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Weekly Communicator
January 5, 2022
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Minister's Musings
This week, please join us for worship with Jennifer Grant. I want to thank all of you who contributed so generously to the gift collection for the staff. We all appreciate the thoughts (and the financial support). It is wonderful to be able to serve you. I will see you in a couple of weeks on the 15th of January when we honor the life and voice of the the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior. Until then, blessings. Sue
revsue@uucfm.org
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 on January 6th.
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Community Sharing for January
ACT offers a 24-hour helpline, 3 safe shelters, children's program, counseling (both individual and group), an economic empowerment program which includes financial and health literacy, Injunction for Protection legal service, life skills education, job skills evaluation and training along with GED assistance and ESOL. In the non-residential outreach program, they provide long-term counseling, therapy and support, economic empowerment services, a rape crisis center where they do the forensic examinations, advocacy department that provides advocacy through the judicial system, and a legal program for Injunctions for Protection. They also provide community education, professional trainings, and prevention education. All services provided to victims of domestic violence and their children, and survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking and human trafficking are available free of charge.
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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Year End Giving Report
If you would like a copy of your year end giving report for tax purposes, please contact Denise or call 239-561-2700.
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It’s Budget Time Again!
The Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees will soon begin to develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2023. This budget will be voted on by the Congregation at the annual meeting at the end of March. In the meantime, we welcome your input. Please send any items you would like to propose for inclusion in the budget to treasurer@uucfm.org by February 24.
Thanks!
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Quarterly Report to the Congregation
The Board of Trustees would like to share this financial report on the third quarter of the current fiscal year. The report shows actual revenue and expenditures through January 2 (75% of the year) compared to the entire annual budget. Please note that expenditures include $34,853 in expenses that will be covered by other funding sources. The “real” shortfall is $21,815, or 43% of the budgeted amount.
If you have any questions about UUCFM’s financial status, please contact Pati Maier, Treasurer.
The Board appreciates your continued support and generosity. If you have any questions about the status of your pledge, please contact Denise Greenwood, Office Administrator, at 239-561-2700.
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Proposed list of recipients of Community Sharing
The Community Sharing Committee which consists of Jen Smith, Jill Carville and Helen Dixon recommends we keep the same organizations as last year. This list was approved by the Social Justice Committee as there were no votes in the negative. Now we are asking for input from the congregation. The list will then be sent to the Board of Trustees, before the congregational vote at the annual meeting in March.
Please send your ideas to Helen Dixon or call at 239-633-4989.
Proposed list of recipients for 2023-2024
Planned Parenthood April '23 and Oct '23
Alliance for Fair Food May '23 and Nov '23
RESET - Restorative Ecological Social Economic Transformation June '23 and Feb '24
Gay and Lesbian Chorus - aka SWFL Voices July'23 and Mar '24
Quality Life Center Sept '23 and Dec '23
ACT Abuse Counseling & Treatment Center Aug '23 and Jan '24
1st Sunday in August- Blessing of the Animals - Gulf Coast Humane Society
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IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR A LISTENING CIRCLE
We want to hear from you. Old member, new member, interested friend: All are welcome.
The Stewardship Committee is calling us together in January in small groups so that we can share our concerns and hopes for our Congregation. These will meet in personal homes as well as at the Church. WE'RE ALL EARS!
These small get togethers will promote member-to-member communication as a means of strengthening our community. Please click on this link and choose the session you prefer, understanding that you may be asked to change as space is limited.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Please sign up ASAP and show up to share your vision with us.
In service to our Congregation,
UUCFM Stewardship Committee
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Tai Chi for Meditation and Balance
Starting January 7, every Saturday morning 9:30 am at the UUCFM campus outdoors.
Free Will Love Donation
All funds will be used by the Bill Brewer Family Garden food bank beds.
Simple, relaxing movement program for all ages and abilities. Open to the public. Contact Bonnie Jean for info
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SMALL GROUP MINISTRY - Connection Circle
UUCFM has a long history of Small Group Ministries. One of these is the Connection Circle. It's a way for newer and long-term members, those thinking of membership and guests to get to know each other and themselves in deep and meaningful ways, while exploring our Eight UU Principles. Participants are provided with Quotes and Questions prior to each session, then led in discussion by trained facilitators, Leslie Gatto and Helen Leddy. The next sessions will begin in January, in person on Sundays at NOON. Dates are: January 8, 15, 29 February 5, 12, 26, March 5 and 26. You are asked to make a commitment to all or most sessions.
Please email Leslie Gatto to secure your place in the group or if you have questions or call 239-850-9664.
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Men's Group Restarting
START your New Year with something to anticipate on Jan. 10. The UUCFM Men's Group is being resurrected.
The initial gathering will be at Skittle’s Restaurant, 13300 S. Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907 AT 11:30 AM.
Len Cohen and Dave Hutchins look forward to seeing all of you again. Come for the food. Stay for the ambience. No RSVP required.
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Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees monthly meeting is at 5 PM January 10. If you'd like to attend, please click on this link.
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UUCFM Diversity OPEN Committee:
Understanding Cultural Competency – an interactive seminar on Race and Ethnic Relations
Mark your calendars: Jan 21, 2023, 9am-1pm in Hobart Hall.
You are cordially invited to participate in an interactive seminar on Race and Ethnic Relations facilitated by Dr. Barrion Staples, a local advocate for racial and ethnic justice and friend of the Congregation. Dr. Staples is offering this seminar in collaboration with the UUCFM OPEN (Our Purpose: Exclude Nobody) Diversity Committee.
This interactive seminar is experiential and is designed to promote positive race and ethnic relationships; not based on “blame and shame”. Race remains the unsolved dilemma in the United States, and the current polarization over the issue will persist as long there is a national taboo restricting honest discussion of group differences.
The mission for Race and Ethnic Relations seminars is to continue the principles of the Civil Rights Movement. This “Movement” must continue.
Dr. Staples is an active participant with Southwest Florida Voices for Racial Justice. Donations will be accepted at the event.
Sign-up by clicking this link
Contact: staples@raceandethics.com Phone: 941-237-0294
Dr. Staples Snapshot Bio
Dr. Barrion J. Staples is a product of The Civil Rights Movement and participated in activities that promoted the principles of the Movement. He was heavily influenced by the mentorship and friendship of the late Rev. Dr. C. T. Vivian. However, his most significant influences were from his father, Rev. A. Q. Staples, and his cousins, the legendary Staple Singers. The patriarch of the Staple Singers, Roebuck “Pops” Staples, conveyed to him the importance of breaking down the walls which divide all people that is manifested by prejudice and racism. His father, along with Pops Staples, often shared their experiences about growing up in the segregated south with similar experiences in the north.
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15+ Meeting Announcement
There will be a meeting of the 15+ Group on Sunday, January 29, at noon, in the screened room of Hobart Hall. We look forward to spending some time together! The 15+ Group members have all been members of UUCFM for at least 15 years! Interested members who have not been members of the congregation for 15 years are welcome to attend. Bring your coffee or snack with you, if you wish. Roy Green has agreed to become our new facilitator so we are working now on the changeover! Thank you Roy! Call me if you have any questions or agenda items to add.
Ellen Erickson 239-218-4789.
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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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