1.  Because here we join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us.

2.  Because here we are part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation.

3.  Because here we honor our Jewish and Christian roots, and also reach out to know the great truths found in other religious expressions.

4.  Because here we acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and empower ourselves to search for new truths.

5.  Because here we nurture our children's enthusiasms and encourage their questions.

6.  Because here we welcome diverse people and views.

7.  Because here we join our strength with others to create a more just society.

8.  Because here we respect the whole self--mind, body, and spirit working together.

9.  Because here we encourage each other to be true to ourselves.

10.  Because here we build a supportive community that eases our loneliness and opens our hearts.

 
~By Bill and Barbara Hamilton-Holway and Mark Harris (UUA)

Why Join MVUUF?
 
Sometimes visitors ask me why they should join instead of just attending the Fellowship and participating as a friend.  It's a good question.  Many in our community have chosen not to become "members" officially although they seem to participate wholeheartedly.  I think people have different personal reasons for not joining.   Among the top reasons that people give me for not joining is that "they aren't joiners".  I don't know what that means exactly.
 
It's very true that many of us UU's have found a different path than many in the world.  Our paths often are about who we want to be intentionally, not what kind of "groups" we may want to identify with.  Many of us rebelled even in high school from being one of the crowd, from trying to "fit in".  UU's are often kind of rebellious or unique in our approach to the rest of the world.  You could say we try to march to the beat of a different drummer.  That kind of unique path brought us here to MVUUF.  Many of us were attracted to the Fellowship because we can say what we believe openly even if others don't agree with us.  We may feel that here we are among people who honor each person's uniqueness.
 
So, some might say, "Why join something then if you want to continue to be a unique individual?"  In addition to the great reasons to join a UU congregation listed above, I think MVUUF offers an opportunity to people to commit themselves to a warm, welcoming, and affirming community that also asks each person to be who they are.  Being a member means fully participating in our activities, our fellowship, and our planning for the future.

As a member, you have the responsibility to join your voice to how you'd like to see us grow and develop as a community.  As a member, you have the right to vote on the budget and who is selected as officers.  As a member, you have the possibility of eventually becoming a Board member or Program Council member.  But most of all, as a member, you commit yourself to what this community is all about. 
 
We welcome everyone and we're glad when people decide to participate with us.  Membership is open to all and everyone is welcome.
 
~Rev. Amy Russell

Community Discussion Group Topics*
November 1 - Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals  Moderator: Chris Parker
November 8 - Privacy Vs. Security  Moderator: Tom Cruse
November 15 - Thankful for Random Acts of Kindness  Moderator: Lindy McDonough
*This adult group meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Founders' Room for fellowship and thought-provoking discussions led by member volunteers.  For a more detailed listing of topics, please see the Sunday bulletin.

Daytime Book Club Title*
November 18 - Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story, by Timothy Tyson
*We meet one Wednesday a month, at 10:30 a.m., in the Fellowship Library.  All are welcome!

Evening Book Club Title*
November 10 - Mathilda Savitch, by Victor Lodato
*We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Boston Stoker in Centerville.  Contact Ann Snively for more information.

Over the River and Through the Woods...
At our Thanksgiving service on November 22, we all sit together as families.  This year, we'll be sharing stories about our grandparents.  We'd like to invite anyone, adults and youth, who would like to share a story, to write it and send it to Amy Russell by November 10.  The stories could be about a holiday shared with grandparents, a humorous anecdote, or a fond memory.  All stories will appear on our web site, and some will be selected to be shared during service.  Please keep stories to 600 words (one page) or less.

Holistic Health/Reiki group
The HH/R group will meet November 6 at 6:30 p.m.  Dr. Brenda Borst, a chiropractor in Yellow Springs, will be the guest speaker.  Dr. Borst practices a technique called B.E.S.T (Bio Energetic Synchronization Therapy). B.E.S.T. works by relieving blocked energy in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems so that the body can heal naturally. Deb Miyake and her mother Carol Kahler have been seeing Dr. Borst for roughly three months and have seen amazing results from this technique.  B.E.S.T works on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the patient in a gentle, pain free approach.  A vegetarian potluck will be held and a Reiki share will follow Dr. Borst's talk. All are welcome to attend!

