May 23, 2019
Weekly E-News
Service
May 2019 Curiosity

May 26: Curiosity and Joyful Life
Sharing
May 2019: Planned Parenthood
Our Community Sharing partner this month is Planned Parenthood. Your generous contributions each week in May are greatly appreciated! All unmarked donations will be given to our local Planned Parenthood organization.
About Planned Parenthood
The mission of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida is to provide affordable access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and accurate health information through patient care, education and advocacy.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, an affiliate of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. began operations in 1966 and presently provides vital sexual health services and comprehensive sexuality education to women, men and teens throughout Southwest and Central Florida. 
The Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.  
Social Hour
Sunday's Social Hour happens after the service every week. It is volunteer run- by the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, Humanist Forum on the second, CUUPs on the third, Men's Group on the fourth, and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church.  Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome.
From the Minister
Grateful Heart

Dear ones,
I carry such a grateful heart and such love for UUCFM as my family prepares to leave Fort Myers in June. We are so appreciative of the beautiful life you have helped us build here. Can I say thank you too many times? To the members of the search committee: The dearly departed Chair Ann Heckes, Hugo Wistreich and LeClair Bissell. Megan DiPiero, Dan Peterson, Marge Gonzalez, Mary Richey and John Swank. And the first Board President I worked with Carol Barclay. I have so many treasured memories for which I can never fully convey my gratitude. You took a chance on a young minister fresh out of seminary. Through all we have learned together, I am so glad for the opportunity to have served you, Lee County, and the Spirit of Love that I believe moves in and through us, making love real in the world. I will be following your adventures and always loving you.

In love, growth and service,
Rev Allison
PS: last day in Sunday June 16th

Rev. Allison Farnum
Music Notes
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, Director of Music
Wizard Camp
Have you registered for the School of Wizardry summer camp yet? The camp runs from June 24th to June 28th and is held here on the UUCFM campus. We're filling up fast, so  register today!  We need youth 14+ to register as camp ghosts (volunteers) as well -  click here to apply!

If you have questions about our youth groups or Children's Religious Education program, please contact Jenn Blosser  dre@uucfm.org .
Interim Minister Search Update
This update will inform you of the status of our Interim Minister Search process. Our first round search did not end with us getting our IM of choice as he withdrew his availability due to family issues that prevented him from moving to Fort Myers. 

We are now in the 2 nd  round cycle. This week we received names of IM candidates. We are interviewing and checking references. By June 3 rd , we will determine if we want to make an offer to one or more candidates. By June 5 th  we should know if our offer was accepted. Should we fail to secure an IM in the 2 nd  round, we will work with the UUA Transitions Office on alternative steps. The IM Search Committee is very hopeful that the 2 nd  round will result in an excellent IM selection for the Church.
Membership-New Member Ceremony June 2nd
Would You Like to Become a Member of UUCFM?
The Membership Ministry Team is making plans for our June New Member Ceremony on Sunday, June 2nd. If you are interested in becoming a new member, please contact  MemberServices@UUCFM.org  to receive your membership enrollment kit prior to the ceremony.

Meet Our Members!
JOY SOKEITOUS was born in Philadelphia and moved to south Fort Myers in 2012, with her 3rd husband, Jim W. Stout. They first came to UUCFM on the day of the Blessing of the Animals in 2012, and joined shortly thereafter. Joy has a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University, a B.S. in Accounting and M.B.A. in Computer Science from Temple University. She was a reporter and editor for various business publications. She switched careers to Information Technology and performed analysis, design, development and project management for large corporate computer systems. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was head of the Employment Committee for the National Organization for Women, helping women to file sex discrimination complaints; was a member the Women’s Political Caucus, and was on the Board for the Philadelphia YWCA. She also gave speeches about women’s issues and conducted various workshops for women. Joy currently writes the “Our UU Story” column for the UUCFM Monthly Newsletter. Her “Letters to the Editor” frequently in the News-Press. Joy enjoys photography, reading about national and international issues, travel, and her male Samoyed, name Jay-Jay. She recently developed detailed security procedures for UUCFM.
From Operations
Our Building Supervisor, Mickey Kellam, will be on vacation from June 7-17th. In his absence we are looking for some volunteers to help restock paper products and do some light cleaning. We are planning two sessions- one on Monday, June 10th, and one on Saturday, June 15th. If you can help, please sign up with Mary Alice Pierce at the Social Justice table on Sunday, or email her at piercemaryalice@gmail.com
Social Justice
Pachamama Alliance of SWFL Presents
DIVING INTO DRAWDOWN
First Four (4) Saturdays in June, 2019
At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers in Hobart Hall 9:00am - 1:15pm. All invited!

Find out which Solution you can work on that will help Southwest Florida DRAWDOWN atmospheric Carbon, and become part of the Global Community committed to reversing Global Warming.

