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Ministerial Musings
I have now been officially called to the Keene Unitarian
Universalist Church, in Keene, New Hampshire. I spent a hectic candidating
week meeting the members of the congregation, the local clergy and the
nearby UU ministers. I ate lots of food, and was treated to a warm welcome.
I was reminded of my candidating week here in Midland, eight
years ago. I received a warm welcome here, too, and I've been pleased
to see throughout the years how well everyone who comes through our doors
is welcomed. I'm sure the Interim minister and the minister you call next
will respond to your warm embrace as well. I'll still be with you in May,
June and July, and I'll be preaching full-time again, so you'll see lots
of me before I go.
In the course of my cutting short the sabbatical and our
planning for the future, the service of one group has rather unceremoniously
ended. The Sabbatical Committee had an important role in planning the
sabbatical time, educating about the sabbatical, and staying in place
to help during the sabbatical. I wish to extend a hearty thanks to the
members of the Sabbatical Committee: Jackie Anderson, Kyle Bagnall, Becky
Carlson, Bruce Froelich, Maxine Guettler, Janice Kwaikowski, and Donna
Wedge. You helped make the way smooth for me and the congregation.
As I look out my window, I see signs of spring everywhere.
The snow is finally gone, the grass is green, buds are appearing on trees
and bushes everywhere, daffodils and other bulbs are blooming, and birds
are singing happily. Everywhere I go around town, people are working in
their yards. The weather is warm and sunny. In no time the trees will
burst into blossom, flowers will appear everywhere, and Midland will be
full of color. The world is coming alive again. May we also bloom into
our liveliest vitality in this glorious time of year.
in fellowship,
Jane
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Religious
Education News
May RE Calendar:
5-4 Birthday Sunday
5-7 RE Committee meeting 7:30PM
5-11 Children's Service
5-17 Youth Trip to Michigan Adventure Youth Conference
5-18 Story Sunday
5-25 Joys & Sorrows
Michigan Adventure
The Youth Group is going to Michigan Adventure amusement park
on May 17 as a year-end celebration. Unfortunately, our incredible
youth advisor, Maxine Guettler, can't go because she will be recovering
from back surgery (we wish you could be there, Maxine!) Please
see Rod Martin for details about the trip.
Youth Conferences
In April, three of our youth (Allie Davis, Grace Davis and Stefanie
K-Martin) attended a youth conference at the UU church in Kalamazoo.
A youth conference (usually called a "Con") is a 3-day gathering
of high school youth from across the UU Heartland District (which
consists of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky). The Cons always
have a theme. Sometimes, the Cons are "working Cons" with themes
such as anti-racism or fighting poverty. Sometimes, the Cons are
"fun Cons" with themes such as Dance Con or Masquerade Con. The
Cons foster ongoing opportunities for UU youth to connect with
other UU youth and share and express their UU values as a group.
It's also a chance for them to meet with old and new friends who
share some of the same values. If you've been to a Con (as I have)
you know it's really something special to behold. The youth are
so creative, so compassionate, so impressive! Our youth plan to
attend another Con in May.
Mother's Day: Fathers Wanted!
Every Mother's Day, the DRE gives all of the moms the day off
from Children's Religious Education so that they can attend the
service. It's not always easy to do so, because our UUFoM moms
make up the majority of our RE teachers. So, come on dads, let's
step up for all of those wonderful moms in RE and do the teaching
for them on May 11! Please contact Rod Martin at 835-3207 to help
out.
Thank You
- Scott Davis and Karen Treadway for supervising our Youth Group
for April, May and June. And thanks again to Scott Davis for donating
his entire weekend to take our youth to the Kalamazoo Youth Con!
- Evelyn Lipowitz, Lisa Drottar and Kathy Weaver for facilitating
the "Our Whole Lives" sexual education program for 4th-6th graders
in March and April. What an important donation of time and energy
they have invested for the health and well-being of our children!
It is MUCH appreciated!
Secret Pal
The Fourth Annual Secret Pal program at UUFoM culminated on April
25 at 6:00PM with a pizza party for adults and kids. Kids were
introduced to their secret pals and found out who had been sending
them the great messages during the duration of the program.
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From the Board
President
On April 3, the Fellowship Board voted unanimously to proceed
on a search for an Interim Minister, to serve for 1 or 2 years, until
we can call a Settled Minister. The Board has appointed an Interim Search
Committee: Marlene Hickman, Chair; Jackie Anderson; and Jim Falender.
As a backup position, because the current demand for Interim Ministers
is greater than the current supply, the Board is also exploring the option
of hiring a Consulting Minister.
