Join UUCFM in the MLK march downtown on Monday, January 15th. The march begins at the Dunbar Public Library at 10:15 am and ends in Centennial Park. Some people arrive earlier at 8:30 am and park at Centennial then carpool to Dunbar library. They meet at the Uncommon Friends statue in Centennial Park. Be sure to wear your green Social Justice T-shirts!
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Theme for January: Grace
This month's worship services offer opportunities for restoration and an invitation to Grace. This month celebrates Grace as a human experience that is non-causal. Grace is mysterious and often The Experience flows out of events that are outside of one's control. Come humbly this month, making room for Grace.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15a in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend.This week our topic is Global Warming. Is Global Warming real? Yes! What does it portend for future generations? This week’s Forum will be the first of a two-part series on the subject, which connects Global Warming with climate change and many other factors affecting humanity’s future on the planet.
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Sunday Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour 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.
Dorothy Van Howe
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Community Sharing in January: GRACE Project
The Guatemala Rural Adult and Children's Education (GRACE) Project will be the grateful recipient for January's Community Sharing.
To hear about GRACE's current work, please listen to this WGCU radio report:
Besides the reproductive health workshops in Southwest Florida and Guatemala, GRACE also is working with Lee County Legal Aid, volunteer lawyers and notary publics, to organize Know Your Rights workshops, in Spanish, at local churches. Immigrant parents are able to procure legal documents, at no cost, to legally identify guardians for their US-born children, to use in case they (the parents) are removed from their homes and/or deported.
Many UUers have already met Gabriela during her December visits. Gaby is a young Maya woman whom the GRACE Project is supporting through law school in Guatemala City. Gabriela will begin her fifth year of the six years required to become a lawyer; her goal is to become a national advocate for indigenous women's rights.
Muchísimas gracias to everyone at the UUCFM for your continuing support of the binational GRACE Project.
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Administrative Office Closed
The UUCFM Office will close Tuesday, January 16 for the MLK holiday and will reopen on Wednesday, January 17th.
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From the Minister
LIFE (and Pizza) for Justice!
This is a big justice weekend with our Friday night MLK LIFE Justice pizza night and then Sunday's service and Monday's March and Celebration.
Before we march / roll/ walker together for the Monday, January 15th MLK Observance, let's come together to eat together and reflect and be a part of an action-oriented movement, grounded in our liberal faith.
Now is your chance to solidify your commitment to be a justice ministry network member and build on the legacy of justice that Dr King dreamed of...beloved community! Join as we discuss how Dr King's legacy affects us and how we can do justice together through LIFE!
If you are interested in becoming a LIFE Ministry justice member, come Friday night. You will learn about how the LIFE work we are doing
right now
is part of the civil rights movement that has never stopped. Nursery for 4 years old and under provided--otherwise please bring your kids to participate!
Friday night in Hobart Hall. January 12
6-6:30 pizza and salad nosh time.
6:30-8:15 reflection and discussion
If you have not already responded to a LIFE Team Leader, RSVP to minister at
uucfm.org so we can get a count for pizza slices.
Rev. Allison Farnum
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Religious Education News
Looking ahead to 2018, I hear so many people proclaiming that this will be a year for positive change - that it
must
be a year for positive change. I share those sentiments that I have seen plastered all over Facebook and as I look at my work in the new year, I see there's joyfully room for positive changes at UUCFM too! One of the most needed changes is to get a UUA approved Youth Group up and running, so that's what we'll be doing this month!
Jenn Blosser, DRE
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Music Notes
Musical Calendar
December-March: Please welcome Suellen Kipp as Director of Music during Amy Laursen's maternity leave. Suellen is a talented pianist, singer, and conductor who currently serves as the Director of Music at Temple Beth El here in Fort Myers, and previously served in the same role at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne, Indiana for 11 years. She has also taught vocal music and dance in schools for 17 years and holds a degree in Vocal Education.
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!
Suellen Kipp
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Mike Durall Visit
We’ll have a special visitor on the weekend of January 20-21 of next year. Mike Durall, a parish consultant and author of nine books about church life, will be helping us figure out what the future might have in store for UUCFM.
