UUCGT Flash 
January 5, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 463
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
Remembering John Ort
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
End Note
Congregational Vision
UU Logo
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 Beacon

If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the Beacon, and would like to, please contact the office .
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Reflection... Nurturing a Safe, Nonviolent Community 
 
You say the little efforts I make
Will do no good; they will never prevail
To tip the hovering scale
Where Justice hangs in balance.
I don't think
I ever thought they would.
But I am prejudiced beyond debate
In favor of my right to choose which side
Shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.
- Bonaro Overstreet
 
Beloveds, peace in the world begins with peace between people; nonviolence in a community begins in each heart; and a safe community begins with each of us caring for the well being of one another as we do for ourselves.  

This Sunday, as we prepare for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, please join us as the Safe Congregation Response Team shares its ideals for a community of ahimsa, non-violence.  Please consider also joining me at 9:00 AM for reflection on 4 steps of nonviolent communication through the work of Marshall Rosenberg.  Let it begin with us. 
 
In blessing - 
Rabbi Chava 

Sunday Service 
Sunday, January 8 - Rabbi Chava Bahle
 9:00 AM Program:  "Nonviolent Communication"
10:30 AM Service:  "Preparing for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day"
Today we will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s central ideal of ahimsa, nonviolence.   Dorna Djenab writes:

"The essence of ahimsa is non-violence of our own heart.  The violence we inflict on each other is only the outward manifestation of the war raging inside ourselves and it is only by stopping the war within that we can stop the war without.  We may consider ourselves non-violent people but violence can work on very subtle levels.  It has many disguises."  

As UUs, how can we more deeply commit to ahimsa?

Lifespan Experience  f or Children and Youth (and Families!)
Sunday Service:  10:30 a.m.  
Sunday programming for Children and Youth throughout the remainder of this program year will complement Sunday Services in our efforts to move closer to congregational thematic ministry.  This thematic calendar will explore the Six Source traditions, and consider wisdom from around the world. 

Sundays in January
In our Sunday classes for children we will be considering the theme of Non-Violent Community along with the larger congregational community. Lessons in the children's classrooms will include activities from "Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome!"  The book by the same title is worth purchasing - it's a wonderfully fun resource.  Click HERE  for information on the book, including purchasing options.

Suggested readings for families/parents this month include:
  • Born With a Bang (Book One) - The Universe Tells Our Cosmic Story - by Jennifer Morgan
  • From Lava to Life (Book Two) - The Universe Tells Our Earth Story by Jennifer Morgan
CHILD / YOUTH OF THE MONTH!
Our January Child of the Month is Sofia Cabrera!

Make sure you take a moment to greet Sofia when you see her, and check out the poster featuring her in the social hall!

Each month we will give special attention to a child or youth from our UUCGT community!  A picture of them will be featured in the social hall, along with a little bit about them.  Interested in more information and how to participate?  Click  HERE

Friday Night Out - Friday, January 13, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
RESERVATIONS are due to Marco Cabrera 
by Tuesday, January 10th

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 Heifer Tree
Thank you for your generous donations to our 2nd Annual Heifer Tree! 
The children are excited to donate $545 to Heifer for those in need.
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UUCGT Director of Lifespan Experience,  Sarah Montgomery-Richards, 
is taking time off work at UUCGT to care for the newest addition to the Montgomery-Richards clan!  
All concerns related to Lifespan Experience should be routed to Marco Cabrera who  is working with the  Lifespan Experience Committee  to coordinate LE programming .   Contact Marco at   [email protected] or 715-8757.
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Dear Friends - 

Our family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of generosity from this community as we have welcomed our little Eileen into the world!  The many gifts of treasure and time, the kind words and delicious meals, and so much more are all very greatly appreciated!  We feel very blessed!  
Because of the multitude of ways so many of you have touched us with your kindness and support, we wanted to extend a community-wide thank you!  Please accept our heartfelt appreciation, and we look forward to seeing you soon!

