UUCGT Flash 
May 11, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 481
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
UUCGT Annual Meeting
What's Going on at UUCGT?
UUA General Assembly
FYI
End Note

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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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...

Blessed are they who make giant mistakes,
whose intentions are good but impact has injured, 
who know the hot sense of regret and ask for mercy, 
for their hearts will know the gift of forgiveness.
 
- Rev. Robin Taner

Friends, beloved ones,

When we welcome our new members, we often use a responsive reading that includes these words:  "We ask that you recognize our humanity:  We will not always live up to our ideals.  And, when we fall short we invite you to stay in relationship with us and help us more fully bring alive the spirit of love."

Becoming a beloved community is a process, not a destination, and the journey, if we stick with it, means we will see each other's imperfections.  Being a beloved community means we love and forgive over and over again.  

Please join us this Sunday as we begin to  look to the future with hope, vision and covenantal integrity with one another.  This  multi-week cycle of Sunday worship on reconciliation  and forgiveness will culminate in a powerful ritual on the morning of the Annual Meeting, June 4th.  I believe this will lay the groundwork for a positive, hopeful, forward looking time of vision and celebration. 

In blessing - 
Rabbi Chava 

Sunday Service 
Sunday, May 14 -  Rabbi Chava Bahle with Margaret Wozniak
1 0:30 AM Service:   "Forgiveness Part 1:   The Science of Forgiveness"

In 1997, the Campaign for Forgiveness Research, a funding initiative, was launched for scientists in multiple disciplines who were interested in taking forgiveness out of the purview of religion and using rigorous scientific protocol to determine its effects on the body and mind.  The results have enriched our understanding of forgiveness, demonstrating that what was traditionally seen as a religious ideal is actually an important skill for anyone, whether atheist, agnostic, or believer, who seeks to live a healthy, happy life."  -  from Salon http://bit.ly/1FlndPA
We will also honor Mothers on this Mother's Day.

Lifespan Experience  f or Children and Youth 
(and Fam ilies!)

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 May

In May, we enter the last month of regular Lifespan programming for children and youth on Sunday mornings for the 2016/2017 programmatic year.  We will round out this year for our children prek-5th with lessons from "Picture Book UU" which utilizes popular children's books to teach UU identity.

Starting in June, we jump into yet another wonderful Specialty Class Summer for our younger children!  If you have a hobby or a lesson that you'd like to share with the children prek-5th grade over the summer, please contact me.  June-Labor Day our youth will attend services. 

Suggested reading for families/parents this month :
  • The Three Questions [based on a story by Leo Tolstoy]by Jon Muth
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Friday Night Out
MAY 12th - 5:30pm-9pm - IS FULL !
Please contact me ASAP if you are interested in being on the cancellation  list!

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Summer Wednesday Suppers  begin June 7!
Thank you to all who have volunteered to host!

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UUCGT ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, June 4, 2017 following the service
 
A meeting packet with pertinent election information will be emailed on May 23, 2017.   Please watch for this information and plan to attend the meeting on June 4 th if possible.  

Absentee ballots will be available in the UUCGT office on the following dates/time for those members unable to attend the meeting:

Wednesday, May 24     9:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday, May 25         9:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday, May 28            after 10:30 service
Tuesday, May 30          9:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesday, May 31     9:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday, June 4             before 10:30 service

All absentee ballots must be returned before the Annual Meeting commences on Sunday, June 4, 2017.  If you have questions regarding absentee ballots, please email Phyllis Jessup, [email protected].

W hat's Going On At UUCGT?

