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Weekly E-News
December 24, 2020
Christmas Eve Service

Join us this evening at 5:00 PM for our Annual Christmas Eve service. We will have guest speakers, Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove and Rev. Jaco ten Hove. We will also feature some outstanding professional guest musicians! You don't want to miss this. Please have a candle ready for our candle lighting near the end of the service when we play Silent Night.

There will not be any breakout rooms after this service but you are welcome to unmute and give holiday wishes to all of your friends after the postlude for approximately 10 minutes.

Here is the special link to the Christmas Eve service:

No password required.

Thank you to this evening’s participants: 

Rev. Dr. Barbara Wells ten Hove, Minister Emerita, Cedars UU Church, Bainbridge Island, WA
Rev. Jaco ten Hove, Minister Emeritus, Cedars UU Church, Bainbridge Island, WA & Musician
Suellen Kipp, Director of Music, UUCFM  
Astralis Ensemble- Angela Massey and Phoebe Powell
Michele Sipos, Soprano    
Trillium Ensemble - Lesley Rigg, Laura Shelton, Beth Fuller   
Allie Carville, Worship Associate, UUCFM 
Lesley Peterson, Tech Team Member & Musician, UUCFM 
Mark Brandon, Tech Team Member, UUCFM 
Walter Peterson, Tech Team Member, UUCFM 
Holley Rauen, Tech Team Member, UUCFM
Jill Carville, Tech Team Coordinator, UUCFM
Sunday, December 27th

Please join us on Zoom this Sunday, December 27th, at 10:30 AM for our service titled, 12 Days of Christmas: What does Christmas Mean to UUs? with special guest speaker, John Bloom-Ramirez, MDiv.

12 Days Of Christmas
What does Christmas mean to UU’s? The answer is easy if you identify as Christian, but what if you don’t? How do you celebrate and honor the holiday?

John Bloom-Ramirez, MDiv., is a graduate of Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago, IL. He is currently a Candidate for UU Ministry, and is serving as a Chaplain Resident at the University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Medical Center. He is also the Assistant Pastor at Covenant UU, an online covenanting community. He splits his time between serving in the Bay Area, and his home in Mentone, CA where he lives with his husband Rene, and adult son Geordyn, and his cat Rukia and dog Polyphemus (Poli-Femus).  


Join Zoom Meeting Sunday at 10:30am

Meeting ID: 891 5048 2747
Password: chalice

Or, follow the link on our webpage for audio onlyuucfm.org
Thank you to Sunday's Participants:

John Bloom Ramirez, MDiv, UUA Ministerial Candidate 
Suellen Kipp, Director of Music             
Leslie Gatto, Worship Associate
Guest Soloist, Michele Sipos
Lesley Peterson, Musician and Tech Team Member 
Mark Brandon, Tech Team Member
Walter Peterson, Tech Team Member
Jill Carville, Tech Team Coordinator
Karen Brown, UU Dialogues Host
Jen Smith, UU Dialogues Host
UU Dialogues & Breakout Rooms After the Service

To participate in UU Dialogues, stay in the main zoom meeting after the service ends and do not accept the breakout room invitation that pops up.

We will greet newcomers, obtain contact information from guests and visitors, have a general Q&A session with guest speakers and musicians from the service, and most importantly, participate in intentional dialogue. All are welcome to attend this session.

If you'd rather join a breakout room for casual conversation, please accept the pop up invitation after the service. Thank you!
Community Sharing Partners for December: Quality Life Center & Minister's Discretionary Fund (Christmas Eve service only)

Quality Life Center’s (The "Q'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. The "Q" has served the Dunbar community since 1990. The center provides afterschool, teen leadership, and summer camp programs. Students also participate in daily meditation to promote focus and inner strength along with field trips that encourage children to expose themselves to their community. Please give generously. Thank you!
UUCFM's Online Activities
Connection Circle Forming

The Circle meets Mondays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm on January 4 & 18, February 1 & 15 and March 1 & 15.

Whether you are new to UU or a long timer, or whether you are in Florida or far away, you are invited to participate in a Connection Circle by Zoom. Now is your chance to experience this way to connect with others in a deep and meaningful level. Trained facilitators, Mary Cline Golbitz and Leslie Gatto, will co-lead this covenanted group where confidentiality is protected to promote compassionate dialogue. Participants are asked to attend all sessions. Please contact Leslie by phone or text at 239.850.9664 or email at gatto.leslie@gmail.com to join or for more information.
The UUCFM Book Group

The Book Group is taking a two week hiatus and won’t convene again until January 4th at 1:00 PM when we'll begin discussing Epigraph through Part I of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. If you’re joining for the first time, please email Mary Studer. She will send you the link to zoom. mstuder929@gmail.com 
UUCFM, Caloosahatchee Book Study

The title of our current book is Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World.

