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Sunday Morning Online Service at 10:30am
June 28
"Poetry: A Little Bit of Heaven in a Disaster" - Poetry can express all sorts of emotions, from anger to love, despair to humor. We have a poetry Sunday every year, but this year, finding meaningful insight into our shared and particular situations with the Covid-19 lockdown, the flood, and now widespread civil unrest due to institutional racism and divisive leadership makes the challenge of finding the right words without becoming pedantic daunting. Poetry cannot change the world, but it can reflect it. We'll give our best shot. Led by Jim Crissman, speaker.
If you have a candle or chalice at home, please have it ready to light together when the time comes.
If you haven't zoomed with us before, please arrive 15 minutes early for Zoom instructions. Here's a video on how to install the Zoom app. Please contact Wendy Altmeier, [email protected], if you have issues connecting or you need help with installing.
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UUFoM YouTube Channel
Did you miss the service this past Sunday? You can see a replay (minus Joys and Sorrows) below and on our YouTube Channel. We invite you to subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date with all videos.
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June 20 - “The Stories We Tell”
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This Week at the Fellowship
All teams and groups have decided to meet via Zoom instead of face to face during this time. Please contact your team/group leader if you need further guidance. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please email the office or call 989-631-1162.
All meetings listed below are via Zoom.
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NEW: Minister's Summer Sendoff
In previous communications I have said I would be available this summer only in the case of pastoral emergencies. The truth is, I will be around town most of the time. I’ll plan a trip or two (or three) but won’t be gone for more than a week or two at a time. I’ll be checking in with the board and pastoral care team. If you need to contact me (or have me contact you back), please let Shannon, Beth, or Gisela know.
Let us all remember that we still are in covenant together, even through the anxiety and fear. Let us remember to be kind in all we do and live the love that is Unitarian Universalism.
Be well, everyone. I hope your summer is renewing and peaceful.
Blessings,
Eric
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NEW: FINAL Virtual Tea with the Minister
Since we are not meeting in person regularly, if you would like to connect casually with our minister, Eric Severson, he will be holding a final virtual tea session (until September) via Zoom, per the schedule below. If you would prefer to schedule a private conversation, click here.
Morning Tea with the Minister: Tuesday at 10:00am
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/671875462?_ga=2.255680072.1354847327.1583942114-281701554.1582131720
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NEW: Fellowship Building
For everyone's safety, the Fellowship Building is closed to everyone except: staff, Sunday musicians, Vicki Rothhhaar, and Pete Carlson.
To ensure that the most vulnerable are not put at risk, new locks were placed on the entrance door. Sandy will communicate to those who will need a key when one will be available. Please contact Sandy Hay if you have any questions.
Thank you!
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NEW: Worship Service Volunteers
The Worship Team is looking for volunteers to help produce the service. We need people to help fill the following roles. If we can get 6 for each role, each person only needs to serve twice per quarter! Please contact Sarah Nuss-Warren or Wendy Altmeier if you are interested.
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Video editor: take the recording of the service, edit, and post to YouTube.
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Participant moderator: admit participants to worship, welcome attendees, and manage muting to avoid background noise.
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Slides moderator: Go between slides and speakers for best visual experience.
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Document editor: Create slides and scripts from materials provided by speaker/minister.
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NEW: Lifespan Religious Education
The 2019-2020 Religious Education program year is completed. Sunday Religious Education classes will resume in the Fall.
Weekly Virtual Camp (all ages!)
Wednesdays at 11:00 am
It's summer! We are no longer holding Sunday religious education classes or regular Hangout sessions in July, but we will be holding a weekly virtual camp! Each week we will have a "take-home" activity which we will share with each other the following week during a one hour zUUm call. We will also have time for online games after sharing, before sending home the next week's activity.
Our first activity will be July 1 from 11am - 1:30pm: Handprints! We have been planning to put handprints on the white brick flower tower and the time has come! Heather and Vicki will be at the Fellowship to help place one handprint per person on the flower tower. Email Heather to schedule a time. The week's activity will be handed out when you come.
Our first zUUm call will be on July 8 at 11:00am.
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NEW: Meeting on the Fellowship Grounds
Our long-term renters, the AA group, will begin to meet on the Fellowship Grounds Sundays from 7:00pm-9:00pm and Wednesdays 8:00pm-10:00pm.
