glowing chaliceThe FORUM
Monthly Newsletter of MVUUF
May 2008
Volume LV, No. 9
MVUUF Building by Lew Hann
Greetings!! 
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Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee Street
Dayton, OH  45458
937-436-3628
 
www.mvuuf.org
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COMMUNITY THAT IS TRANSFORMING

                               By Rev. Amy Russell

Rev. Amy Russell

When I first visited MVUUF at the Oakwood Fellowship in 1992, I was attracted by the intellectual topics, the openness to all religions, and the RE program. After being a member for a couple of years, what became really important to me about being a member was the feeling of being a part of a community. It felt like a community that cared about me and my family and welcomed our participation in it.

 

Being a part of a community is different than just having membership. I've been a member of many things: book clubs, social clubs, civic organizations, and social justice movements. I've participated actively in these organization's activities and felt that I got some benefit from my involvement. But being a part of a community means being transformed by something bigger than yourself. It means giving from the deepest part of yourself and receiving spiritual sustenance back.

 

Religious communities are all very different. Some are held together by the importance of shared theology, by a belief in a certain religious practice, or by a shared goal in affecting the world in some way. I think our religious community is held together by our shared values and our feeling of being a caring community.

 

Being a part of a community means committing to it. We participate in our community by volunteering our time, getting ourselves personally involved, and committing ourselves financially. This Fellowship could not exist without your financial commitment. When I look around at all that is going on here, the discussion groups, the RE programs, the community involvement and social justice activities, the fun activities, and our Sunday morning service, I am amazed at how much we are doing. But we can only do this with people's commitment of their time, energy, and money.

 

Our commitment becomes a part of the transformation that happens when we are really a part of a community. It's much more than just being a member in an organization. It's transforming.

 

 

MAY SERVICES

May 4 at 11:00 AM

Humanism

Rev. Amy Russell

Humanism, with its roots in Greek thought and which flourished during the Enlightenment, has many contributors from Unitarian thinkers. We'll examine the roots of Humanism and how humanists find meaning in human life itself.

 

May 11 at 11:00 AM

Celebration of Flower Communion

Rev. Amy Russell

In this traditional Unitarian ritual, we bring flowers from our gardens to share in a communion. Each flower represents the beauty and gifts we offer each other. On this Mother's Day, we also honor the nurturance that our Beloved Community offers us.

 

May 18 at 11:00 AM

Non-Trivial Pursuit

Scott Leonard

How can a congregation that has members who are so diverse in their spiritual self-identities find a unifying self-identity? Is it possible to find a single non-trivial pursuit about which we can all feel passionate? Let's discuss the common ground upon which we are building our beloved community.

 

May 25 at 11:00 AM

Unholy Alliance? Religion and Politics in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Dr. Judith Martin

Although the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a religious one, groups on both sides employ faith-based language. How do different perspectives determine whether religion will be a help or hindrance to peacemaking in the Middle East?

 

MAY DAY CELEBRATION
PicnicOn Sunday, May 4, we will frolic around the May Pole in a celebration of the fertility of the earth manifesting this spring. This is for children, families, and individuals of all ages. Please bring a potluck item for lunch, a blanket, and wear your spring finest.  (We'll have tables if you don't want to sit on the ground.) There will be dancing, eating, fun for all, rain or shine! For more information or to help, see Natalie Spriggs or Jennie Hardy.
SHARED TREASURES
                                                                                                    By Judy Rengel
 

Membership Count:  Voting: 171; Associate: 54; Total: 225

 

Judy's chairMy comfortable, old, computer chair finally gave out. It had supported me in my many hours at the PC for the last time. It was time to shop for a new one. Now if you have recently shopped for a chair you will know there are a gazillion styles and brands out there. There is everything from a mahogany stool with an indented seat to leather, executive high backs, prices ranging from $40 to $400, plus you may even purchase a massaging unit to fit the chair. As I dragged David around from store to store over a several month period of time, we were getting very frustrated. I sat in every chair in every store.

 

Finally, after sitting in probably 12 chairs that day, I sat in one and knew immediately "Aah, this is the one."  My rationale for liking this particular chair was only that it just felt right; it was comfortable and fit my needs.

