Please invite all of your Veteran friends and neighbors!
As an expression of our gratitude, we set aside the morning of November 11th to show our appreciation for all who have served our country. All veterans and their families are cordially invited to join us in honoring their dedication and service. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us at 10:30 AM at Unitarian Universalist Church in honoring all who have served. Coffee and good fellowship afterwards.
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Sunday Worship Service
All Welcome to our Service at 10:30 am Sundays in the Miller Sanctuary
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Community Sharing in November: Alliance for Fair Food
The Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) seeks justice, dignity and respect for all farm workers as part of a broader vision of justice for all peoples. The AFF works in partnership with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), building a vibrant, diverse national network that takes action in pursuit of fair wages and working conditions for farm workers through the Campaign for Fair Food.
The Fair Food Program is a unique partnership among farmers, farm workers, and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for the workers who pick fruits and vegetables on participating farms. It harnesses the power of consumer demand to give farm workers a voice in the decisions that affect their lives, and to eliminate the longstanding abuses that have plagued agriculture for generations.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend.
The Humanist Forum for this Sunday, November 11th, will deal with a question appropriate in the wake of the Midterm Elections: How can we know when we’ve found truth, if indeed it can be found? We will see two strikingly different approaches in two TED talks.
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Social Hour
Sunday's Social Hour happens after the service 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.
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BURN, our High School Youth Group meets on Sundays at noon in Room 4. All youth, ages 14-18, are welcome! This Sunday we have a Theatrical Group Meet n Greet at 12:30. Contact Director of Religious Education, Jenn Blosser:
[email protected]
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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 Jenn Blosser:
[email protected]
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SPARK
is our newest youth group. 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.
[email protected]
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From the Minister
Growing Our Faithfulness
A couple of weeks ago I quoted the Sikh Revolutionary Love speaker Valerie Kaur. Her words about Breathing this week speak to me as I think of all of those who sacrificed so much, so much of a labor of love to run for political office and to lose. Loss and failure are not popular in dominant US culture. Yet these experiences often become a catalyst for change and progress.
Unitarian Universalism is a hopeful faith seated in the context of a learning religious community. Our church mission is to Love, Grow, and Serve. The glimpses of Hope need our faithfulness. Our LIFE annual assembly dedicated itself to continue pursuing the formation of a countywide Children’s Services Council as well as beginning research this year for the community problem of Affordable Housing. This is real hope, grounded in success we can count on. Later that evening, hundreds of people gathered at a Temple Beth El to turn out in solidarity with those worshiping at Tree of Life synagogue who were massacred during their Shabbat. I saw friends from different faith communities, community organizations, and some traveling all the way from Immokalee, our friends in the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. These memories fuel my faithfulness to world that is possible yet not arrived.
Take time today to wonder how you can be faithful to the hopeful movements in our community or even simply in your own spirit. What memories can invite faithfulness to the world you dream about, the life you wish for yourself and your loved ones? Grow that faithfulness and it will serve you and all your relations.
Rev. Allison Farnum
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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
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Village Announcements
Spark:
Spark will continue its journey with Gini on most Sundays. We are looking for a dedicated second teacher and for adults who can fill in from time to time. Spark meets in room 2. Please contact us at
[email protected]
while our DRE is on vacation.
Ignite:
Ignite is studying justice through a play which will be presented at our Veteran's Day service. Ryan and Aaron meeting with Ignite every Sunday in a different location each week. Listen for announcements at coffee hour for the location of the day.
Burn:
While the DRE is away, Burn will be studying with Joy Purcell in room 4 to learn about the history of the mural in room 4. Allie Carville meets with Burn most weeks.
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From the Office
The UUCFM Office will be closed next week, Tuesday-Friday. If you need to have a key issued, a code given, or a reservation made, please contact the Office Manager today or tomorrow. Thank you!
Jill Carville, Office Manager
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Board of Trustees Town Hall Financial Update and Q & A
All are invited to attend a Financial Update meeting on Sunday, November 11th after church. Meeting Room to be announced. We would also love to ask people to submit questions or concerns in advance so we can structure the town hall appropriately. Thank you! Contact Alison Carville, Board Secretary with your questions,
[email protected]
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Worship & Music Ministry
Our meetings are held in the Sanctuary on the third Sunday of each month from 12:15 - 1:45 pm. Our next meeting is November 18th. 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
[email protected]
and Lesley Peterson
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Losing Your UU Train of Thought!
The other morning, I was out in the Family Gardens and the fresh dew was sparkling on the newly-mowed grass and the shimmering trees; the breaking rays of the morning sun were just coming through the tree-line on the distant horizon. I thought that is where our congregation is going: that special point on the horizon like a train chugging down the track to a destination unlike any other – a place where the dignity and worth of each individual is recognized by all, where truth is the currency of human discourse, where justice is the gravity of every relationship, where the interdependent web in which all exist is respected and honored, and where the bright light of love floods into every dark cranny of life.
The UUCFM train heads down that track, clickety clack, proudly pulling many cars toward that glistening point on the horizon. There is a religious education car, one for social justice, the worship car with its music section, a food equity car where many are fed, the sustainable environment car with its vista viewing compartments, the humanist studies car, the earth-centered spirituality car shaped like a medicine wheel, and many more shiny cars reflecting the brilliant passions of all those within.
