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Weekly Communicator
February 24, 2022
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Join us for our Service this Sunday where we examine how to Widen Our Circle of love by examining our shadow side and embracing paradox. | |
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Dear UUCFM Congregation,
We are pleased to report that Lee County’s COVID risk level has begun to improve. We’re now at “very high” risk; see the CovidActNow website.
The Board of Trustees has determined that we will return to worship services in our Sanctuary two weeks after Lee County reaches the “high” risk level, while maintaining our Zoom broadcast for those who aren’t able to join in-person. Watch the Weekly Communicator for the announcement of the date we’ll be back together.
Other gatherings on campus may continue in cautious compliance with our re-opening guidance, found by clicking here.
As always, reach out to me with any questions at UUCFMPresident@UUCFM.org or 239-222-9406.
Yours in Growth,
Lane Cook
President, UUCFM Board of Trustees
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Please send all newsletter articles by
12pm Wednesday for publication in Thursday's newsletter.
Send articles to newsletter@uucfm.org
**Please do not send requests to the office manager email**
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Starting Point
Come, come whoever you are,
Wonderer, wanderer, lover of leaving,
Ours is no caravan of despair,
Come yet again come
You are invited to "Starting Point" Journey Group
a four week curriculum for new members and those curious about Unitarian Universalism, and for not so new members who would enjoy a refresher and accompany our new members on this journey.
Four Sessions: Beginning Feb. 20, 2022 through March 13, 2022. Sundays, at 2:00PM in Hobart Hall. Please wear a mask, and social distance.
Week One: Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
Week Two: The Unitarian Universalist Journey & The Journey of our Church/Congregation
Week Three: Our Journey Together: The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism, Part One
Week Four: The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism, Part Two & Finding Your Journey Group
For more information please contact
Marge Gonzalez: margaretgonzalez@me.com
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CELEBRATING OUR GENEROSITY
LET’S PARTY ON THE 27TH!
Please join the Stewardship Team Sunday, Jan. 27 in the screen room at noon (or come when you can) for a burgers and dogs on the grill provided by the Scouts and ice cream treats and drinks provided by Stewardship. This informal event will include a brief program at 1 PM honoring our past, celebrating our present, and imagining a future. Come enjoy being on our campus and being with friends.
We want to thank everyone who has made a commitment of support for the upcoming year to UUCFM. You are so appreciated for all your gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
The Stewardship Team is busy contacting members and supporters from whom we have not yet heard. It is not too late to make a pledge for the upcoming Fiscal Year, which begins April 1, 2022. Go online at http://uulead.org/fairshare/. Call the office if you need help or prefer a paper pledge form. And, again, THANK YOU.
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Reintroducing the UUCFM
Committee on Shared Ministry
General Purpose: The Committee on Shared Ministry (CoSM) serves the congregation by objectively observing and subsequently reporting on the functioning of the congregation’s various ministries. Appointed by the Board, the CoSM consists of three members who will serve for three years and our Lay Ministers, until we have a minister.
The CoSM offers a balcony view of UUCFM's ministries and will review how the congregation is managing current problems and congregant recommendations, based on research and understanding of healthy congregational systems. The CoSM will not generally make recommendations on how to make improvements; that is the function of the ministries, staff and Board.
Observations by the CoSM and the congregation, both positive and those suggesting improvement will be noted. The CoSM will attempt to anticipate the consequences of scheduled changes. It will attempt to observe and clarify any systemic power and role conflicts. The CoSM may act as an objective liaison for members who request assistance with communication and conflict resolution in face-to-face exchanges.
Communicating with the CoSM: If you have a concern about the congregation’s ministries or you are involved in a congregational conflict, please send an email with the details to Diane Buckley dineby@aol.com, Leslie Gatto gatto.leslie@gmail.com, Mary Cline Golbitz Mary@uucfm.org, Alberita Johnson Albie@uucfm.org or Helen Leddy helen.leddy@gmail.com. Anonymous feedback will not be noted.
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BLUU Haven Meeting
Hello Dear Ones,
Alberita Johnson is inviting you to attend a Meet & Greet virtual luncheon, Saturday Feb. 26, 2022 at 1:30PM via Zoom. The BLUU Haven application process has been completed and we are accepted.
Topic: BLUU Haven Meeting
Time: Feb 26, 2022 1:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81653970100?pwd=bWNHQTlIRmZtU3J2TlA5R1hCK3R1Zz09
Meeting ID: 816 5397 0100
Passcode: 745763
During our lunch we will discuss how we would like to move forward, here is some information regarding BLUU Havens and BLUU Harbors.
BLUU: Black Lives of Unitarian Universalist
We envision BLUU Havens as small groups created by and for Black UUs to connect socially and to engage in organizing efforts locally. BLUU Havens will be centered in a Black Unitarian Universalism that offers a sense of home to Black people who feel held by, or want to be more connected to Black ancestry, Black love, Black thought, Black artistry, and Black faith. We imagine BLUU Havens as a place to celebrate and practice a Unitarian Universalism that at EVERY turn, honors, uplifts, and equips our Black Lives.