 

This must be how it is for people that are shopping for a church home. They try many faiths and venues. After much exploring they finally walk in one church and say, "Aah, this is home. This is where I belong." What makes that church different than the last one they visited?  Sometimes it is nebulous. "It just feels right."

 

To the many visitors who come through our doors and to the friends that are still debating whether or not to join MVUUF, we hope you get the feeling, "Aah, this feels right; this is home." We invite you come sit in our chairs and see if they fit.

SERVICE AUCTION WAS HUGE SUCCESS!
                                                                             By Scott Leonard
Rev. Amy RussellOur Service Auction, "Midnight at the Oasis," was a wonderful success! Thanks to all the many donors and bidders, we raised about $12,000, the most we've raised in several years.
 
It took many hands to make this event possible. Special thanks go out to Diane Dover and Robin Farinet who organized the decorations, Rita and Adina Reeve for preparing the food and beverages, Natalie Spriggs-Trobridge for organizing child care, Jamie McQuinn and Dawn Bellinger for minding the store, and Bill Wendel and Deb Miyake for working the database magic. Thanks also go to Phil Wise, Joe Law, Ann Rismiller, Kathleen Pennington, Bill Ross, Lindy McDonough, Mike Nelson, Don Kazyak, Lucy Kazyak, Bob Dover, Bonnie Thompson, Steve Thompson, Susan Zimmerman, Dave Rengel, Barbara Kelley, John Crockford, and Pat Santucci for their help.  Hugs and high-fives to all who helped and participated! You did great!
Thanks to Lew Hann for the Service Auction photo.

PEACE FLAG SCENES

Thank you to Lew Hann for taking these moving photos

of our Peace Flag Ceremony!
 

Peace Flag Scene 2

Peace Flag Scene 1
 
Peace Flag Scene 3
 
Peace Flag Scene 4
 
Young UU Carries Flags
CARING & SHARING

Mary Coonrod would like to convey her gratitude for the calls, cards, flowers and visits she received from her many friends at the Fellowship during her recent hospitalization. Send healing thoughts to Mary as she successfully addresses her health issues.

 

Healing thoughts should also go to Elsie Sizemore, who is currently hospitalized.

 

Sarah Hewitt is recovering from gall bladder surgery and we wish her a speedy return to full health.

 

Our condolences go to Rima Nickell upon the death of her brother, John Nickell. Rima is grateful for the calls, cards and support.

 

We received word that MVUUF founding member Charlotte Clark has died. Her daughter, Charlotte "Lotte" Ennis Clark-Mahoney, said her mother passed away in Seattle, Washington in late March. The family remembers the early days of MVUUF quite fondly and would welcome contact at [email protected].

 

Charlotte Ennis Clark

1918-2008

Charlotte Ennis Clark, born December 1, 1918 in Elende, Angola, West Africa, died March 28, 2008. The daughter of missionaries, these formative years among the Ovimbundu led to her life-long commitment to equality and justice. Graduates of Beloit College, Charlotte and Dayton Reed Clark, a medical student, married June 17, 1940. Charlotte was a civic activist, an ardent student of history and politics, and a dedicated member of many civic and political organizations. She was a founding member of the Miami Valley Unitarian Fellowship. The family retired to Seattle from Kettering in 1984. Preceded in death by her husband and her sister, Jean Packard, she is survived by her brother, Jack Ennis, her children: Janet Elfring, Clara Manny (Robert), Nancy Clark, Dayton Clark, Jr. (Mina Jones), Charlotte Clark-Mahoney (John); 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren. Remembrances to ACLU. Memorial in July.

STEWARDSHIP
                                                                               By Alice Diebel

Well, it's that time of year. The church must put together an annual budget that helps guide how we approach our church year; what commitments will we make toward the life of MVUUF? We are passing through a series of significant transitions: a new building, a new governance structure, a new minister, and a new Director of Religious Education. Significant energy has gone into creating strong, meaningful worship services, generous social justice efforts, a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing church life, and educational opportunities for all ages. The energy is palpable on Sunday mornings. Can you feel it?

