|
|
|
|
Sunday Morning Online Service at 10:30am
November 1
"You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup" - Especially during these times of crisis and division, self-care is an essential tool in serving others. We must combat our own exhaustion and compassion fatigue by refilling our cups from whatever healing sources we can find. Join us for a pre-election reminder about being available to others by being present to our own needs. Led by our minister, Rev. Eric Severson
ZOOM LINK https://zoom.us/j/943984845?pwd=eWxsYWxqakJpOEhrZkxKE1ab2JYdz09
Meeting ID: 943 984 845
Password: uufom
Dial In Phone Number: (312) 626-6799
For upcoming Sunday Services, click here.
|
|
|
Don't forget to turn your clocks back early Sunday at 2:00am!
|
|
|
UUFoM YouTube Channel
Did you miss our previous services? 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.
|
|
|
|
|
10/25/2020 - Vote Love, Defeat Hate: Organizing for the Long Haul
|
|
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 unless noted otherwise.
|
|
NEW: UUFoM Committee on Ministry Announcement
We are delighted to announce the formation of the UUFoM Committee on Ministry (“COM”). The members are Christina VanPoucker, Cathy French, Vicki Reidelberger, Jacob Guettler, and Chris Nakamura. One of the purposes of the COM is to “assess the effectiveness of the entire ministry and its interrelated facets. Its perspective is the big picture—assumes no independent parts.” [R. Latham]
The first task of our COM, and one of the driving forces behind its formation at this time, was to complete Reverend Eric’s Preliminary Fellowship renewal evaluation. The UUA requires that this evaluation be submitted yearly for the first three years of a new minister’s service. Evaluations must be submitted by the Committee on Ministry, the Board, the minister, and the minister’s mentor.
Our COM jumped into the evaluation process with enthusiasm, focus, and integrity. They met with all the ministry groups in our congregation, asking important questions with love and respect. We appreciate that all of the members of the COM are busy people who, in addition to their personal commitments in this crazy time, serve our congregation in many other ways. We are deeply grateful for the time they have put into Eric’s Preliminary Fellowship renewal process. The discussions they had with the ministry teams will also inform them as they continue to serve our Fellowship.
Each Committee on Ministry is unique, and ours will evolve as we move forward. In the months and years to come, our COM will keep the pulse of the congregation, our ministries, and our minister. As MidAmerica regional lead David Pyle says, “The Committee on Ministry can be a source of congregational knowledge, history, and wisdom that a minister may not have. They can serve as a confidential ‘sounding board’ for developments in the ministry, allowing the minister to receive feedback from a team of trusted lay leaders on ideas, before they go to the congregation. This team can also provide healthy reflections upon the ministry, based on their own personal experience of the ministry, that can allow the minister to see more than their own perspective.”
Thank you, Christina, Cathy, Vicki, Jacob, and Chris for your willingness to serve.
|
|
|
NEW: Ruth Ellis Center Winter Clothing and
Blanket Collection CANCELLED
From Jacob Guettler - Normally, an announcement would be sent out for the collection of winter clothing and blankets for homeless LGBTQ+ youth at the Ruth Ellis Center. However, given the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Ruth Ellis Center is not currently accepting donations.
For those who may have been knitting items to donate, I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Possible local alternatives are being researched. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please let Jacob Guettler know via email at [email protected]. |
|
|
NEW: Sharing Tree 2020
 It’s Sharing Tree time! Once again, the Fellowship will show its sharing spirit by participating in the Sharing Tree. It will just look a little different this year!
Starting November 3, tags will be available on our website to purchase gifts for those in need. Tags will be identified by number. Claim a number (or numbers) by emailing Wendy at [email protected]. Wendy will confirm by emailing back the picture of the tag and removing the tag from the website. Print your copy of the tag or if you do not have access to a printer, let Wendy know when you email her to claim the tag and she will mail a copy of your tag.
All gifts should be either unwrapped or placed in a gift bag, with the gift tag taped to the outside. (all boxes must be unwrapped so they can be checked before the gift is delivered) You can return the gifts to the large bin on Maxine’s front porch, 2614 St. Mary’s Drive.
If you are unable to deliver it to Maxine, please call her at 989-492-4413, and she will arrange to pick it up. You can also deliver it to another Sharing Tree location, or directly to the Salvation Army. Please return all gifts by December 2. Thank you again for your generosity, it makes such a difference to so many people! |
|
|
NEW: Stewardship 2021 Update
As of 10/29/2020
From Sara Clavez
Stewardship is love in action.
These past few weeks have demonstrated that the UU Fellowship of Midland is not just surviving but is thriving! On the last two Saturdays we celebrated first the ordination and installation ceremony of our minister, now officially the Reverend Eric Severson. This past Saturday, we celebrated the life of our dearly departed member, Jon Lipowitz. These services were beautiful and moving and the bonus is that they were attended by several people who would not otherwise have been able to be with us because of travel distance.