UUCGT Website Calendar
Activities are also listed in the Order of Service & Beacon
Please contact  [email protected] to schedule meetings & events

If you need the code for entrance to the building, please make arrangements during office hours:  Monday - Thursday, 9-4

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Weekly Activities & Meetings

Mindfulness Meditation:   Sunday, May 7, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary

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

Stretch & Strengthen:  Monday & Wednesday, 11:00am

Community Lunch:  Tuesday, 11:30am.  Every week for the past 25 years, UUCGT has provided a free lunch for anyone in the community who would like to come to Friends Church located at Fifth and Oak Streets in Traverse City.  For more information, or to volunteer, call Mary Kiner at 935-3050, or email [email protected]

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

Wednesday Supper - Potluck:  Wednesday, May 10, 5:30pm social, 6:00pm dinner

International Dances:  Wednesday, 7:00pm, classroom

Peacemaker Needleworkers:  Thursday, 1:30pm, social hall

Introductory Meditation Workshop:  Thursday, 5:30-6:30pm, classroom. Contact  Elisabeth Treefon or click  here for more information.

Vocal Ensemble:  Thursday, 7:00-8:30pm, sanctuary.  All are Welcome!

Additional Meetings and Gatherings

InterPlay Workshop:  Saturday, May 13, 10:00 - 1:00pm, classroom. Contact Lee Edwards - see flier here

Singing Sisters:  Saturday, May 13, 10:00 - 2:00pm. sanctuary.  Contact

2017-18 Budget Review & "Meet the Candidates":  Sunday, May 21, 9:00am (this meeting replaces previously scheduled Program Council)

UU Book Club:   Sunday, May 21, 2:00pm, "My Brilliant Friend " by Elena Ferrante.  Join us!

Shantideva Fan Club - Organizational Meeting:  Thursday, May 25, 9:30-10:30am, sanctuary.  T his Tibetan Buddhism  Dharma study group  will begin a  detailed study and meditation practice based on, A Fearless Heart, How the Courage to Be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives, by Thumpten Jinpa.  Jinpa, a former Tibetan monk now living in the West, is best known as H.H. the Dalai Lama's English translator. See  ttp://bit.ly/2q6lFv8   and  May Beacon   for more information. Contact Rabbi Chava, 947-3117, or Chris Innes,  [email protected]

Brewing Community & Wednesday Supper Out
Last Wednesday 
SUMMER format begins May 31!

Brewing Community:  Wednesday, May 31, 5:00pm  at  The Workshop
Wednesday Supper Out:  May 31,  6:00pm  at The Workshop  
This is a great way to meet with others, chat, share and  laugh with friends at a family-friendly get together!   RSVP to John Hoffmann if you plan to join us for dinner so we can get a general count.


June 21 - 25, 2017

UUCGT is seeking members in good standing who would like to attend the UUA General Assembly in New Orleans in June as our delegates. 
Delegates are expected to remain active members in our congregation.
In addition to great workshops, worship and larger fellowship, delegates from UUCGT are asked to prepare, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, for business meetings at which delegates represent the voice of our congregation on national issues. The packet  of materials will be available in advance.  

If you are planning to attend and would like to represent the UUCGT as a delegate, please contact Linda Fletcher via email ( l[email protected] ) by May 6th.  Some limited funds may be available for delegate funding. V isit  http://www.uua.org/ga   for more information.

F Y I

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednes days - email [email protected]

BEACON articles are due by the 25th of each month to 

Thank you!

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UUCGT Financial Summary as of April 30, 2017:  Click  here

2017 UUCGT Directories:   Pick one up on Sunday!

UU Men's Group:  Monday, June 5, 5:30pm, Minerva's.  Topic:  Our National Parklands, presented by  Max Old Bear.   Hand-outs available in the office.

June 11 - Poetry Service:   Sunday, June 11, will be a lay-led service with the theme, "Poetry of the Earth & Celebrating the Coming of Summer". 
If you have a poem or short prose piece that you would like to share at the service, contact Betsy Emdin, [email protected] or 231-492-3260. 
This can be something you wrote or a favorite poem by another.  If you are uncomfortable reading in front of the congregation, we can find someone to read for you.  

Sunday Services Committee...is updating its list of members and friends who would like to participate in a Sunday Service by  doing a reading. 
If this opportunity is of interest to you, please contact  Sunday Services Co-Chairs,  Hal Gurian  or Amanda Mangiardi .

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Local Community Needs

End Note....



 

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednesday each week


  

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


(231) 947-3117       [email protected]         www.uucgt.org