Miami Valley 

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

937-436-3628  www.mvuuf.org 

 

 

 

 

MVUUF's Forum          June 1-30, 2014

A View From the 'Rim

 

Walking Our Talk. I've been thinking about this recently as it relates to life here at MVUUF.

 

We hear about a Southern Baptist minister in North Carolina who (just after President Obama was elected back in 2008) got up in the pulpit the next Sunday and said, "Anyone who voted for Barak Obama is not welcome here." Our thought is, "How prejudiced, how awful;" yet how welcome do you think that some members and friends of MVUUF felt earlier this year during a service when those attending were asked whether people of certain descriptions would feel welcome at MVUUF-and when the description "Republican voter" was read, there was quite a lot of laughter! This was when there were members who vote Republican and members who have family and friends who vote Republican were present at MVUUF that day!

 

How was a MVUUF member's statement that they were glad they knew they didn't have to hear about Christianity here in MVUUF's sanctuary-how did this statement resonate in the ears of Christian Unitarian Universalists who were there on that day?

 

Then at the April 20th multi-generational MVUUF service, we heard stories from Native American, Christian and Roman traditions on the theme of "Awakening"-and following each story we sang a song about that story.

 

Our MVUUF young people had been learning about the values of tolerance, acceptance and freedom of belief in their Religious Education/Exploration classes. How, then, did some of our MVUUF young people and their families feel on that morning when they heard some of the adults sitting near them make disparaging remarks about the Easter song which followed the Christian story?

 

Walking Our Talk. I know that we can and will work to do this better at MVUUF in the months ahead. , 

 

 

 

      

With my warmest regards, as always,

Your interim minister,

Mary

 

Sermon Topics

 

June 1---Multi-Generational Service:  What Gifts Do We Give Them, What Gifts Do They Give Us?--- Shannon Harper, Director of Religious Education, and Rev. Mary Moore.   On this festive morning, we will be appreciating our Religious Education/Exploration program volunteers, learning about what our children and youth did this past year, celebrating our graduates, and having our traditional very special bridging Ceremony to honor our high school graduates.

 

June 8---Lining Up Our History at MVUUF---Rev. Mary Moore.    On this Sunday, we'll be taking a look at MVUUF's heritage as a lead-in to everyone in the congregation having the opportunity for a month to observe and to place personal additions and reflections on the large MVUUF History Time Line which will be posted on the wall-as part of carrying out the tasks of this Interim Period here. We will also be commissioning the newly-selected and trained MVUUF Pastoral Associates on this morning as they begin their service to the congregation.  

 

June 15---The Life of Harvey Milk:  A UU Perspective---Joe Law, Lathe Snyder, Mary Moore and other MVUUF members.  One of the six sources that our living tradition draws upon is the "words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love." This morning we consider the words and deeds of Harvey Milk, which still challenge us today, more than 35 years after his death.

 

June 22---Flower Communion with Roots---Rev. Mary Moore.  We'll be celebrating UU Flower Communion Ceremony on this day. However, we'll do it a bit differently in that everyone is asked to bring a small flowering plant in a pot instead of a cut flower. You will be taking home a plant that someone else brought. We'll also be reflecting upon the Czech Unitarian origins of the Flower Communion tradition, the courageous minister who initiated it, and how this story might be an inspiration in our own lives. We'll be honoring some longtime MVUUF members on this morning as well.

 

June 29---Why Marriage Matters---Michael Primo.  Please join us on this morning with Michael Primo from Why Marriage Matters. After the service, Michael will also offer training on how to talk to people about marriage equality. Getting the support from national organizations will help pass marriage equality legislation in Ohio. Come to learn the best ways to approach other people in discussing marriage equality.

 

 

Around the Fellowship...

 

TRANSITION TIMES

Many people are not aware that there is a predictable curve to an Interim Period. A lot happens during the first months, but it is not always clear how things that change are directly related to finding a new minister. As the Ministerial Search Committee begins their task, the pace of work increases both for them and for the congregation.

 

We have just entered the busy period as our Search Committee held their retreat on May 31. Following that, they will be involving us in various ways as they gather information about us to present to potential ministerial candidates, and as they help us discern what we seek in our new minister.

 

It will probably feel like there is a great deal going on, especially between now and the first of the year. There may be surveys or cottage meetings or any number of ways they will be seeking our input. Please plan to participate in these; they will be your chance to have your voice heard and to help shape the future of the Fellowship.

