Weekly E-News
February 20, 2020
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This Sunday, February 23rd
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Our Sunday Service
begins at 10:30 AM in the William Miller Sanctuary. This Sunday, February 23rd,
we bring you
The Magic of Music
with Music Director, Suellen Kipp, the Music Team, the Worship Team, Programming VP, Toni Latino, and Worship Associate, Albie Johnson.
February is also Black History Month and our themes for the month are Resilience, Courage, and Generosity.
The Humanist Forum
meets every Sunday at 9:30 AM in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.
Our Community Sharing
partner for February is
ACT (Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center).
Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc
. has been serving victims of domestic violence, their children, and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking for over 41 years. They provide 3 emergency shelters, a 24-hour hotline, individual and group counseling and therapy, a children's program, education and professional training, information, and referrals. ACT is funded in part by the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee, Lee County, City of Cape Coral, Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, Florida Attorney General, and donations from the community.
For information please visit the Social Justice table in Hobart Hall. Opportunities to volunteer are available. Comprehensive information is available on line at:
ACTabuse.com
Thank you in advance for you generous giving.
Sunday's Social Hour
happens after the service every week at 11:45 AM. Come join us for coffee and snacks in Hobart Hall. Newcomers, visitors, friends, and members are all welcome. Sponsoring groups are the Women's Circle and CUUPs. Donations of food, snacks, or cash are welcome.
Religious Education News
Our Many Windows program is back with specially selected offerings designed to feed your artistic spirit. Whether with music, movement, creation, story, or painting, our upcoming Many Windows sessions give everyone, of all ages, a chance to explore worship differently. Check out the schedule for Feb/Mar here:
OWL for grades 7-9 will be returning in August as a joint project with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples. An informational potluck for all prospective families will be held in Hobart Hall on Friday, April 10 @ 6:00 PM. Please email Jenn Blosser, Director of Religious Education for more information.
dre@uucfm.org
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Transition Team
The Transition Team and the Board of Trustees invite you to sign up for a Member-to-Member Listening Group. We want to hear from all our members to help us plan for a Developmental Ministry. We’ll spend some time talking about our Goals and transition into a conversation about where you feel we should be headed into the future. Please sign up to participate in our Narthex.
The dates are Feb. 23, and March 8.
Once these groups have been filled, we will put out more sign-up sheets. We will find a way to talk to members who want to have a conversation and can’t make any of the Sunday dates. Talk to any member of the Transition Team if you have any questions about the Groups. The Transition Team Members are:
Anthony Borras, Karen Brown, Lane Cook, Karen Feinen, Roy Green, Walter Ittenbach, Bill Petrarca, Patricia Vivier-Naidl
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Grant Writer Wanted
The Church would like to apply for one or more grants. If any member has experience with grant writing, please contact
bill@petrarca.net
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Upcoming Events
Service Auction This Saturday, February 22nd!
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The 2020 Service Auction will be Saturday, February 22nd at 5:00 PM in Hobart Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Ticket price includes food and auction paddle. Beer and wine will be available for a donation. Wear your favorite sports team, college sweaters, cheerleader outfit, anything to do with homecoming!
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Celebration of Life for Audrey Brown
There will be a celebration of Life service for Audrey Brown on Sunday, February 23rd at 3:00 PM in the UUCFM Sanctuary. Ted and his family hope that all who are able will attend this joyful celebration of Audrey’s life. Everyone is invited to join in Hobart Hall after the program to have refreshments, share stories, and view some great pictures. Audrey loved parties!
Aloha Gathering March 22nd
The Membership Committee is pleased to announce the forthcoming Aloha Gathering, March 22nd, starting at 12:00 noon, in Hobart Hall. This will be a Potluck Event to celebrate joyful goodbyes and hellos. The Aloha Gathering is being held to welcome the New Member Class of 2020, bid adieu to our beloved Snowbirds (have a great summer!), recognize standout volunteers for the year, and laud membership milestones.
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Casino Night Fundraiser-
New!
Our Scout Leaders are hosting a complimentary Casino Night for UUCFM on Saturday, April 11th, from 7:00-11:00 PM in Hobart Hall. We will have fun games such as Roulette, Black Jack, Poker, & Wheel of Fortune. Admission includes $3,000 in starter chips. We need volunteers for set up, cash bartending, serving refreshments, ticket sales, etc. Please contact Suzanne Ziemer if you'd like to volunteer. 239-463-9020,
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Groups & Classes
Women's Circle and Potluck
The Women's Circle will have a very special meeting/potluck Tuesday, March 24th in honor of Women's History Month. Well-known author, educator and mental health professional, Ellen M. Levy, will present "1910-1916--Challenges for Women." Levy will arrive in period costume and teach about education for young women, the suffrage movement, and transportation challenges. She asks leading questions comparing and contrasting the isolation felt by young women who were coming out as gay in the turn-of -the last century with those who came out later. Her presentation will follow the noon potluck luncheon in Hobart Hall. The event is free. Come join us and bring a friend. For questions, contact Linda Jensen,
lindajensen50@gmail.com
In addition, mark the date of Tuesday, April 21 on your calendar for a noon potluck, followed by a drama pertaining also to Women's History.
The
Men's Social Group
meets the second Tuesday of each month at 11:45 AM at Cross Creek Country Club (off Daniels at Cross Creek Blvd). This is time for UUCFM men to get together for fun, conversation, socialization, and lunch. Put this on your calendar and bring a friend. If you’re new to the UUCFM Men’s Social Group, please RSVP to Denis Jensen at
dalanjensen@gmail.com
Women Singing in Sacred Circle
Women Singing In Sacred Circle, facilitated by Shelley Graff, is an opportunity for each woman to look into her sister’s eyes and share voice and spirit through song. While learning short, repetitive women-centered and earth-based songs/chants from a wide variety of traditions, power rises from the center of the circle as all voices create an energy that is both empowering and healing.
