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Around the Fellowship
Community Discussion Group
June 2 - "Why Do We Accept Dictators as Gods?" Moderator: Joe Lawrence
June 9 - "Meditation: When, Where, Who, Why." Moderator: Ralf Grisard
June 16 - "ACE: Adverse Child Experiences." Moderator: Bob Lewis
June 23 - "What We Can Do to Develop Mentally." Moderator: Don Heidorn
June 30 - "Best Kept Secrets - Vacation Destinations." Moderator: Diane Bohlander
*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*
June 12 - Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
July 17 - Sharp and Dangerous Virtues, by Martha Moody
*We meet one Wednesday a month, at 10:30 a.m., in the Fellowship Library. We then go out for lunch together. All are welcome!
Evening Book Club
Please join us at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Christopher's Restaurant (2318 Dorothy Ln., Kettering). For more information, contact Ann Snively.
June 11 - 35 Dumb Things Well-Intentioned People Say, by Maura Cullen
July 9 - The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Diversity, by Michelle Alexander
August 13 - Making Rounds with Oscar, by David Dosa
September 10 - Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver
October 8 - Elsewhere, by Richard Russo
November 12 - The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by Ayana Mathis
December 10 - Marmee and Louisa, by Eva LaPlante
Humanitarian Giving
During June, the Humanitarian Giving Action Group welcomes non-pledge donations to benefit the Reach Out Free Clinic. Located close to the Miami Valley Hospital, this clinic provides basic care to those in need. Our Committee recognizes there is a huge need in our area for health care to those who can least afford it and Reach Out Free Clinic is providing that care.
Baby Shower for Wesley Center
The Humanitarian Giving Committee is hosting a "baby shower" for Wesley Center attendees. Starting June 1, there will be a large box in the Gathering Space for those who wish to donate any baby item.
Farewell to Rev. Amy
Mark your calendar for Farewell Sunday, June 16. That's the day we say farewell to our minister, Reverend Amy Russell. Here's what you can do to help make it a special day: 1. Sign your farewell message to Amy on the colored cards in the Gathering Space. All of our individual messages will be assembled in a scrapbook for Amy to take with her to remember us when she leaves. 2. Bring a simple finger food to add to the celebration table. We will be having cake and punch as we celebrate Amy's years of service. 3. Come to church on the 16th for Amy's Farewell Sermon. Then stay for the dedication of a very special gift to mark her time with us. Thank you for your contributions to this celebration and especially to those on the Farewell Committee: Connie Gilhooly, Phil Wise, Joe Law, Barb Weber, Lathe Snyder, Denny Smith, and Trudy Krisher.
Bob Sima Coffeehouse Concert
Please join us for a Coffeehouse Concert on Mon. June 10. Doors open at 6:15, with potluck desserts at 6:30 p.m. with coffee and tea for your enjoyment, and concert starting at 7:00 p.m. $15 suggested donation at door, open to public - Invite a friend!
Pride Parade 2013
For a good time call... For a great time, join us to march in the 2013 LGBT Pride Parade. This year it is on Sat., June 1. We can gather between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 am. Step off is at noon. You will find us in front of Cooper Park near the Main Library. We will be carrying both banners. Each year, we have had great support from our fellowship. It's fun! It's festive! You can hang out with your fellow MVUUFers. You will be supporting a good cause. It's easy to do. Last year, we met at 2nd Street Market for breakfast. Also, it's important to remember, the job of building equality isn't done. We still have discrimination in housing and jobs. We still have stigma. We still do not have the right to marry whoever we choose. Marching in the parade demonstrates support for the LGBT community.
St. Vincent de Paul Lunch*
Menu for June 8: Fried or BBQ chicken, green salad (dressed or sent with a bottle of dressing)/coleslaw, mashed potatoes/other potato dish, gallon of 100% juice/gallon of 2% milk
*Please bring all items, heated if applicable, to 120 W. Apple St. in Dayton (St. Vincent de Paul Hotel) by 10:30 a.m. Sign up in the Gathering Space.
