Theme for January: Grace
This month's worship services offer opportunities for restoration and an invitation to Grace. This month celebrates Grace as a human experience that is non-causal. Grace is mysterious and often The Experience flows out of events that are outside of one's control. Come humbly this month, making room for Grace.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15a in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend.
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Community Sharing in January: GRACE Project
The Guatemala Rural Adult and Children's Education (GRACE) Project will be the grateful recipient for January's Community Sharing.
To hear about GRACE's current work, please listen to this WGCU radio report:
Besides the reproductive health workshops in Southwest Florida and Guatemala, GRACE also is working with Lee County Legal Aid, volunteer lawyers and notary publics, to organize Know Your Rights workshops, in Spanish, at local churches. Immigrant parents are able to procure legal documents, at no cost, to legally identify guardians for their US-born children, to use in case they (the parents) are removed from their homes and/or deported.
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Sunday Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour 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.
Dorothy Van Howe
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Religious Education News
Important Reminder:
All youth ages 14-18 and their parents/guardians are invited to meet in Room 4 from 12-1 pm this Sunday for an intro to our UUA Youth Group program. Parents/guardians of youth who will soon be 14 and are interested in learning about the program are welcome as well!
In our Five Smooth Stones class this Sunday, we'll be working on the second lesson of the Stone of Power. Participants (children/youth grades K-12) will get to be wizards, elves, and giants as they explore power over, power within, and power with. Only one more Smooth Stone to explore in the coming weeks! Then participants and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend the Smooth Stone Ceremony and Reception wherein children and youth will get their own stones and enjoy a party! More info to come...
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Music Notes
Musical Calendar
December-March: Please welcome Suellen Kipp as Director of Music during Amy Laursen's maternity leave. Suellen is a talented pianist, singer, and conductor who currently serves as the Director of Music at Temple Beth El here in Fort Myers, and previously served in the same role at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne, Indiana for 11 years. She has also taught vocal music and dance in schools for 17 years and holds a degree in Vocal Education.
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. Please email me in advance so that a music folder can be prepared for you. Come join us in singing!
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00a 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
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From the Board
Nominations for Board of Trustees Positions
The Nominating Committee is beginning the task of considering candidates for the Board of Trustees to
present to the membership at our March Annual Meeting. This year, nearly all of the Board positions
are to be filled as existing Board members’ terms are expiring.
President: Matt Hoffman (present President-Elect) will take the President’s Office, as stipulated
by the ByLaws.
President-Elect: (open) “shall act for the President in his or her absence and shall perform such
duties as may be designated by the President.” Serves as member of the Personnel Committee.
Desirable skills: previous Board experience, work with volunteers, leadership experience, and
rules for presiding at meetings.
Vice President-Finance: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Finance Council.”
Oversees the annual budget process, provides a monthly report to the Board re church incomes
and expenses, and collaborates with the Treasurer in managing financial activities. Desirable
skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.
Vice President-Ministerial Services: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Ministerial
Council.” Serves as liaison between the Board and the Chairs of all church ministerial services
committees, collaborates with the VP of Programs on Ministerial and Program activities, and
greets visitors at the Welcome Table and during coffee hour. Desirable skills: team
management, scheduling, communicating, personnel management, and group dynamics.
Vice President-Operations: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Operations Council.”
Provides leadership and support to buildings & grounds, décor & flowers, hurricane
preparedness, kitchen, library and Eco-Preserve committees. Advises the Office Administrator
in matters pertaining to the Operations Council budget and church facilities rentals. Desirable
skills: facility management, budgeting, leadership experience.
Vice President-Programs: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Programs Council.” Is
liaison between Board and Chairs of church program committees, is responsible for all church
dinners, holiday events and annual dinner, collaborates with VP of Ministerial Services on
Ministerial and Program activities, and works closely with church members who plan special
church activities such as movie nights and parties. Desirable skills: team management,
scheduling, and communicating.
Secretary of the Board: (open) is responsible for documenting Board proceedings, annual
meetings and special meetings of the congregation. Desirable skills: written and verbal
communications, computer-based applications.
