April 2018 Volume 35 Issue 4
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Our Theme for April: Salvation
Service at 10:30 am Sundays in the Miller Sanctuary
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Community Sharing in April: Minister's Discretionary Fund
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Our Community Sharing partner this month is the Minister's Discretionary Fund. The Minister uses this discretionary fund to pay for groceries, gasoline, utility bills, rent, and other emergencies inn the lives of our members. As there is not a line item in the budget to fill this critical need, our contributions are the only source available. Please be generous and help our church members during times of financial need.
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The Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall.
All are welcome to attend.
In the spirit of Easter, this Sunday, April 1st, the Humanist Forum will explore the connection between Resurrection and Freedom. An inspiring TED talk will be shown featuring Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.
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Youth Group
Burn! Youth Group-
Youth age 14-18 are invited to join us in Room 4 on Sundays from noon to 1:00 pm each week for an inclusive and kick-butt-awesome good time. There is no Burn group on Easter because of the egg hunts.
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Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour happens after church every week and is provided by volunteers from the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, CUUPS on the second Sunday, Humanist Forum on the third Sunday, Men's Group on the fourth Sunday and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church. Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome.
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Memorial Service for Angela Melton
A Celebration of Life for Angela Melton will be held in the Sanctuary at 2:30 pm on Saturday, March 31st. All are welcome to attend.
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Ann Heckes Scattering of Ashes
All are welcome to attend the scattering of ashes ceremony for Ann Heckes on Wednesday, April 4th at noon in the Memorial Garden. Those who wish may organize themselves to gather for lunch out with Harvey Heckes afterwards.
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2018 Gauch Award
Congratulations to Walt & Simone Ittenbach for winning the 2018 Gauch Award at the Annual Meeting last Sunday.
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From the Minister
LIFE Nehemiah Action Update
On Tuesday, April 17th the Children's Service Council will go before the county commission for a vote. We still do not have enough votes for it to pass and this hearing will be our opportunity to let our voices be heard. The county commissioners were not at our Nehemiah Action so we are bringing our action to them. We plan to have 100 people in attendance and need your help to make it happen.
Please reach out to those you brought to the action and invite them to join us on Tuesday, April 17th. We will gather outside the courthouse at
2120 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901
at 8:45 in the morning. Please respond to this email with the following information.
We need help in getting people to attend to accomplish two goals. One, the more people in attendance the more the commission knows the community is in support. Two, we are granted time to speak based on how many people are there. If we want to have time to make a compelling argument we need your help to make it happen.
1.) Are you able to attend?
2.) How many people can you bring with you?
3.) Are you able to provide transportation to others or do you need transportation yourself?
4.) Are you willing to speak publicly about your own story related to childhood concerns (healthcare, childcare, dental, education, etc.) or share the story of a friend, congregant, or family member?
5.) Are you particularly interested in speaking or more comfortable contributing your time to another speaker to allow them more time to speak?
Rev. Allison Farnum
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Religious Education News
Easter Sunday is just around the corner, and we're ramping up for our traditional egg hunts!
We will have two hunts in our courtyard immediately following service, one for our nursery aged children (0-4) and one for our elementary aged children (5-9). Treats in the eggs in both hunts are age-appropriate and any edible treats are nut-free. Youth age 10+ will be joining us for the second annual Egg-scape Room to be held as soon as the courtyard hunts are over. This allows any parents of younger children to watch their hunt before the youth hunt begins. Youth (and parentals who wish to watch them struggle) are asked to meet in front of the Sanctuary to participate.
Please do not enter the Narthex or Sanctuary until invited to do so!
We don't want to spoil any of the challenging puzzles with peeking! See you on April 1st for a marvelous Easter Sunday!
Jenn Blosser, Director of Religious Education
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Music Notes
Thank you so much for allowing me to take a generous maternity leave. Clara is a healthy and smiley 3 month old. It is wonderful to be back at church. Thanks for your patience as I get caught up to speed.
Musical Calendar
April 1: Join us for a beautiful Easter service.
Watch the weekly E-News for more details.
The next
Music Committee
meeting is TBA.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the Sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Please email me in advance so that a music folder can be prepared for you. Come join us in singing!
The UUCFM Band
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:00a in the Sanctuary. If you would like to play your instrument during a Sunday service, please email me to coordinate the details. Come join us in making music together!
