UUCGT Flash

 October 29, 2015 

   Vol. 9, Issue 401 

 
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
CUUPS Pagan Fair
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
End Note...
Congregational Vision
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We are a Congregation creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.
We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought. We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power.
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UUCGT Beacon

If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the Beacon, and would like to, please contact the office.
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Reflection:  Who's Listening?

Friends, several of you asked for the character in Chinese about which I spoke last Sunday - and here it is.  Our focus was on deep listening, so I want to let you know how your board and spiritual leader are working to ensure both deeper listening and dialogue around how we move forward as a community in light of the recent conversations about policy and practices. 
 
This Week
1) The Committee on Ministry is convening the first Appreciative Inquiry process this Sunday, following our service.  We encourage all our members and friends to participate.  This is an opportunity to listen deeply to each other as we share our hopes and dreams for the future of this congregation.
 
This Month (November)  
2) The board and I will be working with an outside, professional facilitator within the next few weeks to clarify our own lines of communication.  Everyone on the board is eager to serve this beloved community in the best ways they and I can.  Our own learning continues.  I for one am deeply grateful to our board for its willingness to invest in a process of facilitated communication.
 
3) I will be reaching out pastorally to the group of members who, at the October board meeting, shared an important proposal for deepening communication.  The purpose of this conversation with me will be not policy but spiritual care.  Conflict within a congregation can be deeply hurtful, because we hold this congregation so dear.  I want our members to know that, when they are hurting, I am here.  I can't make "everything all right," but I can honor you by listening without defense.
 
This Month and Beyond
4) Over the next few weeks the board, using the communications from you, our members, will work to develop objectives for an outside facilitator who will come as soon as January to do a larger-scale congregation-wide series of conversations.  As the process of discerning goals moves forward, your input will be vital in shaping the process. 
 
So friends, we are listening. 
 
We have much to do as a congregation, internally, but also externally:  we are indeed here to change the world.  I believe in the journey of deep ecumenism upon which we have embarked.  Please stay with it.

In blessing-
Rabbi Chava

Sunday Service 
November 1, 10:30am - All Congregation Sunday (One service only, no separate children's programming.  Nursery care available for ages 4 and under.)
"Day of the Dead" - Rabbi Chava and Sarah Montgomery-Richards
As we explore our next UU theme, the importance of history, let's begin in our hearts with one of the most beautiful services we hold annually:  Day of the Dead.  Bring a photograph or memento you wish to place on the altar.  With members of all ages, we remember our personal histories and those who have touched us.

  

UUCGT CUUPS PAGAN FAIR!

 

     

What's Going On At UUCGT? 
 
Peacemakers Needleworkers:  Thursday, October 29, 1:30-3:30pm, social hall.  Join us for needlework and conversation.
 
Brewing Community:  Thursday, October 29, 5:00-7:00pm, Hofbrau in Interlochen - Northern Michigan's largest taproom.  Come on out for a brew!
 
Vocal Ensemble:  Today, Thursday, October 29, 7:00-8:30pm, sanctuary.
 
UUCGT PAGAN FAIR:  Saturday, October 31, 10:00-3:30.  Learn more about our Pagan community!  Free Admission!  
        
Appreciative Inquiry - Committee on Ministry:  Sunday, November 1 following 10:30am multigenerational service.  In support of the spiritual health and well being of our congregation, you are invited to participate in 20 minute, small group discussions facilitated by COM members utilizing Appreciative Inquiry.  Childcare and pizza will be provided for the children.  Contact Anne Hughes.

Arts & Exhibitions Committee:  Sunday, November 1, 12:00noon, classroom.  Contact Beryl Striewski.
Mindfulness Meditation Group:  Sunday, November 1, 2:30-6:30pm (please note 1st Sunday hours).  Silent meditation / beginners welcome.  For more information contact Fleda Brown or their website.

Stretch & Strengthen Exercise:  Monday, November 2, 11:00-12noon, social hall.  Contact Judith Briggs, 228-4655.

UU Men's Group:  Monday, November 2, 5:30pm at Minerva's.  Continued discussion on management of carbon dioxide levels.  Pick up discussion copies in the office.
 
Open Gay AA Meetings:  Monday, November 2, 7:00-8:00pm, small classroom.  Contact John Young, 590-8229.
 
Tuesday Community Lunch:  November 3, 11:30am-1:30pm.  Friends Church on the corner of Fifth & Oak.  Contact Mary Kiner.
 
