Weekly E-News
January 21, 2021
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Our Sunday Service
Please join us on Zoom this Sunday, January 24th at 10:30 AM for our service titled Are We Aware? with special guest speaker, the Reverend Tracie Barrett.
We as Unitarian Universalists are not immune from the issues of racism and privilege. Rev. Tracie Barrett explores our history, our present, and what our future could be as we become more aware.
Join Zoom Meeting Sunday at 10:30am
No password needed
Or, follow the link on our webpage for audio only: uucfm.org
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Thank you to Sunday's Participants:
The Reverend Tracie Barrett, Guest Minister
Mary Cline Golbitz, Lay Minister
Suellen Kipp, Director of Music
Worship Associate, Helen Leddy
Lesley Peterson, Musician and Tech Team Member
Mark Brandon, Tech Team Member
Walter Peterson, Lead Tech Team Member
Holley Rauen, Tech Team Member
Jill Carville, Tech Team Coordinator
Karen Brown, Dialogues Host
Jen Smith, Dialogues Host
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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!
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Community Sharing Partner for January: The GRACE Project (The Guatemalan Rural Adult and Children's Education Project)
During the pandemic, GRACE volunteers continued to sew menstrual management kits and make fertility bracelets. GRACE sent six large boxes to rural Guatemalan teachers and midwives, who distribute the kits and bracelets with the education necessary for successful use.
Several groups and individuals have been incredibly generous in their donations, which are even more valuable to women in these times of isolation.
Ellen Erickson and Deloris Donnelly of the Inner Wheel group have made thousands of the bracelets and hundreds of kit components. Many women in the Pelican Preserve community in Fort Myers have been sewing and creating the kits for women and girls in rural Guatemala. Patricia Linhoff donated a sewing machine, and Diedre in Punta Gorda sewed 100 kits herself! So many volunteers have donated supplies, panties, lots of fabric, and a huge amount of time to help make this ongoing project a success!
In July, the GRACE Project will sponsor a Cosmovision Maya camp for local Maya youth and a public presentation on the Maya culture with art, dance and music.
The UUCFM has supported the GRACE Project for over twenty years. Un millón de gracias for everything!
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Vespers Service
Join Albie and Mary via Zoom bi-weekly Thursdays starting January 28, from 6:30PM-7:00PM. Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 918 0025 0314
Passcode: 743236
Vespers Service: a time of prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Have your soft lighting (candles) ready.
What to expect:
We may experience crystal/Tibetan bowls, flute, violin, lite drumming, poetry, short quotes, and testimonials. In addition to a time for prayer, meditation, and chanting, maybe short story telling, and dance. Each service is different but will always include prayer, meditation and contemplation. During Vespers, many will desire to share. At times we may experience story telling, and movement.
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Board Thank Yous
The Board of Trustees wants to acknowledge and send our appreciation to the Transition Team: Karen J. Brown, Lane Cook, Karen Feinen, Roy Green, Bill Petrarca, and Patricia Vivier-Naidl, for all of their work helping to revise and update the UUCFM Bylaws. It's a huge reorganizational task for which we are mighty grateful.
The Volunteer of the Month honor goes to Karen J. Brown for her indefatigable advocacy for intergenerational inclusion, religious education, and faith formation programs in our community. Karen and her RE task force have developed a plan for reigniting the children and families religious education opportunities at the UUCFM. We will see the new approaches emerge during 2021. Thank you so much Karen!
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Stewardship Campaign for 2021-22 Celebrates UUCFM as a Place to Love, Grow, and Share.
Life is richer in community than when we go it alone.
Did you know that in a typical year UUCFM members have contributed nearly $20,000 to assist our Community Sharing Partners?
A grateful client of Planned Parenthood writes, “Planned Parenthood is a remarkable, wonderful place for individuals to receive health care. I have had many issues and problems and have been treated so incredibly by this staff.”
Thanks to UUCFM countless children at the Quality Life Center have had presents for many December holidays, and our financial donations have helped support their work with teens in Dunbar.
At a GRACE Project workshop in the village of San Juan la Laguna, Guatemala, one young woman tells how important the workshop has been for the local community, providing information that parents are afraid to tell their daughters. Ellen Erickson and Deloris Donnelly of the Inner Wheel group have made thousands of bracelets and hundreds of kit components.