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The Weekly Candle Flame Summer Editions
During the summer months, the weekly Candle Flame will be circulated on Saturdays. The newsletter will be pared down. If you wish to submit an article, please email it to Wendy Altmeier by Thursday at 8:00pm to have it included in the upcoming issue. |
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2020 Public Radio Bundling
"All Things Considered"
"Science Friday"
"Wait, Wait. Don't Tell Me"
Do you enjoy listening to programs such as these on Delta or WCMU Public Radio? Each year, folks from UUFoM make donations to these local public radio stations.
We send the "bundled" checks together to Delta and WCMU in Mt. Pleasant. In return, the fellowship gets free advertising and you get a tax credit!
We’ve successfully received publicity for our fellowship this way for 12 years! Please consider making a donation to either or both stations. Every amount counts. We’ll accept checks until Sunday, June 28.
This year our minister, Eric Severson, will coordinate the effort, so contact him with any questions, at [email protected] or 608-738-2694.
Because the UUFoM building is closed, please send your check(s) ( payable to WCMU 89.5 or Delta 90.1) to Eric Severson, at 4204 Swede Avenue, Midland, MI 48642 by Sunday, June 28. Thank you!
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Office Staff Availability
 Eric Severson, Heather Cleland-Host, and Wendy Altmeier are taking self-care time on Mondays. Other availability as listed below.
Eric Severson, Minister, holds virtual tea with anyone who wishes to join him on Tuesday mornings or Thursday afternoons. Eric does respond to emails throughout the day and checks voicemails as needed.
Eric will be on vacation and study leave in July and August. If you need to contact him beforehand, please do so as soon as possible. He will be available only for emergencies. Here is a link to his recent column.
Wendy Altmeier, Office Administrator, is "working" Tuesday through Friday after 9:00pm, Saturday mornings, Sunday mornings, afternoons and late evening. Wendy does respond to emails throughout the day and checks voicemail as they come in the office.
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Animal Owners: Photos Needed
On Sunday, July 19, Linda Rector will be leading our service entitled, "Blessing of the Animals". Please send a picture of you and your pet, or just your pet, to Linda before 06/30/2020. Thank you! |
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June Theme - "Play"
June 28
"Poetry: A Little Bit of Heaven in a Disaster" - Poetry can express all sorts of emotions, from anger to love, despair to humor. We have a poetry Sunday every year, but this year, finding meaningful insight into our shared and particular situations with the Covid-19 lockdown, the flood, and now widespread civil unrest due to institutional racism and divisive leadership makes the challenge of finding the right words without becoming pedantic daunting. Poetry cannot change the world, but it can reflect it. We'll give our best shot. Led by Jim Crissman, speaker.
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July Theme - "The Earth/The Environment"
July 5
"Best Fiction Ever!" - Reading fiction is fun, but is it also useful? UUFoM member Sarah Nuss-Warren talks about how fiction and science fiction have influenced her spirituality. Led by Sarah Nuss-Warren, member.
July 12
All Michigan UU Service
What have we discovered about remaining hopeful in the midst of the unknown that we can sustain in the future? Our beloved community of UU Michiganders and their friends and family will come together in worship on Sunday, July 12th at 10:30am. Up to 1000 people may participate via Zoom. The service will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Following the service, there will be a state-wide coffee hour gathering. Please join us in this precious opportunity like no other to explore hope as we share sacred space across the “Internet of Spirit.”
July 19
"Blessing of the Animals" - Led by Linda Rector, member.
July 26
"Investing in the Populace" - Led by Chris Nakamura, Board Member-At-Large.
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COVID-19, FLOOD, & RACIAL JUSTICE RESOURCES & CONNECTIONS
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Gathering in Small GroupsHello friends,
After months of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland’s Board of Directors recognizes members’ desire to come together face to face.
While large-group gatherings are suspended and our building remains closed through at least the end of August, we’ve heard from members and teams about transitioning their Zoom meetings to in-person meetings.
When considering the health (physical, mental and emotional) of our community, we want to do everything possible to prevent harm. We also realize that everyone’s situation and comfort with risk is different. This complicates the answer to the question, “Should we meet in person?”
The board continues to refer to the following sources for guidance:
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W.H.O. Religious Mass Gathering Decision Tree
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W.H.O. Advice for Faith Based Organizations
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Whitmer Report
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CDC – Community and Faith-Based Organizations
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Church Mutual Webinar Notes
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Church Mutual Safe Return Checklist
And we’ve recently added California’s Guidance for Places of Worship as a source.
Our greatest asset is our people and everyone’s safety is paramount.
We recommend that you continue to meet via Zoom or other no-risk methods. Should your small group or team (ten or fewer) decide to meet in person, we want to offer these expectations:
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Communicate openly and regularly with small group members. If anyone in your group believes it is unsafe for them to take part in in-person activities, consider whether excluding them is consistent with your covenant. Respect their position and consider alternative arrangements.
