let us not be scared of the work because
it’s hard
let us move the mountain
because the mountain must move
~ Danez Smith
Our worship theme for the month of September examines the question: What does it mean to be a people of welcome? Our closing installment of this thematic focus this coming Sunday, September 24, will feature a message titled “Learning to Welcome Conversations about Race” - yes, my beloveds – we are going there again. There’s a big yellow banner hanging over our front door that invites others into conversation here…and I ask you - where is our conversation now? What have we learned and what are we doing? Where are we stuck? I encourage you to join us for worship this Sunday as we close our exploration of being a people of welcome and lean into what it means to be a people of courage. ~ your minister
“I wonder if, in our efforts to “be the change we wish to see in the world,” we stop short at our ideal selves: the idea of ourselves we are most comfortable with. I wonder how often I think I’ve already been the change — and I’m waiting idly for the tendencies of the world to catch up…“Change” is a word on wheels. It’s not a destination, but a journey. If I am to “be change,” I must commit to humility and refuse to settle for my own comforting achievements.” ~ DeReau K. Farrar
And if you happen to miss being in worship on any given Sunday, the texts to previous sermon messages
(and some of the readings as well) and can be found in our website sermon archive.
Upcoming Services
October Worship Theme: “What Does It Mean to Be a People of Courage?”
October 1: “Courage Is a Heart Word”
October 8: “The Courage to Resist Cynicism”
October 15: “On Being Co-Conspirators – Not Allies”
October 22: Lay Service – Joyce Henricks on friendship and courage (title to be announced). Service Coordinator: Laura McBride
October 29: “Cultivating a Culture of Risk”
RE News
We had a fun time this past weekend with our RE Kickoff! There were balloons, candle holder decorating, and getting to know one of our new RE teachers. Our two new RE teachers will both be at church this upcoming Sunday, and we are excited to start the Soul Matters Curriculum!
Welcome to UU - This Sunday
This orientation session is geared to newcomers, visitors, and those seeking to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and this UU fellowship. Welcome to UU will be offered every month on the fourth Sunday at 12:15 p.m. Sessions run approximately ninety minutes.
CUUPs Celebrates Mabon - This Sunday
The 2nd of the harvest festivals, Mabon is the second time of the year to specifically commune with nature.
The autumn equinox focuses on the cooler aspects than summer solstice does. The festival is represented by the harvest of corn, along with the other products in your garden that are ready to be harvested.
Covenant of UU Pagans invites 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 and begin our ceremony promptly at 7:00 pm.
Wedding Bells Are Ringing
Vicki Chessin’s daughter Lane Powell and her fiance Noah Klugman are getting married this month! A card and monetary gift will be given to them. If you have interest in participating in this gift-giving for a former teen in our youth RE program, please contact Laura McBride at 989.772.5512 or [email protected].
The card and gift will be delivered by October 4th. Thank you!
Walk with Us!
The UUFCM will be participating in the CROP Hunger Walk again this year. CROP Hunger Walk is not only a way to help end hunger around the world, but 25% of the money raised in the Mount Pleasant community goes toward efforts to end hunger here. The two local beneficiary organizations are the Community Compassion Network Nutrition Club for children and The Storehouse Food Pantry in Weidman. You may choose to walk to raise money or you may choose to give to someone who is walking. There is also an online giving option. The actual walk will take place: Sunday, October 1, at Millpond Park registration beginning at 1 PM. Jim Dealing will have envelopes and more information at Sunday services through September. Call him for more information at 989-772-0269. Let's change lives here and around the world.
First Friday Potluck - Please Help!
We need hosts for upcoming potlucks! If you are willing to host a potluck, please contact Jen Prout (989-400-3130 or [email protected]) or George Lentz (248-346-4039 or [email protected]). Upcoming dates include: October 6, November 3 and December 1. If you enjoy the potlucks, please consider hosting - it is fun and easy!
Please Note
If you have an announcement after the eNews publication on Wednesday and/or need a particular item to be highlighted during the pre-service announcement time, please send it to Gisela at [email protected] no later than Saturday at 5:00 p.m. so it can be included on Sunday morning.
Remind-ers
Please add this app to your smartphone, laptop, or ipad/tablet...REMIND! This is the method we will use to notify you of fellowship service closings and event announcements. You will be getting an invitation from Laura McBride. If you want it sent to an email address versus a cell phone number, let Laura know. Add the app to your technology of choice. Direct questions and requests to Laura McBride at 989.772.5512 or [email protected].
Save the Date for our Community Justice Party
The Social Justice Coordinating Team is announcing the date for this year’s Community Justice Party -Saturday evening, October 21 - put it on your calendar! More information to follow. And if you have a song or reading or anything else that you would like to contribute to the program, contact any member of the Social Justice Coordinating Team: Norma Bailey (989-560-3952; [email protected]), Joyce Henricks (989-400-9743; [email protected]), Jen Prout (989-400-3130; [email protected]) or Katie Zapoluch (989.501.0672).
Attention Veggie Lovers
George Lentz has a garden bursting with produce to share. If you have any interest in driving to his farm and bringing some home, please call him at 248-346-4039. His home is located at 5565 Madison Road south of Shepherd and north of Alma. He would appreciate a call so he can show all the areas of his garden that are ready for picking. Currently he has hot peppers, bell peppers, eggplant, squash, and tomatoes. He doesn't want the produce to go to waste, so please call!
Hispanic Heritage Month
Be sure to check the various events on CMU’s campus for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sue Guevara Featured Speaker
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s “Look Who’s Talking” Women’s Initiative Speaker Series luncheon will take place on Tuesday, October 10, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Comfort Inn Conference Center. Tickets are $45.00 each and can be purchased by calling 989-773-7322. All proceeds will go directly to the Women’s Initiative Fund which benefits Isabella County women and girls in need.
If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
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 2017-2018
President: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected])
Past-President: Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected])
President Elect: Mary Alsager (989.773.2595; [email protected])
Treasurer: Chris Bailey (989.775.8257; [email protected])
Assistant Treasurer: Ricky Courlander (989.772.4457; [email protected])
Secretary: Brigitte Bechtold (989.954.1123; [email protected])
Trustee: Janis Shinn (989.400.3724; [email protected])
Trustee: Joyce Henricks (989.400.9743; [email protected])
Trustee: Ethan Kolek (413.387.7321; [email protected])