UUCGT Flash 
September 7, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 498
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
End Note

Congregational Vision

UU Logo
We are a Congregation creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.
We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought. We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power.
UUCGT Quicklinks
   
Find us on Facebook
_______________________

 
____________________

UUCGT Beacon

If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the Beacon, and would like to, please contact the office .
____________________

Reflection... 

Beloved community,

This Sunday we celebrate a time-honored custom of our community: Resumption Sunday.  Sometimes it is called Homecoming Sunday.  According to the Oracle (Wikipedia), "Homecoming is an annual tradition in the United States.  People, towns, high schools, and colleges come together, usually in late September or early October, to welcome back alumni and former residents.  It is built around a central event, such as a banquet and, most often, a game ..."

For us, what is this "central event"?  It is the confluence of time, place and community - the central event is our being TOGETHER.

We are fortunate to be able to feel at home, in this ingathering, especially when DACA has been rescinded and many of our neighbors feel such fear and uncertainty about this country as their home.  So, let us gather - gather in the strength, joy, peace and power we will need to work together this year for a world, a country, of justice and hospitality.  Enter, rejoice and come in.   Welcome!

In blessing - 

Rabbi Chava

Please note:  Our annual Blessing of the Backpacks is this Sunday!  Please remember to bring your backpacks!

PS:  Because of the Jewish Days of Awe, my schedule is shifted some this month.  Please call ahead or make an appointment - I will be so glad to see you.  My door is open. 

Sunday Service 
Sunday, September 10 - Rabbi Chava Bahle and Amanda Mangiardi
10:30 AM
Service: 
"Homecoming and Resumption Sunday!"
All Congregation Service - Children and Youth please sit with families

Join us for a most cherished UUCGT tradition:  Resumption Sunday! Beloved hymns and inspirational readings to start our new program year off right!  We are a community of seekers.  What are your hopes and dreams for UUCGT?

Children & Youth - Bring your backpacks for Blessing of the Backpacks!
 
Because our September theme is "Our UU Congregation," we are asking congregants to participate in the setting by bringing something that has significance to you, reflects you, or somehow represents you, and to add those items to the setting.  Please be prepared to participate in creating the setting on Sunday, September 10 during the service.  Congregants are also welcome to bring items and place them on the setting either prior to the service or afterwards.  The final setting should be overflowing with items that, taken as a whole, serve to reflect our congregation.

Lifespan Experience  f or Children,
Youth  and Fam ilies!

Sundays in September for preK-8th grade

In September we head off to Hogwarts as we launch our "UU & YOU at Hogwarts" program.  September 10th is Resumption Sunday - all ages will remain in the sanctuary.  The last two Sundays in September will be spent building excitement for our Opening Ceremony (October 1st) here at the UUCGT Campus of Hogwarts.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Suggested readings for families/parents this month include:
  • Ravenclaw Reader:  Seeking the Meaning and Artistry of J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts Saga, Essays from the St. Andrews University Harry Potter Conference  - by John Patrick Pazdziora (Editor), Micah Snell (Editor)
  • Into the Pensieve:  The Philosophy and Mythology of Harry Potter - by Patrick McCauley
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday Night Out ~ September 8, 5:30-9:00pm
Contact Sarah asap to reserve a spot!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Children & Youth
Bring your backpacks on Sunday, September 10!
for Blessing of the Backpacks!


"UU & YOU at Hogwarts!"
Registration is Still Open!
 
We are THRILLED to announce that registration is open for our
Sunday morning curriculum September 2017 - June 2018

Most parents believe that it's important to instill social responsibility in their children, but it can be difficult to find meaningful sources or projects for children to get involved in.  In addition, many social action projects are not relevant to children, and a lack of relation can lead to a lack of engagement. The Harry Potter series of books by J.K. Rowling are an excellent way to immerse children in the idea that one can work to make the world better. Harry Potter, like other pop culture, can allow children to discuss important social issues with peers.

The "Harry and UU" curriculum was originally written by Unitarian Universalist Educator, Karen Hager - creator of the Imagine-RE UU curriculum series, and we are enhancing it to meet our multi-age classroom needs.  This curriculum is a fun way to get children and middle-school youth excited about our UU principles and social justice.  Children pre-k-5th grade are invited to participate as UU Hogwarts students, and middle-school youth are invited to be "prefects", or "upper-classmen" with additional (but FUN!) responsibilities.