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Remember 4 pillars for safe reentry into communal spaces:
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Hygiene: Wash or disinfect hands before, at and after the gathering.
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Distancing: Maintain at least six feet social distance.
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Screening: Preferably before the meeting ask whether any member has experienced any sign of the disease—a new fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, nasal congestion, or a runny nose.
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Mask use: Always wear a mask -- properly covering both nose and mouth.
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Understand that social activities such as flood cleanup, justice rallies, and the governor's "opening" of businesses will only increase the likelihood of further spreading the virus and increasing everyone's risk.
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Report any confirmed cases among us to any member of our staff, pastoral care team, or board, so that we can take steps to improve the safety of our congregation.
Although you may meet outside at the Fellowship, the building is closed and there are no bathroom facilities available. If you decide to use the grounds for meeting, be sure to maintain a respectable and safe distance from other groups that may be meeting at the same time.
Meeting by Zoom will continue to be available over the summer. If your group needs access to Zoom (especially if you’d like to meet for more than 40 minutes without having to restart the meeting), please contact Wendy Altmeier.&nbs
We understand that the desire to get back to normal is huge. We’ve been living in isolation without in-person meeting for three months and it’s taking its toll. In addition, the information we’re learning about the disease is increasing all the time. One of the things we’re certain of is that COVID-19 is still threatening the safety of our community.
The Board of Directors will continue to use the above sources to guide our decisions. If there is a spike in cases and/or the government determines tighter guidelines, we will follow them. We realize we need to do a better job of communicating where we’re going and promise to offer more frequent updates. Watch the newsletter for more information.
Thank you to everyone for being part of this sacred community. Please be safe.
In service,
The Board of Directors
President: Shannon Sonoras
President Elect: Beth Sperry
Treasurer: Vicki Rothhaar
Secretary: Marsha McDonald
Member at Large: Chris Nakamura
Minister: Eric Severson
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Need to Connect with Someone?
HOW ARE YOU? For many of us, our daily lives have been turned upside down. We may be lonely, miss our daily routine and being with friends or family, feel trapped inside... and have trouble not touching our faces.
Whatever you are experiencing, it may be new feelings or bring back difficult memories from the past. Regardless, there are Pastoral Care people who would be glad to visit with you over the phone. You're welcome to call any member of the Pastoral Care Team.
Mary Johnson (989) 859-1490
Gisela Bailey (989) 708-1344
Linda Rector (989) 259-7492
Beth Sperry (415) 419-1747
Amy Rogers (989) 750-6989
Donna King (989) 488-2886
Speed Malecki (989) 835-1915
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan schools may resume in-person learning in phase 4 of the MI Safe Start plan, with strict safety measures in place. The governor also announced that on June 30th, she will release an executive order and a robust document called "Michigan's Return to School Roadmap" that will provide details on what will be required and what will be recommended for schools.
To protect residents and staff at nursing facilities from COVID-19, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon issued an order requiring regular testing and timely and accurate reporting of cases, deaths, personal protective equipment and staffing shortages.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-124 extending her previous order which gives pharmacists increased operational capacity and expands access to prescriptions for Michiganders who need them.
Contact Tracing
To break the chain of infection and continue to slow the spread, we're calling anyone who has been exposed to coronavirus. If you get a call from MI COVID HELP or your local health department please answer.
No Cost Testing Sites
It's best to test. Click here for a list of locations across the state currently providing COVID-19 testing at no cost.
An updated list of the COVID-19 Executive Orders and Directives.
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Help is Here
The Fellowship is rallying to help all our friends in need. Here are a few comprehensive lists of tools, items and services offered by various UU friends. They will be updated as needed. You can contact people directly, or contact the office, or the minister, or any member of Pastoral Care team for any other needs you may have. We are here for you!
List of tools/items offered
List of services offered
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What Do You Need? What Can You Offer?
UUFoM was in the process of creating this form before COVID-19, but due to the absolute devastation of the flood that has affected many in our community, we wanted to get this out as soon as possible. Please fill out the UUFoM Resources: Haves and Needs form. You may fill it out more than once if your needs increase when you are able to re-assess your situation. And you may fill it out to offer services or donations anytime. Maybe you have something to offer and a need for yourself - include it all! We will try to match them up all up and contact you at a later date. Also, if you would rather donate financially, the Minister's Discretionary Fund is always available. If you have any questions or are unable to access the form, please contact Wendy Altmeier.
