UUCGT Flash 
October 5, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 502
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Interfaith Vigil
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
Announcement of Special Meeting
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
End Note

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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.
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Reflection... 

Beloved community -

I write you just days after the massacre by gunfire in Las Vegas.  My heart is heavy, and my spirit is aroused in indignation.  I am sure many of you are asking, "What will it take to create a change?" 

To this end, I invite you to join us tonight at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary for a multi-faith/perspective vigil and call to action for the struggle against gun violence, transphobia (in light of the recent murder of transgender teen, Ally Steinfeld), justice for Puerto Rico, and our ongoing national struggle with bigotry and racism.   We will meditate, pray (if that's your form), sing and listen to words of hope, peace, comfort and justice.

This Sunday, our service focuses on an important part of the inner work of the struggle:  creating a peaceful heart, a calm mind and finding our voices through chant and silence.

Please note that there is no 9:00 AM learning program this week.  Program Council will meet in the back classroom at 9:00 AM.

A few reminders:  I am seeking some partners to explore re-certification of our Welcoming Community status, which focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusion and awareness.

Again, I want to thank John Bailey and a robust Vocal Ensemble for last week's service.  In order of seating starting in the bottom row from left to right, we wish to thank Gary Deavel, Nan Worthington, Mary Kiner, Judith Halsted, Cindy Edmonton, Shelley Burnes, Mary Van Valin and Lorraine Anderson; top row - Linda Hebert, Jim Horrocks, Jane Watts, David Halsted, Rick Walter, Don Pyne, Bob Hicks, Karl Keinath and Richard Miller.  It was great to see so many of you!

Stay together, friends.   We are here for you.

In blessing -

Rabbi Chava 




INTERFAITH VIGIL
FOR COMMUNITY, PEACE AND HOPE 
   
6:30 PM
Thursday, October 5

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse
     
Sunday Service 
Sunday, October 8










10:30 AM
Service:  "Listen to the Heart's Song"
                                                 
Rabbi Chava Bahle, 
Max Old Bear
Cultures throughout time have honored sound not simply as an auditory boon to humanity, but as something deeper and more sublime, which can lead us into union with the cosmos.   "The Huichol shamans of Mexico revere the Blue Deer, for it is said he sang our earth into being," writes Andye Murphy. 

Join us for a contemplative morning of chant and meditation, turning inward to listen for the rhythm of the heart.

A Prospective Member Orientation will follow the service at 11:45 AM.

Lifespan Experience  f or Children,
Youth  and Fam ilies!

Sundays in October for preK-8th grade

We will officially be kicking off our UU & YOU at Hogwarts year with our first "horcrux", or issue - hunger.  The children will learn and grow together as they consider this topic, all while engaging with each other through the magic of the world of Harry Potter.  Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about this exciting program.

The world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters.
We have all got both light and dark inside us.
What matters is the power we choose to act on.
That's who we really are.
- Sirius Black

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

This Sunday, 10/8 is the Crop Hunger Walk! 
Don't forget to pack a lunch for yourself for after the Sunday Service
We will eat together and then head over to the Civic Center to walk.

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Friday Night Out - O ctober 13, 5:30 - 9:00pm
Contact Sarah ASAP to reserve a spot!

Announcement of Special Meeting of UUCGT

called by the Board of Trustees for the Purpose of a Vote
on the UUA Declaration of Conscience
Sunday, October 29, 2017
following 10:30 AM  Sunday Service
UUCGT sanctuary

The Board of Trustees of UUCGT calls for a Special Meeting on Sunday, October 29, 2017 - following the 10:30 AM Service for the purpose of voting on the UUA Declaration of Conscience.  The Board of Trustees voted its approval on the Declaration at its September, 2017 regular meeting.  

This special meeting will consist of the single of item of voting on the Declaration of Conscience.  Current members in good standing are eligible to vote.   Voting will be by paper ballot.   


W hat's Going On At UUCGT?

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

UUCGT Calendar -  Click Here

Meetings & Activities

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

Meditation Workshop: 
Group will not meet today, or on October 12th

Vocal Ensemble:   Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary

InterPlay Workshop, "Deep Play - Drawing from the Well"
Saturday, October 7, 10:00am - 1:00pm, sanctuary - All are welcome!
InterPlay creates a rich forum to dive into our creativity, our authentic inner impulses, and our deeper knowing, while fostering meaningful connections with ourselves and others.  Come join us for this soulful exploration, and draw from the well of creativity and communion offered to replenish and nourish yourself on a deep level. 
For more information contact Lee Edwards at 231-774-6146
InterPlay  national website -   www.interplay.org
 
Introductory video -  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvl2MVLco-c

Program Council:  Sunday, October 8, 9:00am, classroom

Prospective Member Orientation:  Sunday, October 8, 11:45am, sanctuary

New! Landscaping Team:  Sunday, October 8, 12:00 after service.
Anyone who's interested may join in for a walk around the UU property  
(landscape experience is not a prerequisite!).  Following the walk, we'll have a short organizational meeting.  Lauren Keinath

This Sunday 10/8 is the Crop Hunger Walk!  Don't forget to pack a lunch for yourself for after the Sunday Service - we will eat together and then head over to the Civic Center to walk.