In addition, we successfully launched the family Religious Education program operating remotely and held the traditional outdoor Fall clean-up.
The Stewardship drive to support the 2021 budget continues to build our resources. We have now heard from 60 individuals and families who have affirmed their commitment to our Fellowship by submitting a pledge form or by stating their intention to get it in. We are very grateful to each and every one of you for your support and participation. And we still need to hear from the rest of you. If the work of this Fellowship and our ministry has value for you, we need you to submit your pledge now. You can access our pledge form here and the pledge materials below.
To update our graphic, we have now achieved 94% of our budget goal. We have commitments from 60 people totaling $167,280. That leaves us with just $10,356 more in pledges needed to meet our goal. If you have not yet made your pledge, we need to hear from you NOW. Our Finance Committee and Board worked hard to present us with a lean budget proposal, It will be very difficult to make cuts without having significant impact on our staff and programs. You can keep that from happening.
The Stewardship Committee: Sara Clavez, Alisha Toyzan, Fred Thomas, Craig Murchison, Vicki Reidelberger, Chris Nakamura and our stewardship volunteers: Tom Bailey, Tim Wagner, Janelle Dombek, Marlene Hickman, Maxine Guettler, and Shannon Sonoras. Thank you again for your thoughtful consideration.
|
|
|
 
Click images to download documents.
|
|
|
NEW: 2020 Annual Meeting Documents
All documents pertaining to the virtual 2020 Annual Meeting are located on our website.
|
|
|
2021 Candidates
Below are brief bios of nominees to our 2021 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee, so you have a better idea of who you will be voting for.
 Sasha King - President-Elect
Sasha first came to UUFoM in early 2008, and became an official member later that same year. She had been curious about UU ever since a friend/neighbor told her about it, over a decade prior. As soon as she finally attended, she knew she was a UU. No other spiritual path had ever felt like a good fit. UUFoM is where her spiritual journey truly began, and will always be her "faith home," even if she someday leaves the area. UUFoM offers more than just a place of worship and spiritual exploration; it offers an oasis in a community that can sometimes feel very narrow and cold.
Sasha was born and raised in Midland. Her family members were not terribly involved in religion, and most are still not, today. When Sasha first came out as a lesbian, she never thought she would meet her eventual partner in such a traditional way. But she met her wife, Jessie Parham, here at UUFoM, in 2010. Sasha is also the proud mother of Liam, her son from her first marriage. Liam is a recent Dow High graduate. He was an honor student, despite some significant challenges. Their home is also shared by an elderly and cantankerous cat, Bubby; a bright-eyed and intelligent dog, Willow; and a sweet-natured doofus of a dog, Cedar.
When asked what her vision for UUFoM is, Sasha said, “That's a tough question. We've been through a lot, as a congregation -- lofty high times and deep valley lows. And, of course, we're in the midst of a situation I never would have ever anticipated when I walked through the doors 12 years ago. But, if I allow my mind to wander, I most dream of a time when UUFoM may become a true community beacon/harbor. The sort of place that people feel drawn to spend their time, even beyond Sundays, even more so than it already is (when we're able to return in person).”
 Shannon Sonoras - Secretary
Shannon Sonoras first attended UUFOM in 2001. It was the people and the Seven Principles that kept her coming back and convinced her to become a member the same year. Since then she's served in a number of leadership roles including Worship Team, Engagement Team, Covenant Groups and Board President.
Shannon attended Midwest Leadership School, a number of General Assemblies and is currently enrolled in the district's Extended Learning Experience - the virtual replacement for MWLS during social distancing.
Shannon lives in Midland with her husband, Simon, and her daughter, Megan, and enjoys exploring ideas with other inquiring minds.
 Marsha McDonald - Member-at-Large
Marsha McDonald first attended and joined UUFoM in 1990. She has served as religious education team chair, treasurer, librarian, co-leader of the Buddhist sangha, and Board secretary. Marsha chose to become a UU because she appreciates the joys (and sorrows) of a religious community but could no longer tolerate the dogma of even liberal Christian churches, and she admired the social
justice positions of the UU faith.
Marsha grew up in Beulah, Marshall, and Grand Ledge, Michigan. She and her husband, Scott, live in Midland with a pack of backyard squirrels. They also have two daughters (neither of whom chose to remain Unitarian Universalist), and five grandchildren.
Marsha hopes that UUFoM will have a more active role in the wider community,
continue the rich worship services we have now, and maintain a strong
involvement in social justice advocacy.
 Tim Wagner - Treasurer
Tim Wagner first attended UUFoM in 2002, then regularly in 2008, and he became a member in 2012. He has been in the choir since 2009, chair of the Building and Grounds Committee from 2012 to 2018, and led the parking lot project. In 2018 and 2019, he was “treasurer” of the Ministerial Search Committee. He now participates on the Health and Safety Team, which formed this summer.
Tim says it took a while for him and his wife, Janelle, to leave their heritage faith tradition and join a group that had been invisible to them until friends mentioned the fellowship in 2002. Tim learned that the problems he had with the Catholic Church -- such as having to accept faith over science and dogma to rule his life -- simply didn’t exist in the UU tradition. Instead, he said, they are actually allowed to decide what they believe, and to act on it. Tim had considered leaving church tradition altogether, but really found a home here among other searchers for truth and meaning.
Tim grew up in Vandalia, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. Most people know it as “where the airport is.” His high school yearbook actually listed the best things to do in Vandalia as “go to the airport” or “go to Dayton”—basically, go somewhere else. A lot of kids needed more excitement, but Tim had good friends and was satisfied with studying and swimming (his passion sport).
Tim and Janelle have two sons. Shawn, 27, is a computer programmer for a software company in Broomfield, CO. He’s a thoughtful and logical computer wiz, and Tim really enjoys discussing science, politics, and just about anything with him. Kyle, 25, lives in Minneapolis with his girlfriend and their new cat. He’s a materials research engineer for a company that makes high tech thermal systems for manufacturing and aerospace applications. Janelle and Tim both retired from long careers at Dow Chemical and plan to stay in Midland for the foreseeable future.
Through his 33 years as a chemical engineer at Dow Chemical, Tim learned skills and internalized many values. It’s important, for instance, to be prepared for meetings and to follow through on expectations. If a commitment is overwhelming or bewildering, it’s important to manage the expected outcome and ask for help early. Among the most important values are safety, honesty, and communication. Tim has experience using standard office computer tools and software packages for modeling and design. Much of his career involved spending money responsibly, and he is familiar and comfortable with tracking budgets and UUFoM invoicing practices, from his building and grounds experience. Tim will require some training, but he feels qualified to take on the Board treasurer role. He also has experience auditing the process safety practices of Dow’s plants, which will help in reviewing UUFoM financial practices.
 Jon VanRegenmorter - Nominating Committee
Jon grew up in Holland, Michigan. When he was young, his Dad was a truck driver and then switched to a chemical operator until he retired. He's VERY quiet, earnest and is happiest when working or helping. He's silly with kids and Jon gets so much of his personality from his father. Jon's Mom has degrees in voice, teaching, nursing (she loves babies) and ESL (English as a second language). She's bounced around doing all of those things at different points in his life. She is where he gets his love of music and hugs. They're both devout evangelicals. Jon also has an older brother and sister.
Jon loves data, challenging everything until he's dug through the data. He is optimistic about the future of this world and humanity. He is an engineer by trade, but in his free time he plays lots of tennis and jazz. Jon is primarily a saxophone player, but has been working piano lately.
Jon first attended UUFoM in January of 2018 and became a member about six months later. He chose to become a UU because Unitarian Universalism is a safe place to grow/learn and have a community to support and be supported. It's the closest thing he's found to his value system and it's largely non-conflicting with itself or with logic. Jon became a member of UUFoM because the people are kind, genuine and intelligent. Deep and open conversations are always nearby. Also to help expose their kids to a community and raise them a bit more consciously. When he looks to the future of UUFOM, he dreams of a growing, vibrant parent ,circle supporting one another.
Jon lives with his spouse, Amanda, and their children, Lincoln and Lilah, and three cats.
|
|
|
Post-Election Vigil & Community Gathering
Thursday, November 5 - 8:00pm-9:15pm
Zoom
Save the date. No matter the results of the election this year, we know we will want to gather in community. Please save the date and join the UUA, Side with Love, and UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray for this event.
Hosted on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.
More information on Facebook.
|
|
|
|
November 2020 Theme - "Healing"
November 1
"You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup" - Especially during these times of crisis and division, self-care is an essential tool in serving others. We must combat our own exhaustion and compassion fatigue by refilling our cups from whatever healing sources we can find. Join us for a pre-election reminder about being available to others by being present to our own needs. Led by our minister, Rev. Eric Severson
November 8
"Healing Indra's Net" - According to Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, a jeweled web stretches infinitely in all directions, and in each jewel is reflected every other jewel. This metaphor for our interconnections is strong. But what if there is a tear in the net, in our social systems, for example? Join us for a post-election discussion exploring what it might take to rebuild relationships, repair our communities, and heal social ills. Led by our minister, Rev. Eric Severson
|
|
|
LIVING OUR VALUES EVERYDAY
|
|
|
Donations for Food Pantry Network
Thanksgiving Baskets
The Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network and Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be coordinating the Community Thanksgiving Food Basket program again this year. The Thanksgiving Basket program supplies approximately 350 families with turkey and other fresh food items.
This year a semi-truck full of fresh food will be ordered from the Eastern Food Bank instead of collecting food items locally. This will allow the preparation of the items to be cut from multiple days to one day and drastically reduce the number of volunteers, reducing the danger of COVID transmission. The purchasing of the food truck / gift certificates will require over $15,000 in monetary donations. Please help the UUFoM continue support of this Midland County Emergency Food Pantry yearly project.
Monetary donations for the Thanksgiving Baskets may be made directly with checks payable to Midland County EFPN and mailed to: Midland County EFPN, PO Box 2521, Midland, MI 48641-2521 or online by credit card to https://midlandcountyefpn.org/ . Please note on check or online that you are giving to Thanksgiving Baskets on behalf of UUFoM. The Food Pantry is a non-profit 501c(3) organization with all monetary gifts being tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
There are a couple of options for making food item donations to the normal operations of the Food Pantry.
• Drop off donations in the box outside of EFPN SAMS Pantry, 503 S Saginaw Rd (enter off Cambridge). The box is on the side of the building facing Cambridge.
• We can pick up food donations from your house. Email your pickup address and date of pick up to Vicki Reidelberger.
Thank you for helping those in need in Midland County (including Midland, Bullock Creek, North Midland County, West Midland County, Sanford, Coleman food pantry locations).
The Fellowship LOVE Team.
|
|
|
UUFoM Social Justice Fellowship Read
From Denise Reiling
Hello,
To recognize Indigenous People's month of awareness, as leader of the Racial Justice section of the LOVE Team, I would like to begin a "fellowship read." My idea is that every month (perhaps every six weeks), interested parties would all read the same book, then gather together via Zoom to discuss the book. Eventually, I would like to see this initiative grow into a larger, community read.
To start us off, I would like to suggest that we read a novel, written by Leslie Marmon Silko: Ceremony. You will see that the novel interweaves many racial complexities. Silko considers herself to be multi-racial, of Laguna Pueblo Indian, Anglo-American, and Mexican-American lineage.
The book sells through Barnes & Noble for $15.99, but certainly can be purchased from other sources, too. You might also be able to obtain the book through the library (note that libraries are requiring a seven-day quarantine of books from interlibrary loan). Sharing books can be arranged, too. Please let me know if financial support would be welcome.
I envision these opportunities as events, not necessarily as a commitment to group membership. It's not intended to be a book "club," as such. Participants should feel free to come and go, according to their interest in the book being offered. We'll read both fiction and non-fiction. All books will be authored by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). At the end of each meeting, we'll discuss options for the next read. I will send out a similar email announcing each new read. We will meet via Zoom. The date/time will be arranged after each reading group has been organized.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. If you are interested in participating in this first fellowship read, please reply to me via email at [email protected]. If you have already replied to me via Facebook (posted to Friends of UU Facebook Group on September 12), there is no need to reply. Thank you!
|
|
|
Our Mission
We are a multigenerational, liberal religious community in the Tri-City region. We offer a beacon to the religious seeker, supporting and nurturing the individual and collective pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.To achieve this mission, we:
- Empower members, friends, and the surrounding community to think freely, live ethically, and grow spiritually through lifelong learning, as we explore our values, live the principles of Unitarian Universalism, and search for truth and meaning.
- Assemble in supportive and beloved community, sharing life’s joys and sorrows, and embracing all of our wondrous diversity.
- Gather for stimulating worship experiences and rites of passage that inspire and provide opportunities to examine, clarify, and strengthen our personal value systems.
- Create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world through our words of influence, constructive deeds, and engaging love.
We focus on these four social issues in order to improve the community and demonstrate our commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of all people.
- Global Climate Change
- Racial Justice
- Homelessness
- LGBT Rights
|
|
|
|
|
copyright Unitarian Universalist Association
|
|
The Weekly Candle Flame Fall/Winter Editions
During the fall and winter months, the weekly Candle Flame will be circulated on Fridays. If you wish to submit an article, please email it to Wendy Altmeier by Wednesday at 5:00pm to have it included in the upcoming issue.
|
|
|
Previous Newsletter Articles
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
Shannon Sonoras, President
Beth Sperry, President-Elect
Marsha McDonald, Secretary
Vicki Rothhaar, Treasurer
Chris Nakamura, Member-At-Large
|
|
Pastoral Care Ministry Team
|
|
October Contact
Mary Johnson 989-859-1490
November Contact
Donna King 989-488-2886
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.
|
|
|
|
Fellowship Office Hours
Fellowship Office is currently closed due to Governor's Whitmer executive order.
Rev. Eric Severson - Minister
[email protected]
(608) 738-2694
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
Melanie Willison - Accompanist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 30, 2020 
