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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,
As we move into the next phase of our interim time together, it is important that we revisit our Unitarian Universalist historical roots that are grounded in covenant. As a creedless liberal religion, covenant is the promise we make to one another as we work together to build a beloved community.
When I have asked the newest members why they are drawn to UUCGT, they all mentioned the importance of community. Unitarian theologian, James Luther Adams defined God as "community-forming power." We experience that power every Sunday morning when we gather together. Beloved community is where we grow, learn, and serve together.
Here's how covenant is explained by Gretchen Haley, the minister of the Unitarian Church in Ft. Collins, Colorado:
"...covenant holds a whole vision for how to live in this complicated, beautiful and broken world. It is a vision that says we are most human when we bind ourselves in relationship. But not just any relationship - relationships of trust, mutual accountability and continual return.
This is not what our culture teaches us. Our culture teaches us that what it means to be human is to be an individual - self-defined, self-determined, separate even. But our UU covenantal theology affirms that being human comes down to the commitments we make to and with each other - the relationships we keep. We become human through our promises to and with each other."
Yes, there will be times when someone or something will disappoint you or make you angry. This is inevitable, but it is our covenant that calls us back into relationship to begin again in love. Together we can make a difference in our own lives, in the community, and in the world.
See you in church!
Love, Cathy
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Sunday Service
January 19 - 1
0:30 AM - "Walking Together"
Rev. Cathy Harrington with Hal Gurian, coordinator
Unitarian Universalists do not adhere to doctrine or creed, so what holds us together? Join us for an in depth exploration into the connecting points that unite people drawn to Unitarian Universalism.
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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
Last Sunday the RE class explored the concept of a higher power in various religions. We looked at images showing how higher powers are visually represented and read quotes from holy texts describing higher powers. It was interesting to notice how some religions depict God as a person but others believe God cannot be pictured and so represent God with words or symbols. The children then did their own illustration of a symbol or word that they believe represents a higher power in this world.
On Sunday, January 19 we will explore the ways people pray to connect to themselves, nature, the universe, and/or a higher power. We will walk a labyrinth in the snow (wear boots!) and make a set of UU prayer beads.
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I would like to send my apologies to everyone who had intended to join us for the Cardboard Play Day. There was some uncertainty on my part about attendance and I decided in the moment that it should be rescheduled. Then, to my surprise, there were a number of last-minute attendees! We had a small version of the event in the RE room and it was a lot of fun. I learned some things (I should have made a sign up sheet!) and hope to do a similar event in the future.
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! ANNOUNCEMENT !
Classes @ UUCGT
Starting Point:
An Introduction to the Unitarian Universalist Journey
This four-part program is designed for newcomers, but Starting Point has a lot to offer long-time members as well. If you have never participated in a small group, this is the perfect opportunity. Or, maybe you are a longtime member looking to fall in love with UUCGT and Unitarian Universalism all over again. Well then, consider Starting Point your spiritual "re-starting point"!
Rev. Cathy will lead the sessions which are scheduled after the Sunday Service from 11:45-1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Mark your calendar for the following dates:
January 26, February 2, February 16 & February 23
A sign-up sheet is located on the Welcome Table
Soul Matters Small Groups begin in March
Sign-up sheets will be located on the Welcome Table.
For more information about Soul Matters Small Groups, contact Rev. Cathy at
[email protected]
or 231-301-3177
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UUCGT Bulletin Board
UUCGT Financial Statement as of December 31, 2019
-
click here
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BEGINNING THE SEARCH
A Congregational Gathering
Curious about how we will choose our next settled minister?
Ready to share your insights?
Join us Sunday, January 19 from noon until 2:00 pm
Rev. Cathy and the Transition Team will present the process of selecting a new settled minister. During a working lunch, small groups will begin that work. Please email the office by Thursday, 1/16 at 4:00pm with your RSVP - indicate number of people, number of children needing care, and any dietary restrictions (gluten, vegetarian, vegan).
Join us, learn with us and
help our congregation move forward in this important effort!
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Opportunity to Volunteer at Safe Harbor
UUCGT
will be providing the volunteers at Safe Harbor from the evening of Saturday, February 8 through the morning of Saturday, February 15. We will have a sign-up table in the Gathering Space for the next four Sundays. There are opportunities to help prepare and serve meals, be an evening host, be an overnight host, and to serve and clean up for breakfast. We also need cleaning volunteers the mornings of Sunday, February 9 and Saturday, February 15. There are also opportunities to provide food items for the week.
Stop by and see us at the sign-up table
in the gathering space after services
and participate in a hands-on ministry to those experiencing homelessness in our community.
For more information, contact Mike or Sandra McDonald at (231) 935-3759.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Sunday, February 9
UUCGT 2020-2021 Stewardship
Campaign Kick-Off & Lunch
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Valentine's Day Dance!
Come learn some easy and fun international Folk Dances!
Each dance is taught, and once the short sequence of steps is learned, the sequence is repeated, and you get to experience of joy of moving with others in a circle or line. We'll do dances from Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Israel, Germany, Macedonia, and more! All ages are welcome, and children 6 and up can easily learn these dances. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
We'll dance from 7 - 9 PM. Call Mary Van Valin at 231-342-1605 if you have questions.
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UUCGT Men's Group: Monday,
February 17, 5:30pm @ Minerva's (note date change). Mark Gustafson will facilitate a discussion on Sinclair Lewis' book,
It Can't Happen Here. Read the book and come prepared to share your thoughts!
