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February 2017 Volume 34 Issue 2
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Worship in February: Love
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We say Love is the Spirit of this church, so let’s delve into what that really means and how we work to make Love real in the world.
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Community Sharing in February: GRACE Project
The GRACE (Guatemalan Rural Adult and Childrens’ Education) Project began in 1997 and grew through collaborations between the Lee County School District’s Migrant Education Program, the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking (FCAHT), the Florida Migrant Interstate Program at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), and our congregation.
Genelle G. Grant, Ed.D, Director of The GRACE Project, has worked with indigenous and migrant farm worker families in Southwest Florida since 1993. At least 10% of Southwest Florida's Hispanic population are farm worker or indigenous (Maya or Azteca) families. Some have attended elementary school, some do not read or write, and some are undocumented immigrants.
The GRACE Project trains and employs local women who speak Spanish and some indigenous languages. They create and utilize educational materials in Spanish on human trafficking prevention, human developmental and reproductive cycles, domestic violence and support circles, maternal health, family planning, building self esteem, self help, art and music therapies, and local resources.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15a. All are welcome to join us for a new and engaging topic each week. The Humanist Forum for this Sunday concerns
Sea Level. It is entirely clear now that the oceanic sea level will rise substantially by 2050, and catastrophically by 2100. Millions of people will be adversely affected. Florida is in the path of this disaster. Is it too late to do anything? Ted Brown presents and leads the discussion.
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Coffee Hour
This Sunday's Coffee Hour is provided by volunteers from the Women's Circle!
Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome. Thank you in advance.
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From the Minister
Dear ones,
As we enter a time where Hallmark and Walgreens spout the sentimentality of Love, your church community will be a little more demanding. Sentiment must translate into action. For those of you with a passion for social justice, the temptation is to get overly involved and to even form new action groups. I ask you, first look to where the Love Resistance work has always been. Our
LIFE justice ministry, the
Quality Life Center, the
Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the
Interfaith Action group (which is about developing appreciative religious knowledge and being in solidarity with persecuted faith groups);
Pachamama Earth ministry,
GRACE Project, and on and on...these are the places where we as Unitarian Universalists in Lee County have been bringing the Love- some for months and others for
years. In whatever Love uprising circle you find yourself, we have been asked a couple of things specifically.
1) If you are planning an action or event that is related to resisting current affronts to civil rights, please share the news with a newly forming coalition: Southwest Resistance Coalition at <
swflresistancecoaltionswfl@gmail.com>. Include a couple of lines about the purpose of the event and who is leading it.
In order to bring the most powerful presence we can to multi-faith and partner coalitions and actions, we need to get ourselves organized as strongly as possible. We are asking UUs and their friends as individuals, and UU congregations and organizations to sign on to the Declaration of Conscience now. This is a first step to being part of larger efforts and campaigns.
So, yes there is always plenty of work to be done. In the midst of what the world requires of us these days, forget not your inner life so that you may give from a place of overflow, joyfully joining the Love Resistance!
Rev. Allison Farnum
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Musical Calendar
February 5: Join us as we celebrate African American History Month with a jazz prelude by Duke Ellington. The Choir sings the map song
Follow the Drinking Gourd, and Austin Pierce and the Band cover Stevie Wonder's
Love's in Need of Love Today.
February 12: For our multigenerational service about love, the Choir harmonizes the gospel song
Shine On Me, and Angela Melton and the Band cover the British indie rock song
Amazing by Kristian Leontiou.
February 19: Dr. Noel Engebretson, retired faculty from the University of Alabama, Steinway Artist, and World Piano Competition winner, returns to delight us with his music.
February 26: As we welcome Suzanne Fast to the pulpit, the Choir sings the Latin chant
Ubi Caritas a cappella, and Haris Blackwood shares her original folk song,
Love Never Dies.
The
Music Committee will meet
Wednesday, March 1st at 3:00p.
The UUCFM Choir rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15p, and on Suday mornings from
9-10a 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
6:00-6:45p, and on Sunday mornings from
9-10a 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, Director of Music directorofmusic@uucfm.org
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RE News
How are your children/youth enjoying RE? Your feedback matters! Please feel free to email me directly or drop us a line through the Facebook page with your requests, questions, and comments.
Are you following us on Facebook? Keep updated about multigenerational services, special events, and meetings by liking our page at
www.facebook.com/UUCFMRE
Jenn Blosser, Director of Religious Education
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Want to Light the Chalice?
