UUCGT Flash 
September 29, 2016
Vol. 10, Issue 449
 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Lifespan Experience for Children, Youth & Families
President's Corner
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
Smile
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

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Reflection. ..
Fourth Source Unitarian Universalism

Friends, I must begin first with a deep thanks to John Bailey, Bob Hicks and Gary Deavel and the members of the Vocal Ensemble with whom I had the privilege of singing John's original "Song of the Morning."  What a delight.  It took me back to my earliest roots in congregational participation:  being in (what we called) the choir.  Such a joy!  Thank you all and each.
 
This coming Sunday, you are in for a treat as we explore our new monthly theme of loving our neighbor and loving the stranger.  Drawn from the Fourth Source of Unitarian Universalism, the teachings, readings and music will invite us to think past the platitudes of loving our neighbor, and consider what do we do when we don't love our neighbor?  Can we be commanded to love?  I can think of no better way to say this than in UU minister, Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom's, words: 

When we light our chalice
everyone focuses on the flame.
Yet it is the paraffin of the candle,
the cotton of the wick,
the potassium chlorate and sulfur of the match,
and the oxygen in the air around us
that makes that flame possible.
As leaders we are not called to be
a lone beacon on a hill.
Rather, we are meant to work together
so that we might, together, shine.

Come, be with us as we dive deeply into how to be beloved community.  At 9:00 AM in the sanctuary, prior to our 10:30 service, we will formally begin our study of covenanting.  Bring an open heart and mind. 

Blessings -
Rabbi Chava 

Sunday Service 
Sunday, October 2

9:00 a.m. Program:  "I Willfully Covenant - Learning and Reflecting                            on our Stories of Promises...and a little about                            Free Will" -  Rabbi Chava Bahle
As we begin the process of unpacking what it means to live in covenant, we will begin with the phrase from our covenant, "I willfully covenant ..."  What does this mean?   We will also lay the groundwork of this year-long study with learning from the Public Conversations Project.  Child care provided.

10:30 a.m. Service:  "Renewing Our Commitment to Loving the                                  Stranger " - Rabbi Chava Bahle
"Who is my neighbor?" asked then Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) president, Rev. William Sinkford, in a General Assembly session.  "It's a question each generation of Americans must answer."  This Sunday falls near both the Jewish and Islamic New Year celebrations.  Unlike the secular New Year, these are times of deep introspection in these two traditions.   It is a time to reset our sights on our ideals.  This month at UUCGT that means how we reflect on "loving the stranger."

Lifespan Experience  f or Children and Youth (and Families!)
Sunday Service:  10:30 a.m.  

Sunday programming for Children and Youth throughout the 2016 - 2017 program year will complement the Sunday Services in our efforts to move closer to congregational thematic ministry.  This thematic calendar will be exploring the Six Source traditions, and considering wisdom from around the world. 

Sundays in October
The theme for the month of October for both Sunday Services as well as Children's Programming preK-5th grade will focus on "Loving the Stranger" which will launch us into our second annual "Socktober" campaign, and lessons based on "Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome".  Not familiar with "Socktober" or Kid President?  Check out these links: 
Kid President -  http://kidpresident.com/

Suggested readings for families/parents this month include:
  • Unitarian Universalism Is a Really Long Name, by Jennifer Dant
  • Everybody is Important - A Kids' Guide to Our Seven Principles, by Jennifer Dant
  • Sunday and Every Day - My Little Book of Unitarian Universalism, edited by Patricia Frevert
After conversation with our youth, we'd like to make room for their feedback and interests, and allow them to help drive the focus of their time together. This could include teaching a lesson to the younger children, planning service projects, designing youth events/gatherings, etc.  This will help them develop leadership skills, and let them know that we value them, respect them, and support them on their journey.  This month, we will explore creating a lesson for the younger children for November, and think about the lessons they have to offer to those around them.

Reminder to Parents

We are still collecting registration forms for children and youth for the 2016-2017 Program Year!  Even if you completed forms last year, you need to complete new forms.  New registration is required at the start of each programming year - this includes those children who use the Nursery.  Contact Sarah if you need a form, or visit the Welcome Table.  Thank you.

OWL - Our Whole Lives

OWL (Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education) Parent Meeting - Wednesday, October 5, 7-8:30pm.   UUCGT is considering offering OWL (Our Whole Lives Sexuality  Education) for middle school/high school ages this year! 

If you are interested more information, PLEASE attend this Parent Meeting.
The focus of the meeting will be to introduce the program, gauge the amount of interest, and discuss the scheduling of classes with those in attendance.  It is important that interested parents attend as it will help us decide if there is enough interest to offer this program this year. 
More info at:   http://www.uua.org/re/owl  
Q uestions? contact  Sarah

President's Corner from Linda Fletcher

This is the first in what will be a series of articles that I will be offering in order to make public the nature and good works of our various committees and their dedicated volunteer staff.  I am beginning with Congregational Care (known in days of yore as Pastoral Care) because I have had the honor of both serving on this committee and am well aware of their function and good works.... read more here

 


 
   

What's Going On At UUCGT?

Our New 2016 -2017 Program Season has begun
and UUCGT is busy!

Please check the Website Calendar for activities & events
 
  Link   HERE   for UUCGT WEBSITE CALENDAR 

Activities are also listed in the Order of Service & Beacon
Contact the office to schedule Committee meetings & events!
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Mindfulness Meditation:  Sunday, October 2, 2:30-6:30pm (1st Sunday), large classroom

LGBTQ Group is canceled this Sunday, October 2

UUCGT Men's Group:  Monday, October 3, 5:30pm @ Minerva's
Topic:  "Buddhism" presented by Chris Innes.  A hand-out is available in the office.

Wednesday Night POTLUCK:   Wednesday, October 5,  5:30pm social time & 6:00pm dinner - Join Us!  October 5th discussion topic will be:   
"UUs Interfaith Partners" from the fall issue of UU World magazine




UU Book Club:   Sunday, October 9 @ 2:00pm - The Art Forger by  Barbara Shapiro.  Hosts:  Stan & Dottie Cain

Membership Committee:  Wednesday, October 12, 4:00pm @ Buzzadoo Cafe, 1051 Milliken Drive.  Planning meeting for welcoming new members!

F Y I

  Tuesday Lunch Needs Help!   We always welcome new volunteers, but we are especially in need of someone who is comfortable preparing an entree for 30 to 40 people.  Contact Mary Kiner if you are called to serve our wider community in this way.

Green Sanctuary:  Invites you to a local resilient community event on Thursday, October 6, 7:00 pm at the Central United Methodist Church on Cass Street.  See flier here  for details.

  CROP HUNGER WALK:   Sunday, October 9, 2:00 PM, Civic Center 
Details and sign-up available in the social hall after service, see   John Hoffmann .   The WALK benefits local  food banks and other local & global  groups & agencies. 

  Are you missing something?  
Check lost & found shelves and hallway closets!
Cooler weather is on its way!  Several jackets are in the front entry closet. Please take a moment to find your lost items. Remaining items will be donated to Goodwill after October 1st.

  Save the Date - Wednesday, November 9th, 7:00 PM
Showing of Ken Burns & Artemis Joukowsky's documentary, "Defying the Nazis:  The Sharps War".  Film about the Sharps, husband and wife UUs, who risked their lives to rescue people from the Holocaust.
Film will be presented following Wednesday Supper.

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Local Community Needs

Smile...

 
 

 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

  

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