The radicalism of authentic covenantal hope is necessary
…if we are to fulfill the promise of our heritage:
the promise of covenantal, democratic community
in right relation with others and with the creation.
~ John Buehrens
In Worship
This post-election Sunday, November 13, our minster will share a message titled “Restoring Heartwood” – so please pull yourself out from under that blanket of despair and let us join in community together to love up each other and re-kindle our faith and resolve!
“Hope is key to every covenant. As I have told my congregation, which takes pride in being non-creedal, our forebears were wise in putting aside creedal questions, [like] “What do we all believe in common? What ancient formulae of faith are we willing to confess together?” in favor of the more covenantal questions: What spiritual hopes do we share? What shall we promise to one another...as we try to live together toward our hopes? How shall we then try to treat one another?” But I sometimes worry that in taking pride in their non-creedal freedom they can easily forget the deep responsibility that their freedom – if it is truly covenantal freedom – necessarily entails.” ~ John A. Buehrens
And…if you happened to miss our service this past Sunday, you will find the text version of the sermon on our website sermon archive page.
Upcoming Services
November 20: “Is There Room at This Table?”
A special multigenerational service to be followed by our annual Harvest Feast celebration.
This service will introduce the Guest at Your Table UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) social justice initiative for 2016 title “Defying Hate,” “based on the recent release of the Ken Burns documentary about UUSC founders Martha and Waitstill Sharp, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War (on PBS). The Sharps defied hate by helping Jews and dissidents escape Nazi Germany using brave, creative methods, many of which could have caused them to be imprisoned, tortured, or worse. Learn more about the Sharps and UUSC’s beginnings.
UUSC is proud to carry forward the Sharps’ legacy by continuing to defy hate and protect the lives and rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized groups, both here in the United States and throughout the world.” (info from UUSC website)
Memorial Service for Danielle Riley - This Sunday
A memorial service to remember and celebrate the life of Danielle Riley will be held this Sunday, November 13 at 1:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Danielle passed away on June 28 at the tender age of 20. Danielle was part of our fellowship, RE program and CUUPs group starting in fall of 2014 – it didn’t take long for her light to shine on all of us. Her presence here is missed deeply. It is time for us to gather to mourn her absence in body and to celebrate the gift of her life. All are invited.
Support CMU Public Radio and UUFCM!
Please considering donating to CMU Public Radio and doing it now, in the fall, as we pool our donations and “buy” some air time. We usually gather about $1500 and get 2 spots/week for most of the year. Checks can be made out to CMU Public Radio and given (or mailed) to Mary Alsager (989-773-2595) - she will be collecting through this Sunday, November 13. Thank you for considering supporting public radio and giving us an advertising voice.
Water for Life Presentation
All are invited to attend – and bring interested friends – to a presentation about water issues in Michigan on Thursday, November 17, at 7:00 pm at the UU Center. The program, which UUFCM is co-sponsoring, will be presented by the Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation led by Karen Turnbull and will provide us with means by which we can work to preserve Michigan’s fresh water resources. See the flyer.
Annual Harvest Feast - November 20
We will celebrate our annual Harvest Feast tradition on Sunday, November 20 following the worship service. Our youth will be presenting a musical program during the feast as well as collecting our annual donations to the UUSC Guest at Your Table Program, so please come prepared to generously participate in this ritual of giving as well as receiving the blessings of wonderful food and fellowship.
Harvest Feast Logistics:
We could use several food items to round out our selections if you have not had an opportunity to sign up yet. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall again this Sunday. Please call or text Laura McBride with your contributions or to get ideas of food categories needed (989-772- 5512 or [email protected]).
Remember that hot foods must come hot and in foil pans - we have extra pans at the fellowship if you would like to pick one up on Saturday. Please bring your food to the Library Annex before the service or ask one of our able-bodied youth to bring it over. We have cards to label items.
Additionally, we need photographers who could share images of our celebration to use on our website – Thank you!
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the UUFCM will hold a vigil of prayer and remembrance on Sunday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Our minister will facilitate this gathering. For more information about this annual observance, visit this website.
“The Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”;
~ Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith
CAMFED 2016
Last year the Board approved the adoption of CAMFED, an organization committed to helping communities around the world provide education for young women. The program is community-based, with funds provided by CAMFED. They provide a newsletter to sponsors, which keeps us up to date on their activities.
Last year we contributed over $400 to CAMFED – let’s try to do the same this year! Donations should be submitted by November 20, by writing a check to UUFCM with a notation that the money is for CAMFED.
Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) News
The dates for our partnering with St. John's for the Restoration House are the weeks of January 2, March 5, and April 2. A sign up list for volunteers will be sent out after Thanksgiving. The shelter program started this past Sunday and we are again hosting the Welcome/Intake center. If you are interested in volunteering for the Intake Center, or for helping out with other churches, please contact Joyce Henricks (989-773-4709 or [email protected]).