You can sing this in your head - or live a little but more happily and sing it out loud to that song that gets stuck in the heads of families of small children!
Do you want to light the Chalice?
All I need is a bio.
Not needed to be very long,
Just a paragraph,
Or maybe even two.
Just send to me an email,
I'll send one back.
That's all you need to do.
Do you want to light the Chalice?
I'll help you light the Chalice.
Krista Hutson
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Board Thank Yous
At a recent Board of Trustee meeting,
Helen Dixon was named Volunteer of the Month, thanks for her volunteering regularly in the office and for coordinating the annual service auction. Thanks also to
Laura Snow for helping with the pre-service coffee,
Haris Blackwood for the wonderful Wednesday-evening concert,
Linda and Denis Jensen for Wednesday programming,
Donna Foy for creating a Program Council,
CUUPS for Bardic Yule, Worship Associates (
Susan Forsyth, Elise Sexton, and Holley Rauen) and choir/music team members (
Haris Blackwod, Jeff Letts) present to help Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
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Online Member Volunteer Commitment Form
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CUUPs Imbolc Celebration February 2nd
Another turn of the wheel comes. Join us out at the fire circle to celebrate Bridget's day or Imbolc. The days are getting longer, and the sun returns. We will gather around
6:30p
to begin at 7:00p, out by the fire circle on Thursday, February 2nd
. Bring a chair, a dish to share and an open heart. We bring in new beginnings. Children are welcome. Open to all.
Love and balance,
Rachel and Joy
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Photos in February
We need your photo to be taken for our 2017 Member/Friend Photo Directory.
Every Sunday in February our intrepid UU photographers will be on duty
to take your photo and get your privacy waiver to print it and your
data.
To ensure a convenient time, please select date
and time (
11:30-1:00p
) you would prefer for a guaranteed photo shoot.
To sign up for a photo time, look for sign up in Hobart Hall near the
Membership Table on Sundays or contact Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020,
suzanneziemer@gmail.com
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2017 Service Auction
Get your tickets now for the 2017 Service Auction. Our theme is the Roaring 20s. Tickets are only $10 if you buy them ahead of time in Hobart Hall on Sundays. The Service Auction takes place in Hobart Hall on February 25th at 5:00p. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15 on the evening of the auction. We can still use your donations! Contact Helen Dixon at
helendixon9@gmail.com. Offer your ideas at
togetherauction.com/uucfm
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15+ Group
This meeting to "Check In" is for Members & Friends who have been here
at UUCFM for 15 years or more. Come
Sunday, February 26th
from Noon to
1:00p in Room 7. If you wish, bring a snack or bag lunch. We'll
share how we're doing today and what might be good for the future.
Contact Ellen Erickson for further information,
239-694-6833
,
andy.ellen.erickson@gmail.com
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Dance Like Nobody's Watching (or Everyone!)
Thursday March 2nd in the Sanctuary. 7:00-8:30p
Don't you think it's time for a dance party? Now is the time to let loose. This is a judgment free, alcohol-free zone where all ages are welcome to shake it, sway, bend, roll, glide, rotate, turn and boogie however each feels moved to do so. Use this time to let loose, get reacquainted with your body, and cut a rug. All kinds of movement and expression are welcome within these brief guidelines:
1. Refrain from judgment and let loose.
2. Dance however you wish.
3. Respect yourself and one another, remaining aware of accessibility for those who move differently than you.
5. Pay $5 at the door to have your favorite dancing tune played that night. Email Rev. Allison (minister@uucfm.org) so she can put it in the mix by February 25th. Childcare for 4 and under can be made available upon request by February 20th to Rev. Allison. Kids are welcome to join in!
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The Next Connection Circle Begins February 5th
Come
to the next Connection Circle beginning
Sunday, February 5th
! New members and old, even visitors thinking about joining our church are welcome. In each of six sessions we'll discuss meaningful, spiritual topics through the sharing of stories and experiences from our lives. Participation in a Connection Circle is a great way for new and long-time members to get to know each other on a deep level and to feel more connected to our church community. This facilitated 6-session group will meet from
12:15 to 1:45p
on the following Sundays:
February 5th and 19th
;
March 5th and 19th
; and
April 2nd and 16th
. Participants are expected to attend all 6 sessions. For more information and to register, please contact Nancy Letts at
njletts@gmail.com
or call at
401-741-2712
.
