eNews January 29, 2026

Keep up with what's happening at UUFCM!

View this email in your browser eNews for Thursday, January 29, 2026 Worship Matters We will gather online via Zoom and in person this Sunday, February 1, to worship with Laura McBride on “Resiliency Practices" by Rev. Dr. Sandra Fees. The Zoom call starts at 10:00am for social time, and the service starts at 10:30am.     “The great theologian Howard Thurman says, “[Resilience] is to watch a gathering darkness until all light is swallowed up completely without the power to interfere or bring a halt. Then in that darkness, to continue one’s journey with one’s footsteps guided by the illumination of remembered radiance.” Resilience has to do with staying the course in the midst of pain guided by a “remembered radiance.” It has to do with remembering what was good and beautiful, and holding that memory in the heart while moving forward into the future…”   Zoom Invitation for Sunday Service: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 402489218 One tap mobile +16468769923,,402489218# Phone - audio only +1 646 876 9923 Upcoming Services   February 1: Resiliency Practices   In Case You Missed It... Many past sermons are available on our website under Sermon Videos and Archives.  In order to access any services 2024 on, go to the website and click on Worship, then Sunday Services.  Minister’s Column: "Albuquerque Alleluia"  As I write this, I am at the Institute for the Learning Ministry, a conference for UU faith leaders (ministers, religious education professionals or music directors) held once every three to four years. Travelling here yesterday, I met Rachel at the airport in Grand Rapids—she’s the minister of People’s Church in Kalamazoo; connecting in Denver we joined several more colleagues on the last leg of the journey to Albuquerque. Hundreds of us gathered last night, with more arriving today; many of my colleagues are from Minneapolis and many more were there for the massive and successful resistance actions just a few days ago. At the worship service this morning the song leader said that in the Christian tradition, there is a special word that signifies the good news contained in the gospel: Alleluia. And that we in Unitarian Universalism have our own good news to proclaim: that all are loved and holy, with inherent worth and dignity that no one can take away; and that we have the power—collectively--to create more love, kindness and justice in this world. He then taught us his version of Alleluia. As he continued to speak, he would periodically stop and we all would sing Alleluia as a refrain. More... Upcoming Events Most meetings and events are hybrid (in-person/Zoom). Please contact the event or meeting leader if you are not sure. Event and meeting details and links can be found on the UUFCM Calendar. A Joyful Noise Choir Rehearsal - Wednesdays at 7:00pm Central Michigan Sangha - Tuesdays at 6:45pm Crafty U - 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am First Friday Potluck - First Fridays at 6:30pm  Sleepy Time Yoga - 3rd Sundays at 6:30pm  Game Night - 3rd Mondays at 7pm  Movie Night - 4th Saturdays at 7pm  Readers Theater - 2nd Tuesdays at 7pm Returning April 14 UU Discussion Group - Wednesdays at 10am UUFCM Men’s Group - 1st Mondays at 7pm on Zoom Welcome to UU Orientation - last Sunday of the month at 12:00pm unless otherwise indicated  All members and friends are welcome to attend our UUFCM Board meeting as well as the various team meetings that occur monthly. If you are interested in attending any specific team meeting, please contact the team leader for information. Team Meetings Building Team Meeting: Monday February 2 at 5:30pm Fellowship News Celebration of Life for Tom Moffit The Celebration of Life for Tom Moffit will be held Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 am at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 320 S. Bradley in Mt. Pleasant.   Visitation at 10:00am and luncheon at 12:00pm. Here is the link to his obituary. https://www.clarkfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/Thompson-Carson-Moffit?obId=46956154 A Path to Membership - This Saturday!   A Path to Membership class will be held on Saturday, January 31st from 1-4pm. Please contact Laura for further information. Her info is: 989.772.5512 or [email protected].  Infant Pantry - Sunday, February 1 Donations for the Infant Pantry are collected on the first Sunday of each month. You can donate online to the Monthly Donations for Infant Pantry on our website, or checks can be sent to our treasurer made out to UUFCM with Infant Pantry in the memo.  Thank you in advance for your generosity. CUUPs Imbolc Ritual - Sunday, February 1 Imbolc is a Celtic pagan festival celebrated around February 1st, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox, symbolizing the first stirrings of spring, rebirth, and purification. We will hold the ritual promptly at 6pm.          Annette Pratt          George Lentz          David Allan          Katie Zapoluch          Lonna Bear          Kris Los          Laura McBride          Glenn Lewandos For the year to come, we wish them much joy, good health for body and mind, and new (ad)ventures. May it be so. Any changes in your life? We are in the process of updating our Directory which will be printed in early February.  It is very important that you let us know if there are any changes you need to make so that we are current. Have you moved, gotten a new phone number, changed your email address, changed your name or had a baby?  Please check the online Directory to see if your current entry is ok or needs to be updated. If you don't remember the password, contact Gisela ([email protected]).  Deadline: Extended to Saturday, January 31st.  