BLUU Havens are required to:
-Be composed of a minimum of 3 people
-The primary contact must be an active (or excited to be active) BLUU Beloved
-Agree to meet at least once per quarter (4 times per year)
Additional details are disclosed during and after the submission of the BLUU Haven application. The purpose of the application is to helps us get to know the group that is interested in becoming a Haven and begin the process of relationship building between BLUU and the group.
Please let me know that you are joining us, so I will know to expect you.
Love and Hugs, Albie
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The Bill Brewer Family Gardens | |
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UPDATE
In the interest of Social Justice, our gardens are reporting a total of 641 pounds of produce donated to St. Martin de Porres Outreach and the Cypress Lake Food Bank so far this season, to address local food insecurity. We have also dedicated three beds to Cultivate Abundance, a non profit devoted to helping farm workers in Immokalee. Sadly those who harvest our food do not have enough to put food on their own tables.
Please consider joining us on Sunday February 27 when we will have a work day with the Scouts, doing planting, cleanup, etc. Day begins at 9 a.m. The garden manager will be bringing cold water, a fruit drink, and a light snack. If you want to donate, contact familygardens@uucfm.org
On Thursday Feb 24, Sierra Club will be hosting environmental advocate Betty Osceola on oil drilling in the Everglades and a tour of the garden will be included. Please register in advance as this outdoor event is limited to 100 persons.
https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=10000256404010297
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Carole Latino, Volunteer of the Month: Feb. 2022
Carole is currently the Co-chair of both Membership and Social Justice Committees, and serving on the 60th Anniversary Committee.
She is a lifetime ally to the oppressed, specifically African American and the LGBTQ+ communities. She has marched in just about every MLK Jr. celebration honoring Dr. King since becoming a member, and transported members to the beginning of the parade so they could march.
Carole is earth centered and has led and participated in many CUUPS events and rituals, where she shares her gift of music while playing her native American flute and she is frequently the fire keeper. She has been the treasurer for CUUPS for several years.
Carole is a song bird at heart and loves singing. She has served as the VP of the SWFL Gay and Lesbian Chorus, now know as Voices of SWFL one of our expected Community Sharing Partners, and she plans to sing with our choir once again when we can safely.
Carole has shared of love of singing with UUCFM, as a tenor/alto and in the acapella group, Womyn Singing in Sacred Circle, where they have shared their gifts with us here at UUCFM, and with SingfestFL a Womyn's only event sponsored by CUUPS. Carole celebrated her 11th year of membership and service with UUCFM, Feb. 15, 2022. Thank you Carole for your service to our community.
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It’s Budget Time Again!
The Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees will soon begin to develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2022. This budget will be voted on by the Congregation at the annual meeting at the end of March. In the meantime, we welcome your input. Please send any items you would like to propose for inclusion in the budget to treasurer@uucfm.org by February 25.
Thanks!
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LIFE for Justice!
This year Lee Interfaith for Empowerment continues its push for much needed affordable housing in Fort Myers. There are two upcoming events to which you are invited: the annual rally is March 1 at 7:00 PM and the annual Nehemiah Action, March 15 at 7:00 PM. Both will be at Mount Hermon, 2856 Douglas St. These events will also be streamed online. When it comes to social justice, the various denominations of our area are united, and there is strength in numbers. Justice for LIFE!
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Community Sharing in February: Pachamama of SW Florida
The Pachamama Alliance of SW Florida was formed in October 2016 after a group of local leaders took the Game Changer Intensive.
Their intention is to work with the people in Southwest Florida who are beginning to live in a new dream— one that fosters environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Their three-fold mission is to collaborate with and support existing Game-Changing movements, Originate programs and facilitate trainings designed to enlighten, energize, and empower pro-activists, and integrate the wisdom of and promote the participation of indigenous peoples to strengthen our collective transformation.
More info can be found at https://connect.pachamama.org/group/87/about
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60th Anniversary Pave the Way Fundraiser Update | An anonymous donor has put us over 80 bricks sold with "Be Kind & Play Nice" for Bill Petrarca. They are loving reminders for who we are, and who we have been. Do consider adding your names and thoughts. | | | |
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Help wanted!
The Membership Committee is looking for one person from each committee to help out with the upcoming 60th anniversary party. Please contact Carole Latino at carolelatino@gmail.com if you can help.
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60 Years - Standing Strong
Writing is underway for our 60th anniversary play, "60 Years - Standing Strong". It's been 60 years since June 20, 1961 when UUCFM received its Charter from the UUA. Reflection interviews are being collected by Hank Nash and Margaret Ramus. The more ideas and reflections the better. We are building on the 40th Anniversary Play produced in 2002. To be part of this effort, contact 60th Play Coordinator, Suzanne Ziemer, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020.
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The MACC
The Music and Arts Community Center
2021 - 2022
Season Tickets
The GCS comprises the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and the Music & Arts Community Center (MACC). This year over 100 programs will be offered that present the best in classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film and musical theater.
Ticket prices range from $24 - $44
As you know, there's not a bad seat in the house!
Tickets and seat choice can be purchased online or at the door.
For more info visit
gulfcoastsymphony.org
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