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Donated Dinners - A Fundraiser Opportunity in 2020!
John Hoffmann and Lauren Keinath are recruiting congregants to host dinners and other related events as fundraisers to help meet some of the upcoming Search Committee expenses. Please see the article in the January Beacon which has more details. We hope to have hosts volunteer in January with events starting in February.
Contact
John
or
Lauren
if you have questions.
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UUCGT 2020 Member & Friend Directory
Do you have a new phone number or email address?
Are you new to UUCGT? Have you moved recently?
If you wish to be included in the 2020 Directory,
please send new contact information to
Thanks!
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Urgent Need in Puerto Rico
HUD has withheld already designated and approved money for the recovery of Puerto Rico. Call and
ask the Inspector General of HUD, Rae Davis, to investigate and release the money already approved for the recovery - (202) 708-0430.
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Some movies are a must see...
Just Mercy is one of those.
This is the true story of a young attorney in the heart of Alabama, determined to confront the cause of the injustices done to many black residents who have been unjustly accused, jailed and even placed on death row. It is a classic. See it at the
Cherry Blossom 14 Theatres in the Marketplace, or check the
State Theatre schedule.
Social Justice Action
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DOING OUR OWN WORK
An Anti-Racism Seminar for White People
If you are a white person who is ready
to dive deep and come up stronger for
the work of racial justice - Join us!
Dates: January 25 & 26, February 22 & 23, March 21 & 22 -
Attendance at all sessions is required
Time: Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm
Location: Neahtawanta Inn (barrier-free facility)
1308 Neahtawanta Road, Traverse City, 49686
Overnight options available
Cost: $575 includes program, resource materials and
beverages for all six days.
Scholarships and/or time payment plan are available.
We are committed to making this seminar financially
accessible for all who wish to participate.
Facilitators: Allyson Bolt and Lois McCullen Parr
For more information and to register:
Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Questions? Call Jody Betten at 616.706.3549
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WEBINAR: Whose History Is It Anyway?
Monday Evenings:
January 27 - February 24, 2020
7:45 pm Eastern
How much do you know about the roots of our faith tradition? Explore the history of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism in this
five-week class. Using an anti-colonialist, multicultural lens, we'll look beyond the traditional, dusty facts of history and examine to see how our faith was born and how it has developed and evolved over the years.
Topics include: Whose story is it anyway, Why history matters, The Roots of Liberal Religion, The Universalists, The Unitarians, Transcendentalism, Westward Expansion, Humanism, Consolidation, Principles and Sources, Drawing the Circle Wider, Indigenous, Latinx, Black and Non-Black People of Color, GLBTQ, and Disability.
Presenter
:
Reverend Connie Simon
This webinar has a fee, which is unusual for the MidAmerica Region. It has a fee for several reasons. First, the presentations will be highly unique, viewing UU history through an anti-colonialist, multicultural lens. Second, 85% of the proceeds from this webinar will go to Reverend Connie Simon so that she can continue her important historical research. The fee of $25 per individual and $60 for a congregation (for up to five people) includes all five sessions. There will be no recording, so we hope you can attend!
Cost: $25 individual, $60 for a congregational group (up to 5 people)
Dates/Times: The sessions are all at 7:45 PM Eastern, on:
- January 27
- February 3
- February 10
- February 17
- February 24
Or, gather a group of 5 and take this class together!
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UUCGT Calendar of Events
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Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
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Vocal Ensemble:
Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
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SokukoJi Buddhist Meditation Retreat: Saturday, January 18, 9:00-4:00 Open to all, donations appreciated, light lunch
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Women's March TC: Saturday, January 18 -
M
eet at The Workshop Brewery, 221 Garland Street &
March through downtown TC at 1:00pm
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ome early to find parking. Donations will be accepted for Justice for Our Neighbors.
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OWL: Sunday, January 19, 10:00am - noon
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Social Justice Action Team: Sunday, January 19, 11:45am, library
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Transition Team & Congregation Q & A Discussion & Pizza Lunch:
Sunday, January 19, noon-2:00pm, social hall
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Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, January 19, 4:00-6:00pm, sanctuary (note new time)
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UUCGT office closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
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Stretch & Strengthen class:
Mondays, 11:00am -
Everyone is welcome! Start out the New Year with some movement!
- Bridge Club: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall
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Leadership Development:
Tuesday, January 21, 3:00pm, library
- SokukoJi Buddhist Meditation: Tuesday, January 21, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room
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Stretch & Strengthen class:
Wednesdays, 11:00am, social hall
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Wednesday Pizza Supper/shared cost: January 22, 5:30pm - Everyone Welcome!
- Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, January 23, 9:30am, sanctuary
- Stewardship Team: Thursday, January 23, 10:00am, office - Assemble packets
- Congregational Care Team: Thursday, January 23, 1:00pm, library
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Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
- UUCGT Brewing Community: Thursday, January 23, 5:00pm @ The Workshop Brew Pub on Garland Street. Come enjoy their food menu, a varied drink selection (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available), and Good Conversation with our fellow UUer's. Contact John Hoffmann if you have questions.
- Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
- Community Needs: Friday, January 24, 10:00am, library
- Indivisible GT Training Workshop: Saturday, January 25, 9:45am - all day, social hall
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End Note...
For small creatures such as we -
the vastness is bearable only through love.
- Carl Sagan
and this...
"The truth is, indeed,
that love is the threshold of another universe."
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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UUCGT office hours
Mon
day - Thursday
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