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Weekly Communicator

April 20, 2023

Sunday Service


Join us this Sunday at 10:30am in the Sanctuary or via Zoom


https://zoom.us/j/5264858673

Minister's Musings


Quotes “If your science contradicts your religion, you’ve either got bad science or bad religion.” ― April Papke


This week we will explore some of the intersections between science and religion and wonder, out loud, if theories of physics can influence our spirituality. Join us. I will be zooming in and Mary will be "live" in the sanctuary.


Shout out of thanks to the members of this year's new Board, who last weekend spent ALL day Saturday and Sunday working together to make this year a stellar year!!!


revsue@uucfm.org

WhatsApp call or message: +506 8891 2847

Facebook Messenger: Sue Gabrielson

Skype: suegabes

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**

PHISHING SCAM


CAUTION!!

Some members of the congregation have received a SCAM email signed by Sue Gabrielson. The email address used is NOT mine. Please know that I will never send appeals for money or anything else directly to you. Please ignore/or report when possible these types of scams. The only valid email I will use is revsue@uucfm.org.

Rev. Sue

Community Sharing for April


Our Community Sharing partner this month is Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. The mission of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, an affiliate of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., is to provide affordable access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and accurate health information through patient care, education and advocacy. This affiliate began operations in 1966 and presently provides vital sexual and reproductive health services, as well as comprehensive sexuality education to women, men and teens throughout southwest and central Florida.


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". 

Facebook


Note from Marge Gonzalez

Be sure to visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/UUCFM — full of wisdom and exciting stuff about what is going on at UUCFM. 


Denise, our wonderful Office Manager, cannot be everywhere, so I want to ask you all to get out your phone and take a picture or a video if you see something interesting or amusing on campus or in your group or committee. Then send it along to Denise so she can share it with all of us on our page.


An example photo can be seen above. This is how your Board team builds.


Short videos welcome!

IDEAS FOR A FALL AUCTION

FUN AND FUNDRAISING


A preliminary planning session will take place Sunday, April 23, during coffee hour. Look for our table labeled AUCTION , and please come share your ideas about timing and emphasis.

Maybe you have a good idea for a theme.


Of course, we are also looking for helpers willing to work on the AUCTION next fall, but serious work on the details will not take place until next September, so you are not obligating yourself to anything by stopping by with a suggestion or question. For those who can stay, we can adjourn to Room 3 to continue our brainstorming together if needed.



Hope to see you Sunday! Nancy and David Hutchins

Newcomers & Visitors Event

It’s not too late to signup!!

This Sunday & Next Sunday

April 23 & 30, 11:45-1pm


ALL Newcomers, repeat visitors, and newer Members looking to strengthen connections with UUCFM, are cordially invited to a small group gathering, meeting after the Sunday service. Your attendance at both sessions is optimal but not required. Light refreshments will be provided. Sign up is appreciated.

Monday Book Group


The Monday Book Group will read chapters 6, 7 & 8 this week, in How the Other Half Eats, by Priya Fielding-Singh.


We meet from 1:00-2:30 on Mondays. This would be an easy book to join in the middle. If you'd like to join us, contact Judi Dettorre.

TUUSDAYS Together


TUESDAY, APRIL 25th

Q, and A. with new President, Bill Petrarca. WHAT'S AHEAD FOR US AT UUCFM? 11 am - 1 pm, Classroom 3. Bring own lunch and beverage and any questions you want answered. 


Bill will explain our leadership positions and focus for our future and immediate concerns for the UUA's initiative to revise the Principles. You will learn more about the Quakers building program and walk the perimeter of the proposed site. Come enjoy our future plans.


Discussions of any topic are always welcome in these TUUSdays.

Janet McAdams (Creek, Scottish, & Irish)

Craig Santos Perez (Chamorro)  

Haunani-Kay Trask (Native Hawaiian)

For Beloved Land: Voices Unsilenced Under Empire

Indigenous Poets, Losses, and Cries for Environmental Justice  


Indigenous peoples of the US and its "posessions" don't necessarily, or even usually, match most of the stereotypes of Native Americans. However, the invader's view of Native land, as something to be conquered, owned, and then ravaged along with its inhabitants, in the pursuit of short-term financial profits, awakens a shared anger and grief.