General Assembly 2013
Anyone from the Fellowship who has attended a General Assembly--the nationwide gathering of Unitarian Universalists to meet each other, discuss, and conduct the business of the Association-can tell you what an extraordinary experience it is. This summer's General Assembly will take place in Louisville, Kentucky from June 19-23. This may be the closest that GA comes to us, so it would be great if a number of people could attend from MVUUF.
The theme of this GA is "From Promise to Commitment." Building on the experience of Justice GA, UUs will gather in Louisville to examine and renew our covenant to our faith, one another, our congregations and the larger world. Programs will explore the kinds of promises our religious communities are called to make as we seek to live out our Unitarian Universalist values; how we make these promises, with whom, and how we hold ourselves and each other accountable. Early registration will be available for adults for $330 until April 30; after May 1, adult registration will cost $380. For full details on programs, registration, and housing, and reservations, go to http://www.uua.org.
Wednesday Evening Meditation Group
Meditation changes you. People who meditate regularly have neurological changes. Awareness can bring spiritual and emotional changes. Take time to start your meditation practice. We will meet on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Library. We will cycle through sitting and walking meditation. Contact Margaret Michal at margaret.michal@gmail.com.
New Earth Discussion
On Fri., June 7 at noon, bring your lunch and join Rev. Amy and Jay Snively in the Founders room for a lively discussion about The New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle.
MVUUF Social Action Summer Film Series
The MVUUF Social Action Summer Film series kicks off on Fri., June 28 at 7:00 p.m. with the documentary "The House I Live In." Please join us for this important film starting with snacks and ending with informal discussion. From PBS.org: "The drug war in America has helped establish the largest prison-industrial system in the world, contributing to the incarceration of 2.3 million men and women and is responsible for untold collateral damage to the lives of countlessindividuals and families, with a particularly destructive impact on black America.... the film promotes public awareness of the problem while encouraging new and innovative pathways to domestic drug policy reform." Save The Dates: Film series' showings are on alternate Fridays: June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9 and possibly August 23.
Tax Alert*
For members of our Fellowship that are over 70 l/2 and are taking mandatory distributions from you IRA, congress has extended the option to send your distribution directly to a charity (i.e. MVUUF) and avoid paying taxes on that distribution. In addition, if you itemize, you canalso claim the distribution as an itemized tax deduction. A win win situation. This offer is approved through 2013 so you need to make this distribution before 1 Jan 2014. This offer is so good that (like me) you may want to send more than the minimum distribution (pay your pledge for 2013 and 2014 ahead of time).
*From Jim Hudson, accountant, MVUUF Board Trustee
Smart Choices
Everyone is invited to join Smart Choices for lunch on Thu., June 27 at 11:30 a.m. We are meeting in the private room of MCL Cafeteria (Far Hills and David Rd. in Kettering). Stop by and introduce yourself! RSVP to allieoop777@yahoo.com.
Environmental Book Club
The next meeting of our MVUUF Environmental Book Club will take place in the Founders Room at 7:00 p.m. on Mon., June 24. Our reading/discussion selection will be Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters, by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Dillard. As a nature writer, Dillard has been compared to Henry David Thoreau. In Teaching, she uses fourteen personal essays to question spirituality, religion and meaning. In its review of this work, the Boston Globe states, "The natural world is ignited by her prose and we see the world as an incandescent metaphor of the spirit..." We have obtained a few copies from Amazon.com at a discounted price of $11.21 (list price is $13.99). If you wish to reserve one of these copies, contact Gary Courts at 436-1094 or mrcourts@aol.com. A Kindle edition is also available from Amazon for $8.89. All MVUUF members and friends who have an interest in environmental and conservation issues are encouraged to be with us on June 24 for what should be a provocative discussion.