 

One of the next steps we are approaching in this process will be the Congregational Timeline Exercise. This exercise will be introduced during the service on June 8, and will continue for several weeks. This will be a chance to review our history from the founding of First Church until the present, and for each one of us to reflect on our part of that journey. We hope you will take the opportunity to note both the highs and lows of your time among our community. Come on the 8th to learn more.

 

We also know that it is predictable that the fast pace can bring on anxiety. It can feel like things are in danger of spinning out of control, especially when some of the things we have come to expect may be changing. If you find that you are worried or concerned about something, we ask that you talk directly with the committee or person responsible for the matter. We all need to remember our Covenant of Right Relations and assume good intentions as we make our way through these next busy months.

 

By next year at this time, life will again feel somewhat calmer as we make final preparations to welcome our new settled minister in August. It won't be the same as it was and we will be feeling excited anticipation. But it will probably be somewhat slower again. We have a lot to go through this year. But the outcome will be a revitalized Fellowship, secure in knowing who we are and what we have to offer our world and ready for an inspiring future with our new minister.

***

One thing that is happening to help us keep on track of all this increased activity is the new Announcement Sheet email. After observing that the vast majority of the bulletin's Announcement Sheet inserts were left behind every week, several committees agreed to try this new format. It puts timely Fellowship announcements in our homes and/or phones where we may really use them. It reduces wasted paper. It shortens the service and keeps the focus on the topic of the day. Of course, there may still be occasional verbal announcements and there will always be some paper copies handy on Sunday if you need one. But trying out this new approach seems like a good way for us to be good stewards of our natural resources and still have our news when we need it. We hope you like it and, as always, we want to hear your reactions. 

 

 

With faith in our future,

Barb Weber,

Transition Team Chair

 

 

 

INFORMATION FROM YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Here are two items that we ask you to please make note of:

 

  • Summer YRE volunteers are needed! Please sign up in the gathering Space to help out in YRE this summer. We're looking for volunteers to teach Preschool, K-5th, and 6th-12th. And you can choose the Sundays that work for you! For more information, please see Shannon Harper, or stop by the sign up table in the Gathering Space.
  • The Senior High Service Trip to New Orleans is close to being fully funded! Thanks to EVERYONE who has supported this project. The Senior High youth will be selling fair trade coffee mugs in the Gathering Space after service, if you'd like to help us continue to bridge the gap...we're almost there!

 

 

IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

On Sunday, April 27th, a bedbug was found in the RE wing of the Fellowship building. Some members immediately cleaned the room where the bug was found, and two rooms were closed.

 

A professional exterminator was called to check for additional bugs and/or signs of an infestation. At this time we sent out a message to all members of the congregation, alerting them to the possible exposure to the bedbugs.

 

When the rooms were checked on Wednesday, April 30th,  a second bedbug was found. It was decided that the entire RE wing should be sprayed, and this was done the next day. Also, Jesse was instructed by the exterminator how to clean the couches to clear it of any bedbug eggs.

 

We currently believe that the problem has been taken care of, but we will be staying vigilant and will take additional actions in the unlikely event that more bedbugs are found.

If you have any questions, please contact David Cobb (phone-937-304-5026, email-dvdcobb@yahoo.com) or Steve Thompson (937-626-5325, email-sthompson7@woh.rr.com ).

 

The pesticides used were:   Vector Ban (EPA #53883-257), Phantom (EPA #241-392), Onslaught (EPA #1021-1815), and Exponent (EPA #1021-1511).

 

 

 

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!   

In honor of June being Pride Month, there are many things happening, both here at the Fellowship and in the larger community, as well:

  • Saturday, June 7-I Am Harvey Milk production with the Dayton Gay Men's Chorus and select members of the Philharmonic, Victoria Theatre, 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, June 13-In-Laws and Out-Laws, a social concerns movie about marriage, gay and straight, at the Fellowship, 7:00 p.m. Open to the community; invite your friends for an enjoyable free movie and thoughtful discussion.
  • Sunday, June 15-The Life of Harvey Milk, topic of the MVUUF Sunday service, with Joe Law, Lathe Snyder, Rev. Mary Moore and other MVUUF members.
  • Saturday, June 21-Columbus Pride Parade, 11:00 a.m. We'll be carpooling at MVUUF at 8:00 a.m. George Takei is the Grand Marshall this year. Please let Margaret Michal know if you would like to carpool, margaret.michal@gmail.com.
  • Wednesday, June 25-To Be Takei, movie on the life of George Takei from Japanese interment camp to Star Trek to internet sensation with 5 million Facebook followers, 7:30 p.m. at the Neon Movies. Takei is also a LGBT activist.
  • Sunday, June 29-Why Marriage Matters?, topic of the MVUUF Sunday service, with Michael Primo from Why Marriage Matters. After the service, Michael will also offer training on how to talk to people about marriage equality. Getting the support from national organizations will help pass marriage equality legislation in Ohio. Come to learn the best ways to approach other people in discussing marriage equality.
  • TBA-a speaker from Freedom to Marry will be at the Fellowship, explaining why they feel marriage equality should be on the ballot as soon as possible. 
 
  

CHALICE OF THE WILLOW (CUUPS)

Come and join Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS) at their next gathering! They'll be meeting together on Sunday, June 8th, 12:30 p.m., in Room #1 at the Fellowship. They'd love to have you join them! All Chalice of the Willow events are open to the entire MVUUF community and community at large. You do not have to be a Pagan to come! We welcome all who are interested in listening and discussing any of our topics. Contact us at: 

chaliceofthewillow@gmail.com

and follow us at:

                      www.facebook.com/chaliceoftheWillow

 

 

 

INTERESTED IN LEARNING CPR?

Or perhaps you are updating your current CPR certification? If so, then please plan to attend our First Annual CPR Class, on Tuesday, June 24th, in the Sanctuary at the Fellowship!

 

We will begin the class at 6:00 p.m., and should be finished by 10:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome:  members, friends of the Fellowship, even friends of members and friends of friends of the fellowship! As a matter of fact, anyone who wants to be able to help in a time of crisis will be welcomed and trained. The class and certification will cost $35 per student, and you will need to register by SUNDAY, JUNE 15th!

 

Any questions, please contact David Cobb, (937) 304-5026 or dvdcobb@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

MVUUF SOCIAL ACTION SUMMER FILM SERIES

The MVUUF Social Action Summer Film Series is beginning! Free movies with snacks and good fellowship are on alternate Friday evenings, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Founders Room at the Fellowship. Bring friends and family! If you like, stay after for discussion. Donations of snack items are welcomed. The movies for June are:

  • June 13th-In-Laws and Outlaws. This highly rated documentary

    MVUUF SOCIAL ACTION SUMMER FILM SERIES

    The MVUUF Social Action Summer Film Series is beginning! Free movies with snacks and good fellowship are on alternate Friday evenings, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Founders Room at the Fellowship. Bring friends and family! If you like, stay after for discussion. Donations of snack items are welcomed. The movies for June are:

    • June 13th-In-Laws and Outlaws. This highly rated documentary discusses marriage and relationships from a straight and gay perspective. Couples and individuals are interviewed. The film distributors would like us to invite people from the wider community, so feel free to spread the word! http://www.inlawsandoutlawsfilm.com/
    • June 27th-Gasland 2. The film "shows how the stakes have been raised on all sides in one of the most important environmental issues facing our nation today." The filmmaker shows people in Texas, Wyoming and Pennsylvania affected by air and water pollution related to fracking and also discusses the global impact of obtaining and burning natural gas. www.gaslandthemovie.com/about-the-film

     

    Please mark your calendars for more Social Action films on:  July 11th, July 25th, August 8th, and August 22nd. Check the July Forum for confirmation of the following titles:

    • July 11th-Inequality for All. This highly rated documentary follows former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich in its mission to "show through a non-partisan perspective why extreme income inequality is such an important topic for our citizens today and for the future of America." http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/inequality_for_all_2013/
    • July 25th-Prison State, "follows the lives of four individuals in Kentucky's criminal justice system as the state tries to interrupt the cycle of mass incarceration." http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/locked-up-in-america/
    • August 8th-The Internet's Own Boy or The United States of Secrets.
    • August 22nd-Unnatural Causes.
      