Craig Santos Perez is a diasporic Chamorro professor and poet born in Guahan/Guam. Haunani-Kay Trask was a Native Hawaiian poet and social activist. Janet McAdam (Mvskogee/Creek) is a poet and a professor at Kenyon College. We will read and discuss some of their poetry, and possibly some of our own, this Tuesday, April 25, the last Tuesday of Earth Month. We meet from 1:00-3:00 pm, and newcomers are welcome. Contact Cat Pivetti for more information.

CUUPS

April 29th


At 2pm, join herbalist Beatrice Muhlenbruch for an in-depth look at the revered Tulsi Holy Basil plant. Discussion will include history, properties, uses, and considerations for working with this herb in your daily routines. 


What to bring: A favorite mug to sample some Holy Basil tea, a notebook/something to take notes or write with, and anything you need to be comfortable. Group will meet in the Screen Room the outdoor amphitheater space depending on the weather. 

Contribution of $20. Sign up here.


At 5pm, we will be gathering by the fire circle to celebrate the next turn of the wheel which will be Beltaine. All are welcome to join us. We will honor the season, dance around the maypole and after have a potluck feast with community and storytelling. Bring a chair, instruments and food to share after with community.

AREA EVENTS OF INTEREST

Plant Sale


Annual plant sale at All Faiths. Saturday, 9am-12pm and Sunday after service.

LIFE for Justice Justice for LIFE


LIFE’s annual Celebration will be held on April 25th at 6:30 pm. We will gather at Unity of Fort Myers, 11120 Ranchette Road, to celebrate LIFE’s past victories, identify injustices in our communities, and set the stage for next year’s activities that will launch in the Fall. 

2nd Annual Democratic Party of Lee County Music Festival


Saturday April 22nd, from 12-4pm. Kids 12 and under free. Bring your lawn chair. Snacks will be available to buy with a recommended donation. Click here for tickets.

RESET encourages you to attend the Zoom workshop

Resilience and Possibility in These Times:

Solving the Climate Crisis



with Per Espen Stoknes

Wednesday, April 26 | 12:00 p.m. PT | 60-minutes



Join us for the next Resilience and Possibility in These Times conversation with Per Espen Stoknes. As an internationally recognized climate psychologist, author, and economist, he has devoted his career to exploring how humanity can build a better future for the planet and its people.

His work has been featured in Pachamama Alliance programs and with his most recent book, Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity, Per embodies grounded optimism that is a commitment to actually ending the climate crisis.

We’ll discuss the psychology of climate action, Per’s vision for a regenerative economy, and the way out of the climate crisis that reboots our global economic system so it works for all life. We hope you'll join us for this exciting conversation.

See you on Wednesday, April 26 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time PT (UTC - 7).


Join the call.

GA Delegates



This year's General Assembly will include work on shifting from the 7 Principles to a new way of expressing what we strive for. You can learn more by representing us as a delegate for the Assembly June 21-25. You may attend in person in Pittsburgh or online. Contact Mary Studer for more information and registration.


From Community Gardens



Update from BB Community Gardens. Harvest on Wednesday was abundant. We are discussing the future of the gardens with volunteers and are looking forward to new leadership in the Garden thanks to Brooke Horsley. Holley and Bonnie are in the process of passing on experience and knowledge as we transition. 

Board of Trustees


President Bill Petrarca

President Elect Jennifer Grant

Secretary Lane Cook

Treasurer Pati Maier

VP Worship Lesley Peterson

VP Operations Dorothy Van Howe

VP Membership Marge Gonzalez

VP Stewardship Nancy Hutchins

VP Programs Mary Studer





Staff

Minister Sue Gabrielson

Office Manager Denise Greenwood

Building Supervisor  Mickey Kellam

Teacher  Liza Kellam

UUCFM

13411 Shire Lane

Fort Myers, FL 33912


Phone: (239) 561-2700 


Website: uucfm.org


Email: officemanager@uucfm.org

*Office hours: Tuesday by appointment only

Wednesday and Friday 8am-1pm

Thursday 10:30am-3:30pm

*Office hours may vary slightly. It's best to call before stopping by.

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