 

In response to these positive transitions the finance committee is approaching our annual budget campaign differently this year. Thanks to the efforts of Iris Carter, Bob Lewis and a host of volunteers, we are encouraging a Stewardship Drive this year. We are inviting you to join in a small group dialogue about what the church means to you. This dialogue offers us all a chance to understand better where to put our energy. Of course we will also ask you to make a financial commitment to the church. But this commitment is only part of stewardship. Stewardship is about growing, nurturing, promoting and building the spiritual vocation of the members of this community. "Stewardship is not necessarily the things people do, but the spirit that influences the things they do."[1] In what spirit do you engage in the shared ministry of this community? Why is it imperative that MVUUF be here, in this time? When a host or steward calls you, please respond. If we missed you, please contact Alice Diebel at [email protected].


 

[1] Clark, Wayne B. (2007) Beyond Fundraising: A Complete Guide to Congregational Stewardship. Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.


SUPPORTING OUR LIFE TOGETHER

This is what we say when new members join with us:

 

We are pleased to be members of the Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

and are grateful for this place where we can search for truth,

work for peace and justice,

and share our talents and our vision.

We seek a place to grow in heart, mind and spirit.

In this our spiritual community

we journey together in the spirit of freedom, faith, hope and love.

  

                                   
-from our new member recognition

 

It's a tall order, this mission and vision we have set for ourselves: our search for truth, our work for peace and justice, and the building of a beloved community. 

 

But we have entered into this commitment with a deep appreciation for what we receive and what we are able to share.  And we recognize how important it is to keep the mission and vision alive, thriving and focused on the future.  It is making a real difference in our individual lives, in our life together, and in our outreach.

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Just look at what we are accomplishing:

       We currently have 225 (171/54) formal voting and associate members, plus an additional 86 active friends.  Since January, we have welcomed 20 new members, the largest four-month increase in membership the congregation has ever had.

       We have a new full-time settled minister, Rev. Amy Russell, who supports and enriches our mission and vision in worship, education, pastoral ministries, and community outreach.  In addition we are blessed with a youth RE director, YRE assistant, nursery assistant, church administrator, choir director, bookkeeper and custodian.

       Our worship experiences on Sunday mornings are filled with meaning and music, thoughtful presentations and genuine fellowship together.

       We will celebrate our 50th anniversary as a congregation in September, with Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, former UUA president, and past executive director of Amnesty International as our guest speaker.

       We engage our children in religious education and activities that deepen their self-understanding, enlarge their vision of the world in which they live, and foster the appreciation for the UUA seven principles.

       We have a new building and attractive grounds - a wonderful gathering place and home for our many programs.

       We have a strong social justice ministry to the Dayton community, including our support for the homeless, support for peace through our recent Peace Labyrinth with its thousands of peace flags honoring those who died in Iraq, for the Dayton International Peace Museum, and support for local Iraqi refugees.  Thirty percent of each Sunday's nonpledge offering supports a variety of social justice ministries. We have given over $3,000 in donations to various ministries in the past 12 months.

       We have taken a stand on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, including becoming a credentialed Welcoming Congregation.

       We have so many ways in which we care for and share with each other. We have over twenty different adult programs that bring us together and help us grow.  We have caring ministries of outreach to those in need.  And we have helpful ways to communicate with each other, including our WebPages, Internet Forum newsletter, and our email lists.

       We developed and are implementing a new program on Right Relations to guide us in fostering positive relations with each other and dealing constructively and compassionately when conflicts arise.

       We support national and international ministries through our fair share giving to the Unitarian Universalist Association.

       We support Heartland District ministries that help the growth of Unitarian Universalism in our region, including strong support for the Chalice Lighters Program.

       We implemented a new governance approach - a Board / Program Council model - which delegates program decision-making down to leaders who feel passionate about their individual program areas.

 

 

FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Our annual financial commitments are directly related to our mission and our vision and the appreciation that each of us has for what we are about.   And each year we re-examine and renew our own commitment as our way of supporting the ongoing life of the congregation.

