Weekly E-News
August 16, 2018
Sunday Worship in August: Humanism
Service at 10:30 am Sundays in the Miller Sanctuary
Community Sharing in August: Literacy Council Gulf Coast
Literacy Council Gulf Coast is committed to improving English language and reading skills of adults and children throughout Southwest Florida. The Literacy Council Gulf Coast provides free instruction for adults in reading and writing, and in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). They offer Moms and Tots Family Literacy for mothers and their young children and Kids + Lifelong Learning for parents in Title I schools. Additionally, they offer work-site literacy programs at local golf/gated communities. Their program serves residents of Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel & Naples.
Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend.
Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour happens after church every week and is provided by volunteers from the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, CUUPS on the second Sunday, Humanist Forum on the third Sunday, Men's Group on the fourth Sunday and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church.  Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome. 


BURN, our High School Youth Group meets on Sundays at noon in Room 4. All youth, ages 14-18, are welcome! Contact Director of Religious Education, Jenn Blosser: dre@uucfm.org
IGNITE , our junior youth group for ages 10-13, meets weekly from 12-1 pm in Room 3. Come join us for community, conversation, and finding your call to action! Questions about the group? Reach out to Stephanie Hoffman:  stephgator7@yahoo.com
SPARK is now forming! Exclusively for children ages five to nine, Spark will meet weekly from 12-1 in Room 2 to explore Unitarian Universalism and learn more about our church and each other. 
Coming Soon: Hearing Loop Assistive Listening System
A Hearing Loop system will be available in the sanctuary starting Sunday, August 26 to assist those with hearing loss hear more clearly during services. A Hearing Loop is an assistive listening system that transmits sound directly into one’s hearing aids or cochlear implants rather than depending on sound coming from the loudspeakers. To receive the Loop signal and hear more clearly, you will need to manually activate your T-coil or “telephone” setting on your hearing aid or cochlear implant. If you don’t know if you have a T-coil or whether yours is properly programmed, consult with your audiologist or hearing aid professional. If you don’t wear hearing aids, ask to use a Loop receiver to receive the sound. If you have further questions about Looping, please contact the installation company, Complete Hearing Solutions at

www.CompleteHearingSolutions.org or call 727-260-3488.
Staff and Board News
From the Minister-Bring a Flashlight!

This Sunday bring a flashlight and an extra for any friends who forget or are new to the congregation. This flashlight is a symbol of how we are to shine our light of love, even in the stormiest of times. I'd like to thank one of our community ministers, the Reverend Margaret L Beard, for the wonderful idea of blessing flashlights. And I hope you are enjoying the Art in the Narthex , which shows artists reflecting on their experiences with hurricane Irma. As stormy Seasons approach, let us remember that we can be a light to others. Have a plan for storm season, and a list of those who are vulnerable who will need your support and assistance.  

Rev. Allison Farnum
Music Notes
The UUCFM Music Team is getting ready to place an order for large print teal hymnals for all musicians and choir members. We believe this will assist all in seeing and reading the musical score and will professionalize our delivery. If you are interested in financially supporting the music ministry and assisting with the purchase of the teal hymnals for the Music Team, please contact our acting director of music, Suellen Kipp at music@uucfm.org . The cost of each hymnal will be $24. The goal is to purchase 24 hymnals for a total cost of $576. You are welcome to donate hymnals in memoriam or in honor of a loved one and it will be noted in the front of the hymnal. Thank you for your support!

The UUCFM Choir  rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Come join us in singing!

The UUCFM Band  rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the Sanctuary. If you would like to play your instrument during a Sunday service, please email me to coordinate the details.

Come join us in making music together!

Suellen Kipp, Acting Director of Music
Worship and Music Ministry
This month's Worship and Music Ministry meeting is August 19th in the Sanctuary  at 12:15 pm .  
 
