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Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship | | |
THE FORUM
August 2026 | Issue 5
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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 Brianna Kempe (our Bookkeeper), reflect on the joy of our Church Picnic, celebrate unsung hero Brenda F., take a peek into MVUUF's past, learn about our Social Justice Committee, find out about upcoming events and opportunities, and discover how you can be part of it all!
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| A Message from... Brianna Kempe | |
A home’s intangible aspects are the most important to me: safety, acceptance, community, nostalgia. Yes, it's a refuge – physical or metaphorical walls that keep me secure. It is also something I am willing to work on: a responsibility that is also a choice.
Since January 2013 (at least according to the all-knowing Gmail and Breeze histories), MVUUF has been such a home. I had to look up the date, but I have an emotional memory; phases of my life are vibrant with sentimentality.
I taught versions of the Golden Rule in classrooms, pride at the room decorations of rainbows and chalices.
I managed Service Auctions, gratitude for the assistance in all forms.
I brewed wassail, excitement at the sensory overload in sound, scent and flavor.
I mourn the loss of more than one leader. Still. Deeply.
I celebrated bridge crossings, impressed at the students’ behavior.
I grimaced at the budget process, frustration at the first, second, fifth draft. Relief at a final one.
I practiced non-violent communication, comfort with expressing myself.
I shared candlelight with Christians, joy at a growing light.
I greeted dawns with Pagans, refreshed for a new day.
I stepped away, defining a new path, nervous I was making a mistake. Certain I needed to.
I came back, welcomed.
In thirteen and a half year, I have vacillated between crunching numbers, packing lunches, and studying theopoetics. I have been career-oriented, home manager, student, empty-nester. Here, I have been accepted as visitor, member, avid volunteer, treasurer, disaffiliated, and employee – back to crunching numbers.
More than anywhere else, I have been wholly me at MVUUF. My nuances are valued. My choices are learning opportunities. My love is nourished. Change is expected.
The same is true for MVUUF. The variety of people (age, gender, interest, background) is a strength. Each choice leads to evolutionary growth. You stand on the side of love.
I love watching MVUUF change, adapting to challenges. I trust you to live the seven principles through it all. You make MVUUF a home for anyone willing to do the same. Thank you for focusing on inherent worth, compassion, growth, meaning, conscientiousness, community, and interdependence.
May you each know with certainty why MVUUF is your home. May you support it in the ways most meaningful and appropriate to you at any given time as I have.
Brianna
Bookkeeper
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Which is all truly amazing when you consider that when she is not at church, Brenda is a full time Software Engineer, serves on the city council of Riverside, is learning the art of sustainable gardening, and has three adult children at home! When asked what volunteer position she has enjoyed the most, Brenda shares "I have really enjoyed serving our community in all the ways we gather together to break bread (coffee, food and fellowship, newcomer dinners, ice cream social, etc.)."
Reflecting on MVUUF's future, Brenda also shares "My hope is that we continue to care for and delight in one another, and that our care for the world around us has a measurable impact on the lives outside our community." Here, 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: Kurt Z.
This picture was taken about 20 years ago, in the mid 2000s, when Kurt was a youth. Today, Kurt is the leader of our youth group!
| | | 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. | | |
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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. | | | |
Worship & CYRE Schedule
(CYRE = Children and Youth Religious Education)
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Sunday, August 2,2026
Rev. Kellie Kelly
The United States 250th Anniversary: Words Still Waiting to Be Fulfilled
Children's Programming and Youth Group
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Sunday, August 9, 2026
Rev. Kellie Kelly & Somaya Bernard
Blessings for Growth
Children's Programming and Youth Group
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Sunday, August 16, 2026
Rev. Kellie Kelly
Choosing to Hold Both: The Love and Pain of the Modern World
Children's Programming
No Youth Group
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Sunday, August 23,2026
Rev. Kellie Kelly & Ian Hogan
AI: Rage Against the Machine
Children's Programming
No Youth Group
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Sunday, August 30,2026
Rev. Dr. Alice Diebel
What is Real Welcome? How Far do we Take this Equity Thing?
Children's Programming and Youth Group
After the service today, stay around for our Second Hour offering, "Welcoming Returning Citizens." More on this below.
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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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Shared Ministry isn't only a way of governance, it's a spiritual practice at MVUUF. That's why, each month, we feature a committee which contributes to our shared ministry. Find out about our other committees and programs, including when they meet, by clicking the button below.