UU Book Club:  Sunday, October 8, 2:00pm, "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" by Jennifer Chiaverini.  Also, selecting 2018 books, hosts & discussion leaders.  RSVP to Barb Bloomer, 590-5678

Mindfulness Meditation:   Sunday, October 8, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary

Stretch & Strengthen :  Mondays & Wednesdays, 11:00am  (Please note time change)

Committee on Ministry:  Monday,October 9, 2:00pm, sanctuary

Board Study Session - Leadership Ethics:  Monday, October 9, 5:30pm, classroom - Open meeting

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  [email protected]

Indivisible GT:  Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30pm, sanctuary

Staff Resources:  Tuesday, October 10, 12:30pm, library

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

Leadership Development:  Tuesday, October 10, 5:00pm, classroom

Finance Committee:  Tuesday, October 10, 5:30pm, office

Board Executive Committee - Agenda:   Wednesday, October 11, 1:00pm, library

Wednesday Supper & Special Program:  Wednesday, October 11, 5:30 social / 6:00 supper.   Our Wednesday Supper will feature Haitian food in honor of our special guests (see below).  $5/adult, $3/child under 10 years

Wednesday Night Program with N inotte Lubin, Haitian Midwife:
October 11, 7:00-8:00pm.   Haitian midwife, Ninotte Lubin, has a dream - to serve pregnant women, their babies and families by providing affordable, accessible and respectful maternity care in Haiti.  She is building the Grace Community Birth Center in Grand Bassin, Haiti; a place that will enable the community to create a better life for themselves.  With sexual education for teenagers, access to prenatal and postpartum care,and a safe place to labor and birth, we can strengthen Haitian families.  Please join us as Ninotte shares her work and her vision with us, as well as how we can support this amazing work. 


Shantideva Fan Club:  Thursday, October 12, 9:30am, sanctuary

Brewing Community:  Thursday, October 12, 5:00pm, The Workshop -  Family-friendly, great food, micro-brews & community!

Friday Night Out!   Friday, October 13, 5:00-9:00pm, classrooms.  RSVP to Sarah asap

Singing Sisters:  Saturday, October 14, 10:00-2:00pm, sanctuary

F Y I

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednes days - email [email protected]

BEACON articles are due by the 25th of each month to 
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Wanted/Needed:  A new microwave for the UU kitchen!  
If you are so moved to donate a new microwave, please contact Sandra McDonald   Thank you!

2017 CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, October 8
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! 
 
Safe Harbor Open Houses! 
Safe Harbor will be hosting Open Houses at our new building at 517 Wellington Street for church volunteers.  The open houses will be on Sundays - October 8, 15 and 22 from 10:00am until 1:30pm and on Wednesday, October 11 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  
Please drop by and see the new home of our temporary overnight shelter for those experiencing homelessness.  If you have questions contact  Mike and Sandra McDonald

Benzie County UU:   BCUU will host Roberto Anselmo on Wednesday, October 4 at Grow  Benzie.  Roberto was born in the Philippines, and fled the country at the age of 10 to escape the rule of Ferdinand Marco.  He is a recovering alcoholic/addict who began using alcohol at the age of nine and drugs at the age of 12/13.   Roberto spent 20 years and 7 months of his 56 years incarcerated because of his addiction.  He was released from 15 years of recent incarceration in April of 2017.  
In Roberto's words, "By living a spiritual life, relying on a Higher Power, I have learned to understand and feel joy, to love, and feel compassion for my fellow men.  I purposely live daily in gratitude and remain thankful for the serenity gained, courage recognized, and wisdom to know and do better not only for self, but for others."
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Wednesday, October 18, Misty Sheehan will coordinate the program, "What are some of the ethics Lao Tzu is accredited with promoting?  How is his point of view different than other points of view?  Can his ethics promote a better world?" 

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Local Community Needs
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End Note...
 
For everything there is a season...
...the beauty of Autumn's splendor

 

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       [email protected]         www.uucgt.org