Our regular meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month  f rom 12:15PM-1:45 pm .  Join us if you are already or wish to be involved in this ministry that includes all things service related including the following: 
 
-Choir and Music Team
-Worship Associates 
-Audio Visual 
-Décor
 
All are welcome and we hope to see you there! Contact Board Co-Liaisons Theresa L. Bahre strawbahre_fields@yahoo.com and Lesley Peterson unicorn@cyberstreet.com .
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Special Board Meeting
All members interested in participating in our ministries flow chart organizing process are invited to attend a special session with the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30 pm in the Conference Room. Please direct any questions to Board Secretary, Alison Carville at  alisoncarville@gmail.com  .
Community Sharing Volunteer Opportunities
Here are the ways the congregation can volunteer with or support our
Community Sharing Sunday (CSS) partners:
GRACE Wish List 2018-2019

Supplies for Fertility Bracelets and Menstrual Kits

1. Cord of up to ¼” in diameter, for drawstring bags, any color,
2. Yardage of dark flannel,
3. Girls’ size 14 cotton underwear, not white,
4. Large safety pins (grouping Bracelets),
5. Bobby pins (for marking the days on the Bracelets),
6. Pony beads in ratio of 2 Green: 3 Purple (12 fertile days, 18 not fertile),
7. Solar lamps for working and studying at night. Any size.

School Supplies

GRACE seeks useful, durable teaching and student materials, such as:
1. Rulers, must include metric,
2. Scissors, all sizes, used OK,
3. Solar calculators,
4. Pencil sharpeners,
5. Pencils, erasers, pens, highlighters, permanent markers,
6. Rubber bands (sold individually in stores in Gt.), tacks, paper clips,
7. Puzzles, children to teen,
8. Maps of the world, science themes, educational charts (English OK),
9. Magnifying glasses,
10. Again, Solar lamps for working and studying at night.

Muchismas Gracias!

Genelle Grant grantgenelle@gmail.com
Helen Dixon helendixon9@gmail.com
UUCFM Special Events
Pachamama Alliance Game Changer Gathering
Our Toxic Water: Hacking at the Root Causes, For the Long Haul
with Rae Ann Wessel
Thursday, September 6th
6:30 pm Potluck desserts
Meet our esteemed guest speaker, Rae Ann Wessel. Rae Ann is a limnologist and marine scientist with 40 years of experience working in corporate, government, private and nonprofit sectors in South Florida.  For the past 12 years she's served as the Natural Resource Policy Director for SCCF, the  Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.  Her policy, advocacy and outreach work brings sound scientific grounding to policy development, protection and restoration of water resources, critical habitats, land management, and fish and wildlife conservation at the local, regional, statewide and federal policy levels.

Rae Ann has been actively engaged in Everglades and Caloosahatchee restoration issues for the past 24 years. In that time, she has been researching and identifying critical Caloosahatchee issues and building support for sustainable solutions. She is involved in oxbow research, historical documentation and education projects and guides river tours on the Caloosahatchee and its estuary.

Rae Ann serves as a: Commission appointee to the Conservation 2020 Conservation Lands Acquisition and Stewardship Committee (CLASAC) and Lee County Historic Preservation Board. She is a board member for the Everglades Coalition, representative to the Environmental Advisory Council for the Everglades Foundation, past appointee to Lee County's Local Planning Agency and a 1992 graduate of Leadership Lee County.

AND:
Mark your Calendar for our next  Awakening the Dreamer Symposium at FGCU o n September 22nd, followed by  Peace Day in the Park September 23rd.  
Click here   for more information and to register for this life changing event!
Reflections on Hurricane Irma - Art Quilters Unlimited Exhibit
Miller Sanctuary Narthex
August 6-September 29, 2018

Art quilters create fine art wall hangings based on their experiences, imagery and ideas, rather than on traditional patterns. Art Quilters Unlimited is a group of fiber artists interested in expanding their knowledge and pushing the boundaries of their creativity. Our very own, Rev. Margaret L. Beard is a member of this group!

For more information, please contact Pam Richardson, Exhibition Committee Chair at pjrichfiberart@comcast.net .
 
To confirm access to the exhibit, please call the Church Office at (239) 561-2700. For more info, check out the public event page here .
Join the FUUn BUUnch for Dinner!
Saturday, August 25, at 6:30 pm

LaGrotta
9520 Marketplace Road
Ft Myers 33912

Directions: Drive E/W on Daniels Parkway toward 75. Turn North on Danport Way (Just east of Denny’s). Turn Right (East) on Marketplace Road (first road). La Grotta is on the right across from the Marriott. If you miss it, go round the circle, headwest. La Grotta is 500’ west of the circle on the left.

