From 
The Forum for March, 2020 
SERVICE TOPICS for MARCH, 2020
Sunday, March 1st 11:00 AM
The Wisdom to Know the Difference
with Cameron Smith

Sunday, March 8th 11:00 AM
We Need Each Other
with Rev. Kellie

Sunday, March 15th 11:00 AM
Unitarian Women
with Rev. Kellie

Sunday, March 22nd 11:00 AM
Worship For All Ages:
The End of the Season of Nonviolence
with Rev. Kellie and Jerry Leggett

Sunday, March 29th 11:00 AM
Transgender Day of Visibility
with Rev. Kellie and Transgender Alliance Group

*** *** ***

Our Nursery is available for all children during before-service programming (starting at 9:30 AM) and children younger than our preschool* class during the Worship Service.

Our Worship For All Ages services are intentionally multi-generational so young people preschool-aged* and older may happily participate
in the entire worship service.


* Preschool students are 3 years old
by September 30th of the current year.
HOW TO REACH REV. KELLIE
  • The best way to reach me is to text or call my mobile phone on my office days (847.804.4614): Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • Please do not text or call my mobile phone on other days unless you have a pastoral care emergency (Sundays are busy with our worship service, Tuesdays are my day off, and Fridays are my study day).
  • Thank you for helping me take the time I need to stay healthy and happy as your minister!
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
The Forum for March has had a bit of a makeover! While it's still a work-in-progress, I encourage you to share with me any feedback you may have as we try to make this publication even more relevant & helpful to our members and friends. And I encourage you to read it all the way through, as the spots where you'd usually look for certain information may have changed, and we don't want ANYONE to be left out!
---Jennie Freiberger,
Editor, The Forum
FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
SUNDAY MORNINGS AT MVUUF

We have A LOT going on at MVUUF every Sunday morning...and our Worship Service is only one!

If you identify as female and would like to take part in discussions about women's issues, then consider attending our Women's Group . They meet at 9:30 AM in class room #5 (in the YRE hallway). Contact is Deb Whitecar , [email protected] .

If you'd rather learn more about different religions through their scriptures & writings, then our Scripture Study Group may be more to your liking. They also meet at 9:30 AM, in class room #4. Contact is John Bierman , [email protected] or 937-438-0211 .

And if you'd prefer a group that is open to discussing all sorts of topics (current events to ancient history and everything in between!) you may want to try the Community Discussion Group ; they meet in the Founders' Room at 9:30 AM. Contact is Ken Schory , [email protected] .

Childcare is available every Sunday, 9:30 AM thru 12:15 PM for those wanting to attend one of these groups and the Worship Service; but we also have an excellent Youth Religious Education (YRE) Program with classes taking place every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. You can find more info and register on our website ; contact is Rene Hick , [email protected] .
COFFEE WITH THE MINISTER
Sunday, March 8th, 12:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
If you'd like to know more about our favorite minister, Rev. Kellie, make sure you plan to stick around after the worship service on Sunday, March 8th, and enjoy Coffee with the Minister !

Who knows what you may learn!


SMART CHOICES BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Thursday, March 12th, 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria in Kettering
If you identify as female and love to celebrate birthdays, this is the group for YOU!

These fun-loving ladies gather on the second Thursday of each month to enjoy lunch and celebrate birthdays. This month they'll be meeting at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 12th, at MCL Cafeteria in Kettering.

If you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Allie Petersen :
MYSTERY FRIENDS DINNER
Friday, March 13th, 6:00 PM, in the Gathering Space 
If you signed up for the Mystery Friends Dinner, it's almost time to find out who your Mystery Friend is!

All will be revealed at the Dinner on Friday, March 13th, beginning at 6:00 PM, in the Gathering Space. 
WELCOME SESSION
Sunday, March 15th, 12:15 PM, in class room #5 
If you are new to MVUUF, or would just like to know better the inner workings of the Fellowship, you should plan to attend a Welcome Session. These sessions are a great way to get to know leaders of MVUUF & how to contact them, what sorts of activities & groups we have to offer, and lots of other interesting facts. And you get a nifty red folder to take home with you, filled with even more relevant information, too!

