eNews for Thursday, June 4

6/4/2020

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eNews for Thursday, June 4

Garden Update

With our beans and potato plants popping out of the ground, our RE Garden is looking great! We are also so happy to see our spots for the Garden Care filling up; if your family would like to sign up to water/weed our garden on a Sunday, please visit this Google Drive link and add your name: Garden Care Sign-Up. If you're having trouble accessing the document, you can download this updated file for the gardening details and email Kendra at re.uufcm@gmail.com as an alternative means of signing up. :)

Worship Matters

We will gather online via Zoom this Sunday, June 7 to worship together with our minister Andrew Frantz, who will present “Compassion Begins Within.” The Zoom call starts at 10am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.

“What does compassion look like in action? What does compassion look like in this moment of global pandemic? If we consider compassion as an awakening to others and their humanity, the only path to this awakening is through knowing ourselves first: acknowledging our own feelings and loving ourselves through them.”

Zoom Invitation for Sunday, June 7
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 402489218

One tap mobile
+16468769923,,402489218#

Phone - audio only
+1 646 876 9923

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 - Summer Worship Series

June 14: “What’s changed?” and “What brings joy?”
June 21: “What will be the new normal?”
June 28: “UU General Assembly Worship Service”

Minister's Column

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

No In-Person Worship for Six Months

The UUFCM board has voted that worship services continue to be online only for the next six months (June through November). This decision is informed by the recommendations from the UUA. Their work is comprehensive and worth looking at. They recommend shutting down worship for the next 11 months, and we have decided to go with 6 months, re-evaluating in November.

The main reasons behind this decision are, first, that worship (unlike shopping for groceries) is not essential. Since there is risk of infection even with masks and social distancing, the risk outweighs the benefit. Second, gathering for worship is an inherently high-risk event, with a group of people in an indoor space for more than an hour. Third, a partial re-opening of worship would tend to include some people and exclude others–so the decision to put off worship for a longer time is more inclusive. We want to re-open when everyone can be here safely. Finally, deciding to close worship for six months lets us move on with planning. This is the new normal; this is how we gather our congregation now. Since we know we are doing this for the long haul, we can focus on doing it even better: more love, more justice, and more inclusion in our online space.

Upcoming Events - with Zoom Links

Click the link to join a meeting!

- Sunday worship
*Please, no one else allowed in the sanctuary during online worship.
- UU discussion group - Wednesdays at 10am
- Check-In Circle with Drew - Wednesdays at 4pm
- Coffee with Candi - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 5:30pm.
Contact Candi for information.
- Game Night - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Choir Music Night - Wednesdays at 7pm
- Lament and Call to Action - Thursday, June 4 at 7pm
- Women’s Circle - 2nd (informal) and 4th (formal) Thursdays at 7pm
- Coffee House Open Mic - First Fridays at 7pm
- All committee/team meetings

Meeting links can also be found on the UUFCM Calendar.

Service of Lament and Call to Action - Thursday, June 4

This evening, instead of the planned Soulful Sundown service, we will have a special Service of Lament and Call to Action at 7:00:

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 957 8543 1207

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,95785431207#

Audio only
+1 301 715 8592

All are welcome at this service of songs, reflections, and personal sharing as we grapple with the racial injustice so pervasive in our society, brought to light by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We will create a safe and brave space for witnessing truth, for grief and anger, for bold hope and action, and for comfort in the company of justice-loving people.

Would You Like to Attend the UU General Assembly
Virtual Conference?

UU General Assembly is the national annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists. This year it takes place June 24-28, entirely online. To encourage members to attend, the board has decided to use leadership funds to pay for the $150 registration fee. The expectation is that participants will share about their experience with the congregation at a later date. For complete information, please contact Carol Rard at cprard@gmail.com or 989-561-2969 no later than Sunday, June 14.

Coffee House Open Mic Music & Poetry - June 5

Bring your favorite beverage and join us for a virtual coffee house on the first Friday of the month at 7pm. We will follow an open mic format: anyone can share some music or poetry. Aim for 5 minutes for your song or poem. Signing up ahead of time is encouraged: contact Drew at minister.uufcm.org or 440-935-0129. Get ready for a groovy time!

Infant Pantry Collection - June 7

We collect donations for the Infant Pantry on the first Sunday of each month. Though the Pantry is currently closed, you can make an online donation on our website. You can also make a check out to CCN (Community Compassion Network) with memo “Infant Pantry,” and send to P.O. Box 237, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48804-0237. Questions? Contact Tom Moffit (989-772-1602; moffi1tc@cmich.edu).

Environmental Issues Team News

Seminar on Climate Change Lobby

On Sunday, June 7 at 1pm, we will be hosting a short seminar to introduce the Citizens’ Climate Change Lobby. It will be hosted by Marie Koper, the group leader for the Mt. Pleasant chapter. She will be speaking about the organization - what it is, what they do, what their goals and ambitions are, volunteer opportunities, etc. She will also be taking any questions you may have. So, please join us for an informative discussion of a wonderful organization doing positive and powerful things to help better the environment and all its needs.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 94136253848

DRE Position Opening Announcement

As many children and families know, this will be Kendra Peffers's final year in the role of Director of Religious Education (DRE) at UUFCM. In preparation for the end of her term in this position (August 31, 2020), we are posting for a replacement to begin in the fall. We want to use this as an opportunity to hear from the members of our congregation to see if there is someone who you believe would be a good fit for this position and to ask for your help in spreading the word. The position's flyer can be viewed here: DRE Flyer. Kendra is also happy to answer any questions related to the position or the RE Program at re.uufcm@gmail.com.

