UUCGT Flash 
December 28, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 514
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
FYI
What's Going On?
End Note

Congregational Vision
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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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UUCGT Beacon
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Reflection...

"The sixth day,
which occurs on New Year's Eve, is a special day. 
This is the day of the Kwanzaa Karamu or Kwanzaa Feast.
In the spirit of celebration many families invite their friends and family to join in the festivities."


Thanks to one and all who made Christmas Eve at the State Theatre incredibly magical!  What an evening it was to be with hundreds of members of the community and share the best of Unitarian Universalist and our commitment to be a voice for bringing together the community.   Special thanks to Michael Moore for introducing the program - a wonderful surprise.

Please join me and Andi Kramer this Sunday as we celebrate Kwanzaa. 
I am particularly excited about sharing a teaching for this holiday, because my final project for one of my classes this semester includes the exploration of Blackamerican religion.

This is a perfect holiday for Unitarian Universalists - not only do the seven principles of Kwanzaa intersect with our own, but the history of claiming our power to create and celebrate makes this a truly joyous day.  Stay after for a mini feast!

In blessing,

Rabbi Chava

Sunday Service 
Sunday, December 31 - 
Rabbi Chava Bahle, Andi Kramer
10:30 AM Service:  " Honoring Kwanzaa:  7 Symbolic Principles"
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the West African Diaspora in the Americas.   The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26th to January 1st, culminating in a Karamu feast and gift-giving.  

Let's join in learning the seven principles / symbols of this holiday, and considering together how they intersect with the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.

Children are invited to sit with parents during this Sunday service.
 
Lifespan Experience
f or Children,  Youth  and Fam ilies!

There will be no classes for children this Sunday, 12/31
Children are invited to sit with parents during the service

Our "Heifer Tree" will be up until 12/31/17

It's not too late to donate to Heifer International through our annual project by selecting an animal from the tree near the social hall and making a donation.

The children have set their Heifer Tree goal as $450 this year - to donate a "Gift of Clean Water" through Heifer (this gift will help families install treadle pumps for access to clean water) & Irrigation Pumps (this gift will provide farmers with irrigation pumps to care for their crops and livestock).
Gift cards are also available.  

Suggested readings for families/parents this month:
  • This time of year can be difficult for some people for a variety of reasons - income, personal loss, anxiety, and depression just to name a few.  It's also a time of year when many of us feel the desire to reclaim the ways in which we spend our time and treasure - looking for ways to live simply and meaningfully.  For these reasons, and many more, I thought I'd share this little blog with you.  It's from Nurtured Mama - "Five Simple Ways to Create Your Happiest Holiday Yet".  While it does highlight the celebration of Christmas, I think there are some gems within the article that could apply to a variety of perspectives and celebrations - suggestions for making a list of what really matters to you when considering commitments, giving simply and thoughtfully, etc.

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Wednesday Suppers resume January 3 with a UU Potluck!
5:30pm/social - 6:00pm/dinner
Start the New Year with UU fellowship!

F Y I
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December 2017 Celebration & Installation of Rabbi Chava Bahle  
Corrected photo link:   http://bit.ly/2kv3gV4
(with gratitude to Charles Brackett)

Children's  Winter  Clothing  Collection!

Collecting NEW Winter Items for Children  until Sunday, December 31
N ew gloves, hats, coats, mittens, snow pants, etc !   Items will be donated to the Goodwill Inn  to distribute to local children in need.  Think durable, warm items - insulated gloves instead of thin, cotton knit.  P ut items in the collection basket located outside of the kitchen near the social hall.   Questions?  Please contact Sarah @  [email protected]

~~  Coffee Orders are due Sunday, December 31  ~~
 

Seeking UUCGT Archivist(s)!  Photos, newspaper clippings, historical memorabilia are stacking up in the library awaiting an organized touch and simplified filing system.  Please contact the office if you have a talent for organization and wish to serve in preserving UUCGT history.

Tax deduction deadline is December 31:  If you wish to make a donation to UUCGT that will be deductible on your 2017 income taxes, either stop by the office with your check payment or mail by December 28.  
You can also put checks in the offering basket any Sunday up to and including December 31.  Remember, who knows what will be deductible in 2018?

UUCGT Book Club:   Meets January 14, 2:00pm @ Mark & Solveig Gustafson's - "Lady Chatterly's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence

Donated Dinners... a few are still available!  

" Tapas & Fine Wines"  hosted by Chava and  Karl  Bahle
February 24 - $30 per person

"3-Month Dinner Subscription" prepared by Lauren Keinath
Menu and price to be determined individually

Contact John Hoffmann - 1/2 proceeds are donated to Community Needs!

UU Benzie: S ervices held at Grow Benzie.  Potluck at 6:30pm, program at 7:00pm
January 3:   As we embark on our trip through 2018, we will gather to Share Memories.   In this service, we will share memories of our lives.  These memories connect us with our past and shape who we are.   This sacred time will be one of deep listening - not to respond - but to hear and to know each other more deeply.
January 17:   This service focuses on "Famous Unitarians"

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Local Community Needs

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 FLASH articles are due by Wednesday noon - [email protected]
BEACON articles are due by the 25th each month -

What's Going On ... at UUCGT?

Please contact  [email protected] to schedule meetings and events

Meetings & Activities

PLEASE NOTE
Building Entry Key Codes will change as of January 3, 2018
Committee Chairs will be provided a new code by email

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

Meditation Workshop:  Thursday, December 28, 5:30pm, classroom

Vocal Ensemble:  Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary  

Mindfulness Meditation:  Sunday, December 31, 5:00-7:00pm

New Year's Day:  Happy New Year - 2018!  UUCGT office will be closed

Community Lunch:  Tuesdays - Volunteers 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 @ noon - No meeting on January 2

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

Stretch & Strengthen:  Wednesday, January 3, 11:00am

Wednesday Potluck:  January 3, 5:30pm - Celebrate the New Year with UU fellowship!

Congregational Care Team:  Thursday, January 4, 1:00pm, library

Facilities Committee:  Friday, January 5, 10:00am, social hall

InterPlay Workshop:  Saturday, January 6, 10:00am-1:00pm, sanctuary
Open to Everyone!   See more information here

UUCGT Men's Group:  Monday, January 8, 5:30pm @ Minerva's
Chris Innes will discuss Thupten Jinpa's book, "A Fearless Heart:  the Buddhist View".  Pick up articles in the front entryway.
 
End Note...



 

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