Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland
6220 Jefferson Ave., Midland MI 48640-2934
Phone number: 989-631-1162
Email: uufom@uufom.org
2010 is gathering momentum. As I write this the air is crisp, the sky is blue and the Mountain Ash berries on the tree outside my office have finally lost their color. They are drying up, preparing the way for new growth. I try to keep Greta Crosby's ode to winter in mind, trying not to wish away any days between now and spring. Every day of a transition time is full of opportunity. Despite our anxieties, we do not want to wish it away. If we substitute transition time for winter, Greta's words say it well!
Transition’s cold to hugs and huddles;
Transition’s want to gifts and sharing;
Transition’s danger to visions,
plans and common endeavors -
It’s an effort for me to not wish away winter and at this time every year I am eager to get out into my garden and am heartened by early signs of spring: yellowing of the willows, cardinals singing, light on the horizon earlier every time I sit at my kitchen table drinking my first cup of coffee. But it is a wintry landscape. And the landscape here at UUFoM is anything but wintry. I so enjoy the Sunday morning sounds of a well used building: the buzz of conversation before and after the service as people cluster around the Book table or greet one another. So many signs of spring here!
The addition of 9:00 AM childcare on March 14th and 28th makes it possible for parents to stretch their minds, by attending Hot Topics, or to soothe their souls by slipping into the library for a hour (9:00-10:00 AM) to of silent meditation. Not wanting to wish away winter, so much activity was packed into January and February, that it’s hard to believe it’s already March. Adult RE opportunities continue in March. The final two sessions (March 1 and 8) of Bible Study for Skeptics looks at Christian Scripture, a.k.a. New Testament. Interested folks are welcome to join the class at this point.
As the end of this transition approaches, you continue putting down roots. You have the satisfaction of a successful canvass behind you, financial stability is a tree you want to see take deep root and flourish over a long period of time. The newly-formed Committee on Ministry and the emerging Congregational Covenant are containers for community building and clear communication. They’re sprouting now and will flower along with your ministry with your new minister. There is also the successful launching of the CUUPS chapter and the promise of an Interweave group—two important growth opportunities.
Rooting these new plantings takes time, the results of our work together won’t be evident until long after I’m gone; perhaps when I read a Candle Flame five years from now. Gardeners are accustomed to waiting, so interims make good gardeners or vice versa. Interim work is cultivating healthy congregations. Sometimes all I get to do is turn over the soil and hope for the best. It is such a privilege to be working with a congregation willing to till and plant. Being your interim minister is gratifying.
Faithfully,
Fran
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March RE Calendar
OWL 7th-9th Grades
Reminder:
Easter Morning Fun
Upper Elementary Sleepover
UUFoM Youth RE:
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We have such a great community. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so too does it take a generous community to raise a fellowship. Board President-Elect Heather Cleland-Host described how well the committee chairs worked together to tidy the Fellowship building in advance of candidate visits. Thank you all for your time and effort; the building looks marvelous. Similarly, I noticed how everyone pitched in to clean up after our pot luck celebration. The way the dinner tables changed to rows of chairs appeared miraculous. Of course, I know better; you all jumped in generously to lend a hand. It’s amazing what we can do together for our Fellowship.
The Board continues to make progress on our three goals: policy governance, communication and types of growth. In January, each Board Member chose to read a chapter of Dan Hotchkiss’ book entitled, Governance and Ministry. When we reconvened in February, we agreed that Hotchkiss’ vision is enlightening and important. As a result, we’ve decided that we each need to read the book in its entirety. With candidating week quickly approaching and then preparing for a new minister, we’ve decided to continue our conversation about policy governance in the fall. Meanwhile, if any of you would like a copy of Hotchkiss’ book, please let Jackie Anderson know. She would be happy to order one for you. That could get us all on the same page.
Our exploration of types of growth has taken us to a DVD sent to us by Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. This DVD shows four General Assembly presentations by different sized congregations that have successfully grown in both depth and numbers. Keeping lines of communication open is important to your Board. To that end, we will have a Board member available to hear your ideas every Birthday Sunday (except for Easter Sunday). I particularly enjoyed this in February when I was able to meet with people personally to hear ideas. The purpose is to include everyone and no idea is too small. We can take whatever your idea might be to the right place. So, please don’t hesitate.
Please note: Board meetings are open and anyone is welcome to attend. e welcome your comments and input always. We meet the second Thursday of every month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. We hope to see you there sometime!