Treasurer: (open) monitors church’s financial institutions accounts, oversees dispersing and
collecting of money, has custody of all church funds and financial records, serves as Vice-Chair of
the Finance Council, and reports the state of finances to the Board and the congregation.
Desirable skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.
Member-at- Large: (open) serves as liaison to Membership. Coordinates volunteer recognition,
assists other officers as needed.
Note that the Vice President positions have a two-year term.
Please give some thought to how you might best serve the congregation as a Board member and let
Russ Rosenthal, Nominating Committee Chair, know of your interests. His email is rrlaw4@comcast.net.
For further information about any of the Board positions, please contact any of the existing Board
members.
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Casino Night
Casion Night is this Saturday, January 27th at 6:00 pm!:There will be a door Prize and prizes for the top Rollers! Don't miss the fun of spending $3,000 in playing chips and a bountiful buffet meal is included with the $20 ticket.
Doc Gatto will be there with his popcorn machine for continuous free popcorn all night.
Tickets on sale in Hobart Hall after the Sunday service or contact Suzanne Ziemer,
239-463-9020
,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com
Dinner Buffet includes: Caesar Salad, Artichoke & Parm Decadence,Baguette slices w/spread, Mushroom Melange, Greek marinated veggies w/feta, Pork loin spiral, Caribbean Chicken, Fruit and Assorted Pastries. Casino tables, Roulette, and Wheel of Fortune will be serviced by our Boy Scout Troop as a thank you for using our facilities. All proceeds go to UUCFM.
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Rummage Sale
Bring your genltly used items to the screen room now. The Rummage Sale will be Friday, February 2nd-Sunday, February 4th. The sale will begin at 8:00 am on Friday the 2nd, 8:00 am on Saturday, the 3rd, and after church on Sunday, the 4th. Contact Deb Lewis for details
debL5784@hotmail.com
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Pachamama-Project Drawdown
Join the Pachamama Alliance of SW Florida for four consecutive Saturday mornings of in depth conversation about Project Drawdown, the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming.
This pilot course is a study group that will take place
Saturday mornings from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, and Mar. 3
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Myers
13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers
You will get the most out of the four sessions by attending the Game Changer Gathering on Thursday Night Feb. 1st, when we’ll introduce Project Drawdown. You’ll find out why we’re so excited about this approach to reversing global warming within thirty years!
Because this interactive four-session pilot course is research-oriented, your insight and passion are greatly needed. And because the solutions to issues related to climate change are in place, we will not be inventing what must be done; rather, we will be working to accelerate the knowledge and growth of solutions that are already possible!
By the end of the fourth session, you’ll select one or two solutions that you are drawn to, then begin to engage with others in your community to research how to create and implement a project that moves the solution forward at a local, national and/or policy level.
Individuals and groups working on solutions in different places around the world will be able to build on one another’s work by sharing results, solution by solution, through Pachamama Alliance’s online Global Commons Community Network.
Participating in this pilot program will definitely motivate you to be fully engaged by collaborating with others in cutting edge work to help reverse global warming!
Watch this video to find out more about what we can do together!
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FUUn BUUnch
Cancelled
The FUUn BUUnch scheduled for Saturday,
February 3rd at 6:30 pm has been cancelled. FUUn BUUnch will resume in May.
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Soul Collage
A SoulCollage® Workshop is being offered on Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00-4:00 pm in Room 7. All are welcome, including those who are new or experienced with this practice. Originated by Seena Frost, SoulCollage® is an art medium for collaging a deck of cards that represent aspects of each individual’s personal energies. They can then be used for journaling, personal readings, or group readings. SoulCollage® can be a deeply meaningful individual or community spiritual practice.
What to bring:
Images (photos, magazines) that call to you. (optional)
Journal and pen
$20 per person for materials
Class is limited to 10 participants. Please sign up in Hobart Hall after service on Sundays or RSVP to
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2018 Service Auction
The Adventures in Wonderland service auction is right around the corner. Donations can be made online at
togetherauction.com/uucfm
or via our paper form available in the Narthex and church office starting Sunday, January 21st. Do you have a interesting hobby you would love to share? Donate a hour or two of your time to lead a class.
