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Congregational Vision
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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the
Beacon
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Reflection...
"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough
to nourish one's growth
without destroying one's roots."
- Frank A. Clark
Every day, we hear how we would be smarter, look better, attract the mate of our dreams, or otherwise be fulfilled in life if only we would do things a certain way: avoid this food, do that exercise, or wear these clothes.
These messages are everywhere - the shows we watch, social media, advertisements, at work, and when we gather with friends and community.
In telling us how much "better" we could be, these messages also tell us that we aren't pretty enough, smart enough, good enough just as we are. Sure, there's always room for improvement... but each of us also has value and potential just as we are.
What if we encouraged and celebrated each other for who we are? What if, instead of criticizing, we challenged with love, affirming the good we see in one another?
- Connie Simon, Intern UU Minister
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Sunday Service
Sunday, August 19
10:30 AM:
"The Strength of the Imperfect Heart"
with Amanda Mangiardi
This service centers on a story from the 2018 UUA General Assembly by UU President, Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray.
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Lifespan Experience
f
or Children,
Youth
and Fam
ilies!
Sundays in August ~
preK-8th grade
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Our 7th annual Specialty Class Summer continues to be fun and exciting! This month we are "meeting the trees" that live on our property, grounding ourselves with some mindfulness games, and much more!
Suggested reading for families/parents this month:
This month I am suggesting a book to spark the imagination and get children thinking about grand adventures...
Atlas of Adventures: A Collection of Natural Wonders, Exciting Experiences and Fun Festivities from the Four Corners of the Globe
by Rachel Williams
A 2016 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (National Council for the Social Studies-Children's Book Council)
"Set your spirit of adventure free with this lavishly illustrated trip around the world. Whether you're visiting the penguins of Antarctica, joining the Carnival in Brazil, or a canoe safari down the Zambezi River, this book brings together more than 100 activities and challenges to inspire armchair adventurers of any age. Find hundreds of things to spot and learn new facts about every destination. With epic adventures from the four corners of the globe and discoveries to be made on your own doorstep, this book will inspire you to set off on your own journey of discovery".
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E-blasts will include a variety of readings and resources, meditations and thoughts for parents.
Please
email Sarah
if you are interested in being added to our list for future editions!
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A Celebration of the Life of John Shields, MD
Saturday, August 18, 4:00pm @ UUCGT
Refreshments will follow the service
Emmy Lou Cholak, John's wife of many years,
welcomes all who wish to attend
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UUCGT Bulletin Board
MaryAnn Force: A founding UUCGT member, MaryAnn Force, is currently
at the Pavilions Rehab Center and looks forward to receiving
visitors, your cards or calls.
Stretch & Strengthen is taking a break! Class will not meet again until Wednesday, September 12.
Join us for the fall session! All are welcome!
Landscaping Committee Presents Invasive Species Talk:
Katie Grzesiak, Invasive Species Network Coordinator will be at UUCGT, Tuesday,
August 28 @ 5:30pm. UUCGT property walk followed by a presentation
in the Sanctuary. All are Welcome!
Sunday Services in September will focus on seeking, searching, and journeying. On September 2, I would like two or three congregants to share a personal reflection on one of these topics:
1. A "seeking/searching" journey that you had in the past that still influences your life today. (A story of the past)
2. Are you seeking something now? It could be personal growth, a sense of purpose, peace in a difficult situation, or something else. (A story of the present)
3. What should our congregation be seeking during the next two to three years? (A story of the future)
Those willing to participate in this service should contact Margaret Wozniak at 231-882-0435 or
[email protected]
.
The Sunday Services Committee thanks you for your willingness to help in Rabbi Chava Bahle's absence.
UU Book Club will meet Sunday, September 9, 2:00pm:
"La Rose" by Louise Erdrich -
Bonnie Mathias will host.
New Fall Group! Law of Attraction Meet-up
Start date is Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.
Sherry Davis will facilitate this group
based on the natural law of "like attracts like" with a focus on "Your Thoughts Create Your Reality".
Contact Sherry Davis with any questions.
Wednesday, August 29 - 6:30 pm
Doug & Margaret Wozniak host
Please bring a dish to pass & table service
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~ Save the Date ~
GT Civic Center
1:30 pm Registration
Walk starts at 2:00 pm
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Save the Date!
~ Saturday, October 20 ~
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
UUCGT Visioning / Objective Setting
Your Board of Trustees is planning a day of Visioning and Objective Setting for Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at UUCGT.
We plan to develop a Vision of where we should be going for the next three to five years and set some objectives for the next year to move us towards that Vision.
Our session will be facilitated by UUA Consultant, Dori Davenport Thexton. Dori has served UU congregations for fifteen years and has been on the UUA Field Staff for nineteen years.
The session will be open to any congregant who wishes to participate. Board members will be attending and we would like Committee Chairs to be present or represented by someone else from their committee.
Sign-ups for the session will begin in mid-September. Watch the Flash, Beacon and Order of Service for more information in September. In the meantime, please save the date!
Mike McDonald, President, Board of Trustees
Please also mark your calendars for a UUCGT
All Congregation Brunch Potluck
Sunday, October 21
following the Service
Many thanks to these committees for organizing!
Hospitality, Sunday Services, Membership & Religious Experience
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UUCGT Calendar of Events
Vocal Ensemble: Thursday, August 16, 7:00pm, sanctuary
A Celebration of the Life of John Shields, MD: Saturday, August 18, 4:00pm @ UUCGT - Refreshments will follow the service.
Emmy Lou Cholak welcomes all who wish to attend.
Indivisible GT: Tuesday, August 21, 12:00 noon, sanctuary
Concerned Citizens, Sinclair Media: Tuesday, August 21, 1:00pm, sanctuary
Bridge Group: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall
UUCGT Board Meeting: Tuesday, August 21, 6:00pm, classroom
Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, August 23, 9:30am, sanctuary
Congregational Care Team: Thursday, August 23, 1:00pm, library
Peacemakers Needleworkers: Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
Meditation Workshop: Thursday, August 23, 5:30pm, classroom
Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
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End Note...Searching for Stars
Looking into the sky, I feel united with people
throughout time and space,
as I imagine them looking up from wherever they are.
No matter what the state of life on the ground on any given day, the stars provide perspective and stability.
I love knowing that we are all made of stardust,
and I look up at the sky feeling that strong connection...
I remember my ancestors
and I imagine a future
I won't live to see.
All of us, stardust.
~
Meg Riley, CLF Senior Minister (edited version)
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Petoskey
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