The next Welcome Session will be held on Sunday, March 15th, 12:15 PM, in class room #5 in the RE hallway. Why not plan to attend and introduce yourself? 
CIRCLE WORSHIP: THE GATHERING OF SPIRITS
Sunday, March 15th, 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary 
Looking for a shorter and more intimate alternative to Sunday morning worship? Would you love to find a service that provided another way for you to find a deeper connection?

You should try Circle Worship! They meet on the third Sunday evening of the month--that means Sunday, March 15th for this month--at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

If you'd like to know more, please contact Somaya Bernard :
ACOUSTIC FOLK JAM SESSION
Tuesday, March 17th, 6:30 PM, in the Sanctuary 
Here's a great opportunity for you to gather with other music lovers and play some tunes!

Our Acoustic Folk Jam Sessions are held on the third Tuesday evening of each month, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Open to anyone who plays and/or enjoys music! Bring your instrument, your voice...you don't even have to play music to attend. We think you'll enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and great music this evening will provide! 
DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, March 18th, 10:30 AM, in the Founders' Room 
This well-read group will once again meet on Wednesday, March 18th, 10:30 AM, in the Founders' Room. They will be discussing The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri.

Why not stop by? They'd love to have you join them! 
CUUPS EVENTS 
FULL MOON CELEBRATION
Sunday, March 8th, 6:30 PM, in the Founders' Room
Join the CUUPS group as we celebrate the Full Moon Sunday March 8 th from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. The March Full Moon is referred to as the Worm Moon or the Crow Moon in some Native American cultures. As the earth warms and the days lengthen earthworm casts become more prevalent inviting the return of the robins. The cawing of the crows this time of year in the Northern hemisphere signals the ending of winter thus the name of Crow Moon.

In the Celtic culture the Full Moon before the Spring Equinox is referred to as the Moon of the Winds . As we move towards the equinox high winds are expected as the “Mad March Wind” blows away the leaves and other debris from the face of Mother Earth, allowing more of her body to be exposed to the growing Light, but this Wind has a mythological meaning as well. In many cultures the concept of Spirit is linked to that of “breath”. The wind, which resembles a living being's breath is interpreted as being the breath of the Great Power’s creative spirit.

We will celebrate with a ritual followed by light snacks, fellowship and conversation. Space will be available for divination following the ritual. All are welcome. This is a family friendly event. Bring your favorite snack to share and join us as we celebrate the March Full Moon. 
CUUPS' MONTHLY DISCUSSION GROUP
Sunday, March 8th, 12:30 PM, in the Founders' Room  
CUUPS monthly discussion group will meet Sunday March 8 th from 12:30 – 2pm in the Founders' Room. Our topic for this month is the surviving pagan traditions in Lithuania. Jeff Dwellin will open the discussion with some interesting information on some of surviving traditions and then we will open the group to discussion of those traditions. All are welcome. This is a family friendly event. We hope to see you there. 
CUUPS' OSTARA CELEBRATION
Sunday, March 22nd, 6:30 PM, in the Gathering Space & Sanctuary
This Month the CUUPS group will celebrate the Spring Equinox festival known as Ostara on Sunday March 22 nd from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Ostara is the second of three spring festivals on the Wheel of the Year. C oming in between Imbolc and Beltane, this is a time for celebrating the balance between extremes that is found amid the seasons. Although it may still be chilly in many regions, this is the official beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere—it is the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, the moment of exact balance between the light and the dark. We will celebrate with a ritual in the Norse tradition led by Doug Hubbard. Following ritual we will share in a potluck meal with fellowship and conversation. Space for divination will be available. All our welcome. This is a family friendly event. Bring a dish to share and join us as we celebrate the beginning of Spring. 
SHOWING UP FOR JUSTICE
WEST DAYTON ACTION GROUP
Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:30 PM, in the Founders' Room 
Here's a group that works hard to collaborate on issues like infant mortality, early childhood education, food insecurity, and environmental justice. Congregation-based community organizing is also one of the group’s responsibilities. Contact Bob Lewis at [email protected] for more information. 
WHITE FRAGILITY BOOK DISCUSSION
Saturday, March 7th, 10:00 AM, in the Founders' Room 
Did you know that we have a discussion group based on the book White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo? Alice Diebel continues to lead this group on the first Saturday morning of each month, beginning at 10:00 AM, in the Founders' Room.

