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Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship | | |
THE FORUM
July 2026 | Issue 4
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Are you a shutterbug? Let us feature your photos in a future Forum!
Send your photos to Meredith at life@mvuuf.org
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In this month's Forum:
Read a message from Meg Hopper (our Coordinator of Music), reflect on memorable moments from Pride, meet new member Sean C., celebrate unsung hero Chris F., take a peek into MVUUF's past, honor this year's award recipients, learn about our Refreshments Team, find out about upcoming events and opportunities, and discover how you can be part of it all!
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| A Message from... Meg Hopper | |
Music is about more than entertainment to me. As a neurodivergent person, it is very much a way for me to process emotions, practice mindfulness, and build community. I get really emotional talking about all the different ways music has changed my life (maybe that's just the Pisces in me.) When I get to sing, it's like nothing else matters in the whole universe. It gives me peace similar to sitting in a grassy, flowery meadow on a warm spring day.
When I started tuning into MVUUF online on Sundays, I was always very fascinated by the music being played and sung. How the songs would fit so perfectly, and bring emotion to the services.
As I became more involved, I really began to appreciate how much care and thought really goes into the songs each week. How much a song can bring us comfort, help us take action, or connect us together. Music can really express what words sometimes cannot.
Being able to help create those moments now means so much to me. I am often so impressed by those who generously share their talents and bring their all to every single service.
Music is so deeply personal to me. I'm so thankful to be a part of this fellowship that values music as much as I do. Whether it's singing all together or listening to an amazing melody that speaks to our hearts, I am always reminded about how connected we all are and how beautiful that really is.
Meg
Coordinator of Music
| | | Memorable Moments from this Month | | |
Dayton Pride 2026
By CQ and Meredith Plummer
Dayton's Pride Parade of 2026 was a delight. Joe L. and Phil W., both longtime members of MVUUF, served and were honored as Grand Marshals of Dayton's parade in this 50th anniversary year of the Greater Dayton LGBT Center. Phil has been volunteering with the Center since its start!
Our MVUUF crew of marchers lined up early, most sporting Side with Love shirts and all rainbow bedecked and bedazzled. The sky opened up and deluged as we waited, and the Silent Disco truck next to us put "It's Raining Men" on blast. Dancing ensued, and then MVUUF's turn to step off and take our place in the parade. MVUUF's parade blob was 20 strong by the end, the longest and best Pride Parade in Dayton's history!
After the parade, back at the booth, the party continued. Members, friends, and visitors stopped by to chat, receive a glitter blessing from Rev. Kellie, and grab some goodies. The offer of cool, refreshing water was most appreciated, and despite the extreme heat, the energy within the booth - from both ambassadors and visitors - remained high throughout the day.
A wonderful Pride for all invovled!
| | Pictures from Other MVUUF Events this Month | | Rev. Kellie at the Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Immigrant Justice. | |  | Rev. Kellie and Somaya Bernard leading Flower Communion. | | | Attendees at the 5th Annual Interfaith Pride Service. | | | "Hands Off Our Vote" Interfaith Prayer Vigil. | | | MVUUF Members, Friends and Staff at Have a Gay Day's Pride Dinner. | | | Interfaith Forum of Greater Dayton: Religion & Our Earth. | | | Dreaming about the future of MVUUF, Chris says "I have a long list of hopes for MVUUF, most of which are long term." Then, perhaps reflecting on his own path, he adds, "One of them is for non-UU/non-religious people to understand why MVUUF is necessary, and why they should spend their lives here." | | | | Did you know that, stored in our office, MVUUF has a collection of photo albums and memorabilia from the 1950's to the early 2000's? Did you know many of our current members can be found in the pages of those photo albums? Take your best guess at who is featured here. | |
Answer: Gary C.
This picture was taken 30 years ago, in 1996, when Gary was in his 50s. Today, Gary still attends MVUUF regularly, and lends his time helping us with our weekly banking!
| | | Want to take a look at the photo albums and memorabilia yourself? Feel free to peruse them at your convenience whenever the office is open. | | |
Every June, at our congregational meeting, we honor those members who have shown exceptional dedication to MVUUF, it's mission, and our Unitarian Universalist values. This year's award winners are profiled below. | | | |
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The Wince Award
The Wince Award recognizes tireless leadership over decades to strengthen the life of this congregation and our relationships with one another.