Thank you! Care Request Form for UUFCM Community The UUFCM Caring Team supports members and friends of the congregation in practical ways such as offering rides to medical appointments, meals for those temporarily unable to cook for themselves, and help with moving. Our ability to help, of course, is limited to the capacity of our volunteers. To facilitate delivery of these helping services, you are invited to fill out this online form on behalf of yourself or others if you want to request such assistance. Cynthia Damer coordinates this effort; others members of the Caring Team are Phoenix Thompson, Lou Ann Ashley, Laura McBride, Victoria Sladek, and Rev. Drew Frantz. Click HERE. Actions You Can Take Today!    Sign up for our Social Justice Interest Survey if you haven’t already – to receive alerts about petitions to sign, members of Congress to call or email, both federal and state.   Sign up for Dial for Democracy. Receive email alerts when it's time to call your lawmakers on legislation or decisions that impact Michigan's democracy. See Community News for how to join.  Put these people into your phone contacts and make at least one phone call or text every day.  They keep track of how many calls/messages they receive.  Senator Gary Peters (202-224-6221) Senator Elissa Slotkin (202-224-4822) US House Representative John Moolenaar (202-225-3561) Michigan Senator Roger Hauck (517-373-1760) Michigan State House Representative Jerry Neyer (517-373-2646) Stay Informed for UUFCM Cancellations   When we decide to cancel or postpone a UUFCM event due to weather--as we did due to last Sunday's snowstorm--we use a cell phone app called Remind to make these announcements. In the case of Sunday morning worship, we make our decision by 8:30 am.  Downloading the Remind app to your phone and signing up just takes a few minutes. Stay informed and prepared this winter! View our full cancellation policy along with instructions for signing up on the Remind app here. Although the Remind app is the best way to stay informed, we also try to send an email and post an announcement on the website and social media. Interested in Serving on the Board of Trustees?   There are four positions open on the Board of Trustees for the upcoming 2026-2027 UUFCM year.  If you are interested in serving, please contact Board President Norma Bailey ([email protected] or 989-560-3952) or Nominating Chair Guy Newland ([email protected] or 989-944-0534).                     President-elect – two-year term        Treasurer – two-year term        Two-Year Trustee         One-Year Trustee Community Justice Party on February 21   You are all invited to our fifth bi-annual Community Justice Party on Saturday, February 21, 7-9 pm.  There will be a program in the sanctuary of music, skits, poetry, and a “Guess the Activist” contest highlighting several social justice issues, and then we will meet in the Fellowship Hall for light refreshments and a rousing cake walk!  $5 suggested donation with donations going to Indivisible Central Michigan.  Children are free but let Norma Bailey know (989-560-3952 or [email protected]) so childcare can be provided. This was a highlight event in 2024, so be sure to have it on your calendar!  Bring family and friends! Community News Film Screening and Discussion - Friday January 30th Join Voters Not Politician's "Dial for Democracy" List!  Activists across the political spectrum can all agree that picking up the phone and calling your elected officials is the most effective way to make your voice heard. In fact, many elected officials and their staff members have stated that a phone call from a constituent holds more weight than an email, tweet, or a fax. By joining VNP's "Dial for Democracy" list, you will receive exclusive alerts when it's time to call your lawmakers on legislation or decisions that impact Michigan's democracy. These alerts will contain info and tips to help you have an easy and productive call to your local lawmaker! If you aren't receiving exclusive Dial for Democracy alerts yet, sign up here. You'll receive alerts when critical legislation is introduced along with your state legislators' contact information and a script to use during your call.  Indivisible Protests Continue! Indivisible Central Michigan plans on continuing their weekly Saturday protests at the usual location (corner of Mission and Broadway). The time is 11:00-1:00.  In case of extreme weather, a cancellation email will be sent out by 10:00.  Email [email protected] to get on the email list. Facts on Petitions 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. 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 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 [email protected]. Drew’s Contact Information Please contact Drew via email, phone, or text. [email protected]  Phone/text: 440-935-0129​ Office Hours    Tuesdays 10am-noon   Wednesdays 1-3pm and 8-9pm   UUFCM Board of Trustees for 2025-2026 President: Norma Bailey (989.560.3952; [email protected]) President-Elect: Guy Newland (989.944.0534; newla1g[email protected]) Treasurer: David Allan (989.941.7349; [email protected]) Secretary: Jennifer Davis (989.280.7010; [email protected]) Trustee: Annette Pratt (989.400.0173; [email protected]) Trustee: Jennifer Prout (989.400.3130; [email protected]) Trustee:  Matt Collins (616-617-2274; colli2mr@gmail.com) Team and Committee Leaders Adult Religious Education Team - Joyce Henricks Building, Grounds & Safety Team - Norma Bailey Caring Team - Laura McBride Communications Coordinating Team Annie Peters  Fellowship Life Coordinating Team - Laura McBride   Membership - Laura McBride   Welcome & Hospitality - Gisela Moffit   Social Fun - Jen Prout Social Justice Coordinating Team - Norma Bailey Worship Team - Drew Frantz Youth Religious Education (RE) Team - Norma Bailey We are a religious community guided by love, transforming our lives and our world. 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