Summer Worship

When Drew is not with us this summer, our worship services will be different, more interactive and intimate, giving us a chance to get to know one another better, similar to what we engaged in last year. After the lighting of the chalice and honoring our joys and concerns, each week, in small random groups, we will engage in discussion of a topic announced in advance – here in the e-News, in service for the following week, and on our website. After the discussion time, the services will close with a song and a closing benediction.

The Summer Series services will occur on:
June 14 & 21, July 19, and August 2 & 9.

There will be two special Sundays, June 28 and July 12, when worship will not be led by our Fellowship. On Sunday, June 28 at 10:00am, we invite everyone to worship with the UU General Assembly in a worship service live-streamed to the public. On Sunday, July 12 at 10:30am, we will participate in an all-Michigan UUs worship service in which 17 UU congregations across Michigan will contribute an element to the service.

RE News

The RE Program continues to provide religious education over Facebook on the group called UUFCM RE Program (Click here to go to the RE Facebook group). Virtual RE lessons are posted every other week to the Facebook group. Our Kids' Coffee Hour is held every Sunday at 11:45 a.m. over Webex for check-ins, games, and themed activities (Click here on Sundays to join the Kids' Coffee Hour).

Birthdays in June

Due to Covid 19, we have not been able to get together on the first Friday for our monthly potlucks. Not only do we miss being together and sharing delicious dishes, but we also can’t sing to our birthday celebrants. That’s equally sad. But we can individually be thinking of them and sending them a message. Here is the list with dates in parentheses: Betty Clason (2), Dave Macleod (8), Roxanne Fleer (17), Carol Rard (22), and Candi Tomlinson (27). Wishing them all good health, peace and love for the year to come!

Americans United for Separation of Church and State Summer Speaker Series

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) is launching a Summer Speaker Series each Tuesday in June at 3pm ET. The series will address the history and politics of church-state separation in the United States. See the course schedule and RSVP for any or all of the webinars.

Are You in Need of Assistance?

At this time of social distancing, it is important that we keep in close contact via technology. Drew has encouraged you to reach out to him if you want to talk to him via email or phone/text (minister@uufcm.org; 440.935.0129). Please do so if you need emotional support or to share your concerns. If you are experiencing financial hardship, the minister's discretionary fund may be able to help. Please contact Drew for more information. Assistance from this fund is strictly confidential.

For those of you who are shut in and can’t get groceries or your meds, let Gisela know (gbmoffit@gmail.com; 989.772.1602). We now have 6 volunteers who are willing to pick up your orders for you. Many thanks in advance to those willing to help out.

• • • Ways to Make a Difference • • •

Need for Food!

The Food Pantry of the Community Compassion Network (CCN) continues to provide food here in Mt. Pleasant for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need is great. Donate online to CCN to help them purchase food.

Where to Donate Your Stimulus Check

If you are a person who really does not have a need for your stimulus check but have received it anyway, here is A Guide to Helping and Getting Help During the Coronavirus Crisis. It lists ways to give, how to get help, and how to help in your community.

Support the US Postal Service

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic and also without current administration support for the US Postal Service, the USPS is in immediate financial trouble. The USPS is a vital component of American society; people depend upon it for medications, paying bills, etc., and it serves everyone in the country. As well, having a fully functioning postal service will be especially crucial as the need for the ability to vote by mail is increased by the pandemic. Find suggestions about how to support the USPS here.

Mass Poor People’s Assembly and
Moral March on Washington – June 20, 2020

The Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington will be held on June 20, 2020. Modeled after the Poor People’s Campaign envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, and currently led by the Reverend Dr. William Barber and the Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis, the digital gathering will demand that both major political parties address the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism by implementing their Moral Agenda. Find further information and sign up here.

Climate Webinars

The Mt. Pleasant Citizens’ Climate Lobby is announcing a series of presentations held as Zoom webinars. Register here. Information for connecting to Zoom will be sent to registrants before each talk. Register for as many or as few talks in the series as you like. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, June 7, 8pm: “Pollution Pricing as a Climate Justice Tool”
Ann Ellingson, Ann Arbor Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

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

Take all that you need; give all that you can!

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 Office Hours and Contact Information

Please contact Drew via email, phone, or text.

minister@uufcm.org
Phone/text:
440-935-0129

UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2019-2020
President: Carol Rard (989.561.2969; president@uufcm.org)
Past-President: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; malsager@yahoo.com)
President Elect: Guy Newland (989.944.0534; newla1gm@cmich.edu)
Treasurer: Terrie Robbie (989.400.2495; tlrobbie1@gmail.com)
Co-Treasurer: Jen Prout (989.400.3130; poutyprouty66@yahoo.com)
Secretary: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; becht1bh@cmich.edu)
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; janis_shinn@yahoo.com)
Trustee: Aaron Jones (989.501.0672; jones3aj@cmich.edu)
Trustee: Daniel Davis (616.540.4759; daniel.davis515@yahoo.com)

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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