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UUA Book Offerings
How to Be an Antiracist
by Ibram X. Kendi
From the National Book Award–winning author comes a bracingly original approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society. In How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi asks us to think about what an antiracist society might look like, and how we can play an active role in building it. Kendi brings together an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science, bringing it all together with an engaging personal narrative of his own awakening to antiracism. How to Be an Antiracist is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond an awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a truly just and equitable society.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
by Robin DiAngelo
In this groundbreaking and timely book, antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility. Referring to the defensive moves that white people make when challenged racially, white fragility is characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including argumentation and silence. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium and prevent any meaningful cross-racial dialogue. In this in-depth exploration, DiAngelo explores how white fragility develops, how it protects racial inequality, and what we can do to engage more constructively
Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color
by Andrea J. Ritchie
Invisible No More is a powerful examination of how Black women, Indigenous women, and other women of color experience racial profiling, police brutality, and immigration enforcement. Placing stories of individual women—such as Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, Dajerria Becton, Monica Jones, and Mya Hal—in the broader context of the twin epidemics of police violence and mass incarceration, it documents the evolution of movements centering women's experiences of policing and demands a radical rethinking of our visions of safety—and the means we devote to achieving it.
Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism
by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin
What calls Unitarian Universalists to create multicultural, antiracist Beloved Community? What do congregations need when they embark on this journey? What common threads run through their stories? Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin—a white minister and a lay person of color—share how five diverse congregations encounter frustrations and disappointments, as well as hope and wonder, once they commit to the journey. Extensively researched, Mistakes and Miracles will guide readers to apply these stories to their own communities and develop next steps. |
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Resources for Racial Justice Dialogue with Children
Embrace Race - 31 Books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
A Mighty GIrl - Broadening the Story: 60 Picture Books Starring Black Mighty Girls
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June Webinars with the MidAmerica Region
The MidAmerica Region is offering free webinars via Zoom. You may go to their website and sign up for any webinar offered. Sometimes there is limited seating. Most webinars are recorded and you will be able to view them on their website after they have finished.
Here's a list of their upcoming offerings. Click on the link to sign up for a webinar you are interested in.
Congregational Leaders Check-in Conversation — Every Tuesday in June at 8:00pm
https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinar-congregational-leaders-check
This webinar series is for all congregational leaders and will respond directly to the challenges that congregations are encountering during this time of finding new ways to be in religious community and responding to this health emergency.
Board Basics for Virtual and Beyond — Tuesday, July 28 (Session 2) at 8:00pm and Tuesday, August 25 (Session 3) at 8:00pm
https://www.uua.org/midamerica/events/webinar-board-basics-virtual-and-beyond-session-2
Are you a newly elected Congregational Board member? Are you wanting to refresh your Board skills? Does your board need to rethink how to be a board in a virtual environment? Then this is your webinar! If you missed the first session, it is available "On Demand" on our website here.
Stewardship Salon with UUA Stewardship and Development — Every Monday at 7:00pm
https://www.uua.org/leadership/library/stewardship-distance
The Stewardship and Development Office holds an “office hour” where UUs from around the country gather to ask questions and share best practices for fundraising.
Here is a list of previously recorded webinars you may be interested in. You may go to their website and click on the video to start watching.
Board Basics 2020
Virtual Circle Process
Congregations as Employers During COVID-19
Human Resources: Hiring for Success
Pastoral Care in Times of Crisis and Challenge
Human Resources 101 Part 1
How to Host a Virtual Game Night
Digital Giving
How to Do Small Group Online Gatherings
Virtual Gatherings for Small Congregations
Working with Anxiety
Ritual of Healing and Recharging
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Shannon Sonoras
President
Beth Sperry
President-Elect
Marsha McDonald
Secretary
Vicki Rothhaar
Treasurer
Chris Nakamura
Member-At-Large
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Pastoral Care Ministry Team
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June (after 6/15) Contact: Mary Johnson 989-859-1490
July Contact: Linda Rector 989-259-7492
Our Pastoral Care Ministry Team is here for you. We can provide a meal, a ride, some respite or a supportive ear and a cup of coffee.
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Fellowship Office Hours
Fellowship Office currently closed due to Governor's Whitmer executive order.
Eric Severson
Minister
[email protected]
(608) 738-2694
In case of a pastoral emergency, call anytime.
Heather Cleland-Host
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Office Hours by appointment only
[email protected]
Wendy Altmeier
Office Assistant
[email protected]
(989) 631-1162
Sandy Hay
Sexton
[email protected]
(918) 698-0311
In case of building emergency, call anytime
Andrew Schulz
Choir Director
Melanie Willison
Accompanist
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