Social justice at MVUUF
The MVUUF Social Justice Committee helps our congregation put our Unitarian Universalist values into action. Grounded in love, justice, equity, generosity, interdependence, pluralism, and transformation, we create opportunities for members and friends to participate in education, advocacy, public witness, direct service, and community partnerships.
Our work addresses a wide range of concerns, including immigrant justice, racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, criminal justice reform, poverty and housing insecurity, democracy and voting rights, peace, and community care. We share educational resources and legislative action alerts, organize collections and service projects, support worship services and congregational programs, and help coordinate MVUUF’s participation in rallies, vigils, Pride celebrations, and other public events.
The committee also builds relationships with organizations working throughout the Miami Valley and beyond. Recent partners in this work have included the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition, the Montgomery County Jail Coalition, the Butler County Jail Coalition, UU Justice Ohio, UUs for Social Justice, Homefull, 513 Hygiene Care, REACH, DRUUMM, St. John’s United Church of Christ, and numerous other faith and community organizations.
Committee leadership currently includes Lynn B., Chair; Bill R., Secretary; Rev. Alice Diebel, Treasurer; and Tina M., MVUUF Social Justice Representative. Together with committee members, volunteers, staff, and community partners, we help connect congregants with justice work suited to many different interests, abilities, and levels of involvement.
The Social Justice Committee meets by Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome. Whether you are interested in advocacy, education, service, community organizing, event planning, or simply learning more, there is a place for you in MVUUF’s social justice ministry.
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Book Drive
Sunday August 9 and Sunday August 16
MVUUF provides books to the students at Westwood Elementary School in West Dayton in two ways. First, we deliver hundreds of books to Westwood’s office at the beginning of each school year. Then we make weekly visits throughout the school year to keep the “little free library” at the school’s main entrance filled with books. Since 2023 we have provided over 7000 books to Westwood. This ongoing work is made possible by donations to MVUUF’s Annual Book Drive. This year’s book drive will be held on Sunday August 9 and Sunday August 16. Here’s how you can help:
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- Donate books- Purchase new books or donate used books in good condition. Books should be suitable for ages 4-12. Place your books in the collection bin located by the greeters or contact Steve S. to arrange a pick up.
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Donate money- Donate online through Breeze. Select “Westwood / Wesley Book Drive” from the first drop-down menu. Donations will be used to purchase discounted, culturally relevant books from First Book.
Feel free to contact Steve S. with any questions and thank you for supporting Westwood’s students!
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Small Group Sign Up Now Open!
Small Group sharing circles give you the opportunity to dive deep into compassionate, facilitated conversations around monthly spiritual topics relevant to your life. Meetings usually last two hours, and you have a choice – you can meet in-person or online. Registration is open through Sunday, September 20th. Register now! Conversation, compassion, connection - Small Groups: Dive Deep!
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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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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 (August 2 - August 8) | |
Group Outing - Mary Oliver Movie
Sunday, August 2nd @ 3:00 PM at the Neon
Join Rev. Kellie and other MVUUF people for a viewing of Saved by the Beauty of the World, a documentary about Poet Mary Oliver! Please buy your ticket(s) right away, as the Neon frequently sell out, and let Rev. Kellie know that you will be joining her! If purchasing a ticket would be a hardship for you, please message Rev. Kellie right away and MVUUF will purchase your ticket (confidentially). Click on the title above for more information.
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CUUPS' Lammas Ritual
Sunday, August 2nd @ 6:30 PM in the Chapel
Join our pagan group, Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS), as they celebrate the harvest season with a Lammas Ritual. The ritual will be followed by a potluck meal. The celebration is open to all, and a great way to learn more about pagan rituals.
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Production Team Meeting
Wednesday, August 5th @ 7:30 PM on Zoom
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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Group Outing - Celtic Folk Rock
Friday, August 7th @ 7:00 PM at Levitt Pavilion
Did you miss Celtic fest? Oops! So did our activities Representative, Chris F., that's why he will be attending this much, much smaller version. Come, join him! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Food vendors are not guaranteed. This is a small-ish venue, but if you have trouble finding Chris, you can call him. Email him to request his phone number.