In the second quarter of 2020, the South Fort Myers Food Pantry fed over 7000 family members locally, distributing more than 125,000 lbs. of food. UUCFM members contributed to this effort.
Did you know that the Membership Committee committed to trying to reach all of us to see how we were doing in these isolating and strange times? Thanks to all who made and answered these calls!
Did you know that the Bill Brewer Family Gardens are fully subscribed?
Did you know that the RESET Center has plans to create a “food forest” on our grounds?
Did you know that there are plans being made to upgrade our labyrinth so that it will be accessible? What a gift to our congregation and to the community!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT WHICH MAKES POSSIBLE ALL THE WAYS THAT WE REACH OUT TO AND SUPPORT THE LARGER COMMUNITY IN WHICH WE LIVE.
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GENEROSITY +
Stewardship Campaign
UUCFM looks to the future with the beginning of this Annual Stewardship Campaign. We are all counting on each other to be as generous as we can in supporting UUCFM as we move into the possibilities of a new “church year,” which begins April 1, 2021.
But first, THANK YOU to all of you who have been generous with your time, talent and treasure which has kept our community worshipping, meeting, supporting each other, and preparing for the future. THANK YOU for participating, looking out for one another, and keeping up with your financial support during these challenging times. THANK YOU for your continued support of our Community Sharing Partners.
We look forward to a future that includes collaboration with our campus-sharing partners—Gulf Coast Symphony and the RESET Center. We will be exploring when we might be able to call or contract with a minister. We have hope that we will be able to meet in person again during the coming year. All of these things will support our commitment to “love, serve, and grow.”
Please WATCH YOUR MAIL for more information on why and how you can support the Generosity + campaign.
Participate in Zoom meetings to discuss hopes for the future and answer questions and take comments on our Generosity + campaign.
Topic: Generosity Campaign 2021 Forum
Time: Jan 31, 2021 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 928 0815 1199
Passcode: 033622
Topic: Generosity Campaign 2021 Forum
Time: Feb 5, 2021 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 938 4882 8986
Passcode: 160534
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If you would like a receipt for donations made to UUCFM in calendar year 2020, please email your name(s) to:
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UUCFM's Online Activities |
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Hello Singing Sisters!
Please join us in a few weeks for SingFest 2021. This year we are offering a virtual multi-day event. We’d love for you to join us for all three sessions, but if you can only join us for one or two sessions, that’s great, too! We will be offering a MashUp Sing, Singshops (experiential workshops with special guest facilitators), and an evening concert with performances by our special guest facilitators.
SingFest 2021: General Schedule
Friday, January 22nd~ 7 pm (ET) Opening Ceremony & MashUp Sing*
Saturday, January 23rd~ 1-4 pm (ET) Singshops with special guest facilitators~ 7 pm (ET) Evening Concert with special guest facilitators:
5. Reneé Janski Vocal Health: The Crone Voice
Donation: Sliding Scale~ $5-$50 (No womyn turned away due to lack of funds)
*a Zoom Link will be emailed to you one day before the event!
Hosts: UUCFM/CUUPS and Florida Womyn Singing in Sacred Circle
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Connection Circle
It is not too late to join the Connection Circle that began Monday, January 18, via Zoom. This is open to EVERYONE and is a great way to get to know and form bonds with others.
The Connection Circle is facilitated by trained leaders, Mary Cline Golbitz and Leslie Gatto, who choose a topic for discussion each session. Each circle meets for 6 sessions. Please sign up ASAP by contacting Leslie Gatto at 239.850.9664 or gatto.leslie@gmail.com.
The Circle meets Mondays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm on 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. Now is your chance to experience this way to connect with others in a deep and meaningful level.
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Four Agreements Connection Circle
Thursdays, Jan 21- Feb 25, 2021 1:30-3:00 PM
We are so inspired by your UU Dialogue response to the Four Agreements "Reflection." In response, Patricia Vivier-Naidl (along with Holley Rauen and Gary Robbins) will be leading a Connection Circle focusing on the Four Agreements. The group will be held on Zoom for six (6) one and a half hour sessions, beginning on Thursday, January 21st and continuing each Thursday through the month of February (the last session will be Thursday, February 25th).
