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Weekly Communicator
August 18, 2022
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Minister's Musings
The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity. George Bernard Shaw
It was so nice being with you on Sunday morning. There were some technical difficulties, we will work on these in the future. This week, the title of my sermon is, “Is it a sin?” But don’t be afraid if you do not like that word sin. We will deconstruct the concept in a very UU way. I am looking forward to the end of August when I will be with you in person for worship, meetings and social times August 26, 27 and 28. Please feel free to be in touch with me any time at revsue@uucfm.org or by Whatsapp at +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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Out of Office
Denise is out of the office this week. She will return Tuesday, August 23rd. She will respond to emails and voicemails when she returns.
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Community Sharing for August
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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Let’s Celebrate in Worship
& Lunch in Hobart Hall
August 28th, 2022 - 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Let’s celebrate our Worship Teams who helped us through the pandemic and continue to serve. Our new Minister, Rev. Sue Gabrielson, will be leading the service - her first time here at UUCFM. We will be expressing deep gratitude for our Lay Ministers, our Music Director and Music Team, our Worship Associates, the Tech Team and our Ushers and Welcoming and Membership Committees.
If you are being honored in worship, ‘please be our guest’ at the Celebration in Hobart Hall. If you would like to contribute food for the lunch, it will be appreciated. Please email Karen Brown at uudrek@gmail.com so the Hospitality Team has an idea of how much we will need to make or purchase. Cold foods such as salads, fruit, breads and/or gluten-free foods are suggested. Please bring food to the kitchen before the service. We will be dining at tables in Hobart Hall and also in the Screened Room for those who prefer outside. Everyone is welcome!
At a later time when our northern members and friends return, there will be a special service honoring Rev. Sue’s ministry here in Fort Myers. We will also be planning ways to honor our many committees and all members and friends for their service in Time, Treasure and Talents.
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AFRICAN DRUM WORKSHOP/ POTLUCK DINNER!
Learn to play the fiery rhythms of West Africa with Master Drummer Ndakhte Ndiaye! Ancient and highly cherished rhythms from obscure villages will be taught in an easy, follow-along style on the Djembe and Djun Djun drums. All levels welcome, beginner thru advanced. Share the joy and camaraderie of drumming in this long-awaited event! Bring drums. (limited drums provided).
Where: Hobart Hall
When: Thursday, Sept.1st
Time: 5:00 -6:00 Drum Workshop, followed by potluck dinner.
RSVP: (239) 283-7885 Sharingafrica@yahoo.com
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Poetry Circle
Come, come, Poets and Lovers of Poetry!
We read and discuss in detail a variety of poems, often related to our UU experience, usually centered around a weekly theme. 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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Monday Book Club
The Monday Book Club is discussing the book The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality. Contact Mary Studer for details.
Mindfulness Book Group
The Caloosahatchee Mindfulness/UUCFM Mindfulness Book Group's next selection: BOUNDLESS HEART: THE BUDDHA'S PATH OF KINDNESS, COMPASSION, JOY, AND EQUANIMITY by Christina Feldman. "Compassion, kindness, equanimity, and joy are not only the fruits of the awakened life but also the path to it: attitudes of mind that can be cultivated by anyone willing to set the intention to do so." Contact Helen Leddy for more details.
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November trip to Guatemala | |
Summer work continues with building a berm on the Shetland Avenue border for perennials and cleaning up and covering (with plants or hay) abandoned beds. | |
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Volunteer Opportunities
There are multiple volunteer opportunities available. If you would like to help out, please reach out to one of the following people:
Sunday Social Hour Kitchen Help contact Dorothy Van Howe
Sunday Tech Team contact Walter Peterson
Brewer Family Gardens contact Bonnie Jean Clancy
Band/choir contact Suellen Kipp
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Covid Protocol Update
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 will continue to be required in the sanctuary during worship services.
- Masks are optional for coffee and other functions in Hobart Hall.
- In the library, classrooms, and other small spaces, masks are 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 on 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, Board of Trustees
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