 

Offering for November
During November, the Social Concerns Committee invites plate offerings for The Foodbank.  The Foodbank serves Greene, Montgomery, and Preble counties.  With the purchasing power of The Foodbank, for each $1.00 donated, $5.00 worth of food is delivered.  For more information, please visit http://thefoodbankdayton.org. 

Membership Request
Membership would like to establish a place where visitors can go to receive more information about UUism and Fellowship activities, following our Sunday service.  MVUUF members are needed to facilitate the process.  Individuals would be available after service to provide information and answer visitors' questions.  If interested, please contact Don Kazyak at 434-8749 or donkazyak@yahoo.com.

Buddhist Meditation
A small Buddhist meditation group is now meeting on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. in Room #4.  If you would like to participate, please contact Pete Hering at pjhering@gmail.com.
 
St. Vincent de Paul 2nd Saturday Lunch
November 14 Menu: Beef stew, green salad, fruit salad, 100% juice
* All donations must be delivered heated & ready to serve 15-20 people.  Donations should be taken to 120 W. Apple St. by 10:30 a.m.  Contact theotherplace@mvuuf.org or sign up in the Gathering Space.

Chalicelight Gallery
The Chalicelight Gallery welcomes Bill Bogan as he displays his photography.  Bill has had a passionate relationship with photography since high school, when he created his first darkroom.  About ten years ago, he traded in his traditional B&W and color processing darkroom for a totally digital system.  Bill prints on a variety of media, including glossy and matte papers, silk and canvas.  With very few exceptions, every item in the exhibit has been personally hand printed.  Enjoy the show! 

Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is looking for good people to fill several important positions on the Program Council, for terms beginning March 1, 2010.  Activities, Music and LRE all need representatives.  Our bylaws stipulate that a candidate must have been a Voting Member of MVUUF for at least one year prior to assuming office.  Further, they may serve a max of two full consecutive terms in a given elected position on the P.C.  If you have any suggestions for nominations, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee:  Kriss Gang (Chairperson), Gary Courts, Jim Faulconer, Lucy Kazyak, Priscilla Mutter, Ruth Rowley.

Food Fanciers
Food Fanciers will meet Fri., November 13 at 2 p.m.  Come join us in the Fellowship kitchen when Lew Hann demonstrates how to make his German potato salad!  Contact Sylvia Wince at sylviawince@att.net if you would like to be our chef for one of our sessions or have any questions!  Yum!

Smart Choices
Smart Choices will meet Thur., November 12 at 2 p.m. at the MVUUF library to "check in" and discuss our mission statement; that is, what we are all about.  Contact Sylvia Wince at sylviawince@att.net or 435-5079.

Thank You & Wow!
We raised over $2000.00 at this year's Bazaar!!  A big thank you goes out to all the workers at the MVUUF Annual Holiday Bazaar!  Toni Duron and Michael Duron helped supervise the bazaar and Trena Swanke had charge of the vendors.  Kristin Freeman did all the flyers and much preparation behind the scenes too.  Helpers at the bazaar include:  Sharon Harmer, Jennie Hardy, Sarah Hewitt, Cindi Remm, Bev Wince, Lindy McDonough, Jessie Minnefield, Carol Vincent, Nancy Moody, Ellen Beck, Kate Halpin, Drew Collins, Marilyn Faulconer, Pete Davis, Jamie McQuinn, Gary Courts, John Bierman, Ruby Powell, Rita Reeve, Adina Reeve, Lori Damron, Katherine Cruse, Robin Farinet, Jim Farinet, Catherine Queener, Priscilla Mutter, Joan Albrecht, Bill Ross, Lynn Haven, Shirley Gezinski, Judy Rengel, Mary Ann Jacob, Alice Diebel, Jesse Gaither, Margaret Michal, and Michael Moreda. It takes a village!
~ Sylvia Wince, coordinator, MVUUF Bazaar 2009

Flu Season Protocol
The H1N1 virus is becoming more prevalent in Ohio and cases are occurring in schools.  A church is a close, warm, and friendly place - a great place to spread germs!  Please stay home if you have any symptoms of the flu (fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, or vomiting).  In order to reduce the spread of the flu, remember to cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  In the event of a serious outbreak, we may cancel RE classes.  We are not at that point yet, but please watch the news lists for up-to-date information.