Due to the nature of a Connection Circle, we, unfortunately, will have to limit the number that will be able to sign up to NINE participants. We ask that you sign up only if you are able to meet each of the six sessions, barring, of course, any unforeseen circumstances. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. You will be notified as soon as possible if you are one of the nine, or if the group number has been met before you signed up. If there is enough interest, beyond the nine, we will discuss the possibility of holding other more generalized discussions.
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The UUCFM Book Group
The Monday Book Group will meet at 1 pm Monday, Jan. 25, to continue our consideration of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, with a discussion of the beginning of Part 4 through Ch. 13. If you’re joining for the first time, please email Mary Studer. She will send you the link to zoom. mstuder929@gmail.com
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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.
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Important! When you reach the bottom of this newsletter, please click "Message Clipped, View entire message" to see the complete newsletter! |
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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,
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Apple Watercolor $20 to UUCFM
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Yamaha PSR-320 Keyboard (Portable)
- Music Stand
- Keyboard Cover
- Keyboard Stand
- Carrying Case
$100.00 20% to UUCFM
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Brocade Trundle Bed Cover with bed skirt , three large back pillows, two round bolsters pillows and coverlet for sale, 100% to the church for the price of $40.00 dorothyvanhowe@icloud.com
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Cooler – Igloo Polar Roller with Handle & Wheels -- 24” x 14” & 19.5” Deep.
-- 20% to UUCFM
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Electric grill with folding side shelves, with cover.
$45.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
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Sears Sport 20-SV Rooftop Cargo Carrier
67.5" (L) X 36.25" (W) X 20.25" (H) .
Price $40.00
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Oil print of Monet, 32" x 38", $30.,100% to the Church,
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Area Rug, bright red & white, 40" x 56", $20., 100% to Church,
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Rather funky sturdy shell decorated blue chair, comfortable seat, $20., 100% to church suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020
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Antique Johnson Bros. English gold rimmed china, 6 pieces, 4 10" plates, oval platter, covered serving bowl, from 2019 Art Fair, $25.,
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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
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Cooler - Coleman -- 21” X 13” & 12.5” Deep
Price $10.00
-- 20% to UUCFM
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Floral 3-seat sofa Price $50.00
Floral Price $30.00
Art Price $30.00
– 20% to UUCFM
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Maple sculptured "Hall" table, 50"L x 28"H x 18"W, $30. 100% to church, Suzanne Z. 239-463- 9020 suzanneziemer@gmail.com
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Oil print woodland scene, 30"x38", $25, 100% to church, Suzanne Z.
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"Comfy" Fabric covered footstool, 20" W x 16" H, $20., 100% to Church,
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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
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"Coffee Table" glass top with lattice wood, 60" L x 26" W x 16" H, $50., 100% to Church 239-463-9020,
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Maple Marble End table, 27" W x 21"L x 17" H, $25. 100% to Church,
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Recliner Chairs
Price: $65.00 each
2 beige ultra suede Electric Recliner
-- 20% to UUCFM
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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
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Recumbent trike project available. Rear frame is bent. 20” wheels. Fabric seat.
239-628-6119.
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January Birthdays
January 2 Roy Green
January 3 Marshall Hoffman is 9!
January 3 Julie Clark Ireland
January 4 Bruce Leddy
January 4 Neil Yesu
January 6 Elyana Hutson is 18!
January 8 Margie Kolde
January 10 Ellen Erickson
January 10 James Kolde
January 15 Torben Snow is 15!
January 19 Declan Ireland is 16!
January 26 Emily Hutchinson
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Gulf Coast Symphony
Beginning this month, Gulf Coast Symphony will have rehearsals and our first performances in the Sanctuary! Our first production will be "I Do! I Do!" a charming 2 person show that chronicles a marriage through the years. Performances are January 20, 21,22, 23, 27, 28, 29 30. Another highlight will be a recital by Reiko Niiya and Friends- Reiko was the longtime concertmaster of Southwest Florida Symphony. All performances will have extremely limited audiences in a socially distanced seating map. Performers will follow strict testing protocols as we continue to make safety our top priority. UUCFM Members receive a discount!
On January 26 visual art classes begin in person in Hobart Hall. Class size has been limited and accommodations will be made for all students and teachers to remain socially distanced. gulfcoastsymphony.org
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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.
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Board of Trustees
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
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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.
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UUCFM
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912
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Office Hours:
Tues-Fri 9-2
Please wear a mask and call
or email for appointment so
we can social distance.
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