The Communicator
February 2020 Volume 37 Issue 2
|
|
This Sunday, February 2nd
|
Our Sunday Service
begins at 10:30 AM in the William Miller Sanctuary. This Sunday, February 2nd, join us for
A Groundhog Day Sermon.
The Humanist Forum
meets every Sunday at 9:30 AM in Hobart Hall, sometimes in Room 7. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.
The Forum this Sunday will begin with the question, "What About Robots?" There’s much interesting fodder for discussion. No technical expertise required-or even wanted!
Our Community Sharing partner for February is
ACT (Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center).
Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc
. has been serving victims of domestic violence, their children, and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking for over 41 years. They provide 3 emergency shelters, a 24-hour hotline, individual and group coun
seling and therapy, a children's program, education and professional training, information, and referrals. ACT is funded in part by the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee, Lee County, City of Cape Coral, Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Florida Attorney General, and donations from the community.
For information please visit the Social Justice table in Hobart Hall. Opportunities to volunteer are available. Comprehensive information is available on line at:
ACTabuse.com
Thank you in advance for you generous giving.
Last month we raised
$1379.85
for the GRACE Project. Thank you all!
Sunday's Social Hour happens after the service every week at 11:45 AM. Come join us for coffee and snacks. Newcomers, visitors, friends, and members are all welcome. Sponsoring groups are the Women's Circle and CUUPs. Donations of food, snacks, or cash are welcome.
|
|
Upcoming Events
The FUUn BUUnch
The FUUn BUUnch will meet on Saturday, February 8th at 6:00 PM at
Monarca's Mexican Restaurant
at the Edison Mall. (4125 Cleveland Ave.) The UUs who participated there last year gave the restaurant rave reviews. FUUn BUUunch offers opportunities to meet other UUs and to enjoy a good meal at the same time. You can order from their yummy menu and pay for your own tab. You don't want to miss this. RSVP to Linda
lindajensen50@gmail.com
by February 5th. See you. Adios. Linda
Scout Sunday February 9th
Scout Troop 3300 will be presenting
Scout Sunday
during the service on Sunday, February 9th. This is a short presentation at the beginning of our service performed by all of our Scout groups. Following the service, the Scouts will offer a luncheon for all on the Screen Porch. Donations welcome!
Service Auction February 22nd
|
|
The 2020 Service Auction will be Saturday, February 22nd at 5:00 PM in Hobart Hall. Tickets are $20 in advance and will be available in Hobart Hall after the service. Ticket price includes food and auction paddle. Drinks will be available for a donation. We now need services, gift cards, treasures and donations to auction off! Please donate your item online at
togetherauction.com/uucfm
The Covenant of UU Pagans Imbolc Gathering
There are tiers for tickets, $25 day passes, $75 weekend passes, and $88 weekend passes includes Saturday Cycle of Season's Feast. More Details are on the Brown Paper Ticket site.
Vendors: $20.00 plus weekend pass. Tent Set Up is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020 between 2PM-4PM. Gates open at 5PM, Opening Ritual 6PM.
|
|
Will Tuttle Lecture!
Join Will and Madeleine on Monday evening, February 3rd in the Sanctuary at 6:00 PM. $10 suggested donation at door. All welcome! See details below!
|
|
Permaculture Action at Next Pachamama Gathering
What's that? Come find out at the next Game Changer Gathering,Thursday, February 6, at 6:30 PM which features our Special Guest Presenter, Sharon Joy Kleitsch.
Sharon Joy hails from The Institute of Noetic Sciences, Florida Interfaith Climate Action Network, and Connection Partners in the St. Pete/Tampa Bay Area. She is all about bringing our movements in Florida into "Whole System Engagement" for positive change. This means taking "Permaculture Action."
Creating a sustainable culture--a Permaculture--goes beyond addressing the environment. In fact, as Sharon Joy will demonstrate, there are seven different pathways for us to consider as we work toward creating positive change. Because we all want to preserve life, the well being of our communities, and the healthy existence of our earth, we need to do what we can to be a part of the "New Story." So we need to ask ourselves, "What is my gift to share at this time, based upon what is needed?"
Sharon Joy will be introducing us to the "Seven Domains of the Permaculture Flower." Don't miss this opportunity to raise your consciousness about and expand your ability to see the big picture...to help bring about sustainable cultural change.
Come journey with us on February 6th at 6:30 in the Sanctuary.
