Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.
~ Theodore Roethke
UUFCM Annual Meeting 2017 + Community Luncheon
The presence of all members of the congregation is requested by the Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, which will be held this Sunday, May 21, 2017, immediately following our Flower Communion Service.
According to our bylaws, certain positions must be filled at the annual meeting.
The congregation must also approve the budget for the upcoming church year, which begins on July 1st. A majority of members must be present for business to be conducted, so please plan to attend! Annual Meeting is also a time when we honor the service of our many volunteers.
The Annual Meeting is a special event in the life of a congregation, so to celebrate, we plan to break bread together with a community luncheon immediately following the meeting (see item below for details).
Please plan to attend!
In Worship
Come celebrate this Sunday, May 21, the affirming, uniquely Unitarian Universalist ritual of Flower Communion. Developed by Czech Unitarian minister Norbert Capek who died a martyr at Dachau, the ritual celebrates the unity within our diversity and the intrinsic beauty of each and every soul. Please remember to bring a flower with you to service – preferably a flower you really love – to place in the communal vase in front of the sanctuary. And if you forget a flower don’t worry - we will have extra ones. This service will also include this quarter’s New Member Ingathering ceremony – we will celebrate and welcome of eight new members - Please join us!
Upcoming Services
May 28: “On Mortality…and Memory”
Annual Meeting Potluck!!!
The potluck is salads and desserts of all kinds! Please bring your favorite hot or cold salads, or a dessert to share! Keep hot dishes wrapped in towels as we have limited outlets, and a small oven. Contact Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected]) if you would like to bring iced tea or lemonade. We will eat immediately following the meeting. Please consider gluten free, vegetarian and vegans, if possible! It will be a celebration!
MPHS Senior Project – Syrian Refugee Crisis
Sela Damer-Daigle has submitted the following message for our consideration and support:
At MPHS every senior participates in a senior project they create that benefits a community. For Isra Hamdi's and my senior project we wanted to spread awareness about the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Syrian Civil war. To do this, we made a video and started a CrowdRise fundraiser. All the money we raise will go directly to the International Rescue Committee. Their mission is to help people whose lives are shattered by conflict and disaster and gain control of their future. Please help the refugees by donating & share our video to spread awareness about this situation!
CrowdRise
YouTube Video
Open Conversations: White Supremacy Teach-Ins
(a message from our UUA Mid-America Region leadership)
This spring there has been a call out from BLUU (Black Lives Unitarian Universalists) to UU congregations to participate in White Supremacy Teach-Ins. We in Mid-America would love to hear how that has been for you all, what your questions are, what your next steps might be, and where you want to go next. Congregational Life Consultants Nancy Combs-Morgan and Lisa Presley will host hour-long conversations and listening sessions to hear about your experience and dreams going forward.
There will be two opportunities, one designed for religious professionals and the other that will be open to anyone who wishes to attend, including religious professionals.
No need to register: simply log on to the call you wish to attend. These will be held via the Zoom platform, so you can attend through your computer or tablet (supported platforms are PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android), or simply by calling in.
For Religious Professionals: Join us on Friday, May 26th, at 2:00 pm EDT
Open to any UU: Join us on Tuesday, May 30th, 7:30 pm EDT
Log in information for either call:
Online: https://zoom.us/j/9884534669
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16465588656, 9884534669# or +14086380968, 9884534669#
Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 988 453 4669
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: [email protected] or 312-636-9724.
UUA News
If you haven’t heard already, this past week the UUA moderator, Jim Keys, resigned his position, citing “significant health concerns.” Let us hold Jim and his family in our thoughts and prayers. You can read more about this here.
Scraps Add Up!
Thanks to Terrie Robbie and Norma Bailey for helping to load, haul, and unload 2,222 pounds of donated metals Saturday morning! We earned $192.00 for our leadership training fund!
Marching in the Alma Highland Festival Parade
We are again marching in the Alma Highland Festival Parade on Saturday, May 27 (Memorial Day weekend). While the parade starts at 10:30 and is completed by about 11:30, we would need to be there to line up no later than 10:00 a.m. Our minister (Vicki Chessin’s sub this year) is organizing us and getting our parade banner ready, so please contact her ([email protected]) or Norma Bailey ([email protected]) to join us. We would love to have a large contingent of Mt. Pleasant UUs.
Welcome to UU Class
This class is geared to newcomers, visitors, and those seeking to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this UU fellowship. It is offered every month on the fourth Sunday at 12:15 p.m. Sessions run approximately ninety minutes.
UUFCM Garage Sale Update
Please continue to save anything that we could sell at our garage sale on June 15, 16, and 17 at Norma Bailey’s home. We will also include a plant sale during the event, so think about plants you might be able to donate. Right now we are in need of saw horses, large boards, and tables; please contact Norma (989-560-3952 or
[email protected]) to set up delivery of these items. As soon as her garage is cleaned, we’ll announce when people can bring items over, probably starting with Memorial Day.
