UUCGT Flash 
January 12, 2017
Vol. 11, Issue 464
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
Photo finish
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...
 
Thank you for opening a door for me,
Having the desire to share your joy.
A teacher gives much more than thought and skill. 

Friends - 

As you know it has been a time of transitions in our community.  Ron Yatich passed away on Tuesday late afternoon, and this Friday, January 13 at 1 PM (with visiting with the family beginning at 12 Noon at the UU), we will honor the life of John Ort.  Each of these men was a teacher in his own way:  John, a teacher and advocate by profession; and Ron, in his perseverance and always adventurous spirit.  

We begin a new year by acknowledging the circle of life - beginnings and endings. 

This Sunday's lay-led service will be a good time to reflect on meaning and how we think about reality.  We are blessed with two great guest speakers, one a Humanist, and the other a Wiccan Priest - what a rich range.
  
I will be participating in the annual professional conference of Renewal Rabbis next week in Broomfield, Colorado.  I am honored once again to have been chosen to present a workshop to my rabbinic colleagues.   I look forward to returning energized for the Sunday following the inauguration. 

In blessing and care - 
Rabbi Chava   

Sunday Service 
Sunday, January 15 - Lay-led Service
No 9:00 AM Program
10:30 AM Service:  "Diversity"
A presentation by Members of the Area Council on Religious Diversity (ACORD)

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
JANUARY CHILD / YOUTH OF THE MONTH!
Our 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

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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.

W hat's Going On At UUCGT?

UUCGT Website Calendar - Click 
HERE
Activities are also listed in the Order of Service & Beacon
Please contact the office to schedule Committee meetings & events

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Local Community Needs:  Friday, January 13, 10:00am, classroom

Green Sanctuary & Citizen's Climate Lobby Workshop:  
Saturday, January  1 4, 9 am-Noon, classroom
Please join us for a workshop on climate change.  Become a citizen climate advocate and help create a livable world.  Click here  for more information or to RSVP.

Program Council:  Sunday, January 15, 9:00-10:00am, social hall

UUCGT Board Meeting:  Monday, January 16, 5:30pm, classroom
 
Membership Committee:  Wednesday, January 18, 4:00pm, library

Wednesday Potluck:  January 18, 5:30pm / social time & 6:00pm / potluck supper.  Join together in  fellowship and a shared meal!

New Moon Women's Circle:  Saturday, January 28, 4:00-6:00pm, sanctuary.  See January Beacon for more information or contact

F Y I

  UUCGT Financial Summary  as of December 31, 2016 - click  here

   Benzie UU:   January 16, 2:00pm, Michigan  Shores, Frankfort. Hospice representative presents documentary based on the book, "Being Mortal" - for more information, contact Marty Litherland.

  Membership Items
Prospective Member Orientation Session:
 
Sunday, January 29, 12noon-1:15pm .  Please sign up at the Welcome Table or notify the office 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 this informative 

15 Minutes with the Rabbi:   Sunday,  February 12, 10:00-10:15am
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.

New Member Welcome Service:  Sunday,  February 26 .  Contact the UU office or Chris Walter with questions.

 UUCGT Book Club:   February 12, 2:00pm, "Babbit" by Upton Sinclair
Book Club is open to all!  Join us for some great reads!

 InterPlay Workshops at UUCGT -  Save the Dates!   2nd Saturdays starting in February, 10:00pm-1:00pm, sanctuary.  Please see January Beacon for more information, or contact Lee Edwards .

Leadership Development Season Opens
Leadership Development Committee is building a slate of candidates for open positions for the Annual Meeting in June.  Until February 15th, any member may suggest candidates.  Contact any member of LDC:  Tom Darnton, Nancy Doughty, Richard Miller, Judy Myers, Ann Swaney, Mary VanValin or Judith Weaver.   Please see more information in the January Beacon to learn how you can participate in this important work.  

  2017  Directory Reminder
We hope to publish in late January!  Please review your listing in the current 2016 Directory, verify information, and email the office immediately of any changes.  
Please Note:  All members need to have completed a pledge form for the July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017 fiscal year to be designated as a member in the annual Directory.  UUCGT Bylaws grant members 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

Photo finish....

winter


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

  

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