Mike was here four years ago, and among his recommendations was to urge UUCFM to become, in the words of one of our own members, “A church that is respected and valued in this community.”
There will be an all congregation meeting with him on Saturday, January 20th at 9:00 am. We’ll provide more details as the date approaches, including how church members can participate in the overall process of looking ahead. If you’d like more information about Mike and his work, his website is
www.vitalcongregations.com
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Rummage Sale
Save your gently used items for our UUCFM Rummage Sale! The sale will happen over 3 days January 19th-21st. You may bring your items to the Screen Room starting Sunday, January 14th. Contact Deb Lewis for details
debL5784@hotmail.com
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Casino Night
News Flash for January 27th Casino Night::There will be a door Prize and prizes for the top Rollers! Don't miss the fun of spending $3,000 in playing chips and a bountiful
Dinner Buffet includes: Caesar Salad, Artichoke & Parm Decadence,Baguette slices w/spread, Mushroom Melange, Greek marinated veggies w/feta, Pork loin spiral, Caribbean Chicken, Fruit and Assorted Pastries. Casino tables, Roulette, and Wheel of Fortune will be serviced by our Boy Scout Troop as a thank you for using our facilities. All proceeds go to UUCFM. Join us at 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 27th.
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FUUn BUUnch Date Change
Join the Fuun Buunch for dinner Saturday,
February 3rd at 6:30 pm for an exotic or traditional dinner at the world famous ISLAMORADA FISH COMPANY RESTAURANT in the BASS PRO SHOPS at Gulf Coast Town Center.
Please RSVP John by Tuesday, 01/23/2018. The restaurant requires firm numbers by this date.
DIRECTIONS:
Take Rte 75 to Exit 128, Alico Rd.
Turn EAST onto Alico Rd. to THE GULF COAST TOWN CENTER.
Turn RIGHT onto ROYAL QUEEN BVD.
Turn RIGHT onto GULF CENTER DRIVE.
Keep RIGHT on GULF CENTER DRIVE to the
BASS PRO SHOPS.
THE ISLAMORADA FISH COMPANY RESTAURANT is to your left
IN THE BASS PRO SHOPS.
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Soul Collage
A SoulCollage® Workshop is being offered on Saturday, February 3rd from 1:00-4:00 pm in Room 7. All are welcome, including those who are new or experienced with this practice. Originated by Seena Frost, SoulCollage® is an art medium for collaging a deck of cards that represent aspects of each individual’s personal energies. They can then be used for journaling, personal readings, or group readings. SoulCollage® can be a deeply meaningful individual or community spiritual practice.
What to bring:
Images (photos, magazines) that call to you. (optional)
Journal and pen
$20 per person for materials
Class is limited to 10 participants. Please sign up in Hobart Hall after service on Sundays or RSVP to
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2018 Service Auction
UUCFM's largest fundraiser, the Service Auction, will be held Saturday, February 7th at 5:00 pm. Our theme this year is Alice in Wonderland. Please help us by getting your donations ready, asking nearby businesses for donations, and getting your costume ready! We have donation sheets in the office if you'd like to pick some up! Any questions? Contact Stephanie Hoffman at
stephgator7@yahoo.com
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UUCFM Book Group
Join the book study group on Wednesdays. We met from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Library.
January 17th: Part I pgs 39-71
(skip a week)
January 31st: Part II pgs 71-99
February 7th: Part II pgs 99-132
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Connection Circle Starts February 11!
Come one, come all to the next Connection Circle beginning Sunday, February 11th! Visitors, new and long-time members 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 old 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 1:45 pm twice a month on the following Sundays: February 11th and 25th; March 11th and 25th; and April 8th and 22nd. To facilitate bonding, 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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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 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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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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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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The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1.
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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 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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LIFE News
The Children and Families Committee of the Interfaith Justice Ministry (LIFE) is ready to announce that in 2018 we will be tackling the frightening issue of children who are not able to get basic medical care in our community.
