Congregational Vision
We are a Congregation creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.
We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought. We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power. |
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UUCGT
Beacon
If you are not receiving our monthly newsletter, the
Beacon, and would like to, please contact the
office
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Abba Poemen said about Abba Pior
that
every single day he made a fresh beginning.
- wisdom of the desert ancestors
Dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this Flash Reflection this week. Having learned last evening of the passing of Sally Mitchell and yet another mass shooting in Florida, one hardly knows where to begin.
This Sunday's programming feels especially fitting since we will be focusing on what we can do to find hope and persist in the work of compassionate justice.
Please join us at 9:00 a.m. for the beginning of our winter series on Dialogue. We will be looking together at Karen Armstrong's book, "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life". This new 9:00 series will be more meditative and the dialogue deep. You do not need to have started reading the book to join us.
This Sunday, we turn our focus to the idea of dailyness in our practice. We honor this date as the beginning of Quaker resistance to slavery and at the same time examine how some of our most dynamic local leaders work day-by-day not only to bring Justice to the world, but keep their hearts open and their Vision high. We are delighted that Betsy Coffia and Susan Rogan will be with us to share brief reflections.
Because this service is so important, our children will stay with us through the service. We will enjoy beautiful Quaker hymns as well as reflective silence.
In blessing,
Rabbi Chava
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Sunday Service
Sunday, February 18 -
Rabbi Chava Bahle, Andi Kramer
10:30 AM Service - All Congregation Service
"Persist Against Injustice, Blessing for Community Justice Makers"
On this date in 1608, Quakers conducted the first formal protest of slavery in Germantown, Pennsylvania. To honor their persistence, we will honor two of the great local leaders in the fight for justice in the current political climate, including Susan Rogan of "Rogan's List" and Betsy Coffia.
Quaker hymns and reflections will grace the service, and we will leave ready to continue the work of repairing the world.
Children, please remain
in the sanctuary
with families during this service.
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Lifespan Experience
f
or Children,
Youth
and Fam
ilies!
Sundays in February ~
preK - 8th grade
We've been working on some exciting projects in our "UU & YOU at Hogwarts" curriculum as we consider poverty - particularly in our region - and will be continuing this unit through February.
We're learning a lot, and making scarves to donate to Safe Harbor.
We will continue collecting items for the Goodwill Housing Support Services Wish List through the end of February - the donation tub is located in the hallway near the kitchen, and a copy of the wish list can be found there or via this link
https://goo.gl/cxxSWf
Suggested reading for families/parents this month!
Our book this month is once again connected to our "Hogwarts" program - this month we have another book dealing with poverty & hunger - and this book is based on a true story!
"Katie's Cabbage" by Katie Stagliano
is the inspirational true story of how Katie Stagliano, a third grader from Summerville, South Carolina, grew a forty-pound cabbage in her backyard and donated it to help feed 275 people at a local soup kitchen. In her own words, Katie shares the story of the little cabbage seedling and the big ideas of generosity and service that motivated her to turn this experience into Katie's Krops, a national youth movement aimed at ending hunger one vegetable garden at a time.
https://goo.gl/Ewu4XS
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Lifespan Experience for Adults!
Adult Lifespan Experience Classes Begin February 18th at 9:00 AM!
Please plan to join us for our first "Branches" Adult Education class of 2018! In late 2017 we met to explore the "Roots" topic of
Dialogue
- now we'll apply that experience to a subject. Together we'll be reading and exploring Karen Armstrong's "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life" - please see Rabbi Chava's February Beacon article for further detail. Couldn't join us for the fall
Dialogue
class? No worries - all are welcome in this book study!
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Leadership Development
The Leadership Development Committee is building a slate of candidates for open positions that will be voted on at the June Annual Meeting.
Today, February 15th is the deadline
for any member to suggest candidates. Please see detailed information in the February Beacon to learn how you can participate in this important work.
You can also contact any member of the Leadership Development Committee: Joe Cook, Judy Myers, Betsy Emdin, Jan Zerbel or Richard Miller. Contact information can be found in the February Beacon, in the membership book, or by contacting the office.
Joe Cook, LDC Chair
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F Y I
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NOTE: Wednesday Speaker Program scheduled for February 21 with Liz Kirkwood of FLOW has been postponed and is rescheduled to Wednesday, April 4 ~ Mark Your Calendars!
The Sound Team is looking for people interested in running the sound board for Sunday services. No experience is required. To train you need only come and sit beside the board on a Sunday and watch how simple it is. The commitment is one or fewer Sundays a month. Call or text Bob Hicks at 231-360-3183, or email
burneshicks@charter.net
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February 21, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
Local Community Needs
* * * * * * * * *
BEACON articles are due by the 25th each month -
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What's Going On ... at UUCGT?
Winter is here!
Please check UU calendar or website
to confirm cancellations and/or office hours
Meetings & Activities
Congregational Care Team: Thursday, February 15, 1:00pm, library
Peacemakers Needleworkers: Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
Meditation Workshop: Thursday, February 15, 5:30pm, classroom
Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
New Moon Women's Circle: Saturday, February 17 - contact Carolyn Kelly @ 392-5761
for time/location
Spring Adult Lifespan Experience Program Kick-Off: Sunday, February 18, 9:00am, social hall. Silent reflection and sacred conversation on Karen Armstrong's Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Join Rabbi Chava and DLE Sarah Montgomery-Richards for this journey into compassion.
Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, February 18, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary
Stretch & Strengthen: Monday & Wednesday @ 11:00am
UUCGT Board Meeting: Monday, February 19, 5:30pm, classