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Weekly Communicator
December 8, 2022
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Minister's Musings
In seminary we spend a lot of time learning about family systems, because often, congregational life is more like a family than anything else. Edwin Friedman is the “guru” of this systems theory. He says, “Whether we are considering a toothache, a tumor, a relational bind, a technical problem, crime, or the economy, most individuals and most social systems, irrespective of their culture, gender, or ethnic background, will 'naturally' choose or revert to chronic conditions of bearable pain rather than face the temporarily more intense anguish of acute conditions that are the gateway to becoming free.” It certainly feels true in churches. And, I know there has been much chronic pain here in the past and more recent “acute” pain. I love what Carry Nieuwhof, a colleague in the Christian tradition has to say about our experience of congregational life sometimes: “Church is messy, flawed, disappointing, and, at times, deeply hurtful. Largely because people are messy, flawed, disappointing, and, at times, deeply hurtful. And we live on this side of heaven (we are human). Part of maturity involves realizing that I (every one of us) contribute to the mess. I am part of the problem. And so is almost every leader or member who is part of the church or who has abandoned church. Jesus never said we would be known for our perfection. But he did say we would be known by our love. Love owns my share. Love forgives. Love says I’m sorry. Love reconciles. Love works toward a better tomorrow. Love sees who you really are and stays anyway.
I am so glad for all of you who are here, who are in the mess that you love so much, who will stay because the value of staying far outweighs the leaving. Because along with the mess, there is love, connection, joy, support, compassion, growth, companionship, justice making, inspiration, faith and so much more. It is not about individual contributions (of any form: monetary, time, stuff) because gifts should always be freely given (that is what makes them a gift). It is about the collective, as messy as it is. When asked to define a UU Church, there are the theological and sophisticated answers, but, often I say we are just a bunch of folks who are trying to figure out the big questions of life and it is better if we do that together.
This week I will come to you via the miracles of technology and we will explore some of the Advent themes of Faith, Hope, Love, Joy and Patience. On the 18th join us for a Solstice celebration with many voices honoring the returning light, letting go of the old year and welcoming the new. We will also light the 4th Advent Candle and the Menorah in recognition of Hannukah. If the light and joy this season is hard for you and you are inclined toward sadness, reflection, contemplation, grief or just want to be together in community join us on Monday night, the 19th for a vespers service at 5:00. And, of course, we will worship together on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.
Blessings, Rev. 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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Staff Appreciation
Our traditional show of appreciation for our staff is upon us. Please consider a generous donation to them in recognition of their service to UUCFM. We will be collecting your donation during the next 2 worship services when greeters will have donation envelopes marked “staff” for you as you arrive. For Zoomers, you can designate the amount in PayPal when you click on the Donate button. And, of course, good ol’ checks are always welcome.
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of membership for Diane Buckley and Neil Yesu!
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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.
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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Guardians of the Garden
A wonderful group of four FGCU students have been coming every week since before the Hurricanes to work in our memorial garden. They have planted some new native plants, weeded every week and are making little signs to identify all the native and FL Friendly plants and shrubs. RESET donated a few small shrubs trees that they are planting. All Natives, all pollinators.
Dorothy planted a nice Croatan where the big Oak Tree was. We are also planting a Wax Myrtle tree next to it. The Wax Myrtle is a great attracter to butterflies and bees as well. FL Holly, Lantana and lot's of Milkweed are coming up too. Little flags are marking or supporting new plants.
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Fort Myers Beach Baptist Church needs volunteers
Volunteers are needed to serve meals to the people of Fort Myers Beach. The volunteer hours are 10:30am for brunch and 3:30pm for dinner.
WHERE: 130 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
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Snowbird Follies: An Original Yuletide Revue-sical
Nomads from the north have been flocking to the sunshine state for well over 100 years. Come enjoy a whimsical musical yuletide celebration with a winking nod to Fort Myers' original snowbirds, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
From “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” to “White Christmas”, this revue is playful journey through decades of holiday favorites, sprinkled with local history.
This brand new musical review has been conceived and created by renowned Director and Writer DJ Salisbury and our own Maestro Andrew Kurtz, with arrangements created by Julie Carver.
This feel good musical will bring a smile to your face and have you swaying in your seat as we get into the Holiday mood.
Running through December 18th. Click here for tickets.