Don't worry!  Children/Youth needn't have read or be familiar with the storylines from Harry Potter in order to fully participate - they need only come with a creative, playful, inquisitive and open mind - ready to explore!

CLICK HERE to view the full brochure!
Print copies are available on the Welcome Table in the social hall.
 
Children/Youth who register by AUGUST 28th  will receive a special Hogwarts UU Acceptance Letter! 

CLICK HERE  for Registration forms!
Print copies are available on the Welcome Table in the social hall.

We Are Also Seeking Volunteer Professors ( aka classroom teachers ) For This Program!  Please contact Sarah if you are interested!



W hat's Going On At UUCGT?

~ Please Note ~
Please schedule committee meetings and events
by contacting

UUCGT Calendar -  Click Here

Meetings & Activities

Congregational Care Team:  
Thursday, September 7, 1:00pm, library

Peacemaker Needleworkers:   Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall

Meditation Workshop:   Thursdays, 5:30pm, classroom

Vocal Ensemble:   Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary

Friday Night Out:  Friday, September 8, 5:30-9:00pm, classrooms

InterPlay Workshop:  Saturday, September 9, 10:00-1:00pm, sanctuary
All participants are welcome!   See flier here

Program Council:  Sunday, September 10, 9:00am, classroom

UUCGT Book Club:  Sunday, September 10, 2:00pm.  Host, Bonnie Mathias - title is "Commonwealth" by Ann Patchett

Mindfulness Meditation:   Sunday, September 10, 5:00pm, sanctuary

Stretch & Strengthen :  Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am

Staff Resources:  Monday, September 11, 12:30pm, library

Committee on Ministry:  Monday, September 11, 2:00pm, sanctuary

UU Men's Group:  Monday, September 11, 5:3-pm, Minerva's

Community Lunch :  Tuesdays - V olunteers meet at 10:30am.  Every week for the past 25 years, UUCGT has provided a free lunch for anyone in the community who would like to come to Friends Church located at Fifth and Oak Streets in Traverse City.  For more information, or to volunteer, call Mary Kiner at 935-3050, or email  marykiner@charter.net

Bridge Group:  Tuesdays, 1:00-4:00pm, social hall

Leadership Development:  Tuesday, September 12, 5:00pm, classroom

Finance Committee:  Tuesday, September 12, 5:30pm, office

Board Executive Meeting:  Wednesday, September 13, 1:00pm, library. All Agenda items to be received by noon on this date for September 18 Board meeting.

Wednesday Supper -  September Schedule:
September 13 -  the meal is provided - $5/adult, $3/child-10 & under
September 20 - Supper will be held at 6:00pm at Sleder's - please RSVP to  Sandra McDonald  if you plan to attend.  
September 27 - Pizza Night!  Cost of the meal is shared by those who participate.

Shantideva Fan Club:  Thursday, September 14, 9:30am, sanctuary

Brewing Community:  Meets 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month from 5:00-7:00pm.  September 14 & 28 @ The Workshop!  Family-friendly!

Music Committee:  Thursday, September 14, 600pm, sanctuary

New Moon Women's Circle:  Saturday, September 16, 3:00pm, sanctuary

F Y I

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednes days - email office@uucgt.org

BEACON articles are due by the 25th of each month to 

* * * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Local Community Needs

* * * * * * * * *

UU Book Sale was a Success!

Save the Date: 
2017 CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, October 8, 2:00pm,
GT Civic Center.  Bring a sack lunch to UU and have lunch after service in the social hall with other walkers, then go to the Civic Center together! 
This is an  excellent family-focused event!  See John Hoffmann after Sunday Services in the Social Hall for more Information.  Sign up to walk and/or make a donation.

UU Fall Housecleaning:
  • Please check our Lost & Found for your lost items
  • Book box for Individuals in Jail/Prison is overflowing - A volunteer is needed to distribute these - Thank you!
UU Benzie:  Fall services begin Wednesday, September 20!   Please bring a small container of water  from a source dear to you  to the service -  contact
mascholl@charter.net  for more details.

End Note...



Seeds for the future...

 

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednesday each week


  

UUCGT Office hours:   Mon day - Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm


(231) 947-3117       office@uucgt.org         www.uucgt.org