Oh, and yes, lest we forget, the engine of our UU train with “Casey” Farnum at the throttle in her engineer’s hat, leaning out the window, challenging the track ahead. At every major crossing, “Casey” blares the mighty whistle “Uuu-Uuu” with the beckoning cry of “Keep on keeping on!”
Driven by its dedicated staff, our UUCFM train runs on a high-octane fuel—a powerful mixture of time, talents, and treasure. While we pour our intentions into each of the train cars to which we are dedicated, how easy it is to take for granted the driving forces of our train as it takes us closer year after year toward that special point on the horizon, clickety clack, down the track—no worry.
Now our train is turning a corner and encountering some demanding terrain and we need a little more of that special fuel: more time, more talents, and more treasure for the engine to “Keep on keeping on.” If our train loses its momentum, it will get side-tracked and none of the individual cars will achieve their destination. It would be extremely difficult for the train to regain its steam. There are even more cars waiting to join the train.
We are all dedicated sojourners on this UUCFM train with a mission of love, growth, and service. Now is the moment of urgency to redouble our contributions of time, talents, and treasure so the UUCFM train can deliver all our separate interests to that special point on the horizon. All aboard!
Bill Petrarca, Membership
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FUUn BUUnch!
MIMI’S CAFÉ
Bell Tower Mall
5070 Bell Tower Shop Ave
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Located on the Northeast corner of
Daniels Parkway & Route 41
6:00 PM
Saturday, November 24th
by November 21st.. The restaurant needs exact numbers.
If you need transportation, please let us know with your full name, address and phone number when making your reservation with John. We will make every effort to provide transportation.
Our next FUUN BUUNCH DINNER will be at ORIGAMI Korean/Japanese Restaurant, ½ mile east of the UUCFM on Daniels Parkway, December 24th following the Christmas Eve Service at the church.
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Arts and Crafts Fair Returning
Sundays, December 2nd and 9th, from 11:30-1:30, we will be hosting Members & Friends for Arts & Crafts Booths and the All-Church Bake Sale. Mark your calendars to enjoy Christmas shopping, Christmas cookies to freeze, Next-to-New items, Joy's Chili lunch, and to see what our people create.
CALLING UU COOKS/BAKERS
There will be granola cookies that are almost good for you, peanutty peanut brittle plus gluten free items, etc. Proceeds go to the UUCFM General Fund. Need donations of baked goods. Joy Purcell is making vegetarian and meat chili with cornbread for Dec. 2nd lunch at 11:30. To Help & Donate: contact Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020 or
For Volunteering, Next-to-New items, and Baked Goods, contact Suzanne Ziemer, cell: 812-332-3450,
email:[email protected]
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Covenant of UU Pagans Medieval Feast
Blessings all UU folks,
It is getting to be that time of year again where many return and our halls are filled with lovely faces. As you know, every other year or so, CUUPs holds a Medieval Feast. We are happy to say this year we will be presenting it. It is our fund raiser and even more it falls on winter solstice. The date is December 21st, gathering at 6:30 pm in Hobart Hall. We now have information regarding the feast. Tickets are 25.00 for adults, 15.00 for children 6-12. We do have arrangements for childcare. Our ritual of calling in the light begins as soon as everyone is seated with the royals presiding. Some of you have already reserved your name on the list. Tickets go quickly- we will be around on Sundays or you can catch me on Wednesdays. We will start to collect money now. Contact me with any questions. Performers: if you wish to perform for the royals, please let us know what you wish to do.
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UU Women's Retreat
Celebrating Sacred Places
9th Annual Florida Unitarian Universalist Women’s Retreat
April 5-7, 2019
DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Ellenton, FL.
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.
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
[email protected]
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Dreamwork Group
We will meet each of the Sundays in November at 12:00 noon. November 11 (Sanctuary), 18 (Room 7), 25 (Conference Room). In general, we follow a Jungian philosophy. Debra trained with Jeremy Taylor and others in California and has a Jungian background in psychology. For reading, I suggest reading Jeremy Taylor's website:
jeremytaylor.com
. Please RSVP to:
[email protected]
or call Debra at (831) 818-1418.
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New Spirituality Discussion Group
Starting Wednesday, November 28th, at 6:45 pm in Room 7, there will be an open enrollment, no requirements, discussion group on spirituality. UU Poet Mary Oliver says, "What I mean by spirituality is not man-made theology but one's attitude for the known and unknown."
How to best live our lives with universal truths is the goal. Contact Suzanne Ziemer
[email protected] if you are interested in joining us.
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Book Study
Join us at Book Study on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. We are reading the book
Sapiens
by Yuval Noah Harari. Come having read the first few chapters. We meet in the Church Library.
From Amazon.com:
"One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us?
Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book that begins about 70,000 years ago with the appearance of modern cognition. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.
Dr. Harari also compels us to look ahead, because over the last few decades humans have begun to bend laws of natural selection that have governed life for the past four billion years. We are acquiring the ability to design not only the world around us, but also ourselves. Where is this leading us, and what do we want to become?"