Tickets for the auction this year are $25 and will include complimentary drink tickets as well as themed catering provided by our own Joy Purcell. Contacts us at
auction@uucfm.org
or buy your tickets before or after service on Sundays.
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UUCFM Book Group
Join the book study group on Wednesdays. We met from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Library.
January 31st: Part II pgs 71-99
February 7th: Part II pgs 99-132
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Connection Circle Starts February 11!
Come one, come all to the next Connection Circle beginning Sunday, February 11th! Visitors, new and long-time members are welcome. In each of six sessions we'll discuss meaningful, spiritual topics through the sharing of stories and experiences from our lives. Participation in a Connection Circle is a great way for new and old members to get to know each other on a deep level and to feel more connected to our church community. This facilitated 6-session group will meet from 12:15 to 1:45 pm twice a month on the following Sundays: February 11th and 25th; March 11th and 25th; and April 8th and 22nd. To facilitate bonding, participants are expected to attend all 6 sessions. For more information and to
register,
please contact Nancy Letts at
njletts@gmail.com
or call at
401-741-2712
.
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Ready to Become a Member of UUCFM?
If this is your community and if you feel at home here, join us! A new member ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 11th. We ask for your participation in our Pathways Class prior to signing the
Membership Book. The next Pathways Class meets Sunday, February 11th at noon in the Library/Conference Room. For further information contact Christine Rosa,
239-245-8147
,
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Optimal Living Group
The Optimal Living Group is open to all and does not require attending every session. We meet in the Sanctuary on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 4:00-5:30p. We discuss how to live optimally, including practical ways to cope with life's challenges and issues. Helping others and developing maturity in ourselves is part of our quest. We explore many paths and techniques for enriching our lives and making a difference for others. For more information, fill out a blue card found in the pews or email Neil Yesu:
dbny79@aol.com.
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UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club
The UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club is dedicated to preserving and practicing a variety of historical martial arts for entertainment and fitness purposes. We meet at various times (determined by interest) most often at 12:00 pm after the service on Sunday to practice archery and tomahawk/axe throwing. Other activities and times can be found on our facebook page of the same name. All are welcome to join us.
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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
ggleasonr@live.com
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Gaming Group
The UUCFM Game Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 1:00-4:00
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.
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The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1.
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Community Wednesday
Community Wednesday is held in Hobart Hall. All are invited. Bring friends and neighbors, too. Join us each Wednesday for a delicious meal prepared by Chef Joy for a small donation. After the fellowship and fine fare from 6:00- 6:45p, join your favorite programming event, committee meeting, or social activity. Child care is provided until 8:30p.
Community Wednesday Activities for January:
4:00-5:30
Optimal Living Group (1st & 3rd Wed)
6:00-6:45
Community Meal
6:00-6:45
Band Rehearsal in Sanctuary
6:45-8:00
Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary
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eBingo!
Get your eBingo cards this Sunday! Cards are $10 each and available from Bill Petrarca in the Narthex. or Hobart Hall.
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
To all our SFMFP supporters: I have not been very good at keeping you up to date with news from the Pantry. You all deserve a big thank-you for the generous donations of food over the summer months and around the holidays. There is an increased need around these times. I estimate that in November & December we have averaged donations that amount from fifty to eighty dollars a week. Great job, Pantry supporters! I will post the fourth quarter newsletter this Sunday. That has the total number of people we fed for the fourth quarter as well as for all of 2017. Save the date; March 10,2018. Food Pantry Annual meeting at 11:30, followed by volunteer luncheon. All volunteers, past & present, are welcome. Any questions about the pantry, email
francrose@centurylink.net
.
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LIFE News
The Children and Families Committee of the Interfaith Justice Ministry (LIFE) will be tackling the frightening issue of children who are not able to get basic medical care in our community.
We have heard from parents involved in LIFE that their children have gone without needed medications for asthma because the cost was too high, parents who have waited for over a month to get their child in to see a primary care physician because wait times are too long, and parents who have had to drive close to an hour to get their child to an Emergency Room supported by their insurance.