 

It is difficult to suggest what is a fitting financial commitment for each individual or family to make to the congregation.  We do suggest that your generosity match your appreciation for what this congregation means to you, what you see that it means for others, and what you envision for our future.  We also suggest that your generosity should match your means. 

 

One way to measure generosity is to see what others are giving - especially those who we can see are deeply committed to the work of the congregation.  So, let's look at the percent of the adjusted gross income that is being committed this year by members of our Board (Often giving is demonstrated as a percentage of one's annual gross adjusted income - that figure on your income tax that is finally arrived at after all the deductions are taken out.)  For the coming year, our board members' annual financial commitments will range from 1.5% to 6.5% of their adjusted gross income.  Their actual financial commitments will range from $1,200 to $5,800.
 
Think about what this congregation means to you, why you participate, and why you think it is important for our work and our life together to continue.  And then, give generously, hopefully, and happily.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here to read our "FAQ" document: frequently asked questions about the Stewardship Drive.
 
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JUNE 22
The next MVUUF Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 22 at 12:30 PM. All Voting Members should plan to attend.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
The next Worship Committee will be held on Monday, June 2 at 7:00 PM at the Fellowship. The meeting was rescheduled because of the Memorial Day holiday. All are welcome.
WHAT IS THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY?
                                                                                            By Jamie McQuinn

In the past, our ministers have often had informal committees to provide counsel and feedback.  However, our new bylaws, that were approved last year, specifically call for a standing Committee on Ministry. One member appointed by the Board, one by the minister, and one by the congregation. The current members of the committee are Phil Wise, Barb Weber and Jamie McQuinn.


The Committee on Ministry's purpose is to ensure a healthy and vibrant total ministry at MVUUF.  It will meet periodically to monitor and evaluate the ministry of the congregation to itself as well as that of the minister. Its primary purpose is to strengthen the quality of ministry in the congregation.  It seeks to understand, assess, support and advocate for a strong and mutually supportive ministry throughout the context of congregational life. The continuing functions of the Committee could include:

 

  • to help the minister to carry on an effective ministry by being available for counsel
  • to give feedback to the minister from the congregation as well as give feedback to the congregation from the minister, in order to strengthen and improve the mutual relationship
  • periodically, to assess the effectiveness of all aspects of  our total congregational ministry and, to make recommendations toward improving, changing, or expanding this ministry
  • to interpret for the congregation the nature and scope of the minister's work, helping to clarify role expectations and realistic priorities

 

Some of the things this committee is not:

 

  • We are not a policy making body, we'll leave that to the Board and Program Council
  • We are not the Right Relations Committee. Those folks are doing valuable work in helping us learn to work together in loving ways, and we hope to support them.
  • We are not the "complaint department," but we hope to help facilitate effective communication and useful feedback

 

The Committee functions as a sounding board both for the minister and the congregation. It serves the whole congregational body. Trust, integrity, and confidentiality are essential to the work of this Committee. The members must have the trust of the congregation at large, the congregational leaders, and the minister.

 

If a member of the congregation has a concern, the best course of action usually involves going straight to the source. However, some members may not be comfortable airing their concern with the minister, or may not know who is working on a certain issue. Perhaps some of you will feel comfortable approaching one of the members of this committee who will help you find a way to have your concern heard by the appropriate person. Discussions within the committee are held in the strictest confidence.

 

If you have any further questions about the committee and our scope and purpose, please do not hesitate to contact Barb, Phil, Jamie or Amy.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION UPDATES
                                                              By Natalie Spriggs
Natalie SpriggsYesterday, a friend of mine gave me several seed packets for my daughter, Izabella, and I to plant in our garden. I am not by any means an experienced gardener. In fact, last year was the first time my family took on a garden of our very own. Some of the vegetables in our garden grew and didn't stop producing wonderful items for us to eat. Other plants did not do so well. This year, are we going to try again? You bet'cha! 
 