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Post-Hurricane Ian. Will We Build A More Sustainable Future, or Just Fast and Worse?
As Southwest Florida rushes to get back to “normal” after the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian, many are justly asking if our old “normal” was good enough.
Join us on THURSDAY, December 8th, as Edwin “Win” Everham, Ph.D., from the Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies at FGCU leads us in a discussion on steps we SHOULD be taking to rebuild, and what we should be doing right now to protect our environment and our communities from the ravages of increasingly dangerous climate disasters.
Click on this LINK to register.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Dinner and a Movie-You Bet!
Do you miss having fun with your friends? Bring them along and come join us at All Faith’s on Friday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and a movie. We will start with a selection of assorted, handmade quiches, a garden salad and homemade tomato soup. Plus the meal will feature homemade bread with Flourless Chocolate Cake for dessert!
After dinner we will watch “Mission Joy”, a wonderful movie featuring the Dalai Lama and Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu. This is a special, private showing of these two teachers as they discuss the nature of joy. Having been lucky enough to see the Dalai Llama speak in Boston, your host, Ariel Hoover, will introduce the movie with an anecdote about the Dalai Llama’s sense of humor.
You’ll go home full of delicious food and joy! Tickets are $20.00 each, kids under 12, $10.00. All moneys go to support All Faiths Congregation and its social and climate justice work in the community.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, so we know how much food to prepare. You can buy tickets at All Faiths on Sunday, November 27 or December 4 following the Sunday service. You can also send your check (made out to All Faiths) by mail to All Faiths Congregation, Attention: Movie Night, 2756 MacGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33901. If you have any questions, feel free to email Ariel Hoover or call: 978-505-5599.
Hope to see you there!
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UU and You
An Invitation for Newcomers*
Sunday December 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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Board of Trustees Meeting
The Board of Trustees monthly meeting is at 5 PM December 13.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/91338742461
No password required.
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Jazz at the MACC: Swinging Holiday
Back by popular demand, Valerie Gillespie (vocals) and Herb Bruce (trombone) team up with the Gulf Coast Jazz collective for an evening of swinging holiday favorites!
Jazz series sponsored in part by Victor & Jackie Solomon, and Robert Opatrny & Susan Sutherland.
December 15th 7pm. Click here for tickets.
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Let’s “Gather in Hope” in January
WHAT: Watch for your invitation to participate in a small gathering in January.
WHY: We want to reconnect with each other; maybe get to know someone new. Leadership wants to hear your concerns and your ideas about our future together. These gatherings are for sharing and listening and are separate from our Annual Generosity Campaign which will take place later in 2023. We are excited and hopeful about this opportunity to be together.
WHO: Everyone with an interest in our Congregation is invited to participate. Everyone is welcome. Leaders from the Board and Stewardship Team will listen to your concerns and facilitate the discussion.
WHERE: Gatherings will be held at various homes and at the UUCFM campus.
WHEN: All gatherings will be held in January. Your invitation will provide a link for you to RSVP and will list the times and places groups will take place. You choose what is convenient for you. Gatherings will be scheduled for an hour and a half.
Again, Watch for your invitation coming soon to your email inbox and please RSVP when you get it.
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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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Being a Good Neighbor - A five-session course Starting Jan 23
The SWFL RESET Center is honored to offer this UUSC-inspired and funded 5-week series with the Rev Houston Cypress and leaders of 3 UU Congregations. We want you to be a part of it!
This will be presented on 4 Monday evenings starting Jan 23, online. The 5th and final session will be an in-person gathering at the UU Congregation of Fort Myers. This online course is a collaboration of the SWFL RESET Center, The Love The Everglades Movement , UUJF and three Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Ministries. UU Justice Florida and the UU Service Committee generously have funded this work.
We ask that participants commit to all 5 sessions, as the relationships and trust among all involved will grow over the weeks we spend together. To register click here
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Coming Soon! New Horizons Music | |
2023 Florida UU Women's Retreat | |
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Brewer Family Garden Update
We are happy to announce that we have gotten a grant from Sow True Seeds of $300 worth of seeds and supplies. This will be very helpful for our Food Bank beds. On Wednesday we harvested our first food bank bed donation. And we continue to plant more. We do still have some irrigated beds for rent. Contact Bonnie Jean.
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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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