RE News
MUUSJN Interfaith Reproductive Justice Conference
June 3-4 in Dearborn
As the war on women heats up in Washington DC and in Lansing, it’s an important time for UU’s expand their knowledge and skills to resist! The Michigan UU Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) invites you to attend a high quality, affordable conference called “Arm Yourself for the Fight for Reproductive Rights” that will be held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1- 4:30 p.m. at the UAW Local 600, 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan.
Speakers will provide updates on the future of Roe v. Wade; the Religious Freedom Restoration Act; the Secret History of Catholics, Choice and Sex and an introduction to new Michigan abortion rights legislation. It will include workshops on how to talk with legislators using religious language, on grass roots organizing and using social media. Register on-line at: www.uujustice.org/conferenceregistration.html or mail a registration form (attached) to Randy Block, MUUSJN Director, at 4220 Arlington Dr., Royal Oak, MI 48073.
Co-sponsors of this conference include: the Public Leadership Institute (national); Catholics for Choice (national); Planned Parenthood of Michigan; National Organization of Women – Michigan; the National Council of Jewish Women; Greater Detroit; the United Church of Christ, Michigan Conference; the Social Justice Network of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan; and Northland Family Planning Center.
Workshop on the Challenging Racism Toolkit
Sunday, June 11, 3-5 pm – A workshop explaining the Challenging Racism Toolkit, a Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) project. The workshop will include an orientation to what's in the toolkit and small group discussions about opportunities for applying the toolkit as individuals, as congregations and in the broader community. More information coming soon.
Proposed Changes to UUFCM Bylaws
Here are the proposed bylaw language changes regarding the endowment fund the congregation supported through a vote last fall. Hard copies are available at church and questions can be directed to Scott Daigle (989.506.5750; [email protected]) and Chris Bailey (989.775.8257; [email protected]). You are welcome to share your questions at the Annual Meeting on May 21st following the service.
The presence of all members of the congregation is requested by the Board of Trustees at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, which will be held this Sunday, May 21, 2017, immediately following our Flower Communion Service.
According to our bylaws, certain positions must be filled at the annual meeting.
The congregation must also approve the budget for the upcoming church year, which begins on July 1st. A majority of members must be present for business to be conducted, so please plan to attend! Annual Meeting is also a time when we honor the service of our many volunteers.
The Annual Meeting is a special event in the life of a congregation, so to celebrate, we plan to break bread together with a community luncheon immediately following the meeting (see item below for details).
Please plan to attend!
In Worship
Come celebrate this Sunday, May 21, the affirming, uniquely Unitarian Universalist ritual of Flower Communion. Developed by Czech Unitarian minister Norbert Capek who died a martyr at Dachau, the ritual celebrates the unity within our diversity and the intrinsic beauty of each and every soul. Please remember to bring a flower with you to service – preferably a flower you really love – to place in the communal vase in front of the sanctuary. And if you forget a flower don’t worry - we will have extra ones. This service will also include this quarter’s New Member Ingathering ceremony – we will celebrate and welcome of eight new members - Please join us!
Upcoming Services
May 28: “On Mortality…and Memory”
Annual Meeting Potluck!!!
The potluck is salads and desserts of all kinds! Please bring your favorite hot or cold salads, or a dessert to share! Keep hot dishes wrapped in towels as we have limited outlets, and a small oven. Contact Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected]) if you would like to bring iced tea or lemonade. We will eat immediately following the meeting. Please consider gluten free, vegetarian and vegans, if possible! It will be a celebration!
MPHS Senior Project – Syrian Refugee Crisis
Sela Damer-Daigle has submitted the following message for our consideration and support:
At MPHS every senior participates in a senior project they create that benefits a community. For Isra Hamdi's and my senior project we wanted to spread awareness about the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Syrian Civil war. To do this, we made a video and started a CrowdRise fundraiser. All the money we raise will go directly to the International Rescue Committee. Their mission is to help people whose lives are shattered by conflict and disaster and gain control of their future. Please help the refugees by donating & share our video to spread awareness about this situation!
CrowdRise
YouTube Video
Open Conversations: White Supremacy Teach-Ins
(a message from our UUA Mid-America Region leadership)
This spring there has been a call out from BLUU (Black Lives Unitarian Universalists) to UU congregations to participate in White Supremacy Teach-Ins. We in Mid-America would love to hear how that has been for you all, what your questions are, what your next steps might be, and where you want to go next. Congregational Life Consultants Nancy Combs-Morgan and Lisa Presley will host hour-long conversations and listening sessions to hear about your experience and dreams going forward.
There will be two opportunities, one designed for religious professionals and the other that will be open to anyone who wishes to attend, including religious professionals.
No need to register: simply log on to the call you wish to attend. These will be held via the Zoom platform, so you can attend through your computer or tablet (supported platforms are PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android), or simply by calling in.