So what does this have to do with our Youth Religious Education Program? Everything! Our summer programming is beginning in about a month. June 15 is the first day of our Summer Club Program. This year, the YRE Summer Club's theme is MOTHER EARTH. The first part of the summer, we will learn about plants and gardening and then we will move to recycling. We will brain storm for ideas on how we can take better care of the earth and leave behind the smallest footprint possible. We will plant our seeds and watch them grow.

Another big event that is off and running in the YRE program is our Age of Reason class (aka Catechism class). This is a class for our 2nd and 3rd grade students. They will learn about what it means to be Unitarian Universalist and then at the end of 7 weeks, define what being UU means to them. They will do this during an intergenerational service celebration on June 8th.

YRE is in need of volunteers for the summer club. We will have a preschool class, K-5th grade class, and 6th-12th grade class. If you are interested in volunteering over the summer, please let me know at [email protected]. You may volunteer for just one Sunday, or up to the entire summer (June 15 to August 31).

Here are the May events that are coming up in YRE:

April 27 to June 8

  • Age of Reason for 2nd & 3rd grade

May 4

  • Workshop/studio rotation sub-committee meeting 9:45-10:45 AM
  • Children's & Youth Chapel
  • MAY DAY celebration after service

May 11

  • (Mother's Day): class

May 18

  • Workshop/studio rotation sub-committee meeting 9:45-10:45 AM
  • Class
  • YRE committee meeting after service

May 25

  • Class

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Enjoy the spring weather and be well!

Smile, Natalie   

 

JOIN THE YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Are you between the ages of 18 and 35? Wondering where all of the young people are at the Fellowship? They are in the MVUUF young adult group, of course! The young adult group will be meeting on May 25 at 12:30 PM at the Fellowship; topic to be announced on the young adult listserve. The group also has several social activities coming up that are also announced on the listserve. For more information, see Marisa Head or Jennifer Henry, or send an email to [email protected].
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION GROUP

The Community Discussion Group is an adult group that meets every Sunday morning at 9:30 to 10:45 AM in the Founders' Room for fellowship and thought provoking discussion. A chance to let your hair down, speak your mind or say nothing at all, without criticism. Up close and personal. Please join us!

 

Sunday, May 4
When in History Would You Like to Live?

Not enchanted with the 21st century? Wish you could return to a simpler time? A more exotic time? A time when America was covered with vast expanses of wilderness? A time when you didn't have to lock your doors? Tell us when and where you would like to live if you could choose, and why. Moderator:  Kathy Brown

 

Sunday, May 11
Looking at Our Genealogies

Our moderator will describe his journey researching the Ferguson/Fuller families and explain the basics of digging up family roots. We'll all have the opportunity to share our own family backgrounds, family folklore and experiences searching for our ancestors. Moderator:  Don Ferguson

 

Sunday, May 18
Our Personal Prejudices

Unfavorable opinions formed without knowledge abound, aversion to certain religious practices, ethnic behaviors, bad grammar, slovenly dress, forms of entertainment, tattoos, hairstyles and lifestyles. What makes us cringe or shun certain people and situations? Are we justified or just uninformed? Are we being selective or unfairly discriminating? How have we or how can we overcome unwarranted feelings of disgust and loathing? Moderator:  Elfi Purkey

 

Sunday, May 25
Dedicated to the Ones We Loved

We'll take some time this Memorial Day weekend to remember important people in our lives who are no longer with us: parents, grandparents, children, aunts, cousins, teachers, neighbors, co-workers and friends. Feel free to bring photographs and mementos of those special people. Moderator: Lindy McDonough

THE WOMEN'S GROUP

Through the summer, the Women's Group is discussing A New Earth-Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. Direct questions to Cindi Remm. There are discussions and activities each Sunday at 9:30 AM, and all women are invited to attend. Feel free to drop in. If you have any questions about the Women's Group, contact Shirley Forrest.

SOCIAL CONCERNS

Kate Santucci extends a "huge thank you to everyone who helped with this year's Soup Bowl Supper.  Together, we raised approximately $4400, our most successful Soup Bowl event yet. Thanks for helping, thanks for coming, and thanks for creating an awesome community event!"