Amy Laursen
d
irectorofmusic@uucfm.org
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Special Events
Wizard Camp
Sign up for Wizard Camp! This year's summer camp will start on June 11th and finish Friday, June 15th with a banquet in Hobart Hall. You can register here:
uucfmwizardcamp.webs.com
Future wizards and soothsayers can partake in a Sorting Hat Ceremony, become Quiddich players, make cloaks and wands, send out Wishes for the World, take classes on Incantations, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Muggle Studies, and more! Alchemy, potions, and divination await them at the School of Wizardry Summer Camp,
June 11 through June 15th from 9:00 am -4:00 pm.
(with optional before and after care). Prices range from $175-200. Also, there will be a feast on Friday at 6:00 pm as a culmination of our week of wizardry!
Be sure to register soon! Once a certain number of campers is reached, registration will be closed. Feel free to Contact Us on our web page with any questions you might have! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Newcomers Meeting
There will be a Newcomers meeting this Sunday, April 1st in room 4. All who are curious about our church or Unitarian Universalism are welcome to attend!
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Book Group
The book group will be reading
No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are
by Jack Kornfield. The group welcomes anyone who is interested in the book and will meet in the Library (next to the office) on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30 pm. The next meeting is April 4th. Please come having read the Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2.
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Our North American UU Roots
Our North American UU Roots
with Reverend Margaret L. Beard is rescheduled for
one Sunday afternoon: April 8th.
Please join us as we explore some of our North American Unitarian Universalist Roots. Our focus will be from the Pilgrims to the Second American Revolution. Lets look at what is recorded in that history and also what might be missing. How does our history inform our theology today? If you are new, this is a great class to learn more about us as a faith tradition. If you have been around for awhile, there is more to discover.
We will meet from noon until 4:00 pm in the Narthex (the space before you enter the Sanctuary) Please bring your lunch or a snack. We will eat while we watch a DVD and then have questions and discussion.
Please RSVP for the class
to
Revbeard@uucfm.org
.
See you then!—
Margaret
(Rev. Margaret L. Beard)
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Women's Circle
Our next Women's Circle Potluck is Monday, April 9th. We begin with a potluck at noon and a conversation topic at 1:00 pm. In these troubled times it seems a day doesn't go by where we hear on the news or read in the paper of some terrible tragedy has happened. In a world that seems to have gone mad, what do we, UU women, do to keep sane? Is it reading poetry, practicing meditation, reading a book, or simply just holding those we love closer? What can we share in our group to help one another cope with life? Bring your thoughts, insights, and ideas as we share a meal together.It is with great pleasure to announce that Phyllis Brewer is coming to our next Women's Potluck on Monday, April 9th at Noon. For those of us who don't know her this will be a great opportunity to meet her!
Rose Klein
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Mindfulness Meditation
Join us on Monday evenings to explore the very simple and satisfying practices of mindfulness and meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. Do please bring an intention to quiet the mind and the body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet Mondays from 6:30-8:00p in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Robbins at
pachamamaelder@gmail.com
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Optimal Living Group
The Optimal Living Group is open to all and does not require attending every session. We meet in the Sanctuary on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 4:00-5:30 pm. We discuss how to live optimally, including practical ways to cope with life's challenges and issues. Helping others and developing maturity in ourselves is part of our quest. We explore many paths and techniques for enriching our lives and making a difference for others. For more information, fill out a blue card found in the pews or email Neil Yesu:
dbny79@aol.com
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UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club
The UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club is dedicated to preserving and practicing a variety of historical martial arts for entertainment and fitness purposes. We meet at various times (determined by interest) most often at 12:00 pm after the service on Sunday to practice archery and tomahawk/axe throwing. Other activities and times can be found on our facebook page of the same name. All are welcome to join us.
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UUCFM Gaming Group
The UUCFM Game Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 1:00-4:00 pm. Those of us with children can't always make it so please check the Facebook group page (UUCFM Gaming Group) to see if games are scheduled.
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Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1. All are welcome to join us.
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Community Wednesday
Community Wednesday is held in Hobart Hall. All are invited. Bring friends and neighbors, too. Join us each Wednesday for a delicious meal prepared by Chef Joy for a small donation. After the fellowship and fine fare from 6:00- 6:45p, join your favorite programming event, committee meeting, or social activity. Child care is provided until 8:30p.
Community Wednesday Activities for April:
4:00-5:30
Optimal Living Group (1st & 3rd Wed)
6:00-6:45
Community Meal
6:00-6:45
Band Rehearsal in Sanctuary
6:45-8:00
Choir Rehearsal in Sanctuary
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Be Smart! Be Prepared! Be Safe!