Please call John E. Fischer, 1-267-992 -6566 or email SilverFischStudios@gmail.com by Wednesday, August 22nd to reserve your place. Management needs exact numbers to schedule staffing.
UU Women's Retreat
Celebrating Sacred Places

9th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist
Women’s Retreat
April 5-7, 2019

DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Ellenton Flo The retreat begins Friday at 5:00pm and ends Sunday.
DaySpring Conference Center is conveniently located off I-75 just north of Sarasota on Florida’s West Coast. The beautiful campus nestled under ancient oaks and located on a cove of the Manatee River offers a serene setting for our annual retreat. Take a look.


$220 per person covers expenses for a semi-private room and meals. 8 women share a cozy cottage with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, a screened porch and common area. A limited number of single rooms are available at $292 each.

$5 Discounts Available for Registration before September 15, 2018.

A non-refundable deposit of $15 for a semi-private room or $25 for a private room will reserve your place. Final payment is due January 15, 2019. Come join us for an enriching and memorable weekend. Any questions? Contact Helen Leddy helen.leddy@gmail.com
UUCFM Classes & Groups
Book Study
Come to the Book Study on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. We are reading  Play  by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan.

"From a leading expert, a groundbreaking book on the science of play, and its essential role in fueling our happiness and intelligence throughout our lives 

We've all seen the happiness on the face of a child while playing in the school yard. Or the blissful abandon of a golden retriever racing across a lawn. This is the joy of play. By definition, play is purposeless, all-consuming, and fun. But as Dr. Stuart Brown illustrates, play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. We are designed by nature to flourish through play. 

Dr. Brown has spent his career studying animal behavior and conducting more than six-thousand "play histories" of humans from all walks of life-from serial murderers to Nobel Prize winners. Backed by the latest research,  Play  (20,000 copies in print) explains why play is essential to our social skills, adaptability, intelligence, creativity, ability to problem solve and more. Particularly in tough times, we need to play more than ever, as it's the very means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic. A fascinating blend of cutting-edge neuroscience, biology, psychology, social science, and inspiring human stories of the transformative power of play, this book proves why play just might be the most important work we can ever do.
Mindfulness Meditation
Join us on Monday evenings to explore the very simple and satisfying practices of mindfulness and meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Do please bring an intention to quiet the mind and the 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 6:30-8:00p in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Robbins at  pachamamaelder@gmail.com .
UUCFM Gaming Group
The UUCFM Gaming Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 2:00-4:00 pm. Those of us with children can't always make it so please check the Facebook group page ( UUCFM Gaming Group ) to see if games are scheduled.
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1. All are welcome to join us.
UUCFM Weekly Activities
Community Wednesday  
Activities for August:

4:00-5:30        Optimal Living Group (1st & 3rd Wed)
6:00-6:45        Band Rehearsal in Sanctuary (off 1st two weeks in June)
6:45-8:00        Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary (off 1st two weeks in June)

Community Dinners are on hiatus until September. Enjoy your summer! Rehearsals and Events will continue through summer.
Social Justice
Preventing Youth Violence: United Way Collaborative with UUCFM
UUCFM, in collaboration with United Way of Lee County, is excited to announce the launch of the Preventing Youth Violence: United Way Collaborative (PYV), a community funding initiative to encourage the youth of Lee County and SW Florida to develop and conduct initiatives that will reduce youth violence and the risk factors that contribute to it. We are taking this action in support of the students at Douglas High School in Parkland FL and all our students who are victims of youth violence.

Modeled on the STRYVE vision of the CDC, the PYV collaborative is a youth-based funding vehicle where multiple funding sources leverage their impact on SW Florida youth violence prevention. PYV focuses on grants to local youth-centric organizations or communities who propose youth violence prevention initiatives with clear and measurable objectives based on evidence of impact on victimization, perpetration, and risk or protective factors for youth violence.

Youth violence is a leading cause of death and nonfatal injuries in the United States. Homicide is the second leading cause of death among persons aged 10 to 24 years in Lee County. The majority of these homicides are from firearm violence. In 2016, 84% of homicides in ages 10 – 24 in Lee County were due to firearms discharge.