Pachamama Alliance of SWFL also invites you all to: 

Pachamama Game Changer Gathering and Party 

June 6, 2019
6:30-8:00 P.M.
Hobart Hall

We're getting together to celebrate progress and catch up on what we're doing and planning. So many game changers have done so much over the last 2.5 years to bring about the more beautiful world we know is possible. Yes, we'll have a yummy light meal to enjoy! Cake and cookies for dessert. All you have to bring is yourself and your favorite libation! See you on June 6TH !

For more information
South Fort Myers Food Pantry
The support that UUCFM has shown to our pantry over the years is appreciated. Along with other coalition members, the combined effort fed 26,646 people from the South Fort Myers area in 2018. There is still a tremendous need in Southwest Florida and consequently the Harry Chapin Food Bank sometimes runs low on food. When this happens, your donations of food each Sunday become so important, even if it’s just one item. Remember “Fran’s plan, just one can”? Look around church this Sunday and just imagine the amount of food, if everyone brought just one can. Protein items are always a good choice, canned ham, chicken , tuna or hearty prepared meals or soups.  

Prefer to donate money? You can make out checks and send to the South Fort Myers Food Pantry. 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33919. Be sure to write Food Pantry in the memo line. Looking for a satisfying volunteer experience?   Our Pantry needs summer help. The South Fort Myers Food Pantry thanks our winter residents for donating what was left in their cupboards before leaving for the summer. For those of you who live here year round, please, consider volunteering on Mondays during the summer months. They are desperate for volunteers who can tolerate working in the summer heat.  At least go for one day to see if you can do it, even if you can only do a couple of hours. The people who need to use the pantry don’t get to take vacations during the summer months. Many have lost their seasonal jobs and only turn to us at this time of year. If you know the pantry then just go there around 10 AM for the day shift or at 4:15, 4:30 for the afternoon/evening shift. Pantry open only on Mondays.  Contact Fran Rose 617-750-0470 or email  francrose@centurylink.net
Special Events at UUCFM
Covenant of UU Pagans-Minister's Rite of Passage Service

June 16, 10:30 AM Rite Of Passage service for Rev. Allison . A pot luck is offered after service so please bring a dish to share with the community. We say goodbye to our minister of ten years. CUUPs will be officiating this service.
The FUUn BUUnch
Meet us Saturday, May 25th at 6:30 p.m. at Bianca’s Restaurante

DIRECTIONS TO
BIANCA’S RESTAURANTE ITALIANO
12651 North Cleveland Avenue
North Fort Myers, Fl 33903

Go Northbound over the Caloosahatchee River Bridge. Continue on No. Cleveland Ave. Go over Littleton Road, past Bianca’s Restaurant on the left and make the first “U” Turn. Bianca’s is in the Tamiami Plaza on the Right Side. Questions: John E. Fischer 267-992-6566, SilverFischStudios@gmail.com .

PLEASE RSVP by May 23, 2018. The restaurant needs firm numbers to accommodate us. 
Student Recipients of Youth Violence Prevention Grants Present Programs
The recipients of the Youth Violence Prevention Grants from the Unitarian Universalist Church and the United Way will present their programs to the public on Friday May 24th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church Sanctuary. Attendance is free to the public.

UUCFM will be hosting this highly visible event. Seven different youth organizations will be presenting their grant project results to the Fort Myers community, Dr. Mike Martin, President of FGCU and Mr. Jim
Nathan, past-President of Lee Health and one of UUCFM founders, will be speaking, United Way officials, and we expect visitors from various community organizations plus the News-Press.

This is a golden opportunity for UUCFM to be the shining light on the hill, “a generous and inclusive faith
community that compassionately leads the way, creating connections to build a just, sustainable world.”
A bold and important manifestation of our Community Engagement Vision! This is an important event
for our ability to grow our membership. An overwhelming showing of our membership at this event is
key.

Please make every attempt to join the rest of our members and our greater community on Friday
evening, May 24 th , at 5:30p in the Sanctuary.

We need a couple of volunteers to help with traffic control and ushering. Please contact Stephanie
Hoffman at stephgator7@yahoo.com.
UUCFM Classes & Groups
Summer Connection Circles!
Another Connection Circle is forming, and we hope you will join us! Come meet other UUCFM members, share stories in relation to the topic of the day, and hear the stories of others in order to get to know one another on a meaningful level. This is a facilitated and covenanted six-session group; our compassionate dialogue will contribute to our individual and collective spiritual and personal growth. (Group rules provide confidentiality). 

We will meet after Sunday service from 12:15 to 1:45PM beginning Sunday June 2, and continuing on these Sundays: June 16, 30, July 14, 21 and 28. 