Some simplified definitions are in order. An Interim Minister
has taken additional training to aid UU Societies in transition. They
are trained to help congregations perform self-assessment to identify
their needs, and to prepare them to find a suitable fit in a settled minister.
Interims serve no more than 1 or 2 years and agree not to become a settled
minister for several years at that congregation. The process for securing
both Interim and Consulting Ministers, who serve on contract at the discretion
of the Board, is brief and simplified, generally requiring several months
at most. The Board, using an ad hoc arrangement for finding and securing
a Consulting Minister, can hire one who generally serves for a year or
two or more, and may eventually become a settled minister if so voted
by the Congregation.
A Settled Minister is selected in a longer, formal process,
often requiring a year or more. The congregation elects a search committee
who hold congregational meetings and surveys to gain detailed input from
members, both for self-understanding and for understanding the skills
and qualities desired in a minister. The search committee conducts a structured,
highly formalized search process culminating in a week-long visit by the
candidate, followed by a formal congregational vote. A large majority
approval is required to "call" a minister.
The Unitarian Universalist Association provides detailed
handbooks and personal assistance (assistance also from the Heartland
District) to aid these search processes, for both UU societies and for
ministers. Congregational polity, a concept applicable to all UU Societies,
means that the ultimate decisions on how to proceed rest with our Fellowship.
In many cases, these searches will require additional budget
expenses above the usual, such as travel (for minister and search committee),
moving costs and an increase in the compensation package for the minister.
The Board will prepare a budget to reflect these additional expenses,
which will require the Congregation to stretch its pledge capability.
Steve Goodnow, our Stewardship Chair, is assembling a team to challenge
us to meet these increased expenses.
Sincerely,
Jon Lipowitz
Paraministry
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Rita Mulford for winning third place in the
State for the Junior Duck Stamp Drawing Competition.
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J. J. Treadway for winning a $300 scholarship
for his original composition at the Blue Lake Camp competition.
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Ryan MacInnes for his new job in California
working in nano technology.
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Margot Haynes who is recovering well from her
recent knee replacement surgery.
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Duke Yost, who is recovering from hip resurfacing
surgery and doing well.
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David Fry who is doing well following a recent
hospitalization.
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Rod Martin and Janice Kwiatkowski and family following
the death of Rod's stepfather, following a long illness.
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Ian and Jessica Cruickshank who recently lost a close
family member following an extended illness.
Visitor Orientation
We invite all who feel ready to make a committment to become
a member of our fellowship. To do so, talk with Jim Falendar (Membership
Committee Chair) or any member of the membership committee..
Sunday Services
(Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM)
April 27, 2008 “Coal: Turning back the Tide”
Peter Sinclair
Coordinator: Heather Cleland-Host
Midland Resident and Global Warming educator Peter Sinclair
brings a wider perspective to our local decision making process: We
are witnessing the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. Americans,
concerned about climate change, pollution, and energy independence,
now favor a moratorium on new coal plant construction. We not only know
that we must stop the releases of CO2 from fossil fuel power, we know
how we are going to do it. The technologies we need to replace fossil
fuel are here and are being deployed now. We stand at the threshold
of an economic revolution. Michigan can choose to participate, and leverage
our skilled labor and manufacturing base to lead the world, or we can
watch our state become a technological backwater. We have very little
time to make the decision.
May 4, 2008 "Going Home"
Rev. Jane Thickstun
Coordinator: Sara Clavez
What makes a home? Where do we feel at home? Aren't all
our journeys and explorations perhaps just seeking the way home?
May 11, 2008 "Doin' Time: Nonviolent Resisters Speak
Out for Peace"
Dr. Rosalie Riegle
Coordinator: Jon Cleland-Host Dr.
Rosalie Riegle is writing a book on this title. She is
interviewing peace activists from the WWII era to contemporary times.
Dr. Riegle taught English at SVSU for 34 years, then retired to Evanston,
IL to be close to some of her grandchildren. She co-founded two Catholic
Worker houses in Saginaw and has previously published two oral histories:
Voices from the Catholic Worker and Dorothy Day: Portraits
by Those Who Knew Her. "Individuals have international duties which
transcend the national obligations of obedience. Therefore [individual
citizens] have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against
peace and humanity from occurring." - Nuremburg War Crimes Tribunal,
1950.
May 18, 2008 "The Meaning of Membership"
Rev. Jane Thickstun
Coordinator: Kevin King
We'll explore what it means to be a member of a Unitarian
Universalist congregation, and how we can honor the memory and hope
of the religious movement we have pledged our loyalty to. This service
will feature a New Member Recognition Ceremony to recognize those who
have most recently joined our church. If you have been thinking about
becoming a member, but have not done so yet, give me a call (989-631-5590)
so that we can include you, too.
