UUCGT Flash

 December 3, 2015 

   Vol. 9, Issue 406  
In This Issue
Reflection
Sunday Service
Children and Youth
UUCGT Winter Solstice
What's Going on at UUCGT?
FYI
End Note
Congregational Vision
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UUCGT Beacon

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Reflection: 
 
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."
 - Aldous Huxley
 
Friends, the annual Music Service is a beloved UUCGT tradition. This year it is especially sweet and important:  music unites us in voice and heart, and this year, the service has been coordinated entirely by tireless member volunteers who want to make the start of our December harmonious and loving.
 
Music at UUCGT has always been at the heart.  I do hope you will join us for this special service, followed by our special congregational meeting.  We are so grateful to our musical members who set a tone of harmony that day! I have heard many of the musicians rehearsing in the sanctuary over the past weeks.  Let's come to honor the centrality of our congregational musical tradition.

 
In blessing-
Rabbi Chava
         
Sunday Service 
December 6

10:30 a.m.  "Annual All Music Service" (one service only) 
This UUCGT tradition features volunteer singers and instrumentalists, both amateur and professional in solos and ensembles.  The message is the music!

 
This Sunday for Children and Youth
No 9:00 a.m. programming for all ages. 

10:30 a.m.  Children's Programming will be available this week for pre-school - 5th grade.  Middle School and High School Youth are encouraged to remain in the service to participate.
 
All Music Service THIS WEEK!  If your child is interested in participating in singing the children's anthems during the service this week, please arrive at 10:00am and gather in the large classroom to rehearse before service.


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Winter Service Project for Lifespan Education!
 
  
"Heifer Tree"
 
In case you missed the announcement at Twin Lakes, please click here for the handout that was available that day with more information about Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/), as well as our project for this year.  Specifics regarding the adoption of this particular project have been posted in previous Flash articles and was also included in the November Beacon.  Thank you. 
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Reminder:  Holiday Pageant will occur on December 13th during the 10:30 AM service (one service only).  Any children wishing to participate should arrive at 9:45 for rehearsal.  Please join us!

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Friday Night Out is Friday, December 11 from 5:30-9:00pm.  Please register by Monday, December 7 by contacting Sarah.

 
 
UUCGT Winter Solstice Celebration 
       
The Winter Solstice Celebration will be held on Sunday, December 20, at 6:00 PM.  Please see flyer here.
 
All who are interested in celebrating Yule and Winter Solstice are welcome to attend this family-friendly evening of joy and merriment!  The celebration will be followed by a potluck.  Bring yourself, your loved ones and your little ones!  Childcare will be provided for children who are too young to participate.  
 
If you can stay for the reception, please bring a dish to pass.  Wine will be provided for $2/glass.  Please bring another beverage if you wish. Questions?  Please contact Sarah.
 
What's Going On At UUCGT?
 
Vocal Ensemble:  Thursday, December 3, 7:00-8:30, sanctuary
 
Brew Crew is rescheduled into January 22, 2016.
 
Congregational Vote:  December 6 following 10:30 AM service

Please Note:  Hours to pick-up absentee ballots in person are:
 12/3  Thursday           9:00 am - 4:00 pm
        12/4  Friday                9:00 am - 12:00 noon
To request an absentee ballot be mailed to you, please request it via email to:  absenteeballot@uucgt.org & please include your current mailing address.  All absentee ballots must be returned to the office before the December 6, 2015 meeting commences. 
 
Arts & Exhibitions Group:  Sunday, December 6, 12:00-12:30pm, classroom
 
Mindfulness Meditation Group:  Sunday, December 6, 2:30-6:30pm (note first Sunday time change).  Silent meditation / beginners welcome.  For more information contact Fleda Brown or their website
 
Stretch & Strengthen Exercise:  Every Monday & Wednesday, 11:00-12noon, social hall.  Contact Judith Briggs, 228-4655
 
UU Men's Group:  Monday, December 7, 5:30-7:30pm, Minerva's
 
Open Gay AA Meetings:  Monday, December 7, 7:00-8:00pm, small classroom.  Contact John Young, 590-8229
 
Tuesday Community Lunch:  December 8, 11:30am-1:30pm.  Friends Church on the corner of Fifth & Oak.  Contact Mary Kiner
 
Duplicate Bridge:  Tuesday, December 8, 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 Night Supper:  December 9, 5:30pm Social time, 6pm Dinner - $5 /adult, $3/child 10 and under - join us for our special Hanukkah themed meal!
 
Colloquium:  Wednesday, December 9, speaker:  H.G. Smith, 7:00-8:00pm, sanctuary
 
Finance Committee:  Wednesday, December 9, 7:00-8:00pm, office
 
International Folk Dances:  Wednesday, December 9, 7:00-8:00pm, classroom
 
Peacemakers Needleworkers:  Thursday, December 10, 1:30-3:30pm, social hall 
 
Vocal Ensemble:  Thursday, December 10, 7:00-8:30, sanctuary
 
Facilities Committee:  Friday, December 11, 10:00-11:00am, social hall
 
Friday Night Out:  Friday, December 11, 5:30-9:00pm.  Register by Monday, December 7.  Contact Sarah.
 
FYI 

Donated Dinners mini-FUNdraiser:  There are still some openings available for awesome Donated Dinners!  Sign-up sheets will be at the Church this Sunday, 12/6.  Bring your checkbook or cash, and look for the table in the hallway.  
 
 
Maura Brennan and Dan O'Neil awarded 2015 Madeleine Thomas Award!  Congratulations to Maura and Dan for receiving this prestigious award!  Please see award notice here.

Program Council is scheduled for Sunday, December 13 following the 10:30 AM service.  All committee chairs, or a representative, are encouraged to attend this important conversation about programming for the 2016 calendar year. Please RSVP to the office, 947-3117. 
 
 UU Benzie Winter Solstice Service:  Wednesday, December 16 - 6:30pm potluck, program at 7:30pm.
 
UUCGT Social Justice Book Group:  Monday, January 11, 6:00-8:00pm @ Horizon Books.  Contact Emmy Lou or call 943-7999 with questions and book title.
  
Two Friends, Two Cellos - Crispin Campbell & Eugene Friesen:  Saturday, December 5, 8:00pm @ UUCGT.  The combination of Friesen's haunting, nature-inspired compositions and Campbell's blues and tango-influenced playing create what has been called a "...thundering evening of cello music."
Tickets:  $20 advance/$25 door / Oryana & Brilliant Books.  View poster in the causeway.  
          

 

End note....

 

These are the days that have been given to us;

    let us rejoice and be glad in them.

These are the days of our lives;

    let us live them well in love and service.

These are the days of mystery and wonder;

    let us cherish and celebrate them in gratitude together.

These are the days that have been given to us;

    let us make of them stories worth telling to those who come after us.

 

~ William R. Murry



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

  

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