So, in 2018 we take on the unique challenges of childhood access to healthcare. Mark your calendar for the Rally when we'll announce a solution
(Monday, February 26th 7:00 PM at Iona Hope)
and the Nehemiah Action where we'll have our public officials commit to that solution
(Tuesday, March 20th at St. Collumbkille)
and the Celebration where we'll lift up our victories
(Tuesday, May 1st St. Collumbkille).
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Do you have something to offer, trade, or sell? Are you looking for something? Free ad space here for personal items only. Email
uuchurch@uucfm.org
Condo Sharing:
2 bed, 2 bath, no pets, no smoking. $600.00 a month.
lcj.270@icloud.com
. South Ft. Myers. Linda Johnson
Roommate Wanted:
I am in search of a good person that could be the right fit for a roommate. I live in a very nice duplex in Cape Coral. I am asking $650/mo., private bedroom and bathroom. Use of the entire house with the exception of my bedroom and bathroom. Must pass background and credit check. For more details please email me at
sevenkristen75@gmail.com
or text
239-940-2947
(do not call).
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Kitchen Party
An after Holiday Kitchen Clean Up will be held Monday January 29th at 9:00 am. It's time to wipe off fingerprints and spills that happen during the use of our church kitchen. A chili lunch will follow. Yum Yum! Contact Dorothy Van Howe at
dorothyvanhowe@gmail.com
or
239-560-7238
if you can attend.
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Art in the Narthex
Three Generations of Family Photography
You have all seen me running around with one of my favorite toys, a high end digital camera. I have been doing photography since high school back in the late 70's. Contrary to what I expected I became the most passionate about photographing one thing in particular, people. I'm never more happy than when photographing my own family. I am not the first in my family to find this type of photography so rewarding. My grandfather (Walter Raschdorf) took a similar liking to photographing family nearly 100 years ago. My mother took this up as well. I am fortunate to have many of their photographs. This month (January) I have on display in the Narthex photographs of family taken over three lifetimes
.
Walter Peterson
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Bed & Breakfast Volunteer Opportunity
We are preparing for another year of UUCFM’s Bed and Breakfast program. Through the generosity of host families within our congregation, we have raised $3000 to $5000 a year for the church operating budget for many years. We provide this service to UUs and/or their friends from around the country. This
program cannot happen without volunteers and we need your help!
What’s needed to be a host? The host provides one bedroom and bathroom and a basic breakfast each morning of the guests’ stay. The guests are usually one or two people. The breakfast can even be a “do it yourself” if your guests are early risers or you have to go to work and they want to sleep.
Do I have to entertain the guests or take them places?
No! They will have their own transportation. If you have favorite restaurants to recommend, or other local travel tips, they are always appreciated. You are not expected to provide entertainment, transportation or extra food. For the most part, guests are off
doing their own thing most of the day and evening.
When and for how long? Guests stay from one to seven nights during the months of January through April. (Most stay only two or three nights.) You choose when and for how long you can host and then your requirements are matched with those of the guests. Even if you can only host for two nights in March, for example, that is a big help. February and March tend to have the biggest demand.
All money received from the guests as they stay in your home goes directly to the UUCFM operating budget. I haven’t even mentioned how interesting and fun this experience can be for the hosts. We have met so many great UUs through this experience!
Please consider being a host! Before you say no, talk to me. Just try it once…
Mary Nies, Program Coordinator
239-466- 7933
Sydney Stewart
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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 each Wednesday for publication in the Thursday
E-news.
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Transgender Issues & Challenges
Issues and challenges transgenders face in a gender biased society will be shared by Nathan Bruemmer from ALSO Youth Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook.
The public is invited and there is no charge. The presentation will include what it is like growing up transgender and transitioning from birth gender to identified gender. He will include discussion regarding “religious” freedom bill discriminating against transgender people in bathrooms, housing , employment and heath care. Mr. Bruemmer currently works with teens and youth age 12-21. He will be available to
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January 26 Emily Hutchinson
January 27 Matthew Stark
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Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville
(239) 561-2700
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