With peace and love,
Lisa
One quick reminder: if you need to use the building, please call the Fellowship secretary, Elaine Parsons, by dialing 989-631-1162 or e-mailing uufom@uufom.org. Elaine keeps a calendar of scheduled activities in the office which enables her to let you know if your need can be met. We have such an active membership, plus we have non-member groups who use our building, so this process of making a reservation is necessary to ensure that people aren’t disappointed when they arrive. I’m sure you can understand. Thank you.
Paraministry (March Contact: Donna Wedge)
Congratulations To:
- Cynthia Clark who is in the last semester for her Associates Degree. Also to her mother who is cancer free and to her son, who won 2 wrestling meets.
- Jessica and Ian Cruickshank who are expecting twins in July.
- Rob Malecki who will appear in the spring Dow High musical.
- Rita Mulford on reaching Silver awards level in Venture Scouting.
- Marjorie Bower on the wedding of her daughter in Oklahoma City.
- Sasha King who wrote and self published an illustrated story book for children.
- Bruce Froelich and Margo Haynes on the engagement of Bruce's daughter Courtney.
- Rob Maxwell, who is celebrating 18 years together with his partner Mike.
- The Ancient Shores Covenant of UU pagans who finalized their mission statement and bylaws for application of chapter status with CUUPS.
Concern For:
- Alex, infant foster son of Greg and Susanne Lopez. He is receiving additional medication for seizure control.
- Jack Dickinson‘s mother, who has been hospitalized with cancer complications.
- Lonny Hubbard, who had hand surgery at Beaumont Hospital.
- Kari Lutey, who is facing difficult decisions at this time in her life.
- Donna Wedge‘s sister, who is recovering from successful surgery.
Sympathy To:
- The Bagnall family on the passing of Trena's grandmother.
We invite all who feel ready to make a commitment to become a member of our fellowship. To do so, talk with Kevin King (Membership Committee Chair), Lisa Drottar (Board President), Rev. Fran Dew, or any member of the membership committee.
Sunday Services (Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM)
Sunday
Services (Calendar, Sermon Archive)
Services begin at 10:30 AM
February 28, 2010: "Connection to Something Greater"
Congregational participants
Coordinators: Congregational participants
The November 15, 2009 service by Rev. Mark Evens included the following homework assignment: 1) Reflect on your connection to something greater than yourself. Consider the roles of tradition, intuition, direct experience and reason in that connection. 2) Consider how you bring your connection to that greater something to voting, avocation of issues, direct service work, etc. This service will be based on reflections on these questions.
March 7, 2010 "Living Wage?"
Rev. Fran Dew
Coordinator: Joelle O’Bryan
On this 7th Unitarian Universalist Justice Sunday we’ll explore the realities of "living" on a living wage.
March 14, 2010 "Sitting at the Welcome Table"
Rev. Fran Dew
Coordinators: Marlene Hickman
Greeting guests who brave leaving their comfortable homes to worship here on Sunday morning need a reassuring welcome from the community. The growth of this community as a community, our growth in community depends on each of us becoming a consistent welcomer.
March 21, 2010 "A Time Traveler"
Rev. Fran Dew
Coordinator: TBA
Late in the 19th century the Reverend Caroline Bartlett Crane was called to serve the First Unitarian Church of Kalamazoo. This morning she’ll visit Midland to share her reflections of her pastorate there.
March 28, 2010 "Why???"
Congregational participants
Coordinator: Shannon Sonoras
Our journey brings many diverse experiences and understanding their purpose is often elusive, especially when we're knee deep in them. As the saying goes, 'Hind sight is 20/20'. Join us for time of reflection as we uncover how sometimes what has happened really does make sense.
Did you know that hot water heaters typically rank as the third biggest energy user in the home? Especially if your heater is electric, it will make up 15-35% of your total energy bill. Very few of us would give up hot water altogether, but there are ways to make our use a lot more energy efficient. First of all, most of us have our heaters turned up too far. Save energy by turning down the thermostat to 120 degrees. Second, install a low-flow shower head and faucet aerators around your home. By using less water, the heater simply has less work to do. Also, wash and rinse your clothes in cold water, which does the job just as well, but uses a LOT less energy. An insulating blanket on your tank can help keep ambient heat from escaping. When it's time to replace your heater, consider a tankless or "on-demand" type, which provides hot water as you need it and doesn't constantly heat and store so many gallons all the time. This article first appeared on Chippewa Nature Center's Green Living Blog at http://cnc-livegreen.blogspot.com. Check it out for a new green living tip each week!
