Our Mission Statement

As a welcoming congregation, we work and worship together to become people of open minds, loving hearts, and helping hands. We honor the transformative power of love in our individual lives and broader communities.

NOVEMBER 2023

I saw an electric snowman on someone’s yard today, and we still haven’t celebrated Halloween. I frowned, but then remembered reading that some folks were putting up their Christmas and winter holiday decorations early. They are decorating as a coping mechanism for all the sadness, frustration, anger, and other negative emotions that are rising with the horrible news. How do we take care of ourselves when we are all on edge and unsure about so much? Some cope with distractions like video games and alcohol. Others cope by trying to address these monumental world, national, and community problems; only to conclude that we are just like rats spinning on wheels, wearing ourselves out for nothing. Perhaps it’s time to rest. If we can’t come to that conclusion with our minds, our bodies will usually do it for us.

And so, here I am submitting to that reality by wearing a cumbersome boot (provided by the ortho physician) when I DO try to walk. I’m also limiting that walking time to give my foot a chance to heal. I know many of you have been in similar situations and much worse. We must be gentle with ourselves, beloveds. Sometimes we need to focus on smaller possibilities, like decorating for the holidays. I’m not saying that we stick our heads in the sand. It’s important to be aware and write that letter, support that organization, attend that rally and more. But we should also that break from the news and hate-filled vitriol that screams at “the other.” After all, it’s almost that time of year for offering thanks and praying for peace and good will to all.

May it be so, dear ones. May it be so.

Jane

For information about our in-person service please see our Covid guidelines below. Or, if you prefer to attend online, the service will be offered at this zoom link: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/5915836890 .

November 5

"Am I My Brother's/Sister's Keeper?"

Clint Tawes

In this Sunday's sermon, we'll explore the call to be our "brother's keeper" and care for those around us, especially when they are struggling. Join us as we reflect on extending compassion and living in community.

November12

"Looking for God on the Blue Ridge Parkway"

Randy Blasch

Follow Ministerial Intern Randy Blasch on a journey to find that something greater.

November 19

"The Gospel of Mary"

Carolyn Wallace, UUCG guest speaker

Carolyn Wallace will discuss the only gospel that bears the name of a woman, Mary of Magdala. Discovered in Egypt in 1896, the Gospel of Mary depicts the conversations Mary had with Jesus when He arose from the grave on Easter.

November 26

"Lessons from The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian"

Rev. Jane Page

Rev. Jane continues her series on Lessons from Banned Books by exploring this young adult book that shows up on many lists.

CLICK ABOVE LINK TO ACCESS PREVIOUS SERVICES.

Also, this link is available on the UUFS website on both the HOME page and THIS MONTH'S SERVICES page.

NOTE: The county Covid risk level is subject to change.

Kathy and Larry’s Fellowship Circle

Our Circle met at the GS Botanic Garden for a picnic. Our regular members were joined by guests Shari and Inge, as well as John, who we thank for arranging for us to meet a little early and have plenty of tables and chairs. Conversation included the state of today’s youth, and how pandemic-driven physical isolation has led to a withdrawal from all but online interactions, leading to a collapse of many campus organizations. We also brainstormed ideas for future programs. We talked about various sources for guest speakers and topics, including more exposure to various religious beliefs, and gaining a better understanding of local nonprofit organizations.

Relinda and Dee Fellowship Circle

We had a small but mighty fellowship circle gathering at the Georgia Southern Botanic Gardens. We all brought our own meal, plus a little something to share. Afterwards, John gave us a brief tour of the grounds pointing out some of the next steps in caretaking of the gardens for Fall and Winter. Our next gatherings will be at Alicia’s in November and we’ll round it out in early December at the home of Laura and Dixie.

Barb’s Fellowship Circle Update

Mike, Barb, Janice, Martha, Jessica, and special guest Neil F. met at Mike and Barb's home for a chili dinner on Oct. 14. Good food, lively conversation, and lots of laughter were enjoyed by all.

Jessica and Brenda’s Fellowship Circle Update

For our fellowship circle we had a meet and greet with refreshments at Brenda and Jessica’s house. We were able to sit out on the back porch and it was a lovely evening. Neil, Teresa, Cynthia and Collin attended. Some of us met Collin for the first time and we got to know a bit about him. We planned to go to Southern Pottery Studios and paint a piece of pottery together for our next meeting.

Shari’s Fellowship Circle Update

This Fellowship Circle reports that busy schedules did not mesh for an October meeting, but plans are underway for a chili supper in the month of November, to include a fire pit & s'mores. Watch for pictures next month!

The Annual Meeting for UUFS

will be held on Sunday, December 10 in our sanctuary. All members are encouraged to attend. Please mark your calendars for this event. During this meeting we will vote on the 2024 slate of board members and set our budget for the 2024 year. Hope to see you there!

Member Erin McFerrin has used her creative and comedic talents to repurpose this newspaper box as a little library for banned books. Keep bringing those banned books in. We will be ready to launch soon!

Thank you, Erin!

ZEN MEDITAION

Fridays at 9:00 a.m.

MindBody Center at UUFS

Join us for meditation on Friday mornings. Newcomers and experienced practitioners are welcome. Come join us in person or join us via Zoom.

For the Zoom link or more information send an email to Laura Milner at lamilner@georgiasouthern.edu

MindBody Center Yoga

now has more In-Person Yoga classes.

See Covid precautions below.

Tuesday, 9:30-11:00 am Iyengar Yoga with Inge

Wednesday, 8:00-9:00 am Yoga for the Spine with Lynn Geddes

Wednesday 9:30-10:30 am All Levels Yoga with Fred

Thursday, 9:30-11:00 am Ease into Iyengar Yoga with Inge

For Fred’s and Inge's classes register with this link:

https://app.punchpass.com/org/14237/classes/

For Lynn’s classes email her at lynn@yogamefit.com

Covid Precautions: We are still observing some Covid restrictions and limit our classes to 7 participants. To attend you must be vaccinated, be symptom-free, and observe social distancing. Mask wearing is optional.

Reduced fee for Newcomers to MindBody Center: $30 for 4 classes

For more information on our yoga classes click this link: www.mindbodycenteryoga.com

For more information on Fascia Fitness Training click this link: https://fasciatrainingacademy.com/6-fascial-fitness-training-principles/

Inge Spencer

Iyengar Certified Instructor

MindBody Center Yoga

912 596-3322 (call or text)

mindbodycenteryoga.com

For more information on our classes and instructors go to www.mindbodycenteryoga.com

or call or text Inge at 912-596-3322