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Group Outing - The Contemporary Dayton
Saturday, August 8th @ 1:00 PM at The Contemporary
RSVP to Rev. Kellie by Thursday, August 6th
You have the opportunity to join Rev. Kellie and other MVUUF people for a free guided tour of The Contemporary, which is showcasing two powerful exhibits of protest art! These are Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi and Niki Johnson: Pillars of Democracy. If you are interested, please RSVP to Rev. Kellie by Thursday, August 6th.
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Week 2 (August 9 - August 15) | |
CUUPS Discussion Group
Sunday, August 9th @ 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, August 11th @ 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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Smart Choices Lunch
Thursday, August 13th @ 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, August 13th @ 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 3 (August 16 - August 22) | |
Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 18th @ 1:30 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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Adult Game Night
Saturday, August 22nd @ 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 (August 23 - August 29) | |
Food & Fellowship - Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 23rd @ 2:00 PM in the Chapel
Summer is almost over. Let’s enjoy these sweet moments while they last with and Ice Cream Social - our first Food & Fellowship Sunday of the new church year! Sugar Free and Vegan Ice Cream options will be made available. Bring your favorite Toppings to share!
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Fiber Arts Group
Sunday, August 23rd @ 2:30 PM in the Chapel
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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Sharing Stories Book Group
Wednesday, August 26th @ 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: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Click on the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Week 4 (August 30 - September 5) | |
Second Hour - Welcoming Returning Citizens
Sunday, August 30th @ 2:30 PM in the Chapel
When you consider the life of our congregation, who is part of it? We will spend an hour in dialogue about how to welcome returning citizens into our congregation. Click on the title above for more information.
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CUUPS Full Moon Ritual
Sunday, August 30th @ 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.
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Production Team Meeting
Wednesday, September 2nd @ 7:30 PM on Zoom
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.
| | | | 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.
Small Farm and Food Fest
Saturday, August 1st @ 10 AM to 5 PM
at Carriage Hill Metro Park (7800 E. Shull Rd.)
Free. Learn more at Metro Parks.
12th Memorial for the Police Murder of John Crawford III
Wednesday, August 5th @ 7 PM (Likely) at the Corner of Limestone St. and Xenia Ave in Yellow Springs
John Crawford III was murdered while shopping in the Beavercreek Walmart. Poetry and prose of remembrance. Organized by MVUUF friend Bomani M. Learn more on Facebook. Another remembrance will take place at 5 Pm at the Beavercreek Walmart.
Nourish Montgomery County
Saturday, August 8th @ 9 AM to 3 PM at 2nd St. Market (600 E. 2nd St.)
Free Family event. Learn more on Facebook.
UU Side with Love Online Gathering
Monday, August 10th @ 8 PM on Zoom
“Strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others.” Info and registration at Every Action.
Dayton African-American Cultural Festival
Saturday, August 15th @ 12 PM to 8 PM
Sunday, August 16th @ 12 PM to 6 PM
Island Metro Park (101 E. Helena St.)
Learn more on Facebook.
National Week of Action Against ALPRs
Sunday, August 16th through Saturday, August 22nd
ALPRs stands for Automatic License Plate Readers. Learn more on their website.
Dayton Black Pride
Saturday, August 29th
Learn more on their website. Then, keep an eye on future eblasts for information on how to sign up to staff MVUUF's booth!
Support the Sprinfield Community
Continuous
Many have lost jobs or are about to lose jobs and legal status due to the Supreme Court decision on TPS for Haitians. More information on Facebook. Also, contact Senator Jon Husted.
Urge Protection of Voting Rights, Oppose the So-called “Save America Act.”
Advocacy
The League of Women Voters and more oppose this voter suppression bill which includes proof of citizenship to register to vote. This would be a “poll tax;” from the League: “a passport costs $165. A certified birth certificate costs up to $45. A naturalization certificate replacement costs $555.” And many older citizens do not have access to a birth certificate, even with payment. More here.
Oppose Additional Defense Spending and the War with Iran
Advocacy
Info and suggested message on spending at Friends Committee on National Legislation, and on ending the war with Iran at American Friends Service Committee.
Encouraging News in a Time of Much Discouraging News
News
After receiving more than 7,000 public comments, the Ohio EPA has backed off from its proposed general blanket permitting for data center water discharge. This citizen victory means the existing individual permitting process continues. The voices of many can make a difference! Learn more here.
| Please remember to read additional social justice items in the weekly e-blasts! | | | When a UU comes to a fork in the road with a sign pointing to the right saying "To God" and a sign pointing left saying "To Discussion of God", the UU will go to the discussion. | | | | |
