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Weekly Communicator
November 17, 2022
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Minister's Musings
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” A.A. Milne
This Sunday we will explore the idea (and actions) of gratitude. Please join us for Sunday worship in person or on-line. I will be in Florida until November 28th. Please be in touch if you would like to meet with me. I will also look forward to seeing some of you for our Thanksgiving meal. AND, the amazing RESET event on the following Saturday. Hope to see you all soon. Rev. Sue
revsue@uucfm.org
call, WhatsApp call or message: +506 8891 2847
Facebook Messenger: Sue Gabrielson
Skype: suegabes
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Please send all newsletter articles by
12pm Wednesday for publication in Thursday's newsletter.
Send articles to newsletter@uucfm.org
**Please do not send requests to the office manager email**
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Out of Office
Denise will be out of the office from November 11-22. She will respond to emails during that time when she can. Please do not call the office and leave voicemails, unless it is something that can wait until November 22.
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Board of Trustees Update
The Board of Trustees met on the 8th and handled a lot of business. Your Treasurer gave us an update on our financials including an estimate of the damage from Ian, which has really taken a toll on our Congregation and community. Thankfully Rev. Sue is still able to distribute aid from the UUA grant for those in need. The Right Relations and Nominating Committees gave short reports, and we adopted an official Narthex Use Policy. The Stewardship Committee is really rocking and has a series of gatherings planned. Finally we selected our Volunteer of the Month - Gary Robbins!
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Volunteer of the Month
Gary Robbins was one of the driving forces to conceive of and build the organization we now know as the SWFL RESET Center, which is committed to making a difference in SWFL, through collaborative actions to reset human impacts on global warming and ecological systems through transformative education. Gary has served as a board member and an officer of the organization from its inception. Gary has been a valued member of the Worship Team - acting as a Worship Associate for many years. Acting from his heart of big compassion, Gary connected with many of our members during Hurricane Ian, and has become a member of our Pastoral Care Team.
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Thanks for Your Generosity
Rev Sue and the Board of Trustees would like to thank UUCFM members and friends who have generously donated over $4,000 to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund to assist households who are struggling to recover from Hurricane Ian damages. We give special thanks to the UU Church of Saco and Biddeford, Rev. Sue’s former church.
Rev Sue and the Caring Team have been able to assist a number of families with a cash donation and have distributed gifts cards to others in need. If you have a hardship, please contact Rev Sue:
revsue@uucfm.org
call, WhatsApp call or message: +506 8891 2847
Facebook Messenger: Sue Gabrielson
Skype: suegabes
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Community Sharing
The Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) is the vibrant, diverse ally network of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), the internationally-acclaimed farmworker organization transforming human rights in the U.S. agricultural industry. The principal focus of the Alliance for Fair Food is the Campaign for Fair Food, a farmworker-led, community-powered movement that successfully holds major food retailers accountable to the highest human rights standards in their produce supply chains.
www.allianceforfairfood.org
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Potluck
Potluck November 20 after Sunday Service with Rev. Sue. Please bring a dish to share. All are invited, we would love to see you. Thanks. Dorothy Van Howe 239-560-7238.
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COME SHARE TOGETHER AT A THANKFUL PARTY
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24th
WHERE: Hobart Hall
Dinner at 1pm. Food provided. (Donation for cost)
Afternoon of sharing, music, singing, dancing and other activities.
Contact Dorothy Van Howe by Tuesday, Nov. 22nd to RSVP.
We need to know how many dinners to prepare.
COME AND ENJOY!
Thanksgiving Menu: Turkey with dressing and gravy, spiral ham, roasted rosemary potatoes, honey glazed carrots, assorted fruit, green salad, rolls with butter, and pumpkin pie--need a head count. Call or email Dorothy. Dinner at 1 pm.
Email or call 239-560-7238
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Seed and Plant Exchange and Festival Nov 26th
Volunteers are really appreciated!
Go to the volunteer page on our event website to sign up. The Evan Carville Trio will provide the music! Check out the great speakers!
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UU and You
An Invitation for Newcomers*
Sundays, December 4th & 11th
9:00-10:00 a.m. - Room 2
Informal discussion
Coffee & Cookies
Connections!
* Visitors & newer Members & All who seeking community are welcome!
Sign up appreciated: judyburget@gmail.com
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Poetry Circle
The poetry circle reads and discusses in detail a variety of poems, often related to our UU experience. Our current theme is the poetry of members of oppressed groups, especially in the context of spiritual practice /religion and/or politics.
Members share their own work for discussion as well, if they want to, but you do not need to be a writer to join. We offer weekly prompts, although there is no obligation to follow them.
This is an ongoing Zoom group. New members can join at any time, and we really hope you will. Contact Judi Dettorre or Cat Pivetti for more information. We meet every other Tuesday from 1-3pm.
Mindfulness Practice
You're welcome to join our online sitting practice each week, when we practice mindfulness and discuss a reading. Feel free to sit with us whether you’ve done the reading or not.
The Monday Sangha meets at 6:30-7:45 p.m. and is discussing Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Contact Mary Studer for details.
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ANTICIPATED GATHERINGS
The Stewardship team is planning some structured gatherings to be held in January. The purpose is supporting one another, strengthening our connections, and sustaining our community. We hope you will sign up to attend one of these gatherings when you get the invitation to sign up in December.
Are you in a position to host a gathering lasting 60-90 minutes for 10-12 people in January? Leadership will attend and lead the conversation and bring light refreshments unless you prefer to handle that part. We anticipate gatherings to be held in some homes, at UUCFM campus, and virtually. There will be options for dates and locations. If you feel you could host, please respond and let us know preferred dates or for more information.
Thank you and we look forward to being together. Stewardship Team: Len Cohen, Sue Roth, Nancy Hutchins, David Hutchins, Judy Burget, Joan McDermitt, Suzanne Ziemer.
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2023 Florida UU Women's Retreat | |
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Housing Needed
If you or anyone you know has an apartment or house to rent, please contact the Pastoral Care Associates via Mary Cline Golbitz by phone/text 207 479-4082 or email.
We have members and friends who need a new home after theirs were destroyed and we appreciate any help you can give.
Thank you so much.
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Revised Covid Protocol
The efficacy of vaccines and treatments has significantly reduced Covid’s danger for most of us. As a result, the protocols for campus events have been revised:
- MASKS ARE OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED in the sanctuary during worship services.
- Masks are optional for coffee and other functions in Hobart Hall.
- In classrooms, the library and other small spaces, masks are still required UNLESS everyone present agrees otherwise. We’ll continue to be respectful and protective of those of us whose immunity is impaired.
- Worship services will continue to be available via Zoom.
Although the Covid risk level will continue to fluctuate, I’m sure all of us hope the worst of the pandemic is behind us. We’ll continue to monitor the risk and change the guidelines as needed to protect our congregation.
Please reach out to me with any questions
Namaste,
Mary Studer
President, UUCFM Board of Trustees
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