This opportunity is intended to allow women, regardless of singing experience, to share their voices in a noncompetitive, relaxed safe space. Percussion instruments are welcome. Come sing along! Please contact Shelley Graff:
Dreamwork Group
Come discover the wisdom of your dreams. Learn to interpret your dream symbols and unique dream language as well as the universal archetypes throughout. Participate in the safety and support of a caring group where we share dreams and learn the concept of "Projection," taking responsibility for what we contribute.Reservations: Debra Leigh, Facilitator
dreamrookery7@gmail.com
or (831) 818-1418. We meet in Room 2 from noon until 1:45 PM on the following Sundays- March 1, and March 15.
Exploring Life's Challenges-
New!
Join Wayne Leaver for a monthly support group to help you deal with difficult situations and decisions. The group is perfect for anyone who needs a little additional support dealing with loss, grief or other difficult issues. This group is sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee. The first meeting of the group will be on Thursday, March 5th from 10 am-12 pm. The group is open to all and there is no charge. This is an opportunity to discuss life challenges and opportunities in a small group setting. We will support one another facing challenges and exploring life's opportunities. This is
not
a therapy group. We hope you will join.
marygcline@gmail.com
Crystal Bowl Meditation-
New!
Join us for a crystal bowl meditation with Mary Cline Golbitz on Thursday, March 12th from 4:00-5:00 PM in Room 7. The meditation will include playing of crystal bowls, other instruments and a guided meditation. You can sit in a chair during the meditation or bring a mat and/or pillow to get comfortable—whatever you need to relax. Come join us for a relaxing hour of sound and meditation in community. Sponsored by the Pastoral Care Committee. Open to all at no charge.
marygcline@gmail.com
Caloosahatchee Mindfulness
and UUCFM members
invite participants to join our weekly meditation book group. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM in Room 3. Please contact Helen Leddy if you want to join.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 pm, and some Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Come join us in singing! Contact Suellen Kipp for details:
music@uucfm.org
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 5:45-6:15 pm, and some Sunday mornings at 9:00 in the Sanctuary. Are you interested in playing an instrument with the UUCFM band for worship? If so, please schedule an audition time with me by email. Come join us in making music together! Suellen Kipp, Director of Music.
music@uucfm.org
Mindfulness Meditation
Come explore the simple and satisfying practices of Mindfulness Meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Please bring intention to quiet the mind and body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet
Mondays from 6:30-8:00 PM
. Contact Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.
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The Book Club
meets Wednesdays at 1:00 PM in the Library. All are welcome to join in facilitated discussion and group bonding. Our current book
is called
Love Your Enemies
by Arthur C. Brooks. It is about how decent people can save America from the culture of contempt.
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News
Art in the Narthex
The artwork in the Narthex this month was done by Joan Hickok. The collages are "painted" with a palate of color torn from magazine pages and then pasted together to form a painting. Joan has been painting and creating many different art forms since she was a child .Joan has taught classes in watercolor, glass painting, fabric painting and jewelry making.
Each month a new artist will be featured on our Narthex wall. If you would like to be a member of this group email Priscilla at:
jeffcoatp@comcast.net
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Guided Campus Walk
Walk with us after the Sunday service! Meet at 11:45 AM in front of Hobart Hall, and from there we’ll explore the 12.5 acre campus with stops in a classroom, the library, the sanctuary, memorial garden, the community gardens and more. Along the way we’ll share a bit UUCFM history and get to know each other. Reservations are necessary.
Contact
Patricia Linhoff
at
freckles345@comcast.net
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
How do we nurture those who are hungry? Give to the Food Pantry. We all have the power to make sure our neighbors go to sleep with a full stomach. When you think about people being hungry, do you think of people all over the world? Do you think about people who might be living close to you? The hungry exist everywhere - even in wealthy communities. Here are some things you can do:
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1. Bring in non-perishable food to our congregation every Sunday. Places like the Dollar Store have wonderful buys on soup and other canned fruit and vegetables. Look for BOGOs. Protein items are a good pick - canned meat or fish, meals in a can such as beef stew, spaghetti and meat balls, or ravioli. Some seniors like Ensure. Fran Rose informed us that the pantry is receiving less free food from USDA.
2. Start a great habit by giving up expensive coffee drinks and putting your savings into a jar to donate to the Pantry.
3. Put food items you buy for the pantry near your front door at home so you don't forget to bring them. The Food Pantry basket is in the Narthex (the large room before you enter the Sanctuary).
4. Respond to requests for all food drives even when all you may be able to afford is a jar of peanut butter.
5. And last, perk up when you hear the words 'food drive' and remember that your Social Justice Team is your vehicle to help nurture people who might otherwise go without.
If you would rather give monetary donations to the South Fort Myers Food Pantry, send a check to: South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition, Inc., 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919.
Gratefully yours,
Social Justice Team at UUCFM
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Did you know your purchases can help us? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your online shopping by following this special link to Amazon:
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Want to Become a Member?
If you are interested in becoming a new member, please pick up a Membership Kit Sunday mornings in the Narthex or in the office during the week. Thanks!
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Our Greater Community
Please submit only articles regarding programs from our renters, community sharing partners, or greater UU news. Thank you!
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai group meets Sundays at 2:00 PM in Room 1. We do not meet on 5th Sundays.
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All Faiths Congregation Concert
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Happy Birthday!
February 24 Mary Alice Pierce
February 26 Don Ehat
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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
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