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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
[email protected]
.
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It's Time to Think "Connection Circle"
Come one, come all to the next 6 sessions of the Connection Circle beginning after church on Sunday, November 11th! New members, potential members, visitors and long-time members all are welcome. As we discuss meaningful spiritual topics by sharing our own life experiences as guided by a trained church-member facilitator, we get to know each other (and sometimes ourselves!) on a rich and deep level. We will meet every other Sunday, ending on January 20th. Participation in all six sessions is expected. For more information and to register, please contact Nancy Letts at
[email protected]
or call at 401-741-2712.
Thank you.
My best,
Nancy Letts
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Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays in Room 1. All are welcome to join us. We have a new meeting time- 2:00-4:00 pm.
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Community Wednesday
Please join us for Chef Joy's Community Wednesday Dinners at 6:00 pm each Wednesday. We will be serving salad, soup and entree. The price is $5.00. The meal is vegetarian, but every other week will feature a meat item alternate.
Community Activities for November:
6:00-6:45
Band Rehearsal in Sanctuary
6:45-8:00
Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary
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Alert! Christmas will be Here Soon!
As soon as Thanksgiving is over we will begin to collect Christmas gifts for the children and teens at the
Quality Life Center
or as it is commonly called, "the Q". That would be November 25th though December 16th. There are a total of 168 youths, 100 of them in the after school program and 46 being Leadership Teens; the remaining 22 are preschool and kindergarten.
We are not asking for a specific number for each age group. Buy whatever you want and as many as you want.
Do not
wrap the gifts. An open Holiday bag would be nice when possible and makes it easier for us to sort. The Q makes the following request. Please, NONE of the following: action figures, guns, Barbie dolls, or battery operated toys. Gifts may be left in the Narthex or at the Social Justice & Outreach Table in Hobart Hall until the Christmas trees go up in mid December. Then you may leave gifts under either tree. Thank you!
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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 Fran will return your call.
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We Need YOU to Keep our Bed & Breakfast Program Going
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? 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.) guests. I usually send out an email to all potential hosts when a request is received and the hosts respond as to their availability. Even if you can only host for two nights in March, for example, that is a big help. February and March tend to be in the biggest demand.
All money received from the guests as they stay in your home goes directly to UUCFM operating funds. 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
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Bill Brewer Family Gardens
The Family Gardens has kicked-off it’s 4
th
season! After some gardens redesign, thanks to several intrepid volunteers, our community garden has transformed into a more responsive community service project. What’s up for this season?
- The Scout Troop 3300 that enjoys our church grounds as its home base has finished an Eagle Scout project to build a shelter for us by the gardens parking lot. It will house some shady benches and a new Bulletin Board.
- Next season rates are: $75 for 1st bed and $50/bed thereafter, plus $10/bed for auto. water option
- Our 1st Saturday of the month classes in Hobart Hall will be scheduled in November, Jan, & May
- We have made some amenities changes to lighten the maintenance load for the gardens.
- free seeds for all who want them, thanks to Rural King
- dedicated bed for the South Fort Myers Food Pantry, sponsored by local Master Gardeners
- several beds have been donated to local home schoolers by generous church members
- Stay tuned for more community garden activities
Join in the camaraderie and the community experience of being a Green Sanctuary. Love. GROW. Serve.
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Art in the Narthex
The art work featured during the month of November is Asian inspired. Paper work by Patricia Vivier-Naidl and paintings by Priscilla Jeffcoat will be featured. This program is open to members who do art and(or) love art.
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Did you know your purchases can make a difference? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your holiday shopping at
smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1160337
.
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Calendar Connections
Click on the name on each event for more information or inspiration.
Interfaith:
Unitarian Universalist:
National Holidays & Cultural:
●
Alzheimer's Awareness Month
●
Daylight Savings Time ends - Nov. 5
●
U.S. Elections - Nov. 6
●
Jamar Clark
is shot by police in Minneapolis - Nov. 16 (2015)
●
Tamir Rice
is shot by a police officer after carrying a toy gun in Ohio - Nov. 23 (2014)
●
Grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for the killing of Michael Brown, sparking protests in Ferguson and cities across the U.S., including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. - Nov. 24 (2014)
For Fun and On the Fringe:
●
World Kindness Day - Nov. 13
●
Mickey Mouse's Birthday - Nov. 18, 1928
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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. Will run ad for 4 weeks. Email
[email protected].
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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 Wednesday for publication in the Thursday E-news.
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Nov 8 Terri Kelly
Nov 8 Bob Krieger
Nov 17 Denis Jensen
Nov 20 Theresa Bahre
Nov 21 Erin Everson
Nov 21 Mary Murray
Nov 23 Mary Dryden
Nov 26 Carolyn Thompson
Nov 28 Bob Krieger
Nov 28 Jennifer McFadden
Nov 29 Liz Taggart
Nov 29 Bob Nies
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Board of Trustees
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
VP Finance
VP Programming
VP Ministerial Services
VP Operations
Member at Large
Staff
Minister
Director of Music
Director of RE
Office Manager
Building Supervisor
Nursery Supervisor
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