UUCGT  Flash 
    June 9, 2016
Vol. 10, Issue 433  
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Children and Youth
Message from Karl Love, UUCGT Board President
Summer Solstice Celebration!
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
Smile
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

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Reflection:  
What is the Purpose of a Pulpit? 

"When it's foggy in the pulpit, it's cloudy in the pew."
- Cavett Robert

Unitarian Universalism has a rich tradition of a "free and untrammeled pulpit."   By contract with the congregation, including mine with UUCGT, the pulpit is meant to be a place of the free exchange of ideas.  Is the pulpit meant to comfort or to challenge?  To affirm and help us feel good, or to push us to new thinking and discomfort at times?  

Join us this Sunday as, during democracy month, we explore the free pulpit concept.  We will also welcome new members this Sunday, so please join us to welcome them. 

Also this Sunday:  the Program Council meets following the service, under the leadership of convener, Rick Walter. 
 
On Monday, join me at Brew on Front Street for coffee and conversation from 10 to 12 Noon.  We'll continue the conversation about the function of the pulpit and my place in it. 

In blessing - 
Rabbi Chava 

Sunday Service 
Sunday, June 12
10:30 AM Service:  " The Right of Conscience and the Free Pulpit"
Rabbi Chava
Most UU ministers' contracts, including the one used by UUCGT, include the idea of a "free and untrammeled pulpit."  What does this mean?  Has this idea ever challenged you?  How free is "free"?  What do we do when the conscience of our spiritual leader, as expressed in the "untrammeled pulpit," raises challenging questions for us?  If there are freedoms and limitations on the pulpit, are there similar freedoms and limits on the power of the pew?

This Sunday for Children and Youth
10:30 a.m.
SPECIALTY CLASS SUMMER FORMAT
Children (preK-5th grade) and Youth (6th-12th grade, 12-18 yrs) are invited to join their families in the service through the Story Wisdom.  Following Story Wisdom, Children (preK-5th grade) will follow their teachers to the large classroom space.  Youth (6th-12th grade, 12-18yrs) will REMAIN IN THE SERVICE.  Following the service, parents of Children (preK-5th grade) should make their way to the classroom / program wing of the building to sign their child(ren) out of programming.
  
This Month for Children...
June brings with it our annual Specialty Class Summer!  Throughout the summer the children will take part in a delightful array of activities.  This month features Buddhist Meditation with Karen McLean (3rd annual!  A favorite!), Father's Day activities, and a Bike Rally Day!

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Friday Night Out:  Friday, June 10 is FULL.

Message from Karl Love, UUCGT Board President:

        I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members who attended our annual meeting last Sunday.  I felt that the service led by Betsy Emdin was a perfect complement to our proceedings.  I would like to thank those who managed the meeting process:  Tom Darnton, Mary Grover, Phyllis Jessup, Kay Sturgeon, Judy & Dave Halsted and Jane & Price Watts.  We would not have had the same meeting without the support of these volunteers.
 
        All candidates were affirmed by congregational vote, as were the bylaw changes and the budget.  I would like to talk about the budget.  The budget was passed by a margin bordering on unanimous.  But let us be clear, I do not think anyone voted 'yes' on the budget because they were in favor of it.  They voted 'yes' because they believed that it was a fair distribution of the funds pledged, supporting the programs that define our community.  Our budget will support the programs, but not maintain them as we have come to expect.  Virtually everything in the budget is cut.  Our staff's wages / salary are cut between 14% to 22%.  Benefits are cut. Professional expenses are cut.
 
        In the course of public comment in our meeting, John Ort made a proposal.  I am attaching his one page script and his handout.  John appealed to our entire congregation.  He asked that we not just accept the status quo.  John asked for those who could pledge additional funds to consider doing so.  He was clear that not everyone has that ability but to those who could, he asked to "do something".
 
        If you were not able to attend the annual meeting in this season of travel, weddings and graduations, please read John's script.  If you are a member or friend who can, please consider modifying your pledge of support to our community.  Help us keep it intact.  On Sunday we received $8270 in additional pledges.  Additional pledge funds will be directed toward making our staff whole in compensation.  If you choose to modify your pledge, please complete the attached form and return to our Business Administrator, Sheri Novak.  Thanks to everyone who has pledged this year whether you pledged more on Sunday or not.  Each and every gift is important, critical even, and certainly appreciated.           