May 25, 2008 "What's in a Name?"
Rev. Jane Thickstun
Coordinator: R. G. Converse
Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day. Why the
change? People change their names for various reasons ¨C what are those
reasons? What is involved in the act of naming ¨C how do we give names
to people, to things, to feelings, to sensations, to thoughts? Can it
be a spiritual exercise?
Green Corner
Green Green Everywhere!
Sacred Grove
Pagan Column
Happy Beltane! The ubiquitous bursting forth of vibrant
life is all around us, and there is no other time of the year seems as
joyful as this one. The trickle of visible life emerging at Ostara has
become the flood of new life abundant today! Because the Wheel of the
Year maps the human lifespan onto the year, this time of abundant life
also celebrates the start of sexuality and courtship. In Earth's history,
the first appearance of abundant life in the Cambrian (~500 million years
ago) corresponded with the first sexual behavior, like on the Wheel of
the Year.
Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice (by Dr. Olivia Judson) is a great,
and fun, book to read for Beltane. Dr. Judson is one of the world's top
Evolutionary Biologists, and in her book she explores the many different
forms sex has taken in the animal world. This hilarious and highly educational
book includes such tidbits as which species copulates for 10 weeks (&
why), and in which species the male organ grows from the male's head.
You can also read some of her writing in her NY Times column, which comes
out every Wednesday at nytimes.com.
In addition to Dr. Judson's book, traditional ways to celebrate
Beltane (May Day, or Lei Day in Hawaii, May 1st) include decorating with
flowers, making and giving May Baskets of flowers, Maypole dances, and
hanging a May Bough (a living branch) indoors. Catholic adoption of Beltane
is seen in the celebration of Mary crowned with flowers for May Day. Celebration
of Beltane/May Day is growing in some areas, such as Edinburgh's giant
Beltane celebration (see Beltane.org), and Beltane's proximity to Earth
Day fits well also. However you celebrate, I hope the season touches you.
Jon Cleland-Host
Meets First Mondays at 7:15PM (Next meeting: Monday, May
5)
The Social Justice Committee strives to engage people who
have a passion for the issues of homelessness, health care, environmental
justice, racism, reproductive rights legislation and other social justice
issues. If you would like to participate (or you're an expert who would
like to provide information to others) come join the meeting on May 5
at 7:15PM. Contact Heather Cleland-Host for ways in which you can become
involved.
Michigan's Future Energy Sources
Presenters: Peter Sinclair & Representative from Mid Michigan
Energy
Moderator: Lyle Kleman
Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 7:00-9:00PM (tentative)
Location: UU Fellowship of Midland
This will be a forum to hear two different perspectives on the future
energy sources for Michigan. Brief presentations by Peter Sinclair (an
expert speaker on Climate Change) and a representative from MME (for
the proposed Midland coal plant) will be followed by a period of question
and answers. Janet Vanderpool will be the speaker from Mid Michigan
Energy.
Welcoming Congregation: Interweave
"Interweave Continental is a membership organization
actively working toward ending oppression based on sexual orientation
and gender identity, recognizing that we will not be free until all
oppression is a thing of the past. We are a Unitarian Universalist organization
and UU principles guide our work. We value and affirm the lives and
experience of Queer people of faith, regardless of their age, race,
ethnicity, income level, and ability. By providing and supporting leadership
and working in collaboration with other organizations of similar vision,
we strive to connect and nurture all Queer individuals, communities,
and groups and their allies."
From the Interweave website: http://www.interweavecontinental.org
Contact Joelle O'Bryan or Heather Cleland-Host if you
are interested.
Go To New Orleans With Brighton UU'S
CUUB's Social Justice Committee is hoping to organize
a trip for area UU's to participate in the UUA-UUSC Gulf Coast Volunteer
Program June 7 through June 14. Volunteers will be assisting in the
ongoing recovery efforts of this still devastated region. If there is
enough interest, we are planning to charter a bus. If interested, please
contact Tabitha Metreger ASAP at metreger@charter.net
or 734-232-0389. See http://www.uusc.org/gulfcoastvolunteerprogram/index.html
May 2008 Calendar
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10:30AM “Coal: Turning Back the Tide” Peter Sinclair
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May 4 Sunday
May 5 Monday
May 6 Tuesday
May 7 Wednesday
May 8 Thursday
May 11 Sunday
May 14 Wednesday
May 17 Saturday
May 18 Sunday
May 20 Tuesday
May 25 Sunday
May 26 Monday
Announcements
Haven't You Been Wanting to Join a UUFoM Work Party?