Duplicate Bridge:  Tuesday, November 3, 1:00pm and every Tuesday.  Sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League.  All are welcome.  Cost is $5 per person.  Have questions?  Need a partner?  Contact Paul Christ.
 
Wednesday Meditation:  November 4, 10:00-10:30am, sanctuary, Rabbi Chava.

Stretch & Strengthen Exercise:  Wednesday, November 4, 11:00-12noon, social hall.  Contact Judith Briggs, 228-4655.

Sunday Services Committee: Wednesday, November 4, 1:00-3:00pm, Nancy Cotcamp, Hal Gurian.


 Wednesday Night Potluck!  November 4, 5:30pm social time, dinner at 6:00pm.  See you here!

International Folk Dance:  Wednesday, November 4, 7:00-8:00pm, classroom, Richard Fidler.
Peacemakers Needleworkers:  Thursday, November 5, 1:30-3:30pm, social hall.  Join us for needlework and conversation.
 
Vocal Ensemble:  Thursday, November 5, 7:00-8:30pm, sanctuary.
 
Facilities Committee:  Friday, November 6, 10:00-11:00am.  Dave Halsted.

"15 Minutes with the Rabbi":  Sunday, November 8, 10:00-10:15am.  Intended for individuals or small groups of 3-4 people for an informal chat prior to membership.  Rabbi Chava's office.
 
FYI                              
 
Since the Autumn Affair has been canceled for this year, Pinkie and I have agreed to coordinate a "mini-fundraiser", namely the "Donated Dinners" event.  We have done these in the past.  It is a simple process:  Some congregants volunteer to host a dinner, then the rest of us purchase the dinners, show up at the scheduled date and enjoy the food and company.  We are looking for more hosts.
      If interested, let us know what type of dinner you will serve (Italian, Thai, Vegetarian, Vegan, etc.), the date (as specific as possible), price per person (prices usually average about $25-$35), and the number of guests you can accommodate.  Donated Dinners will be available for purchase at our UUCGT Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22 at Twin Lakes Lodge.  Contact us at John & Pinkie or talk to us at Church.  This is a fun event!

 The time has come!  Sign-up for our annual Thanksgiving Potluck on November 22 at Twin Lakes Park, Gilbert Lodge will start between and after services this week through November 22.  Contact Mary Kiner.

ALL MUSIC SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6th is fast approaching!  So, it is time to consider being a part of a wonderful morning.  We are asking that musicians who would like to take part prepare a 3-5 minute piece for the program.  The deadline to register is November 22nd, as time is needed for planning the service.  Anyone interested should contact Judy Weaver or call 947-0947.

"Help Wanted"
      Stewardship Committee is seeking new Stew Crew members - Lots of Fun!
Contact Judy Myers if you are interested in serving on this committee! 
      Memorial Reception Committee is looking for VOLUNTEERS.  We need to revise and expand our volunteer lists and are looking for people who can help with set-up, food prep, baking, serving and clean-up.  This is a loving service for our congregation, and a chance for fellowship in the kitchen.  Email or call Sandra McDonald 935-3759 or Lauren Keinath 943-7919.
     Hospitality Committee is seeking help with making coffee, set-up and clean-up on Sunday mornings.  Please contact Penny Ort to share a spirit of hospitality with others - 932-9766.
 Benzie UU Friends:  Wednesday, November 4, 6:30pm potluck, 7:30pm service, Contemplative
Reflection:  "Under One Roof:  When Fellow Seekers Differ", Rabbi Chava.
Our congregation, like many UU congregations, boasts a range of theological beliefs:  atheist, agnostic, ignostic, theist, deist, pantheist and panentheist, and others!  We live under one roof, and we do not always agree.  How do we build a strong congregational community when a single set of beliefs does not define us?
 
 Empty Bowls:  Sunday, November 8, 11:00am-2:00pm at the Hagerty Center - supporting Food Rescue for over 40 food pantries in Northwest Michigan.  Info at www.goodwillnmi.org/emptybowls.
 
 UU Book Club:  Sunday, November 8, 2:00pm.  Contact Karen Mars and check for details in November's Beacon!

 
Friday Night Out:  Friday, November 13, 5:30-9:00pm.  RSVP to Sarah by November 10th!

 
      End Note...
 
 
"Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity,
we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then,
for a second time in the history of the world,
man will have discovered fire." 
 
- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

 phone: l(231) 947-3117       website:   www.uucgt.org         email:   office@uucgt.org


 

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