Respectfully submitted,

Karl Love

Additional pledge proposal  HERE
"Please Do Something!" pledge form HERE



Summer Solstice Celebration!

Monday, June 20

Join us for a circle ritual at 6:00pm, followed by a POTLUCK dinner.  Please bring a dish to share and your own place setting.  Water will be available as well as wine for a $2/glass donation.  Feel free to bring another beverage of your choice if desired.

This is a family-friendly event and all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate.  We will gather outside if possible, so please dress for the weather (we will be in the sanctuary if it rains).  You may also want to bring a percussion instrument if you have one.  
Please contact Sarah Montgomery-Richards with questions.

What's Going On At UUCGT?
 
  FLASH CALENDAR

 Link to the UUCGT WEBSITE CALENDAR HERE  
Weekly activities are listed in the Order of Service & the Beacon

Please note:   UUCGT office will be closed on Fridays through August

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New Member Welcome Service: Sunday, June 12.   Welcome our New Members!

Program Council:  Sunday, June 12 after service, classroom.  All committee chairs or a representative, please attend this important meeting.

UU @ Brew:   Monday, June 13, 10:00am-noon.  Join Rabbi Chava for a cup of joe or whatever you wish for conversation and hanging out.  This will be our last Brew before a summer break, so please do join us.  Conversations are truly a salon on everything from Neanderthal genetics to our religious backgrounds.  Stop in even for a short while.  A great way to meet fellow UUs in a small gathering.  Brew is located on West Front Street, downtown Traverse City.

June UUCGT Board Meeting:   Due to the GA schedule this year, our June Board meeting will be   Monday, June 20 at 5:30 PM at UUCGT . Please make a note of this new date.

Wednesday Summer Potluck:   Wednesday, June 15, 5:30-7:30pm.
Hosts John & Penny Ort.  For directions, contact John or Penny at 932-8766.  All are welcome to attend this community gathering! 

There are a few dates open yet to host a Summer Potluck!  Please contact Sarah if you would like to participate. 

June UUCGT Board Meeting:  Due to the GA schedule this year, our June Board meeting will be Monday, June 20 at 5:30 PM at UUCGT. Please make a note of this new date.

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CONCERT  THIS  SATURDAY  at  UUCGT
June 11, 7:30 pm
John Kumjian & Dave Viswat & Friends

Find More Information HERE

Over the past few years, John and Dave have been working on a variety of musical projects - one of which was the 2016 Release of John's latest CD, "Vulnerable".  This performance will showcase some tunes from this new CD as well as a some new material that they have been working on.  
Their combined talent will make this a duet to appreciate!

Tickets are $15.00 and  available in the UUCGT office  ($20 at the door).
Check out the bulletin board poster for more information. 

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F Y I

 Can't attend GA?  Here's how you can be a part of it from home!
OFF-SITE PARTICIPATION IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Technology has re-shaped the meetings landscape in providing opportunities to connect General Assembly (GA) on-site participants with those who cannot attend in person.  GA is transforming from an event at which one needs be present into a hybrid meeting - incorporating off-site delegate participation, live-streaming of events, and social media to create an interactive experience for on-site and remote attendees.

In addition, Off-site Registrants ($160) will be able to watch and ask questions in 8 live workshops, watch 6 live mini-assemblies and other business sessions, and watch recorded video of another 20 workshops.

The Sound System Committee:   A new digital FM broadcast terminal in now in place.  This allows our 4 new hearing devices to receive a better signal with crisper sound.  Try it out!  As soon as monies are available, we will install an in-floor Loop System that automatically ties in with current hearing aids.  Keep the faith!

Stop.... & Smell the Roses!

 
 
 
 
  
Open Garden Celebration in Lauren's Gardens
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday, June 26, 3:00 - 6:00pm  

Bring a vase, stroll the gardens and cut whatever you like to take home with you.   Enjoy the peace & delight a garden brings.   Stop in the Gazebo for some light refreshment, visit with friends & neighbors.   [Just like an Open House - come when you can, stay as long as you like, leave when you must.]  Contact Lauren Keinath, 6351 Cherry Blossom Dr., 231-342-0617


Local Community Needs
request form is HERE.


Smile....




 phone: l(231) 947-3117       website:   www.uucgt.org         email:   office@uucgt.org

  

Office hours:  Monday by appointment

 Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 - 4:00

  

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