Chalice Night
Come out on Fri., June 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and watch one of Joseph Campbell's lectures from the Power of Myth series "The Hero's Adventure," which was originally broadcast on PBS and done with Bill Moyers. The hero's journey, is a basic pattern that Joseph Campbell put forth can be found in many narratives around the world, regardless of location, culture, and religion. He argued that these myths from different times and regions shared similar structure and stages (departure, initiation, return). This idea of the hero's journey also was adopted and was workedin by George Lucas in the Star Wars trilogy. It permeates many of our religions' mythologies. From Wikipedia, for those unfamiliar with him: "Joseph John Campbell (March 26, 1904 - October 30, 1987) was an American mythologist, writer and lecturer, best known for his work in comparative mythology and comparative religion. His work is vast, covering many aspects of the human experience. His philosophy is often summarized by his phrase: 'Follow your bliss.'" After the lecture, we will have a moderated discussion on the Hero's Journey. There will be kids' activities planned around the same theme of a hero's journey. We will be providing food as well, so please email chaliceofthewillow@gmail.com with how many are coming, adults/children, or join the FB event page and indicate how many are coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/406034166170364
Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS) hopes to see many of you there to discuss this interesting idea.
Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendars now for Sun., June 30 at 12:15 p.m. for our semi-annual Congregational Meeting. All are invited to attend, but Voting members are reminded that attendance is both a right and responsibility of your status. There are several items on the agenda, including our budget.
CUUPs
Our Sunday discussion group on June 9, 12:30 p.m. in MVUUF Room #1, will be about the Wheel of the Year. The Wheel of the Year is the term for the annual cycle of seasonal festivals based around the solstices and equinoxes and the points in between, known as crossquarter days. Ever wanted to know what May Day is all about? What about Yule? Want to know how to pronounce words like Samhain? How about understanding why the solstices are important to various hearth cultures? Then this is the discussion for you. Come prepared with your own stories about how you celebrate these holidays, or how you celebrate the seasonal passings of theyear. This discussion will be moderated by Galena (Laura V.) Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/107443086092927. Please note this will be our only gathering in June due to several of our members traveling for Summer Solstice festivals. All Chalice of the Willow events are open to the entire MVUUF community. You do not have to be a Pagan to come, we have many members that are Pagan, some are Pagan interested, and others just want to come and support us. We welcome all! Contact Shannon Heather or email us at chaliceofthewillow@gmail.com for more information.
Joining Session
Have you been attending MVUUF for a while and are considering membership? Please attend a "Joining Session" to explore the rights and responsibilities of membership in this beloved community. The session will be held on Sun., July 7, at 12:30 pm. For more information, contact Alice Diebel at diebelalice@gmail.com or 937-350-7763.
A Congregational Decision: UU Justice Ohio
In October of last year, UUs from all around Ohio met in Columbus to consider joining one another in statewide social justice efforts. Those present were in overwhelming support of such an initiative given the number of issues that affect us at the state and local level. The group selected four key issues as a starting point: immigration, LGBTQ rights, economic justice, and environmental concerns (fracking). The Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio (UUJO) was launched in Columbus and the push was on to encourage UUs across the state to join in making the organization a success. UUJO is one of 15 UU State Advocacy Networks in the US. Some, such as the Michigan network, have been in operation for ten years or more. In order to be viable, the network needs UUs to join and participate. In this way, we can share information with one another on issue of importance to us. To grow as a network, UUs can join the network as individuals. However, the UUJO also recognizes and encourages congregations to join.
The MVUUF board has discussed whether or not we should join, and is supportive of our membership in UUJO. To encourage congregational understanding of this membership, Maureen O'Meara and I led a discussion after the service on May 5. In order to decide whether or not to join, the board will put the issue up for a congregational vote.
Here are some things you need to consider prior to the congregational vote:
1. Members of UUJO can be individuals, groups within a congregation, or the congregation as a whole. UUJO is especially seeking congregational memberships.