In Peace, 
The Montgomery-Richards Family

Remembering John Ort

Please join the community here at UUCGT on Friday, January 13th at 1:00 p.m. as we honor the life of our beloved John Ort.   There will be visiting time with the family immediately prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.  

For those who wish to assist with the memorial reception following the service, please contact Sandra McDonald.

W hat's Going On At UUCGT?

The UUCGT Website is currently under construction
Please check the Order of Service & Beacon for Calendar items
Please contact the office to schedule committee meetings & events

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Vocal Ensemble & 6:00 instrumental program have been cancelled tonight due to weather conditions.

Social Justice Action:  Sunday, January 8, 12:00 after service, classroom
12:15  Welcome and introductions
12:30  Proposals for action
  1:00  Sharing information about actions that are already taking place
Contact  Emmy Lou Cholak  if you will attend

UUCGT Book Club:   Sunday, January 8, 2:30 pm (note time change), Emmy Lou Cholak's.  "Elizabeth Street" by Laurie Fabiano.

Mindfulness Meditation:   Sunday, January 8, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, sanctuary

LGBTQ Support Group:  Sunday, January 8, 5:00pm - 6:30pm, classroom

Stretch & Strengthen:   Classes resume January 9th - every Monday & Wednesday, 1 1:00am-12noon - Strengthen your body and resolve in this New Year!  Contact  Judith Briggs

UUCGT Men's Group:  Monday, January 9, 5:30pm, Minerva's

Wednesday Supper:  January 11, 5:30pm / social time & 6:00pm / supper
Join together in  sharing fellowship and a meal as we begin the  New Year!

F Y I

 
Prospective Member Orientation Session
The UU Membership Committee invites Prospective Members to an Orientation Session (one of the steps on the Pathway to Membership) on Sunday, January 29, 2017, 12noon - 1:15pm.  Please sign up at the Welcome Table or notify the office by email at [email protected].  A two week notice is necessary if child care is needed.  We welcome all attendees who are considering membership at UUCGT to join us for an informative time as we get to know one another.

In related news, there will be a 15 Minutes with the Rabbi meeting on February 12, 10:00-10:15am in Rabbi Chava's office.  Intended for up to 4 people, this time is for individuals who are already acquainted with Rabbi Bahle and/or with the UU faith, or who are unable to attend the Orientation Session on January 29th.  Registration is required by notifying the office.  
A New Member Welcome Service is scheduled for February 26, 2017. Contact the UU office or Chris Walter at [email protected] with questions.

Leadership Development Season Opens
The Leadership Development Committee is beginning its process for building a slate of candidates for positions that will be open at the annual meeting in June.  Between now and February 15th, there is an opportunity for any member to suggest candidates for our process.  Please see the more detailed information in the January Beacon to learn how you can participate in this important work.  You can also contact any member of our committee:  Tom Darnton, Chair, Nancy Doughty, Richard Miller, Judy Myers, Ann Swaney, Mary VanValin or Judith Weaver.  Our contact information can be found in the Beacon article or the directory.

  Directory Reminder - from Membership Committee
The 2017 Congregation Directory of Members and Friends is being updated.  Please review your listing in the current 2016 Directory, verify information, and notify the office immediately of any changes at 
 
All members, including those Welcomed at Service on November 6, need to have filled out a pledge form for the July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 fiscal year to be designated as a member in the annual Directory.  The UUCGT Bylaws entitle members to rights and privileges of membership as follows:  
- May vote on matters of congregational governance 4 weeks after      becoming a member; and 
- May serve as an Officer of the Board or as a Committee Chair.  
Contact Sheri Novak at  [email protected] for more information.

  Donated Dinner - FUNdraiser!
Enjoy a delicious meal, make new friends,  and enjoy the company of fellow UUs in  support of our congregation.  
Contact  John & Pinkie Hoffmann or  Chris Walter  or sign-up after services in the social hall.

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Local Community Needs

End Note...

I have decided to stick with love.
Hate is too great a burden to bear. 

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.


 phone: l(231) 947-3117       website:   www.uucgt.org         email:   [email protected]

  

Office hours:  Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

  

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednesday each week