Aloha Gathering March 22nd
The Membership Committee is pleased to announce the forthcoming Aloha Gathering, March 22nd, starting at 12:00 noon, in Hobart Hall. This will be a Potluck Event to celebrate joyful goodbyes and hellos. The Aloha Gathering is being held to welcome the New Member Class of 2020, bid adieu to our beloved Snowbirds (have a great summer!), recognize standout volunteers for the year, and laud membership milestones.
|
|
Groups & Classes
Women Singing in Sacred Circle
Women Singing In Sacred Circle, facilitated by Shelley Graff, is an opportunity for each woman to look into her sister’s eyes and share voice and spirit through song. While learning short, repetitive women-centered and earth-based songs/chants from a wide variety of traditions, power rises from the center of the circle as all voices create an energy that is both empowering and healing. This opportunity is intended to allow women, regardless of singing experience, to share their voices in a noncompetitive, relaxed, safe space. Percussion instruments are welcome. Come sing along! Please contact
Shelley Graff.
https://www.facebook.com/shelleygraffmusic/
Shelley Graff, the facilitator, is a longtime teacher, healer, singer, songwriter who believes her sacred journey is guiding her to share the Singing In Sacred Circle experience with other women. Shelley travels far and wide to shared the Singing In Sacred Circle experience with women all over the U.S. A few of the places that Shelley has visited are the Ann Arbor UU Women’s Retreat (MI), the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUSSI-VA), the National Women’s Studies Association Conference (IL), and the National Women’s Music Festival (IL). Shelley has been the facilitator of the Cincinnati Singing In Sacred Circle for the past eleven years. Shelley’s original music on her three CDs was inspired by and is a tribute to the healing/sounding work of the late Kay Gardner.
Member to Member Listening Circles
The Board and the Transition Team are forming Listening Circles for conversations about what we are doing now and where we want to go in the future. This Sunday, February 2nd there will be sign-up sheets available in the Narthex. The groups will meet on many Sunday mornings after worship from February 16 through April 26. We hope you will sign up and take part. We want and need all of your voices to be heard during this time of transition . There will be other opportunities for conversations other than Sunday mornings. Stay tuned.....
Wednesday Connection Circle
Want to connect on a deeper level with other UUCFM members, visitors, and friends? Then come to the Connection Circle on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 pm beginning
January 8, 2020.
Our circle will be meeting every week for 6 weeks so the meetings will be January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5th and 12th. Small group Connection Circles like this help promote bonding in a supportive atmosphere through facilitated discussions on spiritual topics that pertain to you and your life. Come join us in Room 2 and discover more about one another and about yourself. For more information and to register please contact Mary Cline Golbitz at
Sunday Connection Circle
Another Connection Circle has formed and all visitors and new and longtime members are invited to join! Bond with others on a deep and meaningful level in this facilitated group by discussing different topics as they pertain to your life. Always lively and heartfelt, participation in the Connection Circle is a great way to meet new folks and to deepen connections to those you already know. This facilitated 6 session group will meet after Sunday services from 12:15 -1:45 PM in Room 7 on the following dates:
January 12, February 2 and 16, March 1, 15 and 29. Please contact facilitator, Leslie Gatto, for more information and to register. 239-850-9664 or
gatto.leslie@gmail.com
.
Women's Circle and Potluck
On Tuesday, February 11th, there is a noon potluck in Hobart Hall for the Women's Circle. Entertainer and speaker Shelley Graff will be describing "Women Singing in Sacred Circle", which she will be offering as a small group at UUCFM. She will lead us in songs and chants, and percussion instruments will be available. We'll share our voices in a relaxed and non-judgemental space. Suggestion, wear RED for Love for the coming Valentines Day. Besides wearing RED, we are collecting nice objects for a Women's Circle Basket for the Service Auction on the 22nd. Please bring something for the Basket. Contact Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com
The
Men's Social Group
meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:45 AM at Cross Creek Country Club (off Daniels at Cross Creek Blvd). This is time for UUCFM men to get together for fun, conversation, socialization, and lunch. Put this on your calendar and bring a friend. If you’re new to the UUCFM Men’s Social Group, please RSVP to Denis Jensen at
dalanjensen@gmail.com
Dreamwork Group
Come discover the wisdom of your dreams. Learn to interpret your dream symbols and unique dream language as well as the universal archetypes throughout. Participate in the safety and support of a caring group where we share dreams and learn the concept of "Projection," taking responsibility for what we contribute.Reservations: Debra Leigh, Facilitator
dreamrookery7@gmail.com
or (831) 818-1418. We meet in Room 2 from noon till 1:45 PM on the following Sundays-January 19, February 2, February 16, March 1, and March 15.
