Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the
day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Our worship theme for the month of October asks what does it mean to be a people of courage? “Courage is not just available to warriors and heroes. Courage has been tucked into every one of us, if we but learn to tap it. Can we take down our defenses and walk out into the world with only a hat to cover our hearts? Vulnerable and exposed, we are invited to step over the lines of fear we have drawn around us, to expand our boundaries ever outward to that place where we might truly and tenderly meet one another.” ~ Karen Hering, Consulting Literary Minister for Unity Church-Unitarian, St. Paul, Minnesota. Read more about our October theme here.
In worship this Sunday, October 1 we will kick-off our exploration of courage with a message titled “Courage Is a Heart Word.” Our gathering for worship is the very heartbeat of this congregation – please plan to attend!
“Our word ‘courage’; comes from the French word coeur, ‘heart’. Courage is a willingness to act from the heart, to let your heart lead the way, not knowing what will be required of you next, and if you can do it.”
~ Jean Shinoda Bolen
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 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”
…But I’m Not Racist! Tools for Well-Meaning Whites
Follow this link to a wonderful resource our aspirationally intrepid minister forgot to share in worship on Sunday. And if you missed the September 24 service on “Learning to Welcome Conversations about Race,” you may find the service in its near-entirety here.
And in case there is confusion or concern – our Black Lives Matter banner was removed from the front of our building on Sunday following the service not as a rebuttal of our minister’s message, but simply in preparation for an upcoming facility rental (a wedding).
Infant Pantry Collection - This Sunday
Donations for the Infant Pantry are collected on the first Sunday of each month. Most needed items are things for baby care - diapers (especially sizes 5 and 6), creams, shampoos, lotions, and baby food in jars. Formula is not needed a this time. If you want to donate money, then the check should be made out to CCN (Community Compassionate Network) with memo “Infant Pantry.” Please contact Tom Moffit ([email protected] or 772-1602) with any questions.
Calendar Updates
Sewing Circle and UU Men's Group Game Night are cancelled for this Monday, October 2.
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 (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: this 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 - Friday, October 6
Join us for our October First Friday communal nosh! Jen Prout is hosting, and the theme is Food for Fall.
We will also be celebrating the October birthdays of Joyce Henricks, Michelle Gawne, and Chris Bailey.
The potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. - helping hands are welcome at 6:15 p.m. to assist with set-up preparations.
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: November 3, December 1, January 5, February and March 2, April 6, and May 4.
If you enjoy the potlucks, please consider hosting - it is fun and easy!
Path to Membership Workshop - 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14
This workshop is designed for those who are ready to make the membership commitment to UUFCM. In this interactive session we explore the deeper meanings and expectations of membership and shared ministry; it is a three-hour session, depending on the size of the group.
Childcare can be made available, if needed. Advance registration for this workshop is required – please contact either Laura McBride (989.772.5512; [email protected]) or Gisela Moffit (989.772.1602 or [email protected]) by Sunday, October 8, to reserve your place in the workshop!
Invitation to Community Justice Party
You are all invited to our second bi-annual Community Justice Party on Saturday, October 21 from 7-9 pm. There will be a program in the sanctuary of music, skits, poetry, and activities highlighting several social justice issues, and then we will meet in the fellowship hall for light refreshments and a rousing cake walk (cake walk tickets 25 cents each, so bring lots of quarters)! The suggested donation for adults is $5.00 (although more will gratefully be accepted for MUUSJN), and children are free (with child care provided for in the nursery if you will let Norma Bailey know that it is needed by Sunday, October 15). This was a highlight event two years ago, so be sure to have it on your calendar!
On Social Hall Use - Please Pay Attention People!
Please remember that if you use the social hall as a member of any group, it is important to fill out the building use sheet found on the green cart, assuring that the building will be left clean and safe. We had a recent situation where the refrigerator was left open, causing the need to throw away good food; we’ve had situations where the floor was left unswept (ants), where a hot water pot was left plugged in, and where the building was left unlocked. Please make sure that your group leaves our church home safe and clean. Thanks.
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].
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.
Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.
~ Frederick Buechner
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)
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])