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Congregational
Mission
Statement
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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UUCGT Quicklinks
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If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter
the
Beacon
please contact
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Minister's Musings...
Dear Ones,
'Tis the season of diminishing light and SNOW upon snow. Sigh... The snow and ice have made walking as a spiritual practice with my dog more challenging, or at least more complicated. It takes careful planning and preparation. There's the right coat, hat, gloves, scarf, long underwear, and boots. And then there's Zoey - who has more coats and sweaters than I do! The latest one is from Chilly Dogs, Inc., and it is the absolute best. I won't tell you how much it cost because you will think I'm a little nuts. My husband thinks so, and he thinks I care more about Zoey than him. I just say, "Oh, sweetheart, don't be silly."
So, as we move into winter, and light grows less, and budgets are challenged, our friends, family, pets, spiritual practice, and church community matter to our health and well-being. The holiday season can be a difficult time, especially for those who mourn the loss of loved ones. Let us be gentle with ourselves and our family and friends and practice loving each other at least as much as we do our pets. :)
Tend to your spirit by coming to church and bringing a friend. The All-Music Service this Sunday will nourish your soul. I promise!
See you in church!
In faith and love,
Cathy
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Sunday Service
December 8 - 1
0:30 AM - "Annual All Music Service"
Renée Russell, UUCGT Director of Music, Rev. Cathy Harrington
This All Music Service will include individual pieces performed by members and friends of our congregation, a string ensemble, vocalists, pianists, UU Ukes, choral music performed by UUCGT's Vocal Ensemble and many other musicians.
Please join us for an inspiring morning of music and inspiration!
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Children
& Youth
Religious Education
Nursery care is available for infants through age 4
Children and Youth are asked to meet in the sanctuary
until after the Children's Benediction
Last Sunday we welcomed
our new RE teachers,
Alison Ernst and Claire Crandell, with a fun session of crafts and music!
On December 8th we will learn about the Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice with a short traditional ritual followed by
creation of a candle holder.
Mark your calendars for December 15th when Hal Gurian will teach us about the Jewish celebration of Chanukah with a story and the dreidel game (with chocolate coins, of course)!
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Saturday, December 21
A Winter Solstice Service
5:00 pm
Vegetarian Potluck to follow
Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service
7:00 pm
Reception to follow
(bring some cookies or holidays treats to share!)
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UUCGT Bulletin Board
Link to December Beacon
Sincere Gratitude
My sincerest gratitude to all at UU who made my mother, Treva Jaffe's, jazz memorial celebration one that I will always remember. I have an even deeper understanding and appreciation for the many moving parts and details covered by various committees and individuals to ensure that every aspect of the event was covered. The generosity of so many is humbling and reminds me why I love this place so much. So thank you to all who donated your time and talents and also to those who came to enjoy the music. It was exactly what she wanted. Kim Gribi
Helping our Neighbors this Holiday Season!
-- NW Michigan Supportive Housing is accepting donations of household move-in items for residents with mental illness. Items include
bed sheets, pillowcases, laundry & hand soap, cleaning supplies, plungers, toilet cleaners & brushes, shower curtains,
hand & bath towels,
toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
-- Baskets of Bounty/Commission on Aging is accepting donations of personal care supplies for
low-income seniors.
Bins
are located near the kitchen!
Thank you for your generosity!
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Be Aware of Holiday Gift Card Scams:
Congregations across the U.S. have been targeted by email scams designed to look like a minister is asking members to send gift cards. The scam preys on people's trust and relationship with ministers. Stay safe - verify any email requests for money or gift cards. Do not click on email links, or send money, gift cards, etc.
UUCGT Men's Group: Monday, December 9, 5:30pm @ Minerva's
Mark Gustafson will facilitate "Abolish the Priesthood" - article available in front entrywa
y
Volunteer needed to support UUCGT Accountant
Volunteer needed to learn basic elements of our accounting system and act as back-up when necessary. 4-6 hours/week to learn system, then 1-2 hours every couple of weeks to maintain skill level.
Contact Jim Walworth, 409-9278 or Mike McDonald, 342-0768 for more information
LOST & FOUND
Please c
heck for your lost items in the alcove by the name tag tower - Coats, sweaters, single gloves, hats, kitchenware, water bottles, glasses...
+ Free Books, Calendars, Publications!
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MaryAnn Force
A Celebration of Her Life and Art
Please enjoy a collection of MaryAnn's watercolor paintings currently displayed in the
UUCGT Corridor Gallery!
Her artwork is available for purchase from MaryAnn's daughter, Liz Swartzmiller - call Liz at 231.313.9038
"Little Birch"
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BENZIE UU December Schedule
Benzie UU meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at "Grow Benzie" 5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia. Potluck 6:30pm/ Service 7:30pm.
December 18
- Barb Skurdall will treat us to her annual exploration of the Winter Solstice.
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UUCGT Social Justice Action Team
Want our national parks to be run by private business?
Sign here if you think that is NOT a good idea:
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Do
you want to drink lead?
Lead has clearly been proven to affect
children's developing brain
leading to lowering IQ
Emmy Lou Cholak, co-chair
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UUCGT Calendar of Events
- Congregational Care Team: Thursday, December 5, 1:30pm, library
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Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
- All Music Service - Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, December 5, 5:00pm
- Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
- Facilities Team: Friday, December 6, 10:00am, social hall
- Private Wedding Service: Saturday, December 7, 9:30-11:30am
- Gun Free Policy Meeting: Saturday, December 7, 1:00pm, library
- Holiday Tree Decorating: Saturday, December 7, 4:00pm - Cookies & Holiday Treats! Everyone is Welcome!
- OWL: Sunday, December 8, 10:00am - noon, meditation room
- Social Justice Action Team: Sunday, December 8, 11:45am, library
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Religious Education Committee:
Sunday, December 8, 12:00pm, classroom
- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, December 8, 5:00pm, meditation room
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UU Office Administrator is out of office:
Monday, December 9 & Tuesday, December 10
- Stretch & Strengthen:
Mondays, 11:00am, social hall
- UU Men's Group: Monday, December 9, 5:30pm @ Minerva's. Articles in entryway
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Indivisible GT: Tuesday, December 10, 11:30am, sanctuary
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SokukoJi Buddhist Community Meditation/Study:Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room. See
https://sokukojitc.org/ for more information
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Stretch & Strengthen:
Wednesdays, 11:00am, social hall
- Death Cafe: Wednesday, December 11, 1:00pm, sanctuary
- Finance Committee: Wednesday, December 11, 3:30pm, office
- Membership Team: Wednesday, December 11, 4:00pm, library
- Wednesday Supper: $5/adult, $3/child, December 11, 5:30pm - Join Us!
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Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
- Stewardship Team: Thursday, December 12, 1:30pm, library
- Singing Sisters: Saturday, December 14, 10:00am - 2:00pm, sanctuary
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End Note...
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* Music *
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"The most exciting rhythms seem unexpected and complex,
the most beautiful melodies simple and inevitable."
~ W.H. Auden
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UUCGT office hours
Mon
day - Thursday
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