Art in the Narthex
Each month a new artist will be featured on our Narthex wall. If you would like to be a member of this group email Priscilla at:
jeffcoatp@comcast.net
Caloosahatchee Mindfulness
and UUCFM members
invite participants to join our weekly meditation book group. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Room 3. Please contact Helen Leddy if you want to join.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm, and some Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Come join us in singing! Contact Suellen Kipp for details:
music@uucfm.org
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 5:45-6:15 pm, and some Sunday mornings at 9:00 in the Sanctuary. Are you interested in playing an instrument with the UUCFM band for worship? If so, please schedule an audition time with me by email. Come join us in making music together! Suellen Kipp, Director of Music.
music@uucfm.org
Mindfulness Meditation
Come explore the simple and satisfying practices of Mindfulness Meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Please bring intention to quiet the mind and body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet
Mondays from 6:30-8:00 PM
. Contact Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.
|
The Book Club
meets Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Library. All are welcome to join in facilitated discussion and group bonding. Our current book
is called
Love Your Enemies
by Arthur C. Brooks. It is about how decent people can save America from the culture of contempt.
|
|
News
2019 Contributions Report
If you would like a report of all your monetary contributions to UUCFM for the calendar year of 2019 for tax purposes, please contact the office and I will send out a printed statement or scan it by email to you. Contact:
|
Guided Campus Walk
Twenty Two stops are on the guided walk of our campus. We will start from Hobart Hall and visit the Miller Sanctuary, Nature Trail, and more, and end at the Labyrinth by the Family Gardens. We walk after the Sunday Service at Noon. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Reservations required. Contact
Patricia Linhoff
at
freckles345@comcast.net
|
Transition Team: Update
In our previous Transition Team update, we described what success looks like for our transition period, breaking it down into 4 focus areas: faith focus, congregation focus, and sustainability focus. This update identifies the short-term action steps we have identified in order to reach our success goals, again within the 4 focus areas.
Faith Focus
Assist in Developmental Minister search
Work with Worship Associates
o Build network of contract ministers
o offer support, as needed
o Define worship expectations
Vision Focus
Work with Board of Trustees
o Board of Trustees collaboration on “the way forward”
o Contact members to get current on pledges
o Clearly define leadership roles, responsibilities, & policies
o Assess areas of revisions for Bylaws
Congregation Focus
Work with Board of Trustees
o Membership communication strategies
o Consider reconstituting Committee on Shared Ministry with re-focused charter
o How to resolve congregational conflicts
o Conduct small member gatherings
Sustainability Focus
Work with Finance Council
o Developmental Minister financial pkg.
o Assist Council in raising pledges & other sources of funds
Work with Operations Council
o Develop Campus-Sharing Strategies
o Work with local commercial rental agencies
o Investigate campus parcel sale options
|
|
We are encouraging input from church members at any time. Please contact any of us on the Transition Team. In the next update, we’ll discuss the various medium-term activities we will be recommending to
the Board of Trustees.
Tony Borras, Karen Brown, Lane Cook, Roy Green, Karen Feinen, Walt Ittenbach, Patricia Vivier-Naidl, Bill Petrarca
|
South Fort Myers Food Pantry
How do we nurture those who are hungry? Give to the Food Pantry. We all have the power to make sure our neighbors go to sleep with a full stomach. When you think about people being hungry, do you think of people all over the world? Do you think about people who might be living close to you? The hungry exist everywhere - even in wealthy communities. Here are some things you can do.
1. Bring in non-perishable food to our congregation every Sunday. Places like the Dollar Store have wonderful buys on soup and other canned fruit and vegetables. Look for BOGOs. Protein items are a good pick - canned meat or fish, meals in a can such as beef stew, spaghetti and meat balls, or ravioli. Some seniors like Ensure. Fran Rose informed us that the pantry is receiving less free food from USDA.
2. Start a great habit by giving up expensive coffee drinks and putting your savings into a jar to donate to the Pantry.
3. Put food items you buy for the pantry near your front door at home so you don't forget to bring them. The Food Pantry basket is in the Narthex (the large room before you enter the Sanctuary).
4. Respond to requests for all food drives even when all you may be able to afford is a jar of peanut butter.
5. And last, perk up when you hear the words 'food drive' and remember that your Social Justice Team is your vehicle to help nurture people who might otherwise go without.