As hurricane season approaches we need to begin preparing. Having a plan gives us time to purchase necessary items, prepare your home, check insurance coverage, and collect important documents. Please access the Emergency Operations Center at:
www.leeeoc.com
A wealth of information is available on their website.
This public safety message is brought to you by your Pastoral Care Network.
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
The response for food donations has been consistently good over the last year. The need is still there and UUCFM has been a strong supporter of the pantry. I have not been able to post the pantry newsletter but there is one at the Social Justice table listing the number of people fed by the pantry for the last year. Easter is early this year which means many people will be heading north earlier too. Consequently, many people will lose seasonal jobs and the need for food donations and volunteers will be just as great as it is now. Keep that in mind. Remember to bring at least one can each week and consider volunteering during the summer months. Questions? Email Fran Rose:
francrose@centurylink.net
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Our UU Story
John Adams
Rejected Many Fundamental Doctrines
John Adams (October 30, 1735-July 4, 1826), first vice-president and second
president of the United States, was a leader of the American Revolution, diplomat, and political theorist who did much to shape, explain and defend the United States Constitution.
Adams was raised a Congregationalist, but ultimately rejected many fundamental doctrines of conventional Christianity, such as the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, becoming a Unitarian.
Although he once referred to himself as a "church going animal," Adams' view of religion overall was rather ambivalent: He recognized the abuses, large and small, that religious belief lends itself to, but he also believed that religion could be a force for good in individual lives and in society at large.
Abigail Adams traveled to France in 1784 to join her husband. Soon afterward, Congress appointed Adams first United States ambassador to Britain's Court of St. James. In England from 1785-88, the Adamses regularly heard Unitarian Richard Price preach at Gravel Pit Chapel, Hackney. Adams enjoyed the English minister's friendship. He was also acquainted with Joseph Priestley, Theophilus Lindsey, Thomas Belsham, and many other British Unitarians.
Adams always preferred Unitarian worship services. "The most afflictive circumstances that I have witnessed in the lot of humanity are the narrow views, the unsocial humour, the fastidious scorn and repulsive tempers of all denominations excepting one."
When the government was in Philadelphia, Adams took a Presbyterian pew rather than attend the congregation founded by Joseph Priestley's admirers. Priestley supported the French Revolution, whose "Reign of Terror" disillusioned Adams. Moreover, he had religious differences with Priestley. He could never stomach Priestley's penchant for speculation about the end of the world using Daniel and Revelation. He wrote Universalist Rush, "I have attended public worship in all countries and with all sects and believe them all much better than no religion, though I have not thought myself obliged to believe all I heard."
Adams was aware of (and wary of) the risks, such as persecution of minorities and the temptation to wage holy wars, that an established religion poses. Nonetheless, he believed that religion, by uniting and morally guiding the people, had a role in public life.
~Edited by Joy F. Sokeitous
Sources:
About My UU Story
Each month, the Membership Committee would like to publish your UU story- either converted or born UUs. How did you become a UU, or how did our religion affect your life? Alternatively, do you have a one paragraph remembrance of your first reaction to being in a UU church and/or learning about the religion? To share your story, please contact Joy Sokeitous at
memberservices@uucfm.org
Joy will help you edit and she will provide questions to help you develop your story.
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How to Access the New Photo Directory
A number of members have asked me how to access the new UUCFM Photo Directory. In order to access the Photo Directory, you have to be registered as a UUCFM member on the UUCFM website. Go to the website and click on the green
Register
at top right. You will be taken to a registration page where you will register and create a member password. When you finish, click the
Register
button at the bottom. Your registration will go to Jill for approval and within a day or two, you'll be able to access the member section of the website by clicking on the green
Login
at upper right of the website and entering your new password. When you enter the member section of the website, you'll find the Photo Directory at upper left. Hope this answers the questions.
Denis Jensen
PS- If you'd like a black and white printed copy of the photo directory you can pick one up in the office!
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers.
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Do you have something to offer, trade, or sell? Are you looking for something? Free ad space here for personal items only. Will run ad for 4 weeks. Email
uuchurch@uucfm.org
I have a
4 drawer file cabinet
that needs a good home. It measures 53h x 42w x 19d and is beige/tan in color. It was in our garage during hurricane Irma, so it was in a few inches of standing water for several days and has a bit of rust at the base, but otherwise is in perfect working order. I can send photos if anyone is interested in it. We could probably deliver it with our horse trailer if someone could help with the loading and unloading.