UUFCM Special Business Meeting - December 4
UUFCM members, please put Sunday, December 4th on your calendars! There will be a special business meeting to learn the recommendation by the board to enroll in the UU Common Endowment Fund. Your voice and vote are needed.
Christmas Outreach - Children's Books
UUFCM is again collecting new or like-new children's books which will be distributed at Christmas Outreach on December 9th and 10th. We especially need books for sixth grade through high school. There will be a box for books in the Fellowship Hall. Financial donations are welcome as well - checks should be made out to Christmas Outreach. Beth Macleod will be collecting both books and checks.
Save the Date!
Saturday, January 28, 2017 9-4 p.m. UUFCM All-Congregation Retreat! Details to be available soon…
Help Needed! Got Skills? Keep Reading…
Looking for a way to contribute to our congregation? We have a building manager position that is shared with Terrie Robbie that needs to be filled. This is an important volunteer position for our fellowship as it pertains to maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful building and grounds. We have a handyman who handles those jobs beyond our skills, so don't worry about that! If you have extra time and some basic skills to share, please contact Laura McBride (989.772.5512 or [email protected]) to learn more information and/or plan an orientation to the shared role. Please see the attached description of the position.
A Little Help - Pretty Please!
We still need baby holders for this upcoming year! If you would like to help out, please let Anna VanArsdaleHoot know what Sunday of the month you are available for holding any babies that come to church. You can contact her at [email protected].
This post-election Sunday, November 13, our minster will share a message titled “Restoring Heartwood” – so please pull yourself out from under that blanket of despair and let us join in community together to love up each other and re-kindle our faith and resolve!
“Hope is key to every covenant. As I have told my congregation, which takes pride in being non-creedal, our forebears were wise in putting aside creedal questions, [like] “What do we all believe in common? What ancient formulae of faith are we willing to confess together?” in favor of the more covenantal questions: What spiritual hopes do we share? What shall we promise to one another...as we try to live together toward our hopes? How shall we then try to treat one another?” But I sometimes worry that in taking pride in their non-creedal freedom they can easily forget the deep responsibility that their freedom – if it is truly covenantal freedom – necessarily entails.” ~ John A. Buehrens
And…if you happened to miss our service this past Sunday, you will find the text version of the sermon on our website sermon archive page.
Upcoming Services
November 20: “Is There Room at This Table?”
A special multigenerational service to be followed by our annual Harvest Feast celebration.
This service will introduce the Guest at Your Table UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) social justice initiative for 2016 title “Defying Hate,” “based on the recent release of the Ken Burns documentary about UUSC founders Martha and Waitstill Sharp, Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War (on PBS). The Sharps defied hate by helping Jews and dissidents escape Nazi Germany using brave, creative methods, many of which could have caused them to be imprisoned, tortured, or worse. Learn more about the Sharps and UUSC’s beginnings.
UUSC is proud to carry forward the Sharps’ legacy by continuing to defy hate and protect the lives and rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and other marginalized groups, both here in the United States and throughout the world.” (info from UUSC website)
Memorial Service for Danielle Riley - This Sunday
A memorial service to remember and celebrate the life of Danielle Riley will be held this Sunday, November 13 at 1:00 p.m. in our sanctuary. Danielle passed away on June 28 at the tender age of 20. Danielle was part of our fellowship, RE program and CUUPs group starting in fall of 2014 – it didn’t take long for her light to shine on all of us. Her presence here is missed deeply. It is time for us to gather to mourn her absence in body and to celebrate the gift of her life. All are invited.
Support CMU Public Radio and UUFCM!
Please considering donating to CMU Public Radio and doing it now, in the fall, as we pool our donations and “buy” some air time. We usually gather about $1500 and get 2 spots/week for most of the year. Checks can be made out to CMU Public Radio and given (or mailed) to Mary Alsager (989-773-2595) - she will be collecting through this Sunday, November 13. Thank you for considering supporting public radio and giving us an advertising voice.
Water for Life Presentation
All are invited to attend – and bring interested friends – to a presentation about water issues in Michigan on Thursday, November 17, at 7:00 pm at the UU Center. The program, which UUFCM is co-sponsoring, will be presented by the Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation led by Karen Turnbull and will provide us with means by which we can work to preserve Michigan’s fresh water resources. See the flyer.
Annual Harvest Feast - November 20
We will celebrate our annual Harvest Feast tradition on Sunday, November 20 following the worship service. Our youth will be presenting a musical program during the feast as well as collecting our annual donations to the UUSC Guest at Your Table Program, so please come prepared to generously participate in this ritual of giving as well as receiving the blessings of wonderful food and fellowship.
