UUCGT Flash 
August 23, 2018
Vol. 12, Issue 548
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Rabbi Chava Update
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
A Note from John Hoffmann
Remembrances...
Bulletin Board
Collect Water for Resumption Sunday
SAVE THE DATES!
Calendar of Events
End Note
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Congregational Vision


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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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Reflection....An Affirmation

In the love of beauty
and the spirit of truth
we unite
for the celebration of life
and the service of humanity.

- Richard S. Gilbert, from  "What We Share"
            Collected Meditations, Volume Two
            Patricia Frevert, editor


Sunday Service 
Sunday, August 26
10:30 AM:   "Films"  with  Mark Gustafson &  Andi Kramer

In Mark's annual summer presentation, he will examine the 2017 Oscar nominees in a quest to determine, among other things, whether today's films are tilted toward a particular end of the political spectrum.  Join us!


Rabbi Chava Update

I visited with Rabbi Chava last week.  She is in good spirits but still in some pain from her shoulder injury.  Her doctors have recommended, for now, that physical therapy is a better route than surgery.  Rabbi Chava will be meeting with the doctors again at the end of August to assess the next steps.  At this time, Rabbi Chava is hoping to return to UUCGT, on at least a part time basis, in early October.

Rabbi Chava wants me to convey to you that she misses everyone and appreciates all of the cards, prayers and thoughts that have been shared. Please recognize that, although she would like to acknowledge each and every one, she is unable to respond because she is on leave.  She is eager to return as soon as she is physically able to do so.  I plan to visit her again in mid-September and will update you after that visit.

Mike McDonald, President

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! 
 
A note to our fellow UUCGT congregants - from John Hoffmann

First of all, I again want to thank everyone for their messages, cards, calls, personal visits, food, etc. etc.  It is all very much appreciated. 

Pinkie continues to be fairly stable; she sleeps/rests a great deal of the time.  Her energy is low, but she still has a good appetite, enjoys brief visits with friends, and has been "consulting" with our daughters as they try to put together a recipe book.  Hospice is now coming Monday - Friday with nurse and aide visits.  Our children/grandchildren have been a great help.

If anyone is interested in coming for a visit, please let me know and we can make arrangements.

Take care, John Hoffmann


Remembrances...Recent Deaths of Former UUCGT Members

Craig Richard died at Munson Hospice House on July 21.  He was an important volunteer with the older students in our R.E. program a decade ago.  He also was a compassionate caregiver and companion for MaryAnn Force for several years.
 
Joyce Braeuninger passed away on July 26.   Joyce was a delightful volunteer at UUCGT who worked with younger children in the R.E. program - especially during pageants.
 
Let's remember these individuals with love and gratitude.

UUCGT Bulletin Board


Coffee Orders are due Sunday, August 26!

Stretch & Strengthen is taking a break!   Classes will meet again on 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  wozniak64@yahoo.com .   The Sunday Services Committee thanks you for your willingness to help in Rabbi Chava Bahle's absence.

Congregants are invited...to bring items for our September altar setting.  September's theme is "Seekers Together; We Are All Seeking Something."  Items can reflect on these questions:  
"What are you seeking now?"  
"What past journey still influences your life today?"  
"What should our congregation be seeking in the next five years?"  
Please start bringing items on September 2.

UU Book Club will meet Sunday, September 9, 2:00pm:  Book selection is  "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.

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Benzie County UU August Gathering
Wednesday, August 29 - 6:30 pm
Doug & Margaret Wozniak host
Please RSVP to wozniak64@yahoo.com
Bring a dish to pass & table service
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Local Community Needs



Save the Dates!

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~ Sunday, October 14 ~
CROP Hunger Walk


GT Civic Center
Registration @ 
1:30 pm 
Walk starts @ 2:00 pm

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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

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~ Sunday, October 21 ~
All Congregation Potluck Brunch


after Sunday Service
Everyone is Welcome!

Many thanks to these committees for organizing this community event!
Hospitality, Sunday Services, Membership, Religious Experience

UUCGT Calendar of Events
(Please contact  office@uucgt.org  to schedule all meetings and events)


Indivisible GT:  Tuesday, August 28, 12:00 noon, sanctuary

Concerned Citizens, Sinclair Media:  Tuesday, August 28, 1:00pm, sanctuary

Bridge Group:  Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall

Landscaping Committee Speaker Event:  Tuesday, August 28, 5:30pm
Katie Grzesiak, Invasive Species Network Coordinator will walk UU property and offer presentation in the sanctuary.  All are Welcome!

Wednesday Potluck / Brewing Community!  
August 29, 5:00 pm @ The Filling Station - All Are Welcome!

Please note:  UU Office will be closed  Monday, September 3 for  Labor Day 

End Note...

  

  

UUCGT office hours
Mon day - Thursday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

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