Please contact Julia Smith at  swfljsmith@gmail.com  or 239-297-6429 with questions and to register. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
Yoga!
Join Mary Cline Golbitz for a month of yoga at UUCFM from 5-6pm on Wednesdays from April 24-May 29 in Room 1. All welcome. No charge.
Women's Sharing Circle
Every 4th Tuesday there will be a noon potluck in Hobart Hall. Bring a dish to share and your own beverage. Tuesday, May 28th meeting - "Stories of Travel Times in the World and United States" featuring Mary Nies & Deb Lewis in their Thailand Adventure. We'll chart where we have been in the world.
Dorothy Van Howe, 239-560-7238,
SUMMER BREAK FOR UUCFM MEN’S SOCIAL GROUP
The UUCFM Men’s Social Group will be taking a four month Summer Break and will not meet again until the second Tuesday in October. An announcement will be made in early October to verify time and place. 
Mindfulness Meditation
Join us to explore the simple and satisfying practices of mindfulness and 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 6:30-8:00p in the Sanctuary. For more info contact Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.
Book Club
Book Study meets Wednesdays from 1-2:30 PM in the Library of our Administration Building. Join to read and discuss The Untethered Soul : the Journey Beyond Yourself  by Michael A.   Singer .

"What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions. Whether this is your first exploration of inner space, or you've devoted your life to the inward journey, this book will transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you.
More!
Safety Tips
Brought to you by the Ops Team
Shop at Amazon and Help UUCFM
Did you know your purchases can make a difference? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your online shopping. Follow this link:   smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1160337
Desperately Needed: FUUn BUUnch Coordinator 
A new coordinator for the FUUn BUUnch dinners is needed. Effective with the MAY 31st meeting, I will be stepping down as the coordinator of the FUUn BUUnch dinners. The dinners are great for the church but if they are to continue, a new coordinator must be found. Most of the work is computerised and requires a minimum of time and effort.  

Please, if you have enjoyed the dinners, Christmas Eve and otherwise, step up and take charge. Don't allow the May dinner to be the last. This needs to continue. Respond to: John E Fischer 267-992-6566 Silverfischstudios@gmail.com  

John E Fischer 
Coordinator
Fuun Buunch Dinners
Our Greater Community Events
Save the Date: LIFE Celebration
You are cordially invited to LIFE's 8th Annual  Celebration at Mount Hermon Ministries on May 28 at 7pm 2856 Douglas Ave, Fort Myers, FL.  We are joining together to celebrate you and each other. We will be celebrating our past victories and hearing from those impacted by our work (with a potential special guest or two). We will celebrate this year's Nehemiah Action with photos, videos, and update on behind-the-scenes work leading up to and after the event. And we will celebrate each other with music, fellowship, food, and raffles. We will also have a special celebration for Rev. Allison Farnum from UUCFM who will be departing Fort Myers for new opportunities in Chicago. The Celebration is our opportunity to join together to reflect, honor our work, and grow together. We are hopeful that the Celebration will close out our investment drive for the year and if you feel so led- feel free to bring along your checkbook or credit card. Otherwise, bring yourself and be ready to take part in the joy of celebration, together. 

Sincerely, 
LIFE Board of Directors 
SWFL Gay & Lesbian Chorus Concert at All Faiths
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai group meets Sundays at 2:00 PM in Room 1. Contact Mary Tracy Sigman for info  marytracysigman115@gmail.com
Happy Birthday!
May 23  Cathy Snow
May 24 Nancy Beecher 
May 24 Elise Sexton 
May 29 Stephanie Moreland
May 30 Diane Buckley
Calendar Connections
 
 Click on the name on each event for more information or inspiration.
 
Interfaith:
●       Ascension of Baha'u'llah  (Baha'i) - May 28-29   
●       Ascension Day  (Christian) - May 30 (more  here )

Unitarian Universalist:
●       Emerson's birthday  - May 25 (1803) 
●      American Unitarian Association founded May 25 (1825)   

National & Cultural:
●      Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month
●      Memorial Day (US) - May 27
Contact Us
Board of Trustees
Board Email  board@uucfm.org

President               
Theresa Bahre
President Elect
Lesley Peterson
Secretary  
Alison Carville
Treasurer
Eddie Grimes       
VP Finance
Alanis Garcia
VP Programming
Cathy Snow
VP Ministerial Services
Karen J. Brown
VP Operations
Dorothy Van Howe         
Member at Large
Helen Leddy

Staff
Minister             
Rev. Allison Farnum  239-561-2700x204   minister@uucfm.org
Director of Music   
Suellen Kipp  music@uucfm.org
Director of RE        
Jenn Blosser  239-561-2700x208   dre@uucfm.org
Office Manager       
Building Supervisor   
Nursery Supervisor  

UUCFM.ORG uuchurch@uucfm.org  | 239-561-2700
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