We have heard from parents involved in LIFE that their children have gone without needed medications for asthma because the cost was too high. Parents who have waited for over a month to get their child in to see a primary care physician because wait times are too long. Parents who have had to drive close to an hour to get their child to an Emergency Room supported by their insurance.
So, in 2018 we take on the unique challenges of childhood access to healthcare. Please mark your calendar for the Rally when we'll announce a solution
(Monday, February 26th 7:00 PM at Iona Hope)
and the Nehemiah Action where we'll have our public officials commit to that solution
(Tuesday, March 20th at St. Collumbkille)
and the Celebration where we'll lift up our victories
(Tuesday, May 1st St. Collumbkille).
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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. Email
uuchurch@uucfm.org
Condo Sharing:
2 bed, 2 bath, no pets, no smoking. $600.00 a month.
lcj.270@icloud.com
. South Ft. Myers. Linda Johnson
Wanted: Guitarist for band in Cape Coral.
Do you like to play 80s rock- for fun and sometimes at gigs? We are a band of 4 women, all over 50, who love to play. Not looking for pros, just someone who loves to play and have a good time. Contact Jill Carville at
jcarville1@yahoo.com
Roommate Wanted:
I am in search of a good person that could be the right fit for a roommate. I live in a very nice duplex in Cape Coral. I am asking $650/mo., private bedroom and bathroom. Use of the entire house with the exception of my bedroom and bathroom. Must pass background and credit check. For more details please email me at
sevenkristen75@gmail.com
or text
239-940-2947
(do not call).
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Art in the Narthex
Three Generations of Family Photography
You have all seen me running around with one of my favorite toys, a high end digital camera. I have been doing photography since high school back in the late 70's. Contrary to what I expected I became the most passionate about photographing one thing in particular, people. I'm never more happy than when photographing my own family. I am not the first in my family to find this type of photography so rewarding. My grandfather (Walter Raschdorf) took a similar liking to photographing family nearly 100 years ago. My mother took this up as well. I am fortunate to have many of their photographs. This month (January) I have on display in the Narthex photographs of family taken over three lifetimes
.
Walter Peterson
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Bed & Breakfast Volunteer Opportunity
We are preparing for another year of UUCFM’s Bed and Breakfast program. Through the generosity of host families within our congregation, we have raised $3000 to $5000 a year for the church operating budget for many years. We provide this service to UUs and/or their friends from around the country. This
program cannot happen without volunteers and we need your help!
What’s needed to be a host? The host provides one bedroom and bathroom and a basic breakfast each morning of the guests’ stay. The guests are usually one or two people. The breakfast can even be a “do it yourself” if your guests are early risers or you have to go to work and they want to sleep.
Do I have to entertain the guests or take them places?
No! They will have their own transportation. If you have favorite restaurants to recommend, or other local travel tips, they are always appreciated. You are not expected to provide entertainment, transportation or extra food. For the most part, guests are off
doing their own thing most of the day and evening.
When and for how long? Guests stay from one to seven nights during the months of January through April. (Most stay only two or three nights.) You choose when and for how long you can host and then your requirements are matched with those of the guests. Even if you can only host for two nights in March, for example, that is a big help. February and March tend to have the biggest demand.
All money received from the guests as they stay in your home goes directly to the UUCFM operating budget. I haven’t even mentioned how interesting and fun this experience can be for the hosts. We have met so many great UUs through this experience!
Please consider being a host! Before you say no, talk to me. Just try it once…
Mary Nies, Program Coordinator
239-466- 7933
Sydney Stewart
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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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The 1
st
Amendment vs. Anti-Discrimination Law
The Collier County chapter of the ACLU is hosting this 1
st Amendment debate on January 13, 2018, at the Naples UU church from 2:00-4:00 pm.
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January 15 Torben Snow is 12!
January 19 Declan Ireland is 13!
January 20 Rod Miller
January 23 Mel Cooper
January 26 Emily Hutchinson
January 27 Matthew Stark
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Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville
(239) 561-2700
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