustee position has a one-year term.

If you would like the Nominating Committee to consider you as a possible candidate for one of these four positions, or if you have related questions, please contact Norma Bailey (baile1nj@cmich.edu; 989.560.3952) or Cynthia Damer (ckdamer@gmail.com; 989.506.5750).

Movie Night - This Saturday, January 28

The definition of laundromat is “a self-operated, coin-operated washer and dryer system,” right? Well, maybe not, especially when it involves Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio Banderas. Join us at 7pm on January 28 for the movie The Laundromat, and see how the “dirty laundry” gets cleaned. This movie is based on true events and does have some strong language. Snacks are provided.

Welcome to UU Orientation - January 29

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 12:30 pm. Sessions run approximately an hour and a half.

If you are interested in watching an introductory video regarding our faith, please view this YouTube video by Peter Bowden called Unitarian Universalism: You're Uni-What?.

For more info or to register for Welcome to UU, contact:
Laura McBride: 989.772.5512; Lmcbride010@gmail.com
Please let Laura know whether you will be attending via Zoom or in-person by the Friday prior to the orientation.

CUUPs Imbolc Ritual - February 5

Covenant of UU Pagans

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 will hold the ritual promptly at 6pm, via hybrid (in-person/Zoom), and there will be no potluck.

Join Us!

The Adult Religious Education Committee is soliciting new members to join the committee! The committee only meets a few times per year in its new format, so join us with your energy and ideas! We also are looking for ideas for an early Spring program and another for the Fall. Please contact Jodi Fisher (jbfisher121@gmail.com; 989-560-5135) about committee membership interest or program ideas.

Share Your Talents
and Join the Fun

As part of our Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, March 18, we are planning a big party in the library annex and are looking for people who want to be part of the entertainment program. We would like UU skits, poetry readings, instrumental performances (sorry, no piano available), songs, dance performances, group games, jugglers, magicians, etc. If you are interested or want more information, contact the co-hosts: Laura McBride or Gisela Moffit.

Share Your Soles!

Our Share Your Soles Campaign is starting to wind down. You only have two more months to clean out your closets (or perhaps your family’s or friends’ closets) to donate any and all shoes/boots, etc., by bringing them to the Fellowship Hall to be donated to Clothing, INC. Let’s aim for 500 by our closing date of March 14!

• • • Community News • • •

Jewish Heritage Week

The community is invited to attend the various events during Jewish Heritage Week, January 23-27. Drew was interviewed and quoted in the most recent CMLife student newspaper regarding the Jewish religion and culture; a copy of the interview is posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.

Support Group Forming for Male Survivors of Violence

Mondays from 5:30-7pm beginning January 30
This support group is led by two male counselors, and is free, confidential, and open to all men seeking to process the impacts of intimate partner violence. To join, call 989.835.6771 or email McDonald@shelterhousemidland.org.

Shelterhouse is a nonprofit organization committed to providing safety, shelter, advocacy, and counseling to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Free COVID Tests

The US government is again offering free COVID home tests. They also provide an explanation of how to secure additional tests through your insurance.

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 admin@uufcm.org.

Drew’s Contact Information

Please contact Drew via email, phone, or text.
minister@uufcm.org
Phone/text: 440-935-0129
Office Hours:
Tuesdays 10am-noon
Wednesdays 1-3pm and 8-9pm

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2022-2023
President: Stacey Pattison (989.330.1832; staceyp555@gmail.com)
Past-President: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; normabailey.uufcm@gmail.com)
President Elect: Cynthia Damer (989.506.5750; ckdamer@gmail.com)
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; tlrobbie1@gmail.com)
Secretary: Elaine Emerick (989.621.6063; ebundy84@gmail.com)
Trustee: Victoria Sladek (989.506.7039; victoriasladek@gmail.com)
Trustee: Debbie Reid (989.854.9830; debbiereiduufcm@gmail.com)
Trustee: Penny Swart (989.330.3587; ps.unicm@gmail.com)

Team and Committee Leaders

Adult Religious Education Team - Jodi Fisher
Building, Grounds & Safety Team - Norma Bailey
Communications Coordinating Team - Debbie Reid
Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Gisela Moffit
Membership - Laura McBride
Arms Around - Gisela Moffit
Welcome & Hospitality - Gisela Moffit
Social Fun - Jen Prout
Social Justice Coordinating Team - Norma Bailey
Worship Team - Drew Frantz
Youth Religious Education (RE) Team - Cynthia Damer
Anti-Racism Task Force - Norma Bailey
Coronavirus Task Force - Drew Frantz

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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