PYV will foster strategies and approaches intended to work in combination and to reinforce each other to prevent youth violence in a comprehensive and long-term way, such as:

Promoting family environments that support healthy development
Providing quality education early in life
Strengthening youth’s skills
Connecting youth to caring adults and activities
Creating protective community environments
Intervening to lessen harms and prevent future risk.
While research has demonstrated the preventive effects of many youth skill development programs to be important, approaches addressing relationships with parents, peers, and other caring adults as well as approaches that influence school and community environments are equally important to have the greatest public health impact.

A PYV review committee will be established based on community inputs; historically marginalized groups and student representation will be integral to the make-up of the committee. Through the United Way offices, proposals will be accepted based on established criteria focusing on strategies and approaches as outlined above. All grant applications will require matching funds by sponsoring organizations. Once awarded, grant recipients will be expected to document the effectiveness of their initiative. All accepted initiatives will require youth participation throughout the course of the initiative period. Completed initiatives will be presented by the grantees to community gatherings for acknowledgement and subsequent actions.

Consistent with our social justice history, UUCFM is expanding its community outreach through this prideful initiative, made possible by the love and generosity of our congregation. The Board of Trustees voted to fund this United Way collaborative with an amount of $25,000 (out of the proceeds from the sale of our cell tower lease) as an investment in the safety of our youth and in solidarity with those in the “March for Our Lives” movement. Other organizations in SW Florida will be approached to expand the initial UUCFM funding to help prevent youth violence. The PYV is intended to be an ongoing endeavor with UUCFM being at the center of the collaborative’s community impact. Please join the Outreach Ministry in celebrating UUCFM’s community engagement activism.

Holley Rauen & Gary Robbins, Outreach Ministry Team Leaders
Changes to the Food Pantry re: Donations
The support that UUCFM has shown to our pantry over the years is greatly appreciated and along with other coalition members' support it has helped the South Fort Myers Food Pantry (FMFP) to feed 23,000 people in need during 2017. The Harry Chapin Food Bank is vital to our mission, to feed the needy of South Fort Myers, at a very modest cost. They are however, making some changes at Harry Chapin.

In the past, members of our congregation have financially supported the pantry by donating directly to the pantry or by sending checks to the Harry Chapin Food Bank with the stipulation the funds were to support the SFMFP. The Food Bank would then place the funds in a "Designated Grant" account for our use to purchase food. They are eliminating these accounts. As of August 1, 2018 any checks they receive in support of one particular pantry will be returned to the sender. Therefore, our pantry is requesting that any monetary donations be sent directly to and made out to:

   The South Fort Myers Food Pantry

If you feel strongly about your donation being only for food and not for operating expenses, write "for food only" on the memo line. The pantry relies on the support of the coalition churches for the funds and the volunteers needed. There are no paid positions and it takes hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars each month to accomplish our mission. If you have questions call Fran Rose and leave a message at 617-750-0470 and I will return your call.  
LIFE News
Big things are happening! We asked the commission to form a children's service council and while they are still refusing to even allow it on the ballot- they have increased the budget for children's services by $1.7 million. Should this budget pass we will be able to celebrate dental care for thousands of more children as well as hundreds of children getting access to full day preschool. It is still not a victory but it is a sign that work for justice is never done in vain. 

If you would like to order a LIFE t-shirt you can do so at  https://www.customink.com/g/bxr0-00bf-84j3 .  Shirts can be worn out and about and at community events.

2018-2019 Dates. See below for the newly announced dates for the upcoming year.

Annual Assembly
Monday, October 29, 2018

Rally
Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Nehemiah Action
Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Celebration
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 Community Forum

LIFE members were invited to a community forum to help the county health department decide on a focus for the upcoming few years. If you wish to participate see below:

What: Department of Health in Lee County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Town Hall Meeting
When: July 2, 2018
Time: 6:30p – 8:30p
Where: Department of Health Lee County
Address:  83 Pondella Road

Caring News
Recent Passings
Two ministers that our congregation has known have both recently died this summer. The  Rev. Dr. John Hanly Morgan retired here to Fort Myers and was a good colleague to ministers serving this church, including Rev. Allison. John died in Peterborough ON on Saturday, June 23rd. He was 99, and is survived by his wife Jeannette, and two of his four children. In September, John and Jeannette would have celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. Jeannette's address is # 224, 1039 Water Street North, Peterborough, ON K9H 3P5. Her email address is johnhanlymorgan@gmail.com .