Greetings: I certainly hope we are enjoying ourselves this March as we say goodbye to the winter and welcome the new season as it approaches.
When I think of the month of March, and the Sabbat Ostara, I first think of spring. Despite the snow that covers the ground while I write this, I am still reminded that it will soon be a memory, as the earth comes alive—brand new again, with spring. I feel renewed with the coming of spring. I often find myself enjoying the songs of the cardinals outside my door and laugh as I watch the squirrels and chipmunks chase one another playfully, up and down the trees .There is simply a childlike aspect about nature in spring-time which takes me back to my own childhood days.
On a more spiritual side of things, I'm reminded of how according to Pagan lore Ostara marks the time when the God has matured to manhood and impregnates the Goddess. As the story plays out, the God continues to care for the Goddess during the course of her pregnancy until his death at Samhain and eventual rebirth at Yule. This is, of course, a very simplified telling of the story of the Wheel of the Year.
Spring is quite possibly my favorite time of the year, with its overall childlike nature and just the beauty that surrounds us on all sides. Even if you, like many of us, live in the middle of the city, the effects of spring can still be experienced. So, this March, why don't we all take just a few minutes and enjoy the gifts of Mother Nature in all her beauty?
—Gary Boyless
Ye hungry for justice, Ye weary of hate, Ye passionate for action, please come.
Social Justice Meets on Tuesday, March 2, 7:00-9:00PM
(Please let Joelle O'Bryan or Jack Dickinson know if you need childcare to participate.)
We strive 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. Come join us to find out more of what Social Justice is about.
Adult RE
In March and April, Social Justice will be co-leading classes with Adult RE on mindful eating and environmentalism. Please watch for updates.
Just Pizza and a Movie Night:
Just a Movie: "A Beautiful Mind" Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 PM (6:15 PM for pizza)
A genius and a schizophrenic- John Forbes Nash, Jr. is both. In this drama, based loosely on a biography by Sylvia Nasar by the same name, explores this complex man. (This movie is 2 hours and 14 minutes long. Its MPAA rating is PG-13 for intense thematic material, sexual content and a scene of violence. Pizza will be available at 6:15pm. Childcare at $2/child will also be provided). Just a Movie Nights are sponsored by the Social Justice committee and alternate dramas and documentaries on justice related topics.
Hot Topics 9:15 AM (Sundays before service)
Discussions start at 9:15AM and end promptly at 10:15AM, before Sunday service. The topic is selected by the Hot Topic Host who will provide a 1-2 page article from an expert on the topic a week before, give a short introduction at the beginning of the discussion, and will send everyone on his/her way on time for the service at 10:15AM. Child care available starting at 9:00 AM on March 14 and 28. Topics and hosts for March are:
March 7 – Women’s Roles, Host: Margot Haynes
March 14 – Drug Legalization, Host: Jim Falendar
March 21 - Respect for Police and Police Stereotyping, Host: Joelle O’Bryan
March 28 – The Banking System, Host: Ian Cruickshank
Community Action Team (CATS) Update
April/May: Season of Caring
May: Midland Blooms (potential new project)
May/June: Habitat for Humanity
September: CROP Walk October/November: Project Homeless Connect
November: Thanksgiving Baskets
November/December: Sharing Tree
Monthly: Midland Area Homes, Fellowship recycling, taking food to the food pantry.
Rainbow Chalice, Joelle O’Bryan
March 31st is the International Transgender Day of Visibility. Began in 2009 by Rachel Crandall on Facebook, she explained it in a PrideSource.com article "I went on Facebook and I was thinking...whenever I hear about our community, it seems to be from Remembrance Day which is always so negative because it's about people who were killed...". Watch for announcements of this year's events in your order of service.
March is Deafness Awareness Month:
A local Deaf social group meets Monday nights at the Midland Mall's food court from 6:00-9:00 PM. You don't need to know sign language to come out. There is also a class that meets on Tuesday nights. For more information, contact Jack Dickinson.
Debate on Creationism:
Jon Cleland Host will debate a nationally-active creationist at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library auditorium on the evening of April 8. The debate will be open to the public.
March 2010 Calendar (PDF)
General Assembly (UUA General Assembly is in Minneapolis in June.)