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Women's Circle & Potluck
UUCFM Women, please join us for our monthly potluck lunch in Hobart Hall at 11:30a on Monday,
February 13th. We invite your Valentine to join us. We are also inviting our Men's Group and their Valentines, too. The topic will be Love Stories about who or what we have loved. Bring a dish to share.
March 13: UUCFM Women, please join us for our March potluck at
11:30a in Hobart Hall. In recognition of Women's History Month, we will discuss various types of sex discrimination. Joy F. Sokeitous will begin the discussion by describing her experiences and then others will be invited to give their examples. Topics will include discrimination in education, employment, credit, restaurants, sports, marriage laws and pre-nuptial agreements and sexual harassment.
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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
ggleasonr@live.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
4:00-5:30p
. 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 at dbny79@aol.com
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Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
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The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group meets every Sunday in Room 1 from 1:45-3:45p. All are welcome to attend! Join Mary Tracy Sigman and others for this well loved and well attended group.
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CUUPs Learning Circle
Earthways Shamanic Path Class
is conducted on the 1st Tuesdays of the month, from
7:00 to 8:30
p.
We meet in classroom 4.
Whale Maiden conducts this class with a co-facilitator. In these classes, we present a topic about the Earthways Shamanic Path, and conduct a Shamanic Journey. We journey with drums and rattles. Remember to bring a bandana or scarf to cover your eyes.
Water and a snack are a good idea, as is a notebook & pen.
Also bring a yoga mat and a blanket if you like to journey while laying down. The requested sliding scale donation for this class is
$7.00 to $25.00
per class.
This class is open to anyone over the age of 18. This class is sponsored by CUUPS of Fort Myers.
Earthways Journey with the Trees
is a monthly class on the
2
nd
Saturday of each month from
9:30 to 11:30a
.
This class is conducted outside.
We gather at the Pond by the Amphitheater.
In this class, we work with one tree per month to learn what it is and what its spiritual gifts are for us. We conduct a shamanic journey with the tree. We do our journeys with drums and rattles. Remember to bring a bandana or scarf to cover your eyes. Bring a folding chair, water bottle and snack. Also, bring a tree identification book if you have one.
Since we will be outside, you may want to bring bug repellent, sun hat, sun block (even a light-weight long sleeve shirt is a good idea). Also, we will be near pollen and bees, so please take whatever personal precautions are right for you.
The requested sliding scale donation for this class, is $7.00 to $25.00 per class.
This class is open to anyone over the age of 18. This class is sponsored by CUUPS of Fort Myers.
CUUPS introductory class, "What is CUUPS, What is an earth-centered belief -- what is Paganism"
is conducted on the 3rd Wednesdays, from
7:00 to 8:30p
in classroom 4.
CUUPS is a group of people within the UU Church, who have Earth-Centered beliefs, or for people who might be interested in Pagan and Earth-Centered practices, rituals and beliefs. We are open to al
l
. Whale Maiden and other members of CUUPS facilitate this monthly class, where we cover
: What is the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans? What is paganism? How was our CUUPS of Fort Myers chapter established? What are some of the important contributions that CUUPS of Fort Myers members have made to the UUCFM? What does CUUPS do? What's coming up in the CUUPS calendar? Donations are appreciated.
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Community Wednesday
IT'S BACK-- Wednesday night programming. Come first for Joy Purcell's delicious buffet at 6:00p. and then at 6:45 attend the programs following:
February 8:
Denis Jensen presents a digital version of When Hollywood/ Broadway Came to Bucks County (PA)--about famous authors, directors and playwrights who resided there in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
February 15
: Calusa Waterkeeper John Cassani: Growing Fast Presents New Challenges for Conserving Our Water. John's professional career as an ecologist began in Lee County in 1978 where he has worked at managing waterways of southwest Florida. He is a courtesy faculty member at FGCU in the department of Marine and Ecological Sciences.
Community Wednesday is held in Hobart Hall. 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.
Regular Activitie
s for January:
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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Interested in Archery?
The UUCFM Archery Club meets after church at noon in the back lot near the gardens. We are a new club and we are still gathering equipment and resources. Make sure you check out our Facebook group "UUCFM Archery."
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Do you like playing board games?
The UUCFM Game Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 1:00-4:00p. 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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Yoga
Yoga
meets in Room 7 weekly! Join Mary Cline Golbitz for a one hour yoga session from 4:30-5:30p each Thursday.
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Love to LARP?