2. The organization is new and the dues structure is not yet decided. There will be different dues for individual, group, and congregational members. Dues will be low, estimated at $100/year/congregation. UUJO is also seeking grant funds.
3. There are no bylaws yet. They are being developed and will include rules for howUUJO makes public stands. It is likely such stands will be infrequent.
4. MVUUF can join now to help shape the dues structure and the bylaws. If we sit it out we have no voice. We can always drop out if we are not satisfied.
5. As UUs, getting involved in state-level issues can be very affirming of our principles. A network like this helps spread the work required to keep up on social justice issues and gives MVUUF access to key leaders on important topics.
For more information - or to join UUJO - go to http://ohiomeadville.org/uujo/
~ By Alice Diebel, UUJO Steering Committee
African Feast Held May 24 a Great Success!
Nearly 80 Fellowship members, friends, and guests enjoyed an African Feast on May 24 that acquainted them better with the food and the experiences of Dayton's African refugee population. The Feast was sponsored by the members of the Immigrant and Refugee Justice Action Group.In addition to great African food prepared by the women of the African Christian Community Center, attendees also enjoyed varied potluck dishes, great conversation with friends and new acquaintances, and the Amy Hart, from Catholic Social Services' Refugee Resettlement Program gave an excellent presentation on the refugee situation, followed by questions, and the invaluable sharing of their experiences by a number of refugees. The Director of the African Christian Community Center, Mugo Kiswile, translated from Swahili to English to make this exchange possible and had also arranged the participation of the women. ACCC Board Members, Burga Jung and Janet Houser, chauffeured many of the refugees to the Fellowship. Many unnamed Fellowship members prepared potluck dishes, helped clean up, and stepped in whenever needed. Thanks to John Bierman, Rachel Chadwick, Gary Courts, Alice Diebel, Burga Jung, Kathleen Pennington, Darrell Philippson, Bill Ross, Ruth Rowley, Heather Schroeder, and Donna and Andy Wilson for their special contributions on the night of the dinner. Finally, we are grateful to the 6 Fellowship members who provided the money to purchase the ingredients necessary for the delicacies prepared by the women of the ACCC.
Kroger Community Rewards
If you shop at Kroger, you can earn 4% of your total for the Fellowship. If you shop Kroger even occasionally, please sign up for the program. You will need your Kroger Plus card-the red tomato card, the location of the store where you originally got the card, an e-mail address. You will also create a password for the Kroger Community Rewards program. Look for instructions on the MVUUF Bulletin Board list or e-mail Maureen O'Meara for instructions. She will also be available June 9 and June 16 after service to help people sign up. For those who used to buy cards but never managed to sign up last year for the new program now is the time!If you didn't renew your Kroger Community Rewards account since the beginning of April, your Kroger Plus card is no longer earning 4% for the Fellowship. Sign into Kroger.com and renew for the May 2013- April 2014 year. The money we receive from Kroger has been down significantly this year. Please sign up.
Dorothy Lane Cards and DLM Good Neighbor Program
Dorothy Lane cards pay 5% of the amount spent. Cards are available in $50 and $20 denominations. We now order Dorothy Lane cards only when we have sufficient pre-orders, since the minimum order is $1000. We earn $50 for each $1000 spent, but must pay $950 upfront. Currently only 3 members are regularly purchasing Dorothy Lane cards. We must have more DLM shoppers than that! Maureen O'Meara will be ordering Dorothy Lane Market cards next week. Please contact her by e-mail to order cards. Depending upon orders, these may be the last cards purchased for the summer. This is separate from the Dorothy Lane Good Neighbor Program for which you sign up in the store. The Good Neighbor program pays less than 1% of the total receipts of all members who have signed up for that organization. If you don't want to purchase cards, but shop DLM, please designate MVUUF as the beneficiary for you 2013 Good Neighbor Awards. Every bit helps! If you designate your Good Neighbor Awards to another program, don't feel guilty. Just buy some cards from us. | 