For Religious Professionals: Join us on Friday, May 26th, at 2:00 pm EDT
Open to any UU: Join us on Tuesday, May 30th, 7:30 pm EDT
Log in information for either call:
Online: https://zoom.us/j/9884534669
Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll): +16465588656, 9884534669# or +14086380968, 9884534669#
Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 988 453 4669
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us: [email protected] or 312-636-9724.
UUA News
If you haven’t heard already, this past week the UUA moderator, Jim Keys, resigned his position, citing “significant health concerns.” Let us hold Jim and his family in our thoughts and prayers. You can read more about this here.
Scraps Add Up!
Thanks to Terrie Robbie and Norma Bailey for helping to load, haul, and unload 2,222 pounds of donated metals Saturday morning! We earned $192.00 for our leadership training fund!
Marching in the Alma Highland Festival Parade
We are again marching in the Alma Highland Festival Parade on Saturday, May 27 (Memorial Day weekend). While the parade starts at 10:30 and is completed by about 11:30, we would need to be there to line up no later than 10:00 a.m. Our minister (Vicki Chessin’s sub this year) is organizing us and getting our parade banner ready, so please contact her ([email protected]) or Norma Bailey ([email protected]) to join us. We would love to have a large contingent of Mt. Pleasant UUs.
Welcome to UU Class
This class is geared to newcomers, visitors, and those seeking to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this UU fellowship. It is offered every month on the fourth Sunday at 12:15 p.m. Sessions run approximately ninety minutes.
UUFCM Garage Sale Update
Please continue to save anything that we could sell at our garage sale on June 15, 16, and 17 at Norma Bailey’s home. We will also include a plant sale during the event, so think about plants you might be able to donate. Right now we are in need of saw horses, large boards, and tables; please contact Norma (989-560-3952 or
[email protected]) to set up delivery of these items. As soon as her garage is cleaned, we’ll announce when people can bring items over, probably starting with Memorial Day.
RE News
- We need summer volunteers! During the summer months, the RE curriculum does not run like it does during the school year. Instead, our youth tend to a vegetable garden and help provide fresh food for the Isabella Soup kitchen. Volunteers will not be expected to create activities/provide stories (although they are more than welcome to!), they will be prepared ahead of time. If you wish to sign up email Anna at [email protected] or sign up during coffee hour after service.
- As you are planning your own summer gardens, please consider donating any spare vegetable plants to our youth for our garden. If you have any plants you'd like to donate please contact Anna at
[email protected] or at 517-930-6927 to let her know what you have and/or schedule a time for her to pick them up. - We are revamping our nursery! Please contact Anna if you have any new or gently used items you would like to donate.
MUUSJN Interfaith Reproductive Justice Conference
June 3-4 in Dearborn
As the war on women heats up in Washington DC and in Lansing, it’s an important time for UU’s expand their knowledge and skills to resist! The Michigan UU Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) invites you to attend a high quality, affordable conference called “Arm Yourself for the Fight for Reproductive Rights” that will be held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1- 4:30 p.m. at the UAW Local 600, 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan.
Speakers will provide updates on the future of Roe v. Wade; the Religious Freedom Restoration Act; the Secret History of Catholics, Choice and Sex and an introduction to new Michigan abortion rights legislation. It will include workshops on how to talk with legislators using religious language, on grass roots organizing and using social media. Register on-line at: www.uujustice.org/conferenceregistration.html or mail a registration form (attached) to Randy Block, MUUSJN Director, at 4220 Arlington Dr., Royal Oak, MI 48073.
Co-sponsors of this conference include: the Public Leadership Institute (national); Catholics for Choice (national); Planned Parenthood of Michigan; National Organization of Women – Michigan; the National Council of Jewish Women; Greater Detroit; the United Church of Christ, Michigan Conference; the Social Justice Network of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan; and Northland Family Planning Center.
Workshop on the Challenging Racism Toolkit
Sunday, June 11, 3-5 pm – A workshop explaining the Challenging Racism Toolkit, a Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Network (MUUSJN) project. The workshop will include an orientation to what's in the toolkit and small group discussions about opportunities for applying the toolkit as individuals, as congregations and in the broader community. More information coming soon.
Proposed Changes to UUFCM Bylaws
Here are the proposed bylaw language changes regarding the endowment fund the congregation supported through a vote last fall. Hard copies are available at church and questions can be directed to Scott Daigle (989.506.5750; [email protected]) and Chris Bailey (989.775.8257; [email protected]). You are welcome to share your questions at the Annual Meeting on May 21st following the service.
| Updates on Vicki Chessin Vicki's family has created a website that they’ve asked be shared with you all: https://posthope.org/vicki with the password Alma. |  |
| Yard Signs for Sale If you haven’t yet had a chance to purchase one of these lovely yard signs for $20 that lands a bit of extra cash into our leadership training fund – please see our minister or Annette Pratt after service on Sundays. |  |
The earth laughs in flowers.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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.
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])
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.
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])
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