My experience with UUCGT was defined by a core of committed individuals who have dedicated extraordinary amounts of time and resources to the belief that Traverse City needs an unabashedly liberal and progressive community of those willing to step forward and speak up. I carry with me memories of how you have been willing to do what needs to be done, and I look forward to hearing reports of how the congregation is moving forward into what I hope will be a bright future.

 

As we move towards new adventures, here are a few thoughts from last week's sermon:

 

Like pearls of great wisdom, the people here are well suited to take up present challenges, the anxiety and frustrations, and find ways to transform them all into things of wisdom and beauty and lasting strength. From my perspective, yours is a congregation for whom the path has not been easy nor clear. But let me say just one more time:   You are not damaged.   You are not broken.

 

Yes, there have been challenges that nearly brought you to your knees, but they didn't. You worked through them with vision and a sense of adventure - which is an untold blessing unto itself. I hope that one day, you will know that deep in your bones, and recognize the blessing that you are to this community.

 

Thank you, for inviting me into your midst for even this briefest of ministries.   Thank you for trusting me your joys and dreams, as well as your deepest concerns and fears.

 

Thank you for reminding me that in the midst of chaos there is always a place for hope, and that in times of crisis the efforts of a handful of committed individuals may just be enough to do exactly the work that is needed.

 

Thank you for allowing me to walk beside you for these few months. Traverse City has held a special place in my heart for nearly 15 years, and now it has one more reason to warm my heart.

 

It is a blessing to be.

It is a blessing to be here.

It is a blessing to be here now.

It is a blessing to be here now, together.

 

With dreams of only the best for you,

Rev. Beth  

Hal Gurian, coordinator

The RE program will be running Our Whole Lives for 7th through 9th grade students in the upcoming school year. 

This program is open to all students in the community. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pick up a brochure or flier from the RE classroom to pass on.

Questions? contact  Betsy Hammerberg or  Katie Tomczyk

Social Justice Action Team Meeting

Sunday, August 4 @ 11:45 a.m.

Update on assisting people caught up in our current immigration crisis

Everyone is invited to attend

UUCGT Social Justice Action Team

Emmy Lou Cholak, co-chair

   http://www.uujustice.org

YOU CAN do something to support immigrate and refugee families.  Before anything, know Immigrants' Rights. Click this web page to learn specifics and how to help:

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-help-immigrants-during-an-ice-raid-1836459316

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Do you feel children and infants should be separated from their families? Expansion of child detention centers to include camp used during WWII for Japanese-Americans. Learn more here:  https://closethecamps.us/

If you want to help those children in the camps, detention centers, you might consider donating here:

https://donate.amnestyusa.org/page/26137/donate/1?locale=en-US

- Landscape Team & Volunteers: Sundays after service (weather permitting) - Join us in building our Meandering Pathway! 30 minutes of your time can translate into a lifetime journey for someone else.

- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, July 28, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary - s ee www.tcmmg.org for more information

- Bridge Club: Every Tuesday @ 1:00pm, social hall

Astonished...