You can contact Alice for more information,
ANTI-RACISM ALLY GROUP
Monday, March 9th, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room 
This group is a supportive place where white congregants can work on reducing and eliminating their own white fragility and internalized racism without harming our siblings of color.

Questions, concerns, or suggestions? Please contact Rev. Kellie,
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCH
Saturday, March 14th, 10:45 AM, 120 W. Apple Street in Dayton 
Please join us on March 14, in providing our long-standing second Saturday lunch for women and families staying at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter. Our needs for this fall/winter menu include servers, hearty chili, vegetable dishes (such as cooked fresh vegetables or medley), green salad, fresh fruit/fruit salads, shredded cheese, sour cream, 100% orange juice and milk . We need several donations of most items, with each donation serving 15-20 people. Please bring all items---heated if  applicable---to 120 West Apple Street (the St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter) by 10:45 am.  You can sign up for Saturday, March 14 lunch on the clipboard in the Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 (call or text) or [email protected] .  You can also check on what is needed at Sign Up Genius HERE
(no need to log in unless you also want to sign up through Genius).
The family group very much enjoyed the Valentine's treats made by our fourth and fifth grade Sunday school class, - cheese sandwich hearts and chocolate drizzled pretzels. It's always a guessing game for how many diners we will have on the 2nd Saturday lunch.   For four months running, Sept. - Dec., we served more than 100, but fewer since then. In February we served 76 with 49 in the women's and partners' group at 11 am and 27 in the family group at noon.  
TRANSGENDER INCLUSION IN CONGREGATIONS
Session #2 on Saturday, March 14th, 1:00 PM, in the Sanctuary
The second of three interactive sessions will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 1-4:00 PM, in the Sanctuary at MVUUF. Participants will watch lectures with time provided for group discussion and individual reflection.

Our Transgender Alliance Group took this course offered by Transforming Hearts Collective ; they were all deeply moved by the course as it pushed them to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building and because of that, they are offering it to all of us.

If you'd like more information, contact Rene' Hick ,
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Monday, March 16th, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room
If you'd like to know what sorts of events and activities our Social Action Group is working on, why not plan to attend their next meeting? That is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 16th, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Founders' Room. They'd love to hear your ideas and meetings are open to everyone.
TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE GROUP
Thursday, March 19th, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room
Our Transgender Ally Group has changed it's name to better reflect those involved & their purpose: it is now the Transgender Alliance Group, open to trans and cis-gender folks, to bring more awareness to and foster understanding with our community and beyond.

They will continue to meet on the third Thursday of the month, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room; the date for this month is March 19th.
SOCIAL ACTION MOVIE NIGHT: THE GREAT HACK
Friday, March 20th, 6:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
This acclaimed documentary is the compelling and appalling story of voter manipulation of the Brexit vote and the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which used big data by Cambridge Analytica and also involved Facebook.  This presentation is organized by the Social Action Committee with thanks to Netflix Original Documentaries for permission to show.  

Check out the LINK to the Facebook event page for more information.
FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THREATS TO DEMOCRACY
Sunday, March 29th, 12:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
An educational event with suggested future actions, this afternoon will begin with a simple lunch from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Free and open to all – please invite others beyond MVUUF! Program will include:
·        the short documentary “ Suppressed: The Fight to Vote ” about the attack on voting rights in the U.S. featuring the 2018 gubernatorial elections in Georgia (Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp) will be shown 
·         Local Move to Amend leader Mary Sue Gmeiner will speak on the undue influence of the wealthy and corporations on public policy and elections and how to counter this 
·        a d iscussion of items mentioned above and of “ The Great Hack ” which will be shown at MVUUF on Friday, March 20th
·         Local next steps
RSVP requested but not required via Facebook or to Lynn Buffington at [email protected]. 

Organized by the Social Action Committee, with thanks to Brave New Films for “ Suppressed: The Fight to Vote .”
AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP
WE NEED EACH OTHER
2020-2021 PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
Sunday, March 15th, 12:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
Join Rev. Kellie and Stewardship Team MVPs for a Café Conversation Sunday, March 15th!
 