Since joining our congregation, the Wince Award recipient has worked diligently to lead us into the 21st century. Early on she joined our Social Action Group and worked with its members to transform it from a book discussion group to a robust action group. This person served 3 times as Social Action Group Representative, and is still part of the group.
This MVUUF congregant was especially interested in helping immigrants. With Alice Diebel, she offered a 6-week course on "Immigration as a Moral Issue." She met immigrants passing through Dayton by bus to hand out water, snacks & clothes to them. She delivered groceries to immigrants living in greater Dayton and worked with the Miami Valley Immigrant Coalition to prepare lodging. About 15 years ago she stepped forward to answer the call to help a local African refugee family. For 5 solid years she dedicated herself tirelessly to tutoring 2 of the young children, and provided a great deal of other help for this family of 5 young children with a single mother who were struggling mightily to cope with many day-to-day challenges.
Additionally, the recipient twice taught in our Religious Education program, served as one of our ambassadors at community events, and participated in the Sewing Circus. She now serves as a participant manager for our Zoom Services production team, participates in the Sharing Stories book discussion group, and continues to manage our Grocery Rewards Program with Kroger, as she has for years.
Since joining in 1986, this MVUUF member has been and continues still as a positive and active role model for others.
The board has the pleasure of choosing Maureen O. as the recipient of the Wince Award this year!
Maureen is pictured above with her husband, John B.
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The Emily Upham Award
The Emily Upham award is given to a member of the congregation who exemplifies commitment and service for world peace and social justice, and is involved in on-going activities that support a vision of a better world.
This year our recipient has been in action:
- Initiating our holiday blanket drive, and Homefull household goods collection.
- Helping to organize the sack lunch-making event for St. Vincent’s.
- Attending and speaking at local protests.
- Helping with food drives for local immigrants.
- Delivering sermons here on social justice.
- Assisting congregants in their interactions with unhoused persons.
- Helping develop MVUUF’s safety protocols in a way that shows “a vision of a better world.”
- And, serving as our social justice representative, issuing detailed reports that show our strong commitment to social justice at MVUUF.
Tina M. is the worthy recipient of the Emily Upham award!
Thank you, Tina, for the many things you do that make this a better world!
Tina is pictured above.
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The Unsung Hero Award
The Unsung Hero award recognizes a volunteer who has given much of their time, talent, and energy in service to MVUUF over the past year.
Over the past 8 years, this unsung hero has fulfilled many volunteer positions at MVUUF. Most notably, she filled in as acting administrator for nine months when our administrator at the time, Jenny F., had to go on medical leave. In that role, she...
- managed the administrator's email,
- created the order of service,
- added events to the website calendar,
- and curated the weekly e-blast.
She continues to act as copy editor for the eBlast, and creates slides for the weekly service as a valued member of the production team.
This year's Unsung Hero award goes to Kris S!
Kris is pictured above.
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Worship & CYRE Schedule
(CYRE = Children and Youth Religious Education)
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Missed a service?
You can view past services, at your convenience, on our website. New worships uploaded by Wednesday of each week. Just click the button to the right.
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| This quarter (July - August), half of our plate collection will go to support House of Bread. House of Bread serves free, hot, nutritious lunchtime meals to anyone in need, 365 days a year. MVUUF is a member of LEAD (Leaders for Equality and Action in Dayton); the House of Bread has been incredibly supportive of LEAD’s parent organization. House of Bread also serves meals to the Reentry Career Alliance Academy at the Montgomery County Office of Reentry. | | | | |
Celebrate!
Thanks to the many congregants who donated in April to the MVUUF nonperishable food and hygiene drive for immigrant community members. In addition to the items brought to Sunday service, money donations of $417 were received and are being used to buy fresh food such as milk, bread, and eggs! Thank you!
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Staff Schedules in July
With summer comes staff schedule changes. Please note the following changes for July...
Rev. Kelly will be on study leave from Monday, June 29th through Sunday, July 19th. She will not be available, except by phone, and for pastoral care emergencies only.
Meredith Plummer will be out of the office Thursday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 5th, as well as Friday, July 17th through Sunday, July 26th. They will not be available by phone, text, or email.
Thank you!
