The Communicator
March 2020 Volume 37, Issue 3
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Our Sunday Service
begins at 10:30 AM in the William Miller Sanctuary. This Sunday, March 1st, we bring you a service on
Complicated Forgiveness.
The Humanist Forum
meets every Sunday at 9:30 AM in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.
Our Community Sharing
partner for March is
Visua
lity.
The mission of Visuality is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning communities and allies. They provide activities, programs, educational events, and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity. We strive to end violence, harassment and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual expression.
Our 5th Sunday community sharing donations will go to the
Minister's Discretionary
fund.
Last month we raised
$1312.89
for ACT! Thank you for your generosity!
Sunday's Social Hour
happens after the service every week at 11:45 AM. Come join us for coffee and snacks in Hobart Hall. 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.
Religious Education News
Our Many Windows program is back with specially selected offerings designed to feed your artistic spirit. Whether with music, movement, creation, story, or painting, our upcoming Many Windows sessions give everyone, of all ages, a chance to explore worship differently. Check out the schedule for March here:
OWL for grades 7-9 will be returning in August as a joint project with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples. An informational potluck for all prospective families will be held in Hobart Hall on Friday, April 10 at 6:00 PM. Please email Jenn Blosser, Director of Religious Education for more information.
dre@uucfm.org
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Transition Team Update-
New!
February 23rd was our first Member-to-Member Listening Group. Fifteen members attended. The questions asked were framed in appreciative inquiry style - concentrating on strengths instead of weaknesses. It was a moving experience listening to all our wonderful members speaking in such heartwarming and productive ways about their involvement at UUCFM.
The heart of our congregation is beating strong. We are holding Member-to-Member Listening Groups through April. We hope you join us to listen and share your stories about our congregation and the people who attend.
From these focus groups, we will have a strong idea of your visions for our congregation that will help us make recommendations to the Board of Trustees to move forward in finding a Developmental Minister and in creating effective solutions
together.
Our next planned groups are set for March 8 and 15, and April 5, 19, and 26. We will hold other groups if people can’t get to the Sunday group sessions. Sign-up sheets will be in the Narthex and in Hobart Hall. One of our Transition Team members will be roaming the campus each Sunday asking people if they would like to join us. Please feel free to email or call the members of the team if you have any questions.
Karen Brown,
uudrek@gmail.com
, 826-432-0173. Bill Petrarca,
Bill@Petrarca.net
239-810-4608. Walter Ittenbach,
wittenbach@comcast.net
, 239-850-4546. Lane Cook,
madelane@msn.com
, 239-222-9406. Karen Feinen,
ganiedw012@gmail.com
, 585-615-0064. Patricia Vivier-Naidl,
patriciavn1934@gmail.com
, 239-826-8701. Roy Green,
royvgreen1@icloud.com
, 239-433-1142.
Greeters Needed-
New!
We need Ushers and Greeters! Please think about volunteering to be an usher or greeter for any of the Sundays in March or April and beyond. We need you. We especially need greeters - before the service, and one greeter to stay in the lobby during the service to let in latecomers. Contact MaryGayle Skinner at
skinnermg@aol.com
.
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Pachamama Alliance of SWFL hosts a Special Evening with Holley Rauen-
New!
Friday March 6, 2020 6:30PM
UUCFM Sanctuary
Our SE Asia Experience - How fear of the Coronavirus epidemic created a Ship with no Port and a Global Village at Sea
Holley Rauen will give a report and slideshow from her recent experience traveling in SE Asia during the Coronavirus outbreak with her partner and two friends. She will include reflections and slides of her visits to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Taiwan. They wore a mask in some of those cities due to the intense smog and air-pollution... some of it coal dust and emissions from thousands of unregulated vehicles and motorbikes. The talk will be about our experience on the MS
Westerdam
, Climate Change, and traveling in SE Asia during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Please help spread the word and invite a friend. Donations at the door will go to UUCFM for ongoing venues for our Pachamama Alliance Gatherings.
Lee County Commissioners Candidates Forum March 12-
New!
Now more than ever, Lee County residents know the critical importance of a healthy environment. We have troubling concerns about how our air and water quality affect our health, our tourist economy, and the well being of the natural world. The commissioners we elect will be addressing these concerns and making decisions that directly affect us all. Along with a coalition of environmental organizations in our community,
Pachamama Alliance of SWFL
will host the upcoming County Commissioners Candidates Forum, and you'll want to be there!
DATE: Thursday, March 12
TIME: 6:30
PLACE: UUCFM 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.
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Casino Night Fundraiser-
New!
