Congregational Vision
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. |
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UUCGT
Beacon
If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the
Beacon, and would like to, please contact the
office
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Reflection...
Sounds of laughter,
shades of life
are ringing t
hrough my open ears
Inciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love,
which shines around me like a million suns,
It calls me on and on across the universe.
"Across the Universe"
John Lennon
Dear friends -
This month on the UU cosmology of the Beatles has been a delight with great depths, laughter and rousing participation. Thank you one and all. Several of you asked for a copy of the reading, "Beatitudes for Justice," by Lindi Ramsden, spoken so beautifully by Bob Clement and Christie McGue. The reading can be found here:
http://bit.ly/justicebeatitudes
This Sunday, we turn from love, reflection and revolution to "across the universe," and explore the 7th Principle of Unitarian Universalism
. Many thanks to Mark Dragovich and the Sunday Services Committee for stepping up while I march in Washington. I will share some reflections on that journey on Sunday, September 17.
In the spirit of this congregation's work for justice, I ask you to join together with our broader region for
Peace In the Midst:
A Community Gathering for Justice and Peace
-
Thursday, August 31, 7:30 PM at the State Theatre
. Rather than waiting to respond to some incident, the ministers, Humanist leaders and other great folk want to take the lead in committing as a community to good works, peace-making and justice for all our neighbors. Please join us.
This is a free-ticketed event, so please contact the State Theatre to reserve your tickets. If you have a UU tee-shirt or Standing on the Side of Love shirt, please wear it!
Every good blessing, friends -
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Sunday Service
Sunday, August 27 - Lay-led service with Mark Dragovich
10:30 AM Service: "Across the Universe"
The 7th Principle of Unitarian Universalism reminds us to have "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."
In this final service we will touch on the many themes of how awesome people can be when we think BIG.
Featuring "We Can Work It Out", "Across the Universe
", "The Fool on the Hill"
For this last service on the Beatles, wear your '60s best - beads, bell bottoms and tie dye!
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Lifespan Experience
f
or Children,
Youth
and Fam
ilies!
Sundays in August
As our
5th Annual Specialty Class Summer (our summer program for children prek-5th grade on Sunday mornings which runs June 1st -Resumption Sunday in September) comes to a close, I'd like to thank all of the wonderful people who made it so remarkable!
Special thanks to Mary Cheney, Kathy Booker-Graham, Mark Dragovich, Bob Fitch, Denny Richards, and Laura Matchett. There are still great classes ahead in August which include "Meeting a Tree" and going on a "Micro-Hike".
Youth are invited to remain in the sanctuary throughout the summer.
Suggested readings for families/parents this month include:
- "Families" by Susan Kuklin
- "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle
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Infinite thanks to all those who helped clean our classrooms
after service this past Sunday! Many hands did indeed make light work!
With special gratitude to Sandra McDonald and Rabbi Chava for their extra help contributing to the post-clean up lunch!
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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!
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!
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W
hat's Going On At UUCGT?
~ Please Note ~
Please schedule all committee meetings and events through
the UUCGT office to confirm availability and reduce double-scheduling
Thursday & Friday, August 24 & 25, 9:00-5:00
Saturday, August 26, 9:00-3:00
Bring your family, friends & neighbors!
Great reads & unusual finds!
Congregational Care Team:
Thursday, August 24, 1:00pm, library
Meditation Workshop: Thursday, August 24, 5:30pm, classroom
Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Will not meet this week and will reconvene August 31 at 1:30pm, social hall
Vocal Ensemble:
Vocal Ensemble will not meet August 24, resumes next week
Hogwarts Teacher Training:
Sunday, August 27, 12:00pm, classroom
Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, August 27, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary
Stretch & Strengthen
: Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30am
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]
Bridge Group:
Tuesdays, 1:00-4:00pm, social hall
CUUPS: Wednesday, August 30, 12:30-1:30pm, Robby's Taqueria
Wednesday Dinner Out & Brewing Community @ Rare Bird
Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, August 31, 9:30am, sanctuary
Meditation Workshop: Thursday, August 31, 5:30pm, classroom
Vocal Ensemble: Thursday, August 31, 7:00pm, sanctuary
Peace In the Midst - A Community Gathering for Justice & Peace
Thursday, August 31, 7:30pm @ the State Theatre.
Free ticketed event - reserve your free tickets by contacting the State Theatre, 947-3446
Facilities Committee: Friday, September 1, 10:00am, social hall
Labor Day, Monday, September 4: UUCGT office will be closed in honor of this national holiday
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F Y I
BEACON articles are due by the 25th of each month to
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Higher Grounds Coffee Orders are d
ue Sunday, August 27th!
UUCGT Book Club:
September 10 title is "
Commonwealth
" by Ann Patchett
UU Men's Group: Monday, September 11, 5:30pm @ Minerva's.
Mark Gustafson will lead a discussion on the 2017 TC Film Festival.
Save the Date:
2017 CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, October 8, 2:00 pm
GT Civic Center. 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.
National Writers Series on 8/25 with Tom Stanton is cancelled
2018 Mindful Journey to India! India has become a favourite destination for Mindful Journey's and has been brought back by popular demand.
This is an opportunity to travel with other U.U.'s and enjoy the wonder and colors of India. Daily meditations and evening reflections help to experience your travel more fully.
More information here.
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