 

Mark your calendars now for the return of the Summer Social Justice Film Series, beginning in June. All films will be shown at 7:00 PM in the Founders' Room. The Series is a popular summer Friday night event. The dates are June 6 & 20 and July 11 & 18.


June 6

Inlaws & Outlaws
With remarkable honesty, good humor, great music and real heart, Inlaws & Outlaws weaves together true stories of couples and singles, gay and straight, to celebrate what we all have in common: we love.
 
June 20
Darfur Diaries
A team of three independent filmmakers in Darfur monitored the worsening political and humanitarian crisis in 2004 and recognized that the mainstream media offered marginal and inadequate coverage. They set out with the goal of providing a platform for the people of Darfur to speak for themselves about their experiences, their fears and their hopes for the future.
HELP FOR REFUGEE FAMILIES

Our project to collect household goods for refugee families is going very well. In fact, Catholic Social Services' warehouse and staff have been overwhelmed by donations of household goods for refugee families. While they reorganize, CSS is not accepting any further donations until at least May 1, EXCEPT for beds and mattresses which are sorely needed. To avoid confusion, if you have anything to donate, other than a bed or mattress, please do not bring it to the Fellowship until after May 17, the date of the MVUUF Garage Sale.

 

Any donations will need to be accompanied by an inventory on a form for CSS to process (IRS regulations they have to follow as a charitable organization). If you have something to donate, contact Richard Donnelly for the necessary form.

 

Volunteers with a van or pickup truck are needed to ferry donations from the Fellowship to CSS. Contact Richard Donnelly.
MAY AND JUNE OFFERINGS TARGET
VETERANS FOR PEACE

The Social Concerns Committee of the Fellowship invites offering plate contributions in support of the Veterans for Peace organization. Thirty percent of nonpledge contributions each Sunday are earmarked for social concerns.

What is Veterans For Peace?

Veterans For Peace is a national organization founded in 1985. Members of Veterans for Peace draw on their personal experiences and perspectives gained as veterans to raise public awareness of the true costs and consequences of militarism and war - and to seek peaceful, effective alternatives.

The organization includes men and women veterans of all eras and duty stations including from the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), World War II, the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf and current Iraq wars as well as other conflicts. It believes that collective experience tells us wars are easy to start and hard to stop and that those hurt are often the innocent. Thus, other means of problem solving are necessary.

Some major areas of concern and involvement are:

WAR IN IRAQ:
When our government threatened invasion, VFP conducted public forums, met with elected representatives and participated in marches to express opposition. As the war began, members gathered in Washington, DC, with other veterans groups for Operation Dire Distress. Since then, members joined together with Military Families Speak Out and others in the Bring Them Home Now campaign and supported recently returned vets who formed the
Iraq Veterans Against the War (www.ivaw.net). Local chapters continue to conduct educational forums, demonstrations and ongoing Iraq memorial displays, such as Arlington West, to remember the growing human cost of the war, to end the occupation and to bring our troops home now!

AND AT HOME:
Members and chapters actively participate in efforts to save VA healthcare and defense of veterans' rights; to protect our civil liberties threatened by the "Patriot Act" and other repressive legislation; to provide counseling through the GI Rights Hotline to active duty military needing assistance; and providing alternative information to counter military recruiters in the schools.

VIETNAM:
VFP has worked with other Vietnam veterans to bring medical supplies, help build clinics, hospitals, and schools, advocate for Agent Orange victims and promote reconciliation and friendship between our two countries and peoples.

2ND SATURDAY LUNCH AT THE OTHER PLACE
                                                         

The Other Place logo

May 10 Menu

Beef Stew
Green Salad with Ranch Dressing
Biscuits (thank you Adina Reeve)
Desserts (thank you Dorothy Lane Market)
2% Milk and 100% Juices
 
To provide a dish, send an email to
 
Special thanks to Natalie Spriggs and the home school group for providing 200 enchiladas for last month's lunch. That was a challenging undertaking and very much appreciated!
CHALICELIGHT ART GALLERY

Meadow Shirley ForrestWe are pleased to feature the photography of Shirley Forrest and Elizabeth Dobson, mother and daughter, in our Gallery throughout the month of May. Shirley Forrest has been a member of MVUUF since 2001. She has enjoyed writing and merging her writing with images for a long time, but much more so in recent years. Her ambition and intention is to share a taste of the beauty and insights life has gifted her, many facilitated and nurtured by the MVUUF community. She is the mother of Elizabeth Dobson. They have enjoyed encouraging and supporting each other in their respective creative endeavors and are appreciative of this unique opportunity to display some of their work together in this sacred space.