Our Casino Night is Saturday, April 11th, from 7-11 Pm in Hobart Hall. We will have games such as Roulette, Black Jack, Wheel of Fortune, and Poker with $3,000 in starting chips. Light refreshments are compliments of our Scout Troop #3300 leaders. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at thedoor. Contact Denis Jensen for advance tickets, 215-880-1433,
dalanjensen@gmail.com
. Contact Tom Sizemore to help with the cash bar,
tsizemore258@gmail.com
Our Scout leaders need us to sell at least 40 tickets to make it worthwhile for their setup and administration. Please pick up a flyer from Denis Jensen to help us promote the event and bring friends and neighbors to this needed fundraiser. It is a fun night for all.
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Groups & Classes
Women's Circle and Potluck
The Women's Circle will have a very special meeting/potluck Tuesday, March 24th in honor of Women's History Month. Well-known author, educator and mental health professional, Ellen M. Levy, will present "1910-1916--Challenges for Women." Levy will arrive in period costume and teach about education for young women, the suffrage movement, and transportation challenges. She asks leading questions comparing and contrasting the isolation felt by young women who were coming out as gay in the turn-of -the last century with those who came out later. Her presentation will follow the noon potluck luncheon in Hobart Hall. The event is free. Come join us and bring a friend. For questions, contact Linda Jensen,
lindajensen50@gmail.com
In addition, mark the date of Tuesday, April 21 on your calendar for a noon potluck, followed by a drama pertaining also to Women's History.
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
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:
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 until 1:45 PM on the following Sundays- March 1, and March 15.
Exploring Life's Challenges-
New!
Join Wayne Leaver for a monthly support group to help you deal with difficult situations and decisions. The group is perfect for anyone who needs a little additional support dealing with loss, grief or other difficult issues. This group is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee. The first meeting of the group will be on Thursday, March 5th from 10 am-12 pm. The group is open to all and there is no charge. This is an opportunity to discuss life challenges and opportunities in a small group setting. We will support one another facing challenges and exploring life's opportunities. This is
not
a therapy group. We hope you will join. Please contact
marygcline@gmail.com
Crystal Bowl Meditation-
New!
Join us for a crystal bowl meditation with Mary Cline Golbitz on Thursday, March 12th from 4:00-5:00 PM in Room 7. The meditation will include playing of crystal bowls, other instruments and a guided meditation. You can sit in a chair during the meditation or bring a mat and/or pillow to get comfortable—whatever you need to relax. Come join us for a relaxing hour of sound and meditation in community. Sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee. Open to all at no charge. Please contact
marygcline@gmail.com
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.
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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.
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News
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 and have your artwork featured, please email Priscilla at:
jeffcoatp@comcast.net
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Guided Campus Walk
Walk with us after the Sunday service! Meet at 11:45 AM in front of Hobart Hall, and from there we’ll explore the 12.5 acre campus with stops in a classroom, the library, the sanctuary, memorial garden, the community gardens and more. Along the way we’ll share a bit UUCFM history and get to know each other. Reservations are necessary.
Contact
Patricia Linhoff
at
freckles345@comcast.net
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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:
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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
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Our UU Story
International Women’s Day
End Discrimination Against Women
On March 8, thousands of events in countries all over the world will mark International Women’s Day and call for full equality for women in every nation. International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time at a 1909 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its creation was largely inspired by the courageous actions of women who worked in deplorable conditions in garment factories in New York.
Although women from the U.S. helped to shape what we know as International Women’s Day, the day passes unnoticed in many parts of this country.
In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly passed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It serves as an international bill of rights for women. It defines discrimination against women, and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.
CEDAW defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field."
Almost all U.N. Member States have signed on to and/or ratified this convention. The United States is among a small minority of countries, including Iran and Sudan, which have not ratified CEDAW. The U.S. has the dubious distinction of being the only country in the western hemisphere and the only industrialized democracy that has not ratified this treaty. Ratification requires the support of 2/3 of the U.S. Senate, or 67 votes.
The Unitarian Universalist Association supports CEDAW as “essential to a claim by the U.S. of moral leadership in human rights,” and asserts that its ratification would “deter discrimination against women and advance their political and economic equality.”
~ Edited by Joy F. Sokeitous
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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:
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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. You can also email
memberservices@uucfm.org
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Our Greater Community
Please submit only articles regarding programs from our renters, community sharing partners, or greater UU news. Thank you!
Thank You from GRACE
The Guatemalan Rural Adult and Children's Education Project, GRACE, sends our deep gratitude to the UUCFM congregation for your Community Sharing contributions to our projects, which we offer both in SW Florida and in Guatemala.
For over 20 years you have supported our efforts. GRACE has developed strong reputations internationally, as advocates for farmworkers, the Maya people and cultures, human trafficking prevention, family planning, environmentally supportive women's hygiene products, and empowerment for youth, women, and indigenous peoples.
We are so grateful for your continuing involvement and sustenance.
Un millón de gracias,
Genelle G. Grant, Ed.D.
Director, GRACE Project
LIFE Update
The LIFE Nehemiah action is now at Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers on Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 PM.
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. Contact Mary Tracy Sigman at
marytracysigman115@gmail.com
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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
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