Weekly E-News
March 5, 2020
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Our Sunday Service
begins at 10:30 AM in the William Miller Sanctuary. This Sunday, March 8, we bring you Reflections on Empowerment. Special musical guests-Shelley Graff &
Women Singing in Sacred Circle.
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 March is
Visua
lity.
The mission of Visuality is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning communities and allies. They provide activities, programs, educational events, and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support our cultural diversity. We strive to end violence, harassment and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual expression.
Our 5th Sunday community sharing donations will go to the
Minister's Discretionary
fund.
Last month we raised
$1312.89
for ACT! Thank you for your generosity!
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 March 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 at 6:00 PM. Please email Jenn Blosser, Director of Religious Education for more information.
dre@uucfm.org
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Transition Team Update
February 23rd was our first Member-to-Member Listening Group. Fifteen members attended. The questions asked were framed in appreciative inquiry style - concentrating on strengths instead of weaknesses. It was a moving experience listening to all our wonderful members speaking in such heartwarming and productive ways about their involvement at UUCFM.
The heart of our congregation is beating strong. We are holding Member-to-Member Listening Groups through April. We hope you join us to listen and share your stories about our congregation and the people who attend.
From these focus groups, we will have a strong idea of your visions for our congregation that will help us make recommendations to the Board of Trustees to move forward in finding a Developmental Minister and in creating effective solutions
together.
Our next planned groups are set for March 8 and 15, and April 5, 19, and 26. We will hold other groups if people can’t get to the Sunday group sessions. Sign-up sheets will be in the Narthex and in Hobart Hall. One of our Transition Team members will be roaming the campus each Sunday asking people if they would like to join us. Please feel free to email or call the members of the team if you have any questions.
Karen Brown,
uudrek@gmail.com
, 826-432-0173. Bill Petrarca,
Bill@Petrarca.net
239-810-4608. Walter Ittenbach,
wittenbach@comcast.net
, 239-850-4546. Lane Cook,
madelane@msn.com
, 239-222-9406. Karen Feinen,
ganiedw012@gmail.com
, 585-615-0064. Patricia Vivier-Naidl,
patriciavn1934@gmail.com
, 239-826-8701. Roy Green,
royvgreen1@icloud.com
, 239-433-1142.
Greeters Needed
We need Ushers and Greeters! Please think about volunteering to be an usher or greeter for any of the Sundays in March or April and beyond. We need you. We especially need greeters - before the service, and one greeter to stay in the lobby during the service to let in latecomers. Contact MaryGayle Skinner at
skinnermg@aol.com
.
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Pachamama Alliance of SWFL hosts a Special Evening with Holley Rauen
Friday March 6, 2020 6:30PM
UUCFM Sanctuary
Our SE Asia Experience - How fear of the Coronavirus epidemic created a Ship with no Port and a Global Village at Sea
Holley Rauen will give a report and slideshow from her recent experience traveling in SE Asia during the Coronavirus outbreak with her partner and two friends. She will include reflections and slides of her visits to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Taiwan. They wore a mask in some of those cities due to the intense smog and air-pollution... some of it coal dust and emissions from thousands of unregulated vehicles and motorbikes. The talk will be about our experience on the MS
Westerdam
, Climate Change, and traveling in SE Asia during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Please help spread the word and invite a friend. Donations at the door will go to UUCFM for ongoing venues for our Pachamama Alliance Gatherings.
Lee County Commissioners Candidates Forum March 12
Now more than ever, Lee County residents know the critical importance of a healthy environment. We have troubling concerns about how our air and water quality affect our health, our tourist economy, and the well being of the natural world. The commissioners we elect will be addressing these concerns and making decisions that directly affect us all. Along with a coalition of environmental organizations in our community,
Pachamama Alliance of SWFL
will host the upcoming County Commissioners Candidates Forum, and you'll want to be there!
DATE: Thursday, March 12
TIME: 6:30
PLACE: UUCFM Sanctuary
All Church 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 for all 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
Our Casino Night is Saturday, April 11th, from 7-11 Pm in Hobart Hall. We will have games such as Roulette, Black Jack, Wheel of Fortune, and Poker with $3,000 in starting chips. Light refreshments are compliments of our Scout Troop #3300 leaders. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at thedoor. Contact Denis Jensen for advance tickets, 215-880-1433,
dalanjensen@gmail.com
. Contact Tom Sizemore to help with the cash bar,
tsizemore258@gmail.com
Our Scout leaders need us to sell at least 40 tickets to make it worthwhile for their setup and administration. Please pick up a flyer from Denis Jensen to help us promote the event and bring friends and neighbors to this needed fundraiser. It is a fun night for all.
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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.
Our longtime member and friend, Mary Alice Pierce, will be attending, enabling us to say our good-byes before she moves.
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:
Exploring Life's Challenges
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. Please contact
marygcline@gmail.com
Crystal Bowl Meditation
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. Please contact
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 new book
starting March 11 is called
Braving The Wilderness
by Brene Brown. Please read the first two chapters.
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News
Art in the Narthex
Susan Schmitt, our March Artist, has delighted in developing her artistic skills since she moved to Florida in 2009. A few years ago, she enjoyed painting pictures of growing up on a Maryland farm and created a book from them. Last year those pictures were shared in the Narthex. This year her show will include more paintings from nature. Currently Susan studies watercolor with Gail Martin at Shell Point CCRC
.
Each month a new artist will be featured on our Narthex wall. If you would like to be a member of this group and have your artwork featured, please 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
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Member to Member
Thank yous, Rides needed, Free Items, Birth or Anniversary Announcements, Classifieds, Small Group Suggestions, Activity Ideas, Special pictures, and...Of Interest to UUs!
You asked for it! A place to post items of interest to fellow members is here! Please submit your post by Thursday mornings at 9 AM. Please keep posts short and to the point. All posts may be edited or removed by Office Manager at any time.
Toni Latino
mentioned two movies in her reflection last week about music therapy. Many people have asked for the titles.They are "The Music Never Stopped" and "Alive Inside" Both are available for free on Amazon Prime.
From Denis Jensen-
UUCFM Members aged 72 or older can save on their taxes by making pledge contributions directly from their IRAs. According to recent posted IRS tax information, IRA Account holders 72 or older who make a contribution directly from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity can donate up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution. The deduction effectively lowers the donor's adjusted gross income (AGI). The charity will also not pay taxes on the donation and the deduction can count as part of the donor’s minimum required distribution. The contribution must be made directly from your IRA, so be sure to set this up with your IRA provider and consult your tax advisor or preparer.
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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. You can also email
memberservices@uucfm.org
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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!
LIFE Update
The LIFE Nehemiah action is now at Dunbar High School, 3800 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers on Monday, March 9th, at 7:00 PM.
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. Contact Mary Tracy Sigman at
marytracysigman115@gmail.com
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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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