Have you ever considered being a delegate to the UUA General Assembly (AKA GA)? GA is an energy-packed gathering of thousands of members of UU congregations from around the country. Congregations send delegates to General Assembly to represent them in votes for UUA elections, Study Action Issues, and more. Plus, many UU groups gather together during the meeting, and all kinds of workshops and discussions are held by UUs from all over the country.
General Assembly SCHOLARSHIPS are available. (Fellowship matching scholarship: $250 to match UUA scholarship for a delegate)
If you are interested in being a delegate, but you cannot afford it, the UUA provides registration plus matching funds of up to $250 to applicants. The Fellowship has funds dedicated to matching one $250 scholarship. Also, GA has volunteer opportunities which cover registration. Both of these applications must be completed by March 31.
If you have ever considered going to GA and would be interested in going as UUFoM's delegate this year, contact Lisa Drottar, Heather Cleland-Host, or Rev. Fran Dew. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact us by March 21.
Serendipity Auction (May 1):
For several years, a percentage of net ticket sales plus direct donations amounts have been given to an organization selected by the Fellowship members. If you know of an organization that is near and dear to your heart and would like to submit a nomination form so they can be considered for this year's auction please pick up a charity nomination form at the table in the entryway. In previous years, we have donated to the Nature Center, Arc Midland, Heifer Project and Habitat for Humanity. Deadline for nomination to be submitted is March 14 and voting will take place April 4. If you have questions or need a form, please contact Joelle O'Brien.
Auction donations: Please pick up a form and write down the service, item, lesson, craft, baked goods, vacation spots, etc. you will donate to this year’s auction. The items to be auctioned are the items that have been donated.
Book Discussion - Cakes for the Queen of Heaven - March 22, 7:00 PM.
Cakes for the Queen of Heaven explores the relationship between women's religious history and the personal issues that arise in women living in this patriarchal society. Our female history has been erased and trivialized for too long. Join us for the discussion of this book that brings us to meet ancient goddesses and their stories from around the world.
Like to sing?
We need your voice in the UU choir. It's lots of fun - and the singing's fun, too. We meet Wednesdays at 7:00 PM for practice. And no, you don't have a to have a great voice—enthusiasm goes a long way. See you Wednesday? PS: We have a Spring concert coming up in May, so join us now.
Spring Forward: Daylight Savings Time begins: March 14 Remember to set your forward clocks the night before.
Heartland District Annual Meeting is in Ann Arbor, April 9-11, 2010
The district meeting is only a short drive away—that’s the closest it will be for four years. Don’t miss this opportunity to get together with other Heartland UUs. For more information or to register, go to the district website: www.heartlanduu.org
Contact Lisa Drottar or Heather Cleland-Host about carpooling.
Easter Breakfast (Yes, it IS later than you think.)
On the morning of Easter Sunday, April 4, we will have our annual Easter Breakfast. We will start serving at 9:00 AM and finish by 10:00 AM. The menu will include scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, sweet rolls, fruit cup and orange juice, milk and coffee.
The cost is $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children ages 4-12. Children under the age of four eat for free. Please sign up on the poster in the lobby or call Anita Frye for information or registration and to volunteer to help with breakfast. We need lots of help to set up, cook, serve and clean up. It’s fun! Plan to join us.
Are you crafty?
People wishing to gather at the Fellowship to work on their craft projects (needle work, scrapbooking, etc.) are invited to call Marjorie Bower. We’ll set up a date and time to meet and share fellowship and creativity.
Ancient Shores Covenant of UU Pagans:
We are on the road to official chapter status. On February 14, we adopted our Mission and Bylaws, the only piece missing from our application. Along with a letter from Board President, Lisa Drottar, and a completed application form, everything was mailed to CUUPS Inc. the following week. I look forward to announcing that the application has been accepted. At that point we will appear on the CUUPS webpage – www.cuups.org.
On March 20, at 6:00 PM we will hold our Spring Equinox celebration, with a potluck to follow. All ages are welcome; just bring a dish to pass and your own table service.
Beginning in March our meetings will settle on the third Sunday of each month at 12:15 PM. Remember, all are welcome and childcare is provided with the cost shared among those in attendance. On March 21, we will hold a brief business meeting to elect our first Officers – Facilitator, Scribe and Treasurer. After the elections, we will have a seasonal activity/discussion. Look for a CUUPS webpage coming soon.
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The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland is recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation. We welcome, affirm, promote and celebrate the full participation of all persons in all of our activities without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, race or any other such category of exclusion.
Please feel free to contact us with any feedback, corrections or questions at jaham1729@gmail.com.