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Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship | | |
THE FORUM
June 2026 | Issue 3
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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 Somaya Bernard (our Director of Religious Enrichment), meet new member Jess T., celebrate unsung hero Emily W., learn about Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPS), find out about upcoming events and opportunities, and discover how you can be part of it all!
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| A Message from... Somaya Bernard | |
I talk a lot about growing up UU and how I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it, but less so about what brought me back. I returned to MVUUF at 21 when my oldest was born. I wanted to give her the same opportunities that I had. I wanted her to be able to make life long friends, and be a part of the community that I had found a home in for most of my life.
Well she is 10 now, and I not only get to see her forming those relationships but I am now witnessing both of my kids grow into caring, compassionate, inclusive people. My oldest recently had a situation arise at school. There was a threatening message written on the wall about her by a friend. Her principal assured her that she wouldn’t have to see her for a few days and that he would inform her before the other little girl returned to school.
We had several conversations about everything that happened over the next day or two. We talked about forgiveness and how when someone hurts us, we can choose if we want to forgive them or not. And even if we do forgive them, we don’t have to allow them back into our life. The next day though, Millie asked me to get a message to her friend. She wanted to tell her that she forgave her, and that she was excited for her to come back to school and for things to go back to normal. She told me that her friend was going through a lot at home and that she deserved a second chance. When I expressed to her that that was a very mature way of thinking about it, she said “well I learned it at church, we talk about being kind to everyone”. I passed her message along to her principal with tears welling up in my eyes.
As an adult I can look back and see all of the valuable life lessons I learned in RE. Some in the form of curriculums and classes, but others, the more subtle ones, were learned through experiences. Through being a part of a community. We learned them from our interactions with each other and experiencing all of the complicated twists and turns of life and relationships. I had no idea at the time how important those moments would be. That they would become the fundamental building blocks of my faith and morality. It is such a blessing to watch my children build their own foundation and views of the world. A steady reminder that our children can teach us just as much as, if not more than, we teach them.
Somaya
Director of Religious Enrichment
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As we welcome new members at MVUUF, we ask them to answer a few questions so we may get to know them better. These questions are meant to be fun and playful, subverting assumptions and bias.
Please Welcome Jess T.
Where would you most like to go?
I would love to go to Iceland.
What is your favorite quote?
"Try everything. Join everything. Meet everybody. That's the secret of life." - Heady Lamarr
What Care Bear, Little Pony, or Superhero would you be?
The superhero I would be is Scarlett Witch.
Reminder, you always have the option to not have your picture featured in our communications.
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Unitarian Universalist congregations are seeded, cultivated, and harvested by all who give. We are honored to celebrate those who give of their time, talent, and energy to this community and its mission.
Please Celebrate Emily W.
Ask any Director of Religious Education / Enrichment and they'll tell you that the number one hardest part of their job is volunteer recruitment. But, for some volunteers, our Youth Group and Sunday School classrooms are where it's at! In fact, when you ask this month's Unsung Hero, Emily W., what she enjoys most about MVUUF, she'll tell you "I enjoy helping with Youth Group." The same answer applies when asked what is a volunteer position she's enjoyed. And, our Youth Group certainly is lucky to have her, as Emily is a lifelong UU!
Before becoming our Youth Group's volunteer assistant, Emily grew up UU in Midland Texas. She and her daughter joined MVUUF about two years ago after moving here from Oklahoma to be with her parents, Alice and David W. When asked what prompted her to join MVUUF she adds, "My parents were already attending MVUUF. I was raised UU in Midland, Texas, and wanted my daughter to experience a similar community."
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Emily notes she also enjoys Rev. Kellie's services when she's not with the Youth Group, and looking toward the future she hopes "to see us in our own space, designed to foster community and to allow for on-site adult RE." Here, here!
When not building beloved community among our youth, Emily likes to "crochet, hang out with my kiddo, and cuddle my 21 lb cat Koko. It is the start of pool season, and I enjoy hanging out by the pool." Here, here to that too!
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| This quarter (April - June), half of our plate collection will go to support the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition (MVIC) and their Immigration, Accompaniment Program, which supports local migrant families - mainly asylum seekers. Most donations collected by MVIC go toward attorney fees, as asylum cases are five times more likely to be successful with legal representation. Some funds provide a short period of rent or commissary support after a family member is detained. MVUUF has been a long-time partner of MVIC, providing both funds and resources. | | | |
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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Spotlight on UUSJ
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice works at the national level for fairer and more inclusive government. The MVUUF Social Justice Committee often shares UUSJ educational and advocacy emails and webinars. In March, UUSJ organized a Zoom with Rep. Mike Turner's legislative aid. Several from MVUUF, including Rev. Kellie, participated to urge no more funding for ICE and Border Patrol without significant changes to their operations. Recently, Alice Diebel became the MVUUF liaison to UUSJ. As part of congregational partnership, the MVUUF Social Justice Committee has requested MVUUF make an annual contribution to the more-important-than-ever work of UUSJ, albeit at a lower dollar amount than UUSJ recommends. Visit UUSJ's web site and sign up for emails.
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Our Faith Journeys
One of the beautiful aspects of Unitarian Universalism is that we believe in supporting each other on our unique spiritual paths. This means that our congregations are kaleidoscopes of experiences, beliefs, and understandings. Every year, during our pledge drive, we honor the unique paths our members take to MVUUF by asking a handful of them to share their faith journeys with the congregation. Now, for the first time, you can view those faith journeys on our website. Just click here!
