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Weekly Communicator
September 15, 2022
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Minister's Musings
This week, I am happy to be with you in person. Our worship is based on the wisdom of Philip Simmons from his book Learning to Fall. "From our first faltering steps, Simmons says, we may fall into disappointment or grief, fall into or out of love, fall from youth or health. And though we have little choice as to the timing or means of our descent, we may, as he affirms, 'fall with grace, to grace'." We will explore the lessons we are taught and how we bring perspective to unpredictability of life.
I still have some time available on Saturday and Monday if you would like to meet with me in person at the church. Please send me an email at revsue@uucfm.org or WhatsApp +506 8891 2847
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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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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 at UUCFMPresident@UUCFM.org
Namaste,
Mary Studer
President, UUCFM Board of Trustees
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Did you know?
I have been informed that several people are receiving the OOW and not the Weekly, or vice versa. Both emails are sent to the same email list, using the same software. If you are receiving one but not the other, be sure to check your junk or spam folder, and add officemanager@uucfm.org as a safe sender.
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Saturday, September 17, 2022
10:00am-2:00pm
A light lunch will be served.
Please bring your own water bottle
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UUCFM Family! We think taking this Symposium will help us take our next steps of hope and courage in our Congregation and beyond!
For more detailed information and to register, here is the link
We encourage all activists, no matter how seasoned they may be, to come to this game-changing gathering.
Facilitated by Holley Rauen, Joseph Bonasia
and Gary Robbins
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Sanctuary Safety Sunday Sept 18
There will NOT be a Safety Sunday as previously advertised. We hope to revisit the topic at a future time after we have reviewed all of our current policies and procedures and have assessed our needs.
We WILL have an open forum on this Sunday right after the service to talk about Right Relations and the church's Disruptive Behavior Policy. We will meet for up to 45 minutes before we enjoy a potluck lunch together. We will also broadcast this meeting via Zoom. (Sorry, I am not sure how to get those Zoomers food from the potluck.)
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Right Relations Panel Convened by Board of Trustees
At their meeting this week, the Board of Trustees convened a Right Relations ad hoc committee in accordance with the Congregation’s Disruptive Behavior Policy. (See policy here.) The 1996 Congregation policy states:
“Acceptance of each other, and of each other's beliefs, is a key element in the life of our church. If freedom of belief in expression, opinion, personal, physical and/or emotional well-being of a member or members is restricted, intimidated or threatened by another member or members, such disruptive behavior must be dealt with in a firm and forthright manner. Expulsion from membership can be the ultimate result of such disruptive behavior.”
Disruptive behavior may take many forms, such as (1) potential threats to the safety of members or of a member's children, (2) disruption of essential congregation activities, or (3) diminishment of the appeal of the congregation to its existing and potential membership. All of which are in violation of our Covenant to each other as Unitarian Universalists. We encourage diversity of opinions and diversity of beliefs. Disruptive behavior which limits others in their holding of such opinions or beliefs is unacceptable!
Our Disruptive Policy obliges the Board to convene a panel with the power to investigate and act with the goal of maintaining the overall well-being, safety, and stability of the Congregation. The Board has asked three members to serve on the Right Relations Committee: Lane Cook, Patricia Vivier-Naidl, and Jeff Letts. The Committee will report to the Board on its actions with regard to situations involving disruptive behavior referred to it by the Board.
Members or staff experiencing situations that may be considered disruptive behavior are encouraged to discuss such behaviors with Rev. Sue or the Board President.
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Walkabout on the OPEN Road
OPEN, Our Purpose: Exclude Nobody,
a committee established by the Board, strives to address, explore, educate, learn about, and respond to the diversity of the human experience.
OPEN invites you to a walkabout in Hobart Hall after the service on September 25. Come peruse our tables and see how embracing differences and reaching out to the community are central to our identity.
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Minister's Responsibilities | |
From Board of Trustees
We are excited by Rev. Sue Gabrielson's new ministry with us. We feel we are off to a great start. The Board has received some concerns and questions about exactly what are reasonable expectations for a part-time minister?
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Home Hospitality
Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Rev Sue in person. She (and sometimes her family) will be visiting Ft Myers once each month. October home hospitality for Rev Sue and her husband is needed for October 20-24. Bed, bath, and parking space required. Breakfast desired, but not required. Contact Helen Leddy for further information. Say "yes" to radical hospitality.
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Community Sharing for September
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.
If you cannot attend in person, you can still donate by mailing a check to the office with "community sharing" in the subject line, or by using the "donate" button on the website and marking it "community sharing".
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CUUPS Annual Meeting
The CUUPs Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, October 20 at 5:00PM in Hobart Hall at the UUCFM. This Meeting will take place before the Potluck dinner and the New Moon Ritual scheduled for that evening.
According to the CUUPs Bylaws:
"Members will be notified of the meeting at least thirty days in advance by Chapter Coordinators.
The right to vote shall be reserved to those CUUPS members who have been involved more than 60 days and paid annual dues for current membership no later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of voting."
Please send nominations for Co-Chair and Secretary positions to: salerno.danielle@gmail.com by September 20.
If you wish to send in your annual dues for current membership, please leave it in the Office or send the $20 (twenty dollars) by check, by September 20, to:
CUUPS attn: Carole
UUCFM
13411 Shire Lane
Ft. Myers, FL 33912
Thank you. Blessed Be.
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CONNECTION CIRCLE
Would you like to connect with others at UUCFM? Connection Circles are a great way for new UUs and guests as well as long term members to get to know others. These circles have a long standing history in our congregation and have been well received by those who participate.
Each session begins with a chalice lighting and reading, followed by a check-in and guided discussion. The topic is sent out several days in advance of each session with quotes and possible questions for discussion. Mary Cline Golbitz and Leslie Gatto co-facilitate.
The next six session circle will be held on the first and third Thursdays at 1:30 via Zoom beginning in October. The dates are 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, and 12/15. We ask that you make a commitment to attend all sessions, but exceptions can be made.
Please contact Leslie Gatto at 239.850.9664 or gatto.leslie@gmail.com to sign up.
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November trip to Guatemala | |
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SAVE THE DATE! Saturday Nov 26, 10:00am-3:00pm
Save your seeds and starts too!
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The youngest Scouts learned about pollinators this week and planted Milkweed and Zinnia seeds in two of our garden beds to attract them.
Meanwhile, sprucing up for the upcoming season, our volunteer, Jodi is painting numbers on garden beds for easy identification.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Tech Team
It truly takes a team of volunteers working behind the scenes to make hybrid worship possible. After more than two years of this experience, we are asking the congregation to come forward to join this team.
You do not need to have an extensive amount of previous computer & tech experience - just a willingness to learn! We are willing and able to help you learn.
There are both in-sanctuary (tech and equipment set-up and audio/sound tech) and from-home (Zoom Moderation & Virtual Ushering) positions available. Please let us know your preference.
Contact Walter Peterson or Alison Carville for more information.
Brewer Family Gardens
We will be seeking volunteers; you can come weekly, occasionally or even once to help plant, harvest, weed etc. If you know of a youth group, a sister church, any non- profit that could volunteer, let us know.
Sunday Social Hour Kitchen Help contact Dorothy Van Howe
Band/choir contact Suellen Kipp
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