Harvest Feast Logistics:
We could use several food items to round out our selections if you have not had an opportunity to sign up yet. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall again this Sunday. Please call or text Laura McBride with your contributions or to get ideas of food categories needed (989-772- 5512 or [email protected]).
Remember that hot foods must come hot and in foil pans - we have extra pans at the fellowship if you would like to pick one up on Saturday. Please bring your food to the Library Annex before the service or ask one of our able-bodied youth to bring it over. We have cards to label items.
Additionally, we need photographers who could share images of our celebration to use on our website – Thank you!
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, the UUFCM will hold a vigil of prayer and remembrance on Sunday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Our minister will facilitate this gathering. For more information about this annual observance, visit this website.
“The Transgender Day of Remembrance seeks to highlight the losses we face due to anti-transgender bigotry and violence. I am no stranger to the need to fight for our rights, and the right to simply exist is first and foremost. With so many seeking to erase transgender people -- sometimes in the most brutal ways possible -- it is vitally important that those we lose are remembered, and that we continue to fight for justice.”;
~ Transgender Day of Remembrance founder Gwendolyn Ann Smith
CAMFED 2016
Last year the Board approved the adoption of CAMFED, an organization committed to helping communities around the world provide education for young women. The program is community-based, with funds provided by CAMFED. They provide a newsletter to sponsors, which keeps us up to date on their activities.
Last year we contributed over $400 to CAMFED – let’s try to do the same this year! Donations should be submitted by November 20, by writing a check to UUFCM with a notation that the money is for CAMFED.
Isabella County Restoration House (ICRH) News
The dates for our partnering with St. John's for the Restoration House are the weeks of January 2, March 5, and April 2. A sign up list for volunteers will be sent out after Thanksgiving. The shelter program started this past Sunday and we are again hosting the Welcome/Intake center. If you are interested in volunteering for the Intake Center, or for helping out with other churches, please contact Joyce Henricks (989-773-4709 or [email protected]).
UUFCM Special Business Meeting - December 4
UUFCM members, please put Sunday, December 4th on your calendars! There will be a special business meeting to learn the recommendation by the board to enroll in the UU Common Endowment Fund. Your voice and vote are needed.
Christmas Outreach - Children's Books
UUFCM is again collecting new or like-new children's books which will be distributed at Christmas Outreach on December 9th and 10th. We especially need books for sixth grade through high school. There will be a box for books in the Fellowship Hall. Financial donations are welcome as well - checks should be made out to Christmas Outreach. Beth Macleod will be collecting both books and checks.
Save the Date!
Saturday, January 28, 2017 9-4 p.m. UUFCM All-Congregation Retreat! Details to be available soon…
Help Needed! Got Skills? Keep Reading…
Looking for a way to contribute to our congregation? We have a building manager position that is shared with Terrie Robbie that needs to be filled. This is an important volunteer position for our fellowship as it pertains to maintenance and upkeep of our beautiful building and grounds. We have a handyman who handles those jobs beyond our skills, so don't worry about that! If you have extra time and some basic skills to share, please contact Laura McBride (989.772.5512 or [email protected]) to learn more information and/or plan an orientation to the shared role. Please see the attached description of the position.
A Little Help - Pretty Please!
We still need baby holders for this upcoming year! If you would like to help out, please let Anna VanArsdaleHoot know what Sunday of the month you are available for holding any babies that come to church. You can contact her at [email protected].
| • • • Community News • • • Native American Heritage Month at CMU Events throughout the month of November. For complete information, download the flyer. |  |
Despair and hope are inseparable. One can never understand what hope is really about
unless one wrestles with despair. The same is true with faith. There has to be some
serious doubt, otherwise faith becomes merely a dogmatic formula, an orthodoxy, a way
of evading the complexity of life, rather than a way of engaging honestly with life.
~ Cornel West
Got News?
The deadline for submissions to the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly e-News is
Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Please send all submissions to [email protected].
UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2016-2017
President: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Past-President: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
President Elect: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected] )
Treasurer: Chris Bailey (989.775.8257; [email protected])
Co-Treasurer: Ricky Courlander (989.772.4457; [email protected])
Secretary: Vicki Chessin (989.560.4614; [email protected])
Trustee: Scott Daigle (989.506.5750; [email protected])
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; [email protected])
Trustee: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; [email protected])
The deadline for submissions to the Order of Service Insert and the UUFCM weekly e-News is
Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Please send all submissions to [email protected].
UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2016-2017
President: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
Past-President: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected])
President Elect: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected] )
Treasurer: Chris Bailey (989.775.8257; [email protected])
Co-Treasurer: Ricky Courlander (989.772.4457; [email protected])
Secretary: Vicki Chessin (989.560.4614; [email protected])
Trustee: Scott Daigle (989.506.5750; [email protected])
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; [email protected])
Trustee: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; [email protected])
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