 

Elizabeth Catherine Dobson has been using the photography medium as a form of expression, edification, and employment since high school. She received her Certification of Photographic Technologies at Sinclair Community College in 2005. She is a graduating senior at Antioch College receiving her degree in Cultural Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Media Arts. During her time at Antioch she had the opportunity to participate in the New York Arts program and interned at Saturday Night Live, photographing rehearsals and behind the scenes moments. She also interned with a catalog photographer who does food shoots for the Wall Street Journal. In March of this year Elizabeth's work was recognized by the Society for Photographic Education when she received the prestigious Jeannie Pearce Award for digital photography at this year's conference in Denver, Colorado. Elizabeth is grateful to share this opportunity and space with her mother, Shirley Forrest, who has been an amazing supporter and friend throughout her education.

 

Rev. Amy Russell

CINEMANIACS

Sunday, May 18
If you're wild about films, join Cinemaniacs the third Sunday every month at The Neon movie theater for the 4:30 to 5:30ish showing.  The title and time will be sent by email late in the week just prior to the Sunday event. Everyone is welcome! After the movie, we meet in the lobby for fellowship and discussion. Send questions or requests to be added to the Cinemaniacs email list to Pete Hering at [email protected].

SMART CHOICES

The Smart Choices group meets the first and third Monday evenings. It is a women's group, open to all women who wish to participate. There are no dues or RSVP's. We meet to enrich our lives in some way and enjoy knowing each other better. YOU are invited! Questions? Contact Sylvia Wince.

 

Monday, May 5, 7:30-9:30 PM:  We will meet at Katherine Cruse's house. Katherine will teach us how to bend a spoon with our minds. She will have all the materials for us. 

 

Monday, May 19, 7:00-8:00 PM:  Nick Gezinski will give us a tour and cake icing demonstration of El'e Bakery. We will be treated with some goodies too! We will meet at the Bakery, across from where Woody's Market used to be.

 

DAYTIME BOOKS

The MVUUF Daytime Book Club meets on a Wednesday each month to discuss the chosen book of the month. We are not a serious book review group. Come even if you have not read the book we discuss. It is fun, we learn new things, and we go to lunch together afterwards, at a local restaurant. We meet at the Fellowship at 10:30 to 11:30 AM. Anyone is welcome!

 

May 7
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
 
June 25
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
 
July 16
Mr. Timothy by Louis Bayard
 
August 6
Funny in Farsi by Faroozeh Dumas
 
EVENING BOOKS

The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13 at Cassie Rogers' house for a discussion of Funny in Farsi: a Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas.

 
On June 10, there will be a meeting at 7:00 PM at Ann Snively's house to create a reading list for the coming year. The group will be on vacation in July and August.

 

New participants are welcome.  Contact Ann Snively if you would like more information about the group.

GARAGE & PLANT SALE IS MAY 17
 

MVUUF Plant/Garage Sale

Saturday        May 17      9 AM to 4 PM

 

Garage Sale Photo

Rejuvenate your landscape with the beautiful plants donated by our members, find the unique item you were searching for to put in your living room, then munch on the delicious baked goods prepared by loving hands. Don't miss our annual Plant & Garage Sale!

 

Sale Will Feature

 

beautiful and unique plants,

delicious baked goods, household items,
 furniture, tools, electronics,

baby furniture, toys, baby items, baby clothes

books, CDs, DVDs, videos

 
ADDED BONUS: The Planned Parenthood Book Round Up Van will be in the Fellowship parking lot the day of the Plant & Garage Sale from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

 

We still need helpers to set up, pricers, cashiers, tear down, etc., etc.  Flexible hours.

 

Contact Trena Swanke  434-8846