UUCGT  Flash 
    June 23, 2016
Vol. 10, Issue 435 
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Children and Youth
Green Sanctuary
What's Going on at UUCGT?
Up North Pride March
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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Reflection from General Assembly
 
Friends, I write to you from my first experience at Ministry Days, preceding the UUA General Assembly. 

The worship this morning honored UUMA colleagues celebrating 25 or 50 years of service in ministry.  What struck me was how amazing it is to hear familiar hymns sung by hundreds of ministers.   It is heart stirring.

In Hymn #298, "Wake, Now, My Senses," we sang, 

Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;
Brighten my pathway with radiance here; 
Mingle my calling with all who will share;
Work toward a planet transformed by our care.
Mingle my calling with all who will share.

Over the next few days, I will be clarifying and discerning my call at and to UUCGT.  Will you share with me?

Literally, as I write these words, by the way, there is a proposed change to the UUMA bylaws ... based on an application from a certain Rabbi!  The bylaws pertaining to associate membership will now read "ordained clergy" rather than "minister" to be more inclusive of me and those who might follow.  UUCGT has had an important impact on the UUMA! 
 
 
In blessing - 
Rabbi Chava 

P.S.  This Sunday we will honor several committee leaders who are rotating out of important roles.  Will you please bring an edible treat to share so that we can co-create a generous and loving coffee hour in their honor?   

Sunday Service 
Sunday, June 26
10:30 a.m. Service:  "Finding Calm in the Political Storm"
   Dr. Ann Marie Love & Rabbi Chava
From bathroom battles to tampon taxes, from cries for smaller government to cries for more government aid, and from boycotts of North Carolina to chair-throwing at political rallies - our country appears to be anxious, angry and unsure about how to proceed next.  How do we fight giving into despair with the extreme partisanship that has gripped our country?  If you have already ruled out emigrating to Canada or holing up in your house until November 8, please join psychologist Dr. Ann Marie Love as we explore how to cope with the disheartening political climate and remain true to who we are in the midst of chaos.  
On this day, we will also honor some of our outgoing committee chairs.

This Sunday for Children and Youth
10:30 a.m.

SPECIALTY CLASS SUMMER FORMAT

Children (preK-5th grade) and Youth (6th-12th grade, 12-18yrs) 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!

This Month for Youth... This month, and for the remainder of the summer, our youth will join the adults in the sanctuary for the duration of the service. Please contact Sarah in advance to make arrangements if this is problematic for your family.  This provides youth with the much needed opportunity to learn to be in community with the adults of the congregation, and to learn more about UU Sunday services.

Important Information for THIS SUNDAY

The children's activity this week features a bicycle rally led by the Matchett Family!

Some bikes will be available to share, but it would be helpful if you are able to bring your own if possible.  Regardless, please plan to provide your own helmet to participate this week for safety reasons.  Those of us without helmets will cheer on our friends!  Cross your fingers for good weather!

 
Good
N ews!!

~ Green Sanctuary ~
UUA Accreditation!

The UUA has informed us that UUCGT has achieved the Green Sanctuary Accreditation!  
In the notification letter, the UUA team mentioned the unique nature of some of our projects such as the Habitat quilts; mentoring children making solar panels; and our pagan activities.  
The Green Sanctuary co-chairs wish to thank all in the congregation who consider the interconnected web of life as they make decisions.  

Our certificate will be here soon and it will be framed and displayed proudly!
 
Misty Sheehan and Mary Van Valin
Green Sanctuary Co-Chairs

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 open sporadic hours through the end of June to accommodate staff vacation time.  Please email or call ahead to confirm the building is open.  The office is closed on Fridays through August.
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Wednesday Supper and Brewing Community!
I n June, July and August we combine Brewing Community with Wednesday Supper at a local eatery/pub on the last Wednesday of the month.  
On Wednesday, June 29th, we will gather at The Filling Station for social time from 5-6pm and dinner around 6pm. Please contact Sarah Montgomery-Richards or John Hoffmann if you plan to attend so we know how many seats to save.

Wednesday Potluck Schedule:
July 6 -   Open
July 13 - Sandra &  Mike McDonald
July 20 - Mary Kiner & Cal Boulter
July 27 - Little Fleet w/ Brewing Community
August 3 -   Connie & Chuck Grabiel
August 10 - Cindy & Bob Clement
August 17 - Open
August 24 - Open
August 31 - The Workshop w/ Brewing Community

Please contact Sarah  if you are interested in hosting a UUCGT Summer Potluck on any of the above " Open " dates. 
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Up North Pride March is June 25!

Attention UUs interested in walking together in the Up North Pride March this Saturday in downtown Traverse City!

A group will be gathering near the White On Rice food truck at Little Fleet beginning at 11:15am.  Look for Sarah Montgomery-Richards with our UU banner, and contact Sarah with questions. 

REMEMBER - the parade ends at Rare Bird this year, and doesn't circle back to Little Fleet - so plan ahead.  It's supposed to be hot, so dress to keep cool and comfy! 

The march begins promptly at 12:00 noon!  Bring signs, flags, and good spirits!

F Y I

  Beacon articles are due Saturday, June 25th.   Email your articles to Stan Cain at beacon@uucgt.org.

 
Higher Grounds Coffee Orders are due Sunday, June 26th!
Your purchase supports UUCGT Social Justice Action Committee.

 Opening on Finance Committee: The Finance Committee is looking for an additional member starting July 1.  We currently meet monthly on the second Tuesday at 5:30 pm.  We promise that it won't be boring!  
If you are interested, please contact Mike McDonald at (231) 935-3759.

  UUA General Assembly is June 22-26!   Be part of it from home!
For $160 you can "virtually" attend several parts of the General Assembly. More information can be found here: 


Open Garden Celebration at 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.]   6351 Cherry Blossom Drive.  C ontact Lauren Keinath at 342-0617
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Local Community Needs
request form is HERE.

End note...

At the heart of all creation lies a good intent,  a purposeful goodness, 
from which we come, by which we live our fullest, and to which we shall at last return....
Our work on earth is to explore, enjoy, and share this goodness.
Neither duty nor suffering nor progress nor conflict - not even survival - is the aim of life, but joy... 
Deep, abiding, uncompromised joy.
Rev. Carl Scovel
Minister Emeritus
The King's Chapel 
Boston, Massachusetts 

Summer is here ...
relax a little and enjoy life's joys!


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

  

Office hours:  Monday by appointment

 Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

  

FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednesday of each week