JACK D. ZOERHEIDE (1924 – 2018)

Rev. Zoerheide was ordained on April 22, 1951 by Arlington Street Church in Boston, MA. His first ministry was at the Second Parish in Hingham, MA, where he served from 1952 to 1957. Rev. Zoerheide was then called to serve the First Parish in Needham, MA from 1957 to 1969. In that year he was called to the Massachusetts’s Winchester Unitarian Society, where he served for the next ten years. From 1979 to 1981 Rev. Zoerheide ministered to New Hampshire’s Keene UU Church, following which he carried out two Interim Ministries: at All Souls Church in Braintree, MA (1981 – 1982); and at the UU Church of Fort Myers, FL (1982 – 1982). Finally, Rev. Zoerheide was called to serve the UU Church of Tarpon Springs, FL from 1984 until his retirement in 1989.

Jack is survived by his children Laina, Dean, Brian, Greg, and Julie; his grandchildren Jord, Eryn, Chandra, Melissa, Gabriel, Hans, Bea, Julie, Jahsiah, Jahfar, and Will; and his eleven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by Marie Annette Sandberg, his devoted wife and partner of 57 years; his siblings Holly, Donald, Norma, Robert, Fern, Mary, and Betty; his granddaughter Keyra; and his great-grandson Wyatt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Association , Attn: Gift Processing,  24 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02110 .

Notes of condolence may be sent to Dean Zoerheide at  planetacorn@gmail.com  and  330 Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745 .

The march of time and our tradition goes on, grateful for our ancestors in Unitarian Universalism who have served in parish ministry.

Rev. Allison Farnum
More
Worden Farm Boxes
If enough folks in our congregation and in the area sign up, our church can once again be a pick up location for Worden Farm. They have a new small box available this season. It’s just a half bushel — fits easily in a standard fridge and is the perfect size for one person. Click on "organic veggie box" for more details.

Enrollment is now OPEN for the upcoming season. 
Fresh, local, organic, and affordable!

Choose from our 3 types of CSA farm membership:
Shop at  smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1160337  and Amazon donates to
Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers.
Member to Member
Do you have something to offer, trade, or sell? Are you looking for something? Free ad space here for personal items only. Will run ad for 4 weeks. Email  uuchurch@uucfm.org

*ACER 23" Computer Monitor. Like New. FREE! Contact Mary Richey 239.939.7738
Our Greater Community
If you are a UUCFM Community Sharing Partner, a regular Facility User, or have UU related news to share, you are welcome to submit announcements for publication in our Greater Community section of the newsletter. Please send announcements in by Wednesday for publication in the Thursday E-news.
voting_people.jpg
Lee County Election Deadlines
The following deadlines apply for the General Election on Nov. 6, 2018:
 
  • Register to vote – Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018
  • Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot – Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018
 
Early voting will occur as follows:
 
  • Primary – Aug. 18 thru 25, 2018
  • General – Oct. 22 thru Nov. 3, 2018
 
If you are voting by mail and you will not be at the address provided, contact Lee County Elections. Your ballot will not be forwarded to a different address. For more information call 239-533-8683 or on-line at  www.Lee.Vote .
Aug 21 Suzanne Fast
Aug 22  Marge Gonzalez
Aug 24 Patricia Vivier-Naidl
Aug 25 John Swank
Aug 28 Kathy Ford
Aug 28  Ellen Kelly 
Aug 28 Mary Wickes  
Board of Trustees

President               
Matt Hoffman 239-222-4836 mwaters106@yahoo.com
President Elect
Secretary  
Alison Carville 239-634-0487 alisoncarville@gmail.com
Treasurer
Jen Smith 630-881-0000 jenw930@gmail.com             
VP Finance
Bruce Marble 239-596-2703 bamarble44@gmail.com     
VP Programming
Cathy Snow 239-896-3693 cm snow23@gmail.com
VP Ministerial Services
Lesley Peterson 239-839-4434 unicorn@cyberstreet.com
VP Operations
Mary Alice Pierce 239-267-4429 piercemaryalice@gmail.com           
Member at Large
Don Ehat 239-947-8143 don.ehat@gmail.com


Staff
 
Minister             
Rev. Allison Farnum 239-561-2700x204 minister@uucfm.org
Acting Director of Music   
Suellen Kipp music@uucfm.org
Director of RE        
Office Manager       
Building Supervisor   
Nursery Supervisor