 

NON-PLEDGE GIVING

The next non-profit group that will benefit from the congregation's non-pledge giving during the months of June/July/August is For The Love of Children (FLOC). This organization has no administrative budget, as everything is done by volunteers, and was started by Beth Mann in 2008. That first year, the focus was on providing Christmas gifts to needy children in the Dayton area. Since then, they have grown into an industry of volunteers who are passionate about caring for the neglected, abused, and foster care community. They serve ages newborn through 18. Since the fall of 2012, FLOC has offered academic tutoring to area children who need help with their studies, offering tutors skilled in many areas of study. There are 25 computers available, academic tools, and people with the appropriate skills. In addition, current FLOC programs include:  Baby Safe and Sound, Betsy Hoobler Skills Center, Christmas for Kids, Comfort A Child, FLOC Boutique, Read to Me, Sponsor a Wish, Tools for School, and scholarships for post-secondary education. For more information, please visit their website at flocdayton.org.

 

 

 

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION GROUP

June 1: Talents-What, When, Where & How Was That Talent Discovered?  with moderator Diane Bohlander.

June 8:  The Three Worlds...Where Are You?  with moderator Randy Mayle.

June 15:  The Prophetic Church with moderator Bob Lewis.   

June 22:  The Community Discussion Group & MVUUF  with moderator Alice Diebel.

June 29:   Thoughts on Investing with moderator  Jim Faulconer.

  

  

 

DAYTIME BOOK CLUB

June 18 - The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by Ayana Mathis

July 16 - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford.

August 20 - Flowers for Algernon, by David Keyes.

September 17 - Billy Lynn's Long Half-Time Walk, by Ben Fountain.

  

We meet one Wednesday a month, at 10:30 a.m., in the Fellowship Library. Those who want to go out for lunch together. All are welcome! Contact Janice Beers, ( 937) 836-7166.

  

  

 

EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The Evening Book Discussion Group will meet on Tuesday, June 10, 7:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary at the Fellowship to discuss the UUA Common Read title, Behind the Kitchen Door, by Saru Jayaraman. New participants are welcome; even if you don't normally attend, don't miss this opportunity to discuss the Common Read book! Contact Ann Snively if you would like more information. Future titles have been selected:

June 10 - Behind the Kitchen Door, by Saru Jayaraman

July 8 - (we will skip our July meeting to have more time to read the book for August, which has 600 pages!)

August 12 - The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson

September 9 - Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, by David Sedaris

October 14 - My Life in Middlemarch, by Rebecca Mead

November 11 - The Circle, by Dave Eggers

December 9 - The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd

  

 

 

SMART CHOICES

Smart Choices will hold their next monthly birthday luncheon on Thursday, June 26, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at MCL Cafeteria in Kettering (Far Hills and David Road). All are invited to help us celebrate...come check us out! You can RSVP to Allie Peterson at allieoop777@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCH

Please join us in our longstanding 2nd Saturday ministry serving lunch to homeless and/or low income women and families. If you are thinking of helping at St. Vincent's but would like a bit more information, please pick up one of the information half-sheets from the table near the windows in the Gathering Space.  June 14th Menu: pulled pork/BBQ chicken/sloppy joe sandwiches, vegetable dish (coleslaw, pasta salad with veggies, or side dish made with fresh veggies), fresh fruit and 100% juice (we will also use stock in the St. Vincent pantry for milk and bread). We need four to five donations of each item, with each donation serving 15 to 20. 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 to serve or donate menu items in the Gathering Space. Feel free to call Lynn Buffington at (937)657-0426 if you have any questions. 

 

 

PUT A LITTLE MORE LOVE IN THE WORLD!

How can you do that? By attending a Bob Sima Concert! Yes, Bob Sima is coming back to MVUUF! We loved him when he came last summer, and he loved us, and he's able to perform for us again on Monday, June 23rd! His new album, Put A Little More Love In The World, is full of uplifting songs that do just what the title says...songs that remind us of what's important when we're not "feelin' it." You can listen to his music on his website for free, but he's better in person, because you get to feel the energy and the love! Seriously! The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 23rd, and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are just $20! We will delight in simple snacks and desserts at intermission. Please feel free to bring something to share, if you are willing and able.

 

And if you'd like to check out his website, please visit:

www.bobsima.com. 

 

 

   

 

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We are a liberal religious community that embraces diversity and respects the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  ALL are welcome here, no matter their race, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender expression, or ability.

 

Please visit us on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. for our worship service - we'd love to see you!