If you would rather give monetary donations to the South Fort Myers Food Pantry, send a check to: South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition, Inc., 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919.
Gratefully yours,
Social Justice Team at UUCFM
|
|
Volunteer of the Month
The Board of Trustees honors Bill Petrarca as the UUCFM January Volunteer of the Month. Bill came to UUCFM after a successful, long-time career. His “last act” (as he calls it) “was staged in the Midwest where his wife, Jane, and he founded an executive management consultancy, teaching leadership skills to management teams in large and medium-sized organizations.” UUCFM has had the good fortune to be on the receiving end of Bill’s incredible skills in designing as he uses his leadership skills in the work of the congregation to grow and serve. Bill served as VP of Operations on the Board of Trustees. However, his service to the congregation expanded beyond that position for he has demonstrated skills in many other areas that needed expertise and planning. He is the Chair of the UUCFM Transitions team, serves on the Financial Council, the Personnel Committee, and participates in many other activities of the congregation. At present, during a period of stress and decision-making, Bill has come forward to assist the congregation, and he has done so with intelligence, tact, discernment, and good cheer. Thank you, Bill!
|
|
Our UU Story
Humanist World View and
New Religion
Humanist Manifesto is the title of three manifestos laying out a Humanist world view. The central theme of all three is the philosophy and value system which does not necessarily include belief in any personal deity or "higher power”.
Humanist Manifesto I
The first Manifesto, written in 1933, talked of a new "religion", and referred to Humanism as a religious movement to transcend and replace previous religions based on allegations of supernatural revelation. The document outlines a fifteen-point belief system, which, in addition to a secular outlook, opposes "acquisitive and profit motivated society" and outlines a worldwide egalitarian society based on voluntary mutual cooperation.
Humanist Manifesto II
The second Manifesto was written in 1973, and was intended to update and replace the previous one. It begins with a statement that the excesses of Nazism and World War II had made the first seem "far too optimistic", and indicated a more hard-headed and realistic approach in its seventeen-point statement, which was much longer and more elaborate than the previous version.
Many of the proposals in the document, such as opposition to racism and weapons of mass destruction and support of strong human rights, are fairly uncontroversial, and its prescriptions that divorce and birth control should be legal and that technology can improve life are widely accepted today in much of the Western world.
Furthermore, its proposal of an international court has since been implemented. However, in addition to its rejection of supernaturalism, various controversial stances are strongly supported, notably the right to abortion.
Expanding upon the role the public education establishment should plan to bring about the goals described in the Humanist Manifesto II, John Dunphy wrote "the battle for humankind's future must be waged and won in the public school classroom by teachers who correctly perceive their role as the proselytizers of a new faith: a religion of humanity that recognizes and respects the spark of what theologians call divinity in every human being. . . ."
Humanist Manifesto III
Humanism and Its Aspirations was published in 2003 by the American Humanist Association. The newest one is much shorter, listing six primary beliefs, which echo themes from its predecessors:
1. Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation, and rational analysis.
2. Humans are an integral part of nature, the result of unguided evolutionary change.
3. Ethical values are derived from human need and interest as tested by experience.
4. Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service of humane ideals.
5. Humans are social by nature and find meaning in relationships.
6. Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness.
Edited by Joy F. Sokeitous
|
|
 |
Did you know your purchases can help us? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your online shopping by following this special link to Amazon:
|
|
|
|
Want to Become a Member?
If you are interested in becoming a new member, please pick up a Membership Kit Sunday mornings in the Narthex or in the office during the week. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Our Greater Community
Please submit only articles regarding programs from our renters, community sharing partners, or greater UU news. Thank you!
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai group meets Sundays at 2:00 PM in Room 1. We do not meet on 5th Sundays.
|
|
All Faiths Congregation Concert
|
|
Happy Birthday!
February 1 Tony Borras
February 2 Jill Carville
February 3 Albie Johnson
February 4 Russ Rosenthal
February 7 Stephanie Hoffman
February 9 Katie Ireland is 13!
February 9 Don Maron
February 12 Jan Beemer
February 17 Tom Sizemore
February 24 Mary Alice Pierce
February 26 Don Ehat
|
|
Please send all newsletter articles by Wednesday at noon for publication in Thursday's newsletter. Send articles to
newsletter@uucfm.org
UUCFM | 13411 Shire Lane Fort Myers FL 33912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