Rev. Kellie and our inspiring Stewardship Team have four important goals for this year's pledge drive:

  1. Offer you a delicious and light lunch
  2. Explain Rev. Kellie’s new pledge formula
  3. Achieve 100% participation in the annual pledge drive
  4. Achieve 100% of our pledge goal (you know we had to include that one, hehe)

With everyone's busy schedules, we know that most of us don't have time for 1-on-1 conversations with the Stewardship Team. So in order to use everyone's time as efficiently as possible, we have scheduled ONE one-hour Café Conversation event to share our information with you, answer your questions, and celebrate all that MVUUF gives us each week.
 
This casual event is for everyone: new pledgers who don't know what pledging is, experienced pledgers who don't think they can learn anything new about pledging, people who hate pledging, people who love pledging, and anyone who cares about MVUUF. If you didn’t attend any of the Café Conversations last year, Rev. Kellie asks you to attend this year so that you can learn more about her new pledge formula. We need everyone to keep MVUUF alive and thriving.
 
We will be serving a light lunch so there will be plenty of food and fellowship. If you would like childcare, email your request to  [email protected] by Friday, March 6th.
 
If you cannot attend, you can get your stewardship packet:
  • in person from the stewardship table, starting Sunday, March 8th (our pledge drive ends Sunday, April 12th)
  • online in a special email from our Fellowship Administrator, Jennie Freiberger
  • or request CQ to send a paper copy to your home.
 
Plan to attend our Café Conversation at MVUUF:
Sunday, March 15th from 12:30 to 1:30 PM
   
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
This pledge campaign brought to you by your 2020 Stewardship Team:
Rev. Kellie, Catherine Queener (CQ), Skylar Gladden, Van Dang, Steve Thompson, Sharon Harmer, Steve Steel, Bea Walther, and Claudia Bailey.
UNSUNG HERO
At its February meeting, the Program Council (PC) was happy to recognize Mike Fanelli as an MVUUF Unsung Hero!

Mike supports a wide variety of Fellowship efforts in a quiet an unassuming way. He was part of the team that looked into acquiring solar panels and is currently heading up the Fellowship’s Green Challenge. He is an active member of our Pastoral Care team and extends this interest by driving immigrants to appointments and serving food to those in need at the Castle and House of Bread. If you’ve ever been responsible for raising or lowering the MVUUF Sanctuary’s tricky blinds, you can thank Mike for the pole tool he designed to make that task easier! Mike is a certified Dayton Metroparks’ Master Recycler and will be sharing his knowledge of recycling and waste reduction in the upcoming workshop “ Sustainable Dream Cafe: How to Live a Zero Waste Lifestyle ,” which was offered at the Service Auction.

And he also has an overly cute dog!
CONGREGATIONAL READ CONTINUES
Saturday, March 21st, 10:30 AM, in the Sanctuary
Our Congregational Read continues this month as we gather on Saturday, March 21st, 10:30 AM, to further discuss Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry , edited by Mitra Rahnema. The book includes nine essays written by religious professionals of color.

Contact Rev. Kellie with any questions or concerns,
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RUTH SCOTT
Saturday, March 21st, 1:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
A reminder that a Memorial Service for long-time member, Ruth Scott, will take place on Saturday, March 21st, 1:30 PM, at MVUUF. Ruth passed away January 4th and was an environmental activist and participated in a variety of ecological activities at the Fellowship including the Environmental Book Group, the Stream Team (evaluating stream habitat quality at Wolf Creek), our efforts toward Green Sanctuary designation, and Fellowship recycling. Ruth and Jerry were just honored as our Unsung Heroes in the December Forum Newsletter. Ruth was a proud feminist, voracious reader, and lively debater. Ruth greatly enjoyed discussing everything from politics to the deep questions of our age .
PIZZA HEROES PARTY
Sunday, March 22nd, 12:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
Save The Date! This will be a training session (and lunch!) for those who have volunteered to be Team Captains for our Peace Heroes Walk coming up in May.

More details will be coming soon...
ORDINATION OF ALICE DIEBEL
Don't forget!

MVUUF's very own Alice Diebel will be ordained later this month, in a service here at the Fellowship!

It's scheduled for Saturday, March 28th, beginning at 2:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Everyone is invited to attend the service; afterwards, there will be a cake-and-punch reception so that we can all congratulate Alice & wish her well in her ministry!