UUCGT  Flash 
February 13, 2020
Vol. 14, Issue 625
 
In This Issue
Minister's Musings
Sunday Service
Children & Youth
Music Corner
UUCGT Pledge Drive
Bulletin Board
Social Justice
2020 Directory
UUCGT Calendar
End Note...
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Congregational
Mission
Statement

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We are a Congregation creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.

We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought. 

We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power.

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Minister's Musings...

Dear Ones,
 
A friend posted this letter on Facebook a couple of days ago, and it was just what I needed. If you, too, are feeling discouraged or fearful, it might be what you need, too. Here's the post:
 
In 1973 a man sent a distressed letter to the poet, E.B. White
lamenting that he  had lost faith in humanity. This letter is in a collection called, Letters of Note: Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience.
 
White's missive, penned on March 30, 1973, when he was 74, endures as a spectacular celebration of the human spirit:

Dear Mr. Nadeau:

As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.

Sailors have an expression about the weather: They say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society - things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man's curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.

Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.

Sincerely,

E. B. White
(Selected from  brainpickings.org written by  Maria Popova)

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Soul Matters: February Packet - "Resilience"
PDF Packet is available by request - please contact  office@uucgt.org

Sunday Service
February 16 - 1 0:30 AM - "Love Grows"
A Multi-Generation Service -  All Ages are Welcome!
Betsy Hammerberg, Amanda Mangiardi, R enée  Russell, coordinators

With the help of some of our RE children, we will explore the ways in which choosing to act with love can help ourselves, our communities, and our world grow.

Children  & Youth  Religious Education
Nursery care is available for infants through age 4
Children and Youth are asked to meet in the sanctuary
 
Last Sunday the children created artwork for our February 16th Multi-Generational Service, Love Grows. They also learned hand motions for this Sunday's closing hymn, "Love Grows One By One". 

We are excitedly anticipating Sunday's celebration of Love, and hope to see many of you there!
 

Music Corner

In celebration of the upcoming International Women's Day and Black History Month, on March 8th the UUCGT Vocal Ensemble will perform a powerful and inspiring song about the good works of Harriet Tubman. 
We will be joined by special guest ensemble, TC Sings. 

We are currently looking for suggestions and recommendations for other local or semi-local musicians we could invite to share their story, insight, and talents in regards to the history of racism and oppression in our country. 

Thank you!
R enée Russell, UUCGT Music Director



UUCGT's 2020-21 Pledge Drive has Launched!

A delightful kick-off lunch was enjoyed last Sunday as people shared their hopes for UUCGT and their thoughts about ways we can all do our part financially.

To date, pledges have fulfilled 1/5 of our goal!
Keep the Circle Whole by pledging today!

UUCGT Bulletin Board

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UUCGT Financial Statement as of January 31, 2020: click here

UUCGT Donated Dinners 2020! Stop by after services & sign up for a Donated Dinner / Outing!  Over 10 options are available! All proceeds benefit UUCGT & support our Minister Search Effort! 
Contact  John Hoffmann or  Lauren Keinath  if you have questions.
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Valentine's Day!
International Folk Dances
F riday,  F ebruary 14 -  7:00 PM
Easy & fun to learn!
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UUCGT Men's Group:  Monday, February 17 , 5:30pm @ Minerva's
New article in entryway!  Read  It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. Mark Gustafson will facilitate discussion . C ome prepared to share your thoughts!

Strengthen & Stretch! Try It - You'll Like It!
Everybody needs some exercise! Are you getting your weekly 150 minutes of moderate physical activity? As well as strengthening muscles & improving your balance?  Join us on Mondays & Wednesdays @ 11:00 AM!
Questions? Call Judith Briggs @ 228-4655

Ministerial Search Process - Summary Report:  A congregational gathering was held Sunday, January 19 to discuss the Ministerial Search process and to take the first steps towards selecting a Search Committee. 
Those attending were divided into small groups and asked to consider three questions:
(1) What do you bring to the congregation?
(2) What do you receive from the congregation?
(3) What are the good qualities needed by someone to serve on the search committee?
An informative series of slides explaining the Search process and more detailed information about the responses can be found at:
https://bit.ly/384q1WX. Look for more information  in the March Beacon!

UUCGT Events on Facebook! W e will soon begin posting UUCGT Events on Facebook to inform our wider community of the various activities taking place at UU.  Currently, those activities are placed on the website calendar only.  If you are leading a group at the church and do not want your activities posted through Facebook, please contact Jolynn Paige at  231-409-2050  or  grandtraversesocialmedia@gmail.com
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Free screening @ Dennos Museum
Tonight! February 13 - 7:00 PM
Always in Season
by Jacqueline Olive

In  Always in Season, descendants of the victims and perpetrators of lynching are working together to heal a violent history. Blending observational footage with first-person testimonies and expert input,  Always in Season examines the lingering impact of lynching and the link between this historic form of racial terrorism and the racial violence that exists today.

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The Trump administration is attempting to dismantle the asylum system.
Congress can fight back by passing the Asylum Seeker Protection Act, which defunds the now one-year-old policy of forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are decided. 

Social Justice Action
Emmy Lou Cholak

UUCGT 2020 Member & Friend Directory

Do you have a new phone number, email or mailing address? 
Are you new to UUCGT?

Please send updated contact information  to
office@uucgt.org by February 29 -  Thanks!

UUCGT Calendar of Events
To schedule meetings & events, please contact office@uucgt

Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, February 13, 9:30am, sanctuary

Stewardship Team: Thursday, February 13, 1:30pm, library 

Peacemaker Needleworkers:  Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall

Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary

Valentine's Day International Folk Dances! Friday, February 14, 7:00pm

SokukoJi Buddhist Retreat:  Sat, February 15, 9:00-4:00pm, sanctuary

- Starting Point Class #3: Sunday, February 16, 11:45am, sanctuary

- Social Justice Action: Sunday, February 16, 11:45am, library

Mindfulness Meditation:  Sunday, February 16, 4:00pm, sanctuary

Stretch & Strengthen class:  Mondays @ 11:00am

or call  423-991-9794

- Bridge Club: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall

- Leadership Development: Tuesday, February 18, 3:00pm, library 

SokukoJi Buddhist Meditation: Tuesday, February 18, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room

- Stretch & Strengthen class: Wednesdays, 11:00am, social hall

- Sunday Services: Wednesday, February 19, 12:30pm, social hall

Wednesday Potluck Supper: February 19, 5:30pm - UU Fellowship!

- UUCGT Board Meeting: Wednesday, February 19, 7:00pm, sanctuary

- Congregational Care Team: Thursday, February 20, 1:00pm, library

- Plant Based Lifestyle TC Cooking Class:  Saturday, February 22, 11:00am-1:30pm, kitchen & social hall

End Note...
A Loving Minute
(adapted from David Spangler)

  Why not....
take at least a minute each day to honor
and love the life around you?
Just taking a minute of attunement and love
directed to all that is in your environment,
whether  human or not,  organic or not,
....a minute of active, intentional loving,
sincerely and heartfully held,  can begin to heal a world.
Love can make a difference.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

  

UUCGT office hours
Mon day - Thursday
9am - 3pm
Closed Friday

231-947-3117        office@uucgt.org          www.uucgt.org