Sunday’s Service – ONLINE via Zoom – June 7 at 10:30am
“Strength in Diversity” – Join us for an unusual Flower Communion service. We will celebrate the earth’s natural beauty, our own great diversity, and the courage it takes to live and fight for sacred ideals. Led by Eric Severson, Minister, and Heather Cleland-Host, Director of Lifespan Religious Education.
Please arrive 15 minutes early for Zoom instructions. Here’s a video on how to install the Zoom app. Please contact Wendy Altmeier, office@uufom.org, if you have issues connecting or you need help with installing.
ZOOM LINK https://zoom.us/j/943984845?pwd=eWxsYWxqakJpOEhrZkxKSE1ab2JYdz09
Meeting ID: 943 984 845
Password: uufom
Call in number – 312-626-6799
Covid-19 Closure Updates 4/25/20
Hi, all.
As I write this, I am filled with gratitude.
The board of directors — at its most recent board meeting and with the recommendation of staff — has decided that, for everyone’s safety, UUFoM in-person activities will continue to be suspended through the end of August and possibly beyond. The board and staff will continue to monitor data and recommendations of the CDC, UUA, and Governor Whitmer’s office. If “safer” (e.g., small group, outdoor, properly spaced) summer activities become possible, we might try that. Thank you to board members Shannon, Beth, Marsha, Vicki, Chris, and Patricia for their vision, level-headedness, and commitment. (If you have questions about this or any board decision, please contact Shannon Sonoras or Beth Sperry.)
I want to thank our staff for their herculean efforts in helping us maintain connections during this time, particularly Wendy, Heather, and Melanie. Thanks to them, we have plenty of opportunities for families and children to connect, through stories, informal meetings, and curriculum. Thanks to them, we have developed an online worship format that seems to meet people’s needs and continues to evolve weekly. Thanks to them, we have empowered many of our small groups to continue meeting online. I appreciate all staff members’ commitment and dedication in making the best of this crisis.Thank you also to our Pastoral Care and Engagement teams — and leaders Gisela Bailey and Kathy Kinkema — for reaching out to our most vulnerable persons. Thank you to them and the Auction Committee for adapting creatively to these circumstances.
Thank you to all who donated recently to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Requests for aid have increased in the past month, and I am grateful that we can help due to your generosity.
Thank you to all for keeping your hearts open during this time of uncertainty. I am confident that, together, we will pull through.Blessings,
Eric Severson
Large-group Activities Suspended
All large-group activities at the fellowship are suspended until further notice. A decision to resume will be reviewed every few weeks, based on recommendations by public health and denominational officials. Until then, Sunday services will be provided online via the Zoom platform.
Changes to Meetings
Meetings will be held via Zoom. If you need help scheduling a meeting, please contact Wendy Altmeier.
Changes in Staff Time
The staff will not be in the office during regular hours. They will be checking email regularly and working from home. Weekly announcements will continue to arrive by email. Minister Eric Severson and others are still available for pastoral care calls.
What You Can Do
Continue to connect with friends as you are safely able. Extend a kind word or prayer to those who are not so well. Be vigilant in good hygiene practices: washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding touching your face. Stay home if you can and follow public health recommendations. If you or a loved one are impacted by illness or closures in any way, please reach out to Eric at uuseverson@gmail.com or our Pastoral Care Team at pastoralcare@uufom.org.
To access the member and friend directory, click here (password protected; contact Wendy for the password)
Fellowship Office Hours
The Fellowship Office and Sanctuary will be closed through April 20. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. If you need to get in touch with the office, please contact office@uufom.org.
The Fellowship Office is open Monday – Thursday from 9:30 am until 2:30 pm. Please email the office if you need to get in touch at any other time.