Looking to LARP? Wondering what LARP is? UUCFM is home to the "Little LARP" group - a Live Action Role Play (LARP) group that games with a system that focuses on character development and plot instead of combat. We always welcome new players! Please email Jenn Blosser at
mrsthejenn@gmail.com
for more information.
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
Here we are in 2017, nine years since UUCFM joined with a few other churches in the area to meet a need to provide food to many of our neighbors who could not afford to buy food and meet all their other expenses. Unfortunately, nine years later there is still a need for our help. Please support the pantry by bringing non perishable food items to church on Sundays. Baskets are located in the Narthex and Hobart Hall. If you have questions about other ways to help the pantry, email Fran Rose at: francrose@centurylink.net. Be sure to put "food pantry" in the subject line of the email.
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My UU Story
WHAT SOME MEN THINK: GREAT PLACE, PROGRAMS AND STAFF
What are the positive points about our Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers? That question was recently put to several men during the January Men's Luncheon. Here are their replies.
"The variety of activities for us to be among like-minded people and the quality of the Worship Service," notes Jeff Letts. He adds that the Minister, Director of Religious Education, and Music Director are all strong in their positions.
"I'm inspired when Allison gives her sermon down front with no notes," adds Dan Laliberte. "And, I'm excited by the skill and energy shown by our new Music Director."
"Having an open and loving community," is important to Bill Petrarca. He explains that our faith is way ahead of its time, with the values we honor: "Love, grow, serve."
"The beautiful Certified Wildlife Habitat campus," attracts Jim Stout. "It is inspiring to see the native plants and the individual vegetable gardens planted by various members."
How could we make it better?
"Have a buddy system for new members for six months," suggests Gary Robbins. "A randomly-chosen current member could help integrate the new member at a deeper level."
"A bus or some kind of transportation could be provided to give people rides if they have no other way of getting to church," recommends John Worster. "Also, I would like DVDs available of services from several years ago."
"Keep the service within the one-hour time limit," is a goal of Denis Jensen. "The best things that we have going for us are Allison's sermons and our music program.
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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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Member Glenn Siebert's A Cappella Group
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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 each Wednesday for publication in the Thursday E-news.
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Special SWFL UU Conference
To Congregations in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Ft. Myers and Naples:
Special SW Florida UU Conference Saturday, February 4th in Venice—all are invited!
WHAT: SW Florida UU conference: “Let’s Get Ready (to save our democracy)”
WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 2017, from 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
WHERE: UU Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34292
REGISTRATION FEE: $15.00 includes lunch
See full agenda and register online here:
Please make $15 check out to UUCOV, and mail to UUCOV, 1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34292, and put “Feb. 4 conference.” in the memo line.
Pre-work: Read the 24-page Study Guide for the Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) “The Corruption of Our Democracy”
This special conference sponsored by the Common Good Committee of UUCOV, will introduce
the 2016-2020 Congregational Study Action Issue (CSAI) “The Corruption of Our Democracy”passed at the June, 2016 UUA General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio and the Study Guide released in November. “The Guide addresses how structural racism, economic inequality, violence, and climate change can be addressed through creating a strong movement fighting for the promise of our democracy.” Our Feb. 4 conference will also show how the corruption of democracy affects local issues such as hunger and homelessness, and explore ways to implement the Study Guide and involve neighborhood partners in our local communities.
Please invite all interested members and friends in your congregation to attend. Let’s get ready to save our democracy!
Kindra Muntz
Chair, Common Good Committee, UUCOV
941.266-8278
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Invitation from Venice
Documentary Screening
From This Day Forward
February 10, 2017
6:00 - 8:00p
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL 34292
Your group/congregation is invited to come share this moving documentary about Trisha, a transgender woman and her family. This was shown at UUCFM last year so if you missed it, now's your chance!
Light refreshments will be served and discussion will follow the viewing of the film.
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February 1 Tony Borras
February 1 Ian Sexton
February 2 Jill Carville
February 2 Kathy Heckler
February 4 Russ Rosenthal
February 7 Stephanie Hoffman
February 9 Bill Klein
February 9 Katie Ireland is 10!
February 9 Don Maron
February 12 Jan Beemer
February 16 Carolyn Maron
February 17 Angela Melton
February 17 Tom Sizemore
February 19 Andy Erickson
February 19 Karen Deimling
February 20 Annie Scott
February 24 Mary Alice Pierce
February 26 Don Ehat
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Jill Carville
(239) 561-2700
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