"A guidebook for how to use mindfulness to build our inner strength, find balance, and help create a better world."

We meet Wednesdays from 10-11:30 AM on Zoom. For more info and to join, contact Helen Leddy helen.leddy@gmail.com.
Social Issues Book Study

The Social Issues Study group meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 PM. On December 2, we started reading How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.  Contact helen.leddy@gmail.com.
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Calling All Membership Committee Members

We will be having a meeting on Sunday, January 3rd, We are reorganizing our Membership Committee. Please plan to attend at 1pm on Sunday via zoom.


Meeting ID: 936 8209 2655
Passcode: 061167

If you are unable to attend please email me at carolelatino@gmail.com.
Stay Safe & Healthy.

Warmly,
Carole Latino, Co-Chair Membership Committee 
Member to Member Fundraiser

Let's buy and sell from Church Members! Nothing is too large to list- house, car, or boat; and nothing is too small- household item or piece of art.

How it works:
In the newsletter you'll see listed items offered by Donor/Seller with total price, percentage of sale to UUCFM, and contact information. Donors/Sellers determine their own percentage of the sale to UUCFM. Delivery/pickup of item is between Buyer & Seller. Buyers write two checks, one to the seller and the other to UUCFM for the percentage of sale going to the church, with fundraiser in the memo line.

Example:
Oil print of Woodland scene, 100% to UUCFM, $25. Contact Suzanne at suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020. (include photo if you want)

How to Participate:
Send email to newsletter@uucfm.org with item description, photo (if possible), price, percentage going to UUCFM, and contact information. Your offer will run for a month or until sold. Limit of 2 items per week per person, thank you.

Questions?
Contact Ways & Means Chair, Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020,
Daybed Cover -- Camden Russet Quilted Hollywood
Price: $50.00 for Complete Set
Cover features the lavishly soft, smooth feel of polyester faux suede & a timeless box-quilted design. Use the fitted Hollywood daybed cover for extra seating or bedding. Cover has gusseted, split-inset corners in the three-sided, 21" drop; a cap on back keeps it in place. Backing is color-matched cotton. Fill is polyester. Washable. 3 Pillows with Covers in Tan, Brown, Green, Russet Color Combo (in Front of Bolsters) & Russet Twin Day Bed Cover. 2 Foam Bolsters & Russet Covers

Originally purchased from Touch

$50.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Breakfast Table & Chairs
Price: $150.00 for Set
Oak, with separate leaf extender & 2 oak & leather swivel chairs. 20% to UUCFM Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Trunk
Price: $40.00
18"x18" x 29” Wicker Large Storage Trunk Dark Global Brown
New Price: $75.99
20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Yamaha PSR-320 Keyboard (Portable)
  • Music Stand
  • Keyboard Cover
  • Keyboard Stand
  • Carrying Case
 
$100.00 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Like New Twin mattresses for floor use for undiscriminating guests! $25. 100% to Church, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Dresser- Wood
Price: $25.00
 
  • 4 Full Drawers & 2 Half Drawers
  • 19” D x 37.75” W x 47” H

-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Generator
Price: $300.00
  • Honda Inverter Generator EG2800i
  • Portable, Lightweight: 67 lbs.
  • Fuel Type: Gasoline
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Electric grill with folding side shelves, with cover.
 
$45.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Chairs
2 brown suede and bronze chairs
 
$40.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Oil print of Monet, 32: x 38", $30.,100% to the Church,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Matching floral prints, green borders, 28" x 28", $40.,100% to the Church, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Area Rug, bright red & white, 40" x 56", $20., 100% to Church,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Rather funky sturdy shell decorated blue chair, comfortable seat, $20., 100% to church suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Antique Johnson Bros. English gold rimmed china, 6 pieces, 4 10" plates, oval platter, covered serving bowl, from 2019 Art Fair, $25.,
100% to Church, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
100% of this bundle of baby/ toddler items will go to the congregation. 

Crib (with sheets) $35; bouncing chair $15; high chair $15; changing mats (2) $15; bath tub $8; booster seat $7; potty $5. Total package $ 100
Contact Kathy Ford
Tilting floor fan with settings for low, medium or high.
$20.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Living Room Group
Price: $145.00 for 3 pieces
Floral 3-seat sofa with complimentary Lamp & Art (tables not included)
– 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Maple sculptured "Hall" table, 50"L x 28"H x 18"W, $30. 100% to church, Suzanne Z. 239-463- 9020 suzanneziemer@gmail.com
Oil print woodland scene, 30"x38", $25, 100% to church, Suzanne Z.