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General Assembly and MVUUF Delegates
Did you know that Rev. Liz Weber, who grew up in MVUUF, is a Worship Leader at this year's General Assembly (GA)? The big national gathering of UUs, June 14-21, is an together everywhere GA, with many participating online. If you intend to register and participate and you would like to serve as one of MVUUF's official three delegates, contact Board Secretary Jen Linck now. The MVUUF board will credential delegates prior to GA.
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Interfaith Pride Service
Tuesday, June 2nd @ 7:00 PM at First Baptist Church (111 W. Monument Ave.)
Let’s kick off Pride month with a celebration of queer love, and the freedom to be ourselves! Join Rev. Kellie for an interfaith pride service today. Learn more here. NOTICE - New time and location.
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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 (June 7 - June 13) | |
Board Meeting
Monday, June 8th @ 6 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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Music Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 9th @ 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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Pride Film Festival:
A focus on LGBTQIA+ Short Films
Wednesday, June 10th @ 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join Rev. Kellie and her UCC counterparts as they screen and discuss LGBTQIA short films throughout the month. Click on the title above to learn more and for the zoom link.
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Smart Choices Lunch
Thursday, June 11th @ 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, June 11th @ 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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UU History Redux
Saturday, June 13th @ 10:00 AM on Zoom
This is your last chance to learn a little about UU History through an anti-oppressive lens. No prep-work, no homework, no RSVP required to join. Click on the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Week 2 (June 14 - June 20) | |
UUA General Assembly 2026
All Week, Online and in Louisville
The annual gathering and business meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) will be a "together everywhere" General Assembly (GA). The theme of this year's gathering is "Meet the Moment." Learn more and register by clicking on the title above.
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Food & Fellowship: Flower Communion
Sunday, June 14th @ 2 PM in the Sanctuary
Join us today for Food and Fellowship. In addition to a flower, bring treats that symbolize community or flowers, and let us celebrate our annual Flower Communion.
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CUUPS Discussion Group
Sunday, June 14th @ 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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Interfaith Event: Transformation in a Time of Change - Earth and Climate
Sunday, June 14th @ 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary
How does my religion help me handle the challenge of Climate change? Today, the Interfaith Forum of Greater Dayton will explore this question with faith’s leaders from across Dayton.
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Board Q&A
Wednesday, June 17th @ 7:00 PM on Zoom
Get your questions answered on the draft budget and the draft bylaw changes at either Congregational meeting Q and A session on Zoom. Hosted by the MVUUF Board and the Governance Restructuring Taskforce.
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Pride Film Festival:
A focus on LGBTQIA+ Short Films
Wednesday, June 17th @ 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join Rev. Kellie and her UCC counterparts as they screen and discuss LGBTQIA short films throughout the month. Click on the title above to learn more and for the zoom link.
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Week 3 (June 21 - June 27) | |
CUUPS Litha / Midsummer Ritual
Sunday, June 21st @ 6:30 PM in the Chapel
Join our pagan group, Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS), as they celebrate the summer solstice with a Litha/Midsummer Ritual. The ritual will be followed by a potluck meal. Click on the title for more information.
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Board Q&A
Tuesday, June 23rd @ 7:00 PM on Zoom
Get your questions answered on the draft budget and the draft bylaw changes at either Congregational meeting Q and A session on Zoom. Hosted by the MVUUF Board and the Governance Restructuring Taskforce.
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Sharing Stories Book Group
Wednesday, June 24th @ 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: Days of Light by Megan Hunter. Click on the title above for more information and zoom link.
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Pride Film Festival:
A focus on LGBTQIA+ Short Films
Wednesday, June 24th @ 6:30 PM on Zoom
Join Rev. Kellie and her UCC counterparts as they screen and discuss LGBTQIA short films throughout the month. Click on the title above to learn more and for the zoom link.
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Building Identity, Building Community: Transgender History in the 20th Century
Thursday, June 25th @ 7:00 PM on Zoom
Join us as educator, historian, and advocate Tony Pankuch explores how trans people in the western world identified themselves, built community, and laid the foundations for the modern trans rights movement! Q&A to follow. Just click on the title above to learn more and to RSVP.
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Starting Point: Membership Class
Saturday, June 27th @ 10:00 AM on Zoom
New to UU or MVUUF? Join us to share your Spiritual Journey, explore the covenantal nature of Unitarian Universalism, learn a bit about our history, and discover what it means to be a member. Please RSVP to our Director of Congregational Life, Meredith.
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Adult Game Night
Saturday, June 27th @ 7:00 PM in the Conference Room
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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Worship Team Meeting
Saturday, June 27th @ 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in the Chapel
Our Worship Team helps shape hearts and minds through worship by organizing worship associates and guest speakers. Today, they are meeting to do some planning. If you are interested in doing some worship planning, you are welcome to join them!
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Week 4 (June 28 - July 4) | |
Membership Committee Meeting
Sunday, June 28th @ 2:30 PM in the Conference Room
Interested in tending to the life of the congregation? Nurturing new and established members alike? Join our Membership committee for their meeting today! Click on the title for more information.
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Fiber Arts Group
Sunday, June 28th @ 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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CUUPS Full Moon Ritual
Sunday, June 28th @ 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 | | | | | The work is growing every day. See our weekly eblasts for a list of upcoming social action opportunities. For additional opportunities, please check out our partner organizations... | | | |
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Q: Why did the Unitarian-Universalist cross the road?
A: To support the chicken in its search for its own path.
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