We had a wonderful turn-out of 45 members and friends at our annual congregation retreat on Saturday, January 25. We ate a hearty and delicious breakfast provided by our UUFCM Board members (thank you!) and participated in a well-organized and participatory workshop led by our Social Justice Coordinating Team (thank you!). After presentations and lots of discussion, we had a “spend a buck” vote (ask someone what that is!) which determined that as a congregation we will commit to making our congregation’s 2020 social justice efforts be directed to voting rights and environmental issues. We have formed two initial committees to organize and create an action plan for those efforts: Voting Rights – David Wagstaff, Jim Moreno and Melissa Nix – Environmental Issues – Sara Prussing, Deb Allore, Daniel Davis and Matt Cavalieri. Thanks to these people for stepping up and providing leadership! They’ll be meeting soon and then getting out information to the rest of us – how we can participate in these efforts, whether it’s just one time or multiple times, depending upon each of your interests and/or availabilities. When we lift our collective voices and actions, we can change our world!

“Social Justice: Where Do We Go from Here?” At our annual retreat on Saturday, January 25, we will examine where we have been and where we are as a congregation in terms of our social justice efforts and explore where we might want to go. The Social Justice Coordinating Team will present several possible directions for the congregation to consider. Breakfast and social time at 8 a.m., followed by the retreat from 9-noon. Be sure to put this important all-congregation retreat on your calendar!

This workshop is designed for those who feel ready (or even somewhat 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 – may be a shorter timeframe if a small group). Refreshments and childcare will be provided. Please let Laura McBride know one week prior to the class if you need childcare. For more info or to register for a workshop, contact:
Laura McBride at 989.772.5512 or [email protected].

With winter weather upon us, please send Laura McBride your phone number and/or email address so you will receive a notice should a service be cancelled due to inclement weather, or a special event announcement. You may add the Remind App to your smartphone, or once your info is added to the app, you will get an invitation from Remind explaining how to add the app to your phone. If you have questions, contact Laura McBride ([email protected]; 989.772.5512). She is adding names and info as they come in. If you received a notification, please respond to it!