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MVUUF is a busy community - from weekly and monthly offerings, to one-off events and seasonal workshops, there is something for everyone. See below for an overview of this month's calendar; click the title of each offering for more information, or click on the button below for our full calendar. | | | |
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Production Team Meeting
Wednesday, July 1st @ 7:30 PM on Zoom
ATTENTION! Production team meetings have moved to the first Wednesday of every month. ATTENTION!
Our production team does the important work of making our services accessible, both on site and off, by creating the service power point, running the service zoom, managing our service sound, and broadcasting our service. Interested in making sure our services remain accessible? Join their meeting tonight! Click the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Scripture Study
Sundays @ 8:45 AM on Zoom
Explore sacred texts from the world’s religions. Click title above for more information and zoom link.
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Women's Group
Sundays @ 10:00 AM on Zoom
This small group ministry for women explores a different spiritual concept each month. Click the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Week 1 (July 5 - July 12) | |
Smart Choices Lunch
Thursday, July 9th @ 11:30 AM at MCL Cafeteria
This wonderful group of ladies gathers once a month to share about life and to celebrate birthdays. Click the title above to learn more.
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Social Justice Committee Meeting
Thursday, July 9th @ 6:00 PM on Zoom
Interested in "being the change you want to see in the world?" Join our Social Justice Committee today to get involved. Click the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Week 2 (July 12 - July 18) | |
CUUPS Discussion Group
Sunday, July 12th @ 2:30 PM in the Chapel
Join our pagan group—Chalice of the Willow—today, after the service, in the chapel, for their monthly discussion. Click on the title for more inforatmion.
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Music Committee Meeting
Tuesday, July 14th @ 7:00 PM on Zoom
Join our Music Committee for their meeting today! No music experience is required– just a love of music. Click the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Week 3 (July 19 - July 25) | |
Board Meeting
Monday, July 20th @ 12:00 PM on Zoom
The Board of MVUUF does the work of governance, so we all may do the work of church. All are welcome to attend and observe their meetings. Click the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Sharing Stories Book Group
Wednesday, July 22nd @ 10:30 AM on Zoom
Join the discussion! Our Sharing Stories Book Group meets over zoom the fourth Wednesday of every month to discuss a different book. This month's book: Ruth by Kate Riley. Click on the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Adult Game Night
Saturday, July 25th @ 7:00 PM in the Chapel
What a better way to relax and build community than to play some games together! All are welcome. Click on the title above for more information.
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Week 4 (July 26 - August 1) | |
Fiber Arts Group
Sunday, July 26th @ 2:30 PM in the Chapel
(May be subject to cancellation due to the Picnic. Please stay tuned to the eBlast for updates.)
Do you weave, sew, crochet, knit, felt, do needlework or macrame? Are you just starting to learn? If so, this group is for you! Please bring your own project to work on. Click on the title above for more information.
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CUUPS Full Moon Ritual
Sunday, July 26th @ 6:30 PM in the Chapel
Join our pagan group, Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS), as they gather to celebrate the full moon! Ritual to be followed by a potluck meal. Click on the title for more information.
| | | | Faith in Action: Social Justice | | | |
Dear MVUUF Friends,
Below is a list of upcoming local events and advocacy actions to take, as we continue in the spirit of the UUA’s Side with Love to “lament the cruelty on display…rejoice in the rising…to action, resistance and the power of community” and that “even in the storm, we carry something precious: a fire we refuse to let go out.” Learn more by clicking on the links attached to each offering.
In the coming months...
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Tuesday, July 14th @ 6:30 PM,
Walk starts at Holy Angels Parish (1322 Brown St.)
Solidarity Walk for Immigrant Justice.
"All are welcome at this prayerful walk in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters." Stationary opportunity available for those for not walking. Will take place rain or shine. No signs. A project of the Bread of Life Family of Parishes, Spiritus Community, and UD Center for Social Concern.
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Saturday, July 25th @ 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM,
Triangle Park Pvilion (1700 Embury Park Rd.)
Miami Valley Immigration Coalition Community Picnic, Side dishes invited but not required. Some organizations will have information tables. RSVP and flyer at MVIC Dayton.
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Reproductive Rights: Clinic Escort Program organized by Gem City Action. More info and sign up to volunteer at Gem City Action.
| Please remember to read additional social justice items in the weekly e-blasts! | | | |
Q: How many UU’s does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: We choose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is wonderful. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb. Present it next month at our annual Light Bulb Sunday Service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, 3-way, long-life, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.
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