Come help "Spring Clean" the Fellowship Saturday, May
17 from 9:00AM - 3:00PM.
Jobs to be done:
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Prep flower beds
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Clean up lawn debris ¨C brush and limbs
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Spread mulch ( 10 yards - yikes!)
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Dig trench for landscape timbers
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Wash windows inside and out
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Clean/organize cloak room
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Clean lower basement after the flood
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Anything else that you think needs to be fixed, cleaned
or improved
Everyone is welcome -- young, old, in-between. Bring rakes, garden
tools, gloves and lots of energy. We will provide snacks. This is
a great opportunity to have fun with friends, get some exercise and
make the Fellowship look good. We need a lot of help, especially to
spread the mulch. Please sign up so we know how many people to expect.
Questions? Talk to Vicki Rothhaar or R G. Converse.
New Directory
The Membership Committee has been hard at work on the
new directory for Fellowship members and friends. There will be a draft
of the new directory in the foyer at the Fellowship. Please take time
to check your listing¡ªyou will spot an error in your address sooner
than anyone else will and we can make corrections before the new directory
goes to press. This draft will be available for a few weeks. Then, the
new directory will be published and made available to everyone.
From the Office
Elaine is on jury duty throughout the month of May. She
will try to keep to her regular schedule in the office as much as possible.
(Mondays and Tuesdays 9:00AM-4:00PM and Wednesdays, 9:00AM-Noon) The
decorative masthead on the Candle Flame has been adapted. Since so many
are getting e-mail newsletters now, it was suggested that it be revamped
to use less black ink for those printing it out at home. Announcements
for the order of service are due on Mondays. If you have an announcement
for the next Sunday's order of service, please submit it to the office
on the prior Monday, so it can be included. (E-mails, typed or legibly
hand written notes are all acceptable for submitting announcements.)
Time and the UUA
The UUA's well-received national market campaign has begun.
There will be another ad in Time Magazine. The first ad ran in the April
14 issue. This was a full-page ad with the headline, "When in Doubt,
Pray. When in Prayer, Doubt." This ad included an offer for a free
copy of the DVD "Voices of a Liberal Faith."
The May 12 issue will carry the UUA ad with the headline,
"My God is Better Than Your God." This ad will also include
the free DVD offer. The UUA's national advertising campaign is supported
through UU congregations (like UUFoM) on Association Sunday.
The national marketing campaign has energized congregations
and individual UUs. Go to the UUA website -- Leaders-Leaders Library-National
Marketing Campaign for further details . All updated information, sample
graphics, generic ads for congregational use, and hospitality and welcoming
tools for congregations are available there. It is hoped that seekers
looking for a religious home will discover welcoming UU congregations
committed to supporting their spiritual journeys.
Memorial Day Picnic at Stratford Woods - May 26
Fellowship families are invited to celebrate the holiday
at Stratford Woods Pavilion. This is a potluck - bring your own table
service, meat to grill for your family and a dish to share. Lemonade
will be provided. The shelter is reserved from 4:00PM on. You can come
early to swim or fish. (Bring bait and poles or whatever you like.)
We plan to have the barbie fired up by 5:30PM and will eat shortly thereafter.
We will also celebrate Rita Mulford's birthday. Look for a sign up sheet
in the Fellowship lobby.
Midland Area Homes
On Saturday, June 14, UUFOM will provide the volunteers
for furniture & appliance pick-ups for Midland Area Homes' donation
program. We donate our time and muscle four Saturdays each year for
this worthwhile non-profit organization. It's about a 5-6 hour time
investment starting at 8:30 am. Please contact Rod Martin to help out.
Rod will spring for the coffee (usually Espresso Milano)
Softball
The UUFOM softball team begins play on May 4. We will
print a schedule in the June newsletter (and post one in the UUFOM lobby).
The schedule wasn't available as of this newsletter's printing.
Summer Vacation Fun for Single Adults
You are invited to attend a fun vacation camp for single
adults. Three camps are sponsored by AMUUSE (Adult Midwest Unitarian
Universalist Singles Enrichment) this summer:
Saugatuck, Michigan - June 15-20, 2008
Williams Bay, Wisconsin - July 13-19, 2008
Saugatuck, Michigan - August 10-16, 2008
Mornings at AMUUSE camps offer you the opportunity to
connect with a small group of campers with similar interests in a week-long
group, interacting on various topics. Afternoons are open for recreational,
social, craft activities or just relaxing. There are coffeehouse sessions,
costume parties, campfires, and dancing available, also.
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