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Weekly Communicator

December 21, 2023

Sunday Service

Christmas Eve


Service will be held on Sunday, 12/24 at 5:00p.m. in the Sanctuary or via Zoom


There will be no Sunday morning service this week.


https://zoom.us/j/5264858673

Minister's Musings


I am looking forward to seeing many of you for our Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 on Sunday afternoon and then again on December 31st as we ring in the New Year together!


“The Work of Christmas” composed by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.


When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks,

the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among the people,

to make music in the heart.

 


Upcoming Themes for Sunday Services:



  • December 24th - Christmas Eve. Sue (in-person) - Jennifer Grant
  • December 31st - The 4th Wiseman. Sue (in-person) - Mary Cline Golbitz


To Reach Reverend Sue:


revsue@uucfm.org

WhatsApp call or message: +506 8891 2847

US phone number: 603-395-7559

Facebook Messenger: Sue Gabrielson

Skype: suegabes

Holiday Office Administrator Hours


Please note Sarah will be out of office December 25th - 27th, and January 1st - 3rd.

HOLIDAY SUPPORT FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL STAFF

 

During this holiday season, we have a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated members of our staff who contribute so much to the warmth and spirit of our community.

 

Traditionally, the generosity of the UUCFM congregation has shone brightly through cash gifts provided to our exceptional staff during this festive time of the year. This year we will have envelopes available for you to make a donation on December 17 and 31, as well as January 7 and 14. You can also send a check to the office or use the donate button on our website – please designate your payment as “Staff gift.”

 

Your thoughtful contributions not only provide financial support but also serve as a heartfelt gesture to show our staff how much they are valued and appreciated. Your generosity contributes to the festive spirit, creating a positive and uplifting environment for everyone.

 

Thank you for joining us in making this holiday season special for our incredible staff. Your support plays a crucial role in demonstrating the strength and unity of our UUCFM community.

 

The Board of Trustees



New Communication


Beginning in January we will launch both our new Monthly Communicator, and a Weekly Email that will contain a list of events and happenings.


Please send all Communicator articles for our Monthly Newsletter by 12pm on the 15th of each month for publication.


For events and happenings that you would like posted in our Weekly Events Email, please submit by 12pm on Wednesdays.


Please send all articles and events to newsletter@uucfm.org


Newsletter articles should be limited to 250 words. Send artwork or photos in jpg format. If multiple posting dates are desired, please include that in your request.


**Please do not send requests to the office manager email**


**Tickets Still Available for Today's Performance


SPECIAL PERFORMANCE of the Snowbird Follies for UUs from all over!!!  


Join Unitarian Universalists from the area for a special matinee performance of the Gulf Coast Symphony at the Music and Arts Center at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Myers,


Thursday, December 21st at 2:00 pm


A reception in the Narthex will follow so that we can meet each other!  You can learn more about the show and buy tickets at the website:

 

https://gulfcoastsymphony.org/concert/snowbird-follies2/


If the cost is prohibiting you from attending, please reach out to Rev. Sue for assistance. Scholarship money is available.

Seeking connections? Visitors and newer Members invited:




YOU and UU ~ Newcomers welcome

January 7: Focus on you  ~ Are you a Seeker? 
Where are you coming from? What might you be looking for? 
January 14 Focus: UUCFM beliefs and values ~
The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism & Sources
How to take our values out into the world
Small group discussion with Marge Gonzalez, V.P. Membership and other UUCFM leaders. Whether you’re curious or committed, you are welcome to participate. We look forward to becoming better acquainted.
After the service, make your way to Classroom 2 (directly across courtyard from the Sanctuary, next door to rest rooms). Coffee, decaf tea, light edibles provided.
Sign up and/or questions appreciated ~ judyburget@gmail.com


VOLUNTEER of the MONTH

Ulises S. Leiton


We so appreciate Ulises’ amazing work, pruning, trimming and generally beautifying our grounds. That’s not all. Sometimes we spot him in the kitchen helping with clean up. Best of all is his good nature and patience when we try out our elementary Spanish on him.


Apreciamos mucho el increíble trabajo de Ulises, podando, recortando y, en general, embelleciendo nuestros terrenos. Eso no es todo. A veces lo vemos en la cocina ayudando con la limpieza. Lo mejor de todo es su buen carácter y paciencia cuando probamos con él nuestro español elemental.


FRIENDSHIP DINNERS ARE BACK!!!


As we return from a pandemic mindset to happier times, we are restarting some rituals. When we asked, the one thing we heard most about why people belong to UUCFM is the sense of community, friendship, and trust. We’re restarting a tradition that’s about all of that.


        DINNERS AT HOME give us an open ended time to share thoughts and ideas with each other in the warmth of our homes. Each month, participants will get together at a member’s home for a shared meal. The host will provide the entrée. Everyone will participate by bringing some part of the meal. 


Groups will be limited to eight people – or fewer since so many of us have downsized to smaller homes. Hosts will choose a day and time and ask guests to bring appetizers, dessert, wine, or anything else that completes the meal. We ask that some hosts choose daylight times so that folks who no longer drive at night are not excluded. We will assign groups based on the signups we receive.

        

Let’s plan to start during January. If you want to participate during the week of January 14 - 20, please let Len Cohen know before December 17th at LSCCLU@gmail.com


Within a few days, he will let you know the group you are in and who will be your host. When you indicate that you want to

participate, please be sure to let Len know if you are willing to host, your address, and the number of people you can accommodate in your home. Please specify if you require a daytime meal.


Community Sharing for December


Quality Life Center's mission is to strengthen and instill pride in family and community through programs and services to cultivate self-discipline, self-development, build confidence and promote cultural awareness

Living with Loss: Managing Grief

 

Two groups are forming. Open to all who have experienced any sort of loss or are grieving and want to learn, process, be held and share together. Facilitation is shared between Rev. Sue, Mary Cline Golbitz and Mary Studer.

 

Every Saturday morning at 10:00a.m. beginning on

December 23rd, in Rev. Sue’s office.

Every Tuesday evening at 6:30 beginning December 19th via Zoom.

 

You are welcome to attend one or both meetings and meetings will always remain open to newcomers who would like to join in at any time.  Please contact Mary Studer if you have any questions, mstuder929@gmail.com

Board of Trustees


President Bill Petrarca

President Elect Jennifer Grant

Secretary Lane Cook

Treasurer Pati Maier

VP Worship Lesley Peterson

VP Operations Dorothy Van Howe

VP Membership Marge Gonzalez

VP Stewardship Nancy Hutchins

VP Programs Mary Studer





Staff

Minister Sue Gabrielson

Office Manager Sarah Houghton

Building Supervisor  Mickey Kellam

Teacher  Liza Kellam

Music Director Jon Dalton


UUCFM

13411 Shire Lane

Fort Myers, FL 33912


Phone: (239) 561-2700 


Website: uucfm.org

Email: officemanager@uucfm.org

*Office hours: M-Th 9-2

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