Living Room Art
Price: $35.00
Painting of orange & white flowers
20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
"Coffee Table" glass top with lattice wood, 60" L x 26" W x 16" H, $50., 100% to Church, Suzanne Z., 239-463-9020,
Quilt hanging, Open Star design, 29" x 29", $25., 100% to Church, S.Ziemer, 239-463-9020, suzanneziemer@gmail.com
"Comfy" Fabric covered footstool, 20" W x 16" H, $20., 100% to Church,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020

Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Oven
·  Stainless Steel housing & finish 
·  2 rack positions & Removable crumb tray
·  Digital Controls: toast, bake, broil, pizza, warm, defrost.
·  Outside Dimensions: Width: 21.65", Height: 12.91", Depth: 19.2" 
·  New $129.99
 
$50.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Living Room Lamp
Price: $35.00
Floral base
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Maple Marble End table, 27" W x 21"L x 17" H, $25. 100% to Church,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
All purpose Holiday Seasons year round glass bowl, 14", $20., 100% to
Church, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Three stalk bamboo artificial plant, 4 feet High, good to display
different holiday things, $15. 100% to the Church,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Many Christmas decorations from 2019 Art Fair, free, come look, many
more, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
Recliner Chairs
Price: $65.00 each
2 beige ultra suede Electric Recliner
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous JoySokeitous@comcast.net
Lightly used Knee Scooter. Includes memory foam pad and front basket. Handle folds down for transport or storage. $100. 50% to UUCFM. Richard Barnes arbee1031@gmail.com
Recumbent trike project available. At 250lbs I’m too heavy for the frame. Rear frame is bent. I was going to cut the rear off and replace with rear triangle from a mountain bike. 20” wheels. Fabric seat. 

$100.00. 50% for UUCFM. Contact Richard Barnes at arbee1031@gmail.com
239-628-6119. 
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December Birthdays

Dec 3 Carol Ungerleider
Dec 11 Dawn Lienhardt
Dec 12 Karen J. Brown
Dec 13 John Pittman 
Dec 14 Lucy Wistreich
Dec 15 Lesley Peterson  
Dec 15 Sydney Stewart
Dec 16 Mat Halstead
Dec 17 Jack Ulman
Dec 21 Harvey Heckes
Dec 30 Joy Sokeitous  
Amazon Smile donates to UUCFM when you do your online shopping by following this special link
Want to Become a Member?
If you are interested in becoming a new member of UUCFM, please email memberservices@uucfm.org.
Our Greater Community
From the UUA Southern Region

Save the Date: New Day Rising Conference
February 27
 
Is your congregation ready to take a new step in racial justice work? Want to learn what your fellow congregations are working on, and how you might apply it at home? Join a continent of UUs as we explore next steps in creating Beloved UU Communities.
 
On Your Own: Watch compelling video TED-talk style testimonials from selected congregations around the continent sharing their learnings, hopes, and next steps in their quest for racial equity in their congregations.
 
Together, via Zoom: Worship·Workshops·Caucusing. With plenty of breaks! Saturday, February 27th, 9a-6p PT/10a-7p MT/11a-8p CT/12n-9p ET. This event is brought to you by your Unitarian Universalist Association. To register, go to uua.org

UUA General Assembly 2021 WILL BE VIRTUAL!
 
The UUA Board of Trustees passed a resolution making the 2021 UUA General Assembly a 100% virtual event. Let’s reach record-breaking attendance on June 23-27, 2021.
 
Why Virtual General Assembly? General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. Although we give up the face-to-face interaction and hugs that are prevalent when we meet in-person, we retain our dedication to community and make our experience more accessible and more environmentally sustainable.
 
“Circle 'Round for Justice ● Healing ● Courage” is the theme for GA 2021. General Assembly is a time to circle ‘round in community. We circle ‘round in care and healing; for liberation and justice; and for love and courage.
 
Registration opens December 1st. Registration for virtual GA 2021 is $200 per person. Financial aid for registration as well as a payment plan are available. General Assembly registrants receive access to the 2021 Online Participation Portal, including live, simulive, and on-demand video content, the virtual exhibit hall, chat features, support, and a (new!) GA mobile app. To register, go to uua.org.

For more news from the UUA Southern Region, please go to https://www.uua.org/southern.
Contact Us
Board of Trustees
Email: board@uucfm.org

President Lesley Peterson
President Elect Lane Cook
Secretary Ruth King Fotovat
Treasurer Pati Maier
VP Ministerial Services Keith Hamlin
VP Operations Dorothy Van Howe
VP Programming Toni Latino
Member at Large Genelle Grant

Staff
Director of Music Suellen Kipp music@uucfm.org
Office Manager Jill Carville officemanager@uucfm.org
Building Supervisor  Mickey Kellam buildingsupervisor@uucfm.org
Assistant  Liza Kellam lhiz_sierra@yahoo.com
Please send all newsletter articles by Wednesday at noon for publication in Thursday's newsletter. Send articles to newsletter@uucfm.org.
UUCFM
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912


uuchurch@uucfm.org 239-561-2700
Office Hours:
Tues-Fri 9-2

Please wear a mask and call
or email for appointment so
we can social distance.