Recorder:
Enjoy the beautiful sound of this wooden tenor recorder: Rottenburgh Nr. 449 in rosewood. New ones cost $900-$1200. This one is yours for only $399, or better yet, donate $100 to UUCFM and you can have it for only $299 cash. See Frances Pake. Call
330.329.1129
, or email her at
fpake@juno.com
.
Items for sale
:
•Indoor/outdoor wicker-look, glass-topped dining table w/ 4 chairs, 49“ diameter. Dark brown. $50 OBO.
•Two outdoor mesh chairs, light brown. $10 OBO.
•Entertainment center, 8 shelves, 6 drawers, dark brown $40 OBO.
Pictures upon request.
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If you are a UUCFM Community Sharing Partner, a regular Facility User, or have UU related news to share, you are welcome to submit announcements for publication in our Greater Community section of the newsletter. Please send announcements in by Wednesday for publication in the Thursday E-news.
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The Southwest Florida Gay and Lesbian Chorus 2018 Comedy Show & Fundraiser:
Join us and Laugh Out Loud with Comedian Vickie Shaw-the funniest comedian ever, she said so herself!!! Food, Fun and Laughter...Tickets are available online
www.gaychorus.org
, and Sundays in Holbart Hall after service.
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Lee OFA Indivisible Invites You
Maintaining a FREE & UNBIASED Press
"Stop the Presses: Are Journalists Still Relevant"
April 12th at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers
Panel at 7 pm.. Come at 6:30 for time to socialize.
Lee County OFA lndivisible invites you to bring your questions and concerns about this important and timely issue to be addressed by these knowledgeable journalists, Dr. Robert Hilliard, a Purple Heart recipient and World War ll Army veteran who witnessed the results of Fascism firsthand. His and a friend's actions saved the lives of thousands of Holocaust survivors. He has worked professionally in radio, television, theater and journalism. Many of his 35 books and 20+ plays deal with political and social issues; Roger Williams, a Florida resident since 1994 who has written for the News-Press and currently writes for the Florida Weekly. He is an award winning journalist who won the Jon A. Roosenraad Award for defense of the first amendment. The panel will be moderated by Barb Griffith author of the "Swamp Report" and a recent anicle "A Crammar Lesson on the 2nd Amendment".
Please join us to show your interest and support for this pressing issue and
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2018 GRACE Project Work-Study Trip
La Antigua and Lago Atitlán, Panajachel, Guatemala.
April 29 to May 9, 2018
11 days for $1,250
Women’s Health Workshops in Univ. of San Carlos Medical School, Belén Teachers’ College for Indigenous Women, Mixco High School, and in Santiago Atitlán.
Deliver and teach about Days For Girls menstrual
management Kits and the Fertility Bracelets,
Land transportation in private vans,
Breakfast provided daily,
Shopping in La Antigua and Panajachel.
Transportation includes: travel to and from airport, hotels,
academic and workshop sites in private vehicles and boats.
Airfares from USA to Guatemala City and El Petén are not included.
$150 additional fee for single room.
To save your space, please send $100 deposit in a check, by March 15 2018, to: The GRACE Project,
UUCFM, 13411 Shire Lane, Ft. Myers, FL 33912
Dec. 1 – 9, 2018 GRACE will go to El Petén and Tikal and deliver workshops for
Maya womens’ cooperatives and the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.
9 days for $1,000. Reservations being accepted now! Limited to 8 participants.
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April 2 Evan Carville is 14!
April 11 Cindy Gustafson
April 20 Shirley Fox
April 27 Jeff Letts
April 27 Nancy Letts
April 28 Mickey Kellam
April 30 Audrey Brown
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Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville
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Board of Trustees
President
Matt Hoffman 239-222-4836 mwaters106@yahoo.com
President Elect
Secretary
Alison Carville 239-634-0487 alisoncarville@gmail.com
Treasurer
VP Finance
VP Programming
Cathy Snow 239-896-3693 cmsnow23@gmail.com
VP Ministerial Services
Lesley Peterson 239-839-4434 unicorn@cyberstreet.com
VP Operations
Mary Alice Pierce 239-267-4429 piercemaryalice@gmail.com
Member at Large
Don Ehat 239-947-8143 don.ehat@gmail.com
Staff
Minister
Director of Music
Director of RE
Office Manager
Building Supervisor
Nursery Supervisor
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