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Weekly Communicator
November 3, 2022
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Minister's Musings
The relationship (or separation) between church and state has always been challenging. This Sunday we will explore this topic and some of the history and responsibilities we have to uphold our 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Please join us in person or via Zoom for worship.
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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Events on Campus
If you would like to schedule an event on campus, please email Denise to get an Event Booking Request Form.
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New Office Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8am-1pm
Thursday 10:30am-3:30pm
Please call if you need to stop by the office, as office hours may vary slightly.
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Your Opinion Matters
As part of our agreement with Rev. Sue, we promised to review our relationship on December 1. I’d appreciate any feedback about how she’s performing her ministry before Tuesday, Nov. 8. Please email Mary Studer with your comments. Thank you!
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Quarterly Report to the Congregation
The Board of Trustees would like to share this financial report on the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The report shows actual revenue and expenditures through October 25 (just over 50% of the year) compared to the entire annual budget. Please note that revenues don’t reflect $21,165 in accounts receivable, and expenditures include $34,990 in expenses that will be covered by other funding sources. The “real” shortfall is $17,948, or 35% 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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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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African Drum/Potluck dinner
Please note that the November workshop is cancelled. We hope to see you in December!
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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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Good news from RESET! Mark the date!
We need volunteers and also for y'all to come and have fun. Check out our new website that contains speaker, vendor and volunteer info and sign-up forms. This is a UUCFM Family Garden and SWFL RESET Center Collaboration and we want you all to be part of it. Saturday, Nov 26. Here is our flier and our awesome new website for this event.
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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.
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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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Hurricane Ian donations
All of us have been affected by Ian in many different degrees of loss and trauma. If you are able, I ask you to donate to the Minister Discretionary Fund to aid Rev. Sue in helping others recover from their losses. You can mail a check or use the Donate button on the lower right side on our website. You'll be able to designate your donation to the Fund by clicking on the + sign next to "Please let us know about this donation".
Thanks for your generosity in helping us all get through this.
Mary Studer
President, Board of Trustees
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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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Notes from the Tech Team - Hurricane Ian Resources
If you would like to speak with Rev. Sue Gabrielson about the UU Disaster Relief Fund, here is her contact information:
revsue@uucfm.org
call, WhatsApp call or message: +506 8891 2847
Facebook Messenger: Sue Gabrielson
Skype: suegabes
Requests can be for just about any need you have as a result of Hurricane Ian and the aftermath: food, health care, clean up, housing costs, clothing, car repairs, “get back on your feet money”, loss of income. We will hold your requests in confidence and do our best to help.
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Caring Network:
Please call or text Lay Minister, Mary Cline Golbitz, at 207-479-4082 or email or additional email.
We are holding you all in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. Your Pastoral Care Team wants you to know that we are here for you. If you need some help that our volunteers can help with (such as running errands) or just want to talk or be connected we are here for you with open arms and open hearts.
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Physical Labor/Repairs:
If you need help with physical labor, John Jaecques mentioned he could help. He also has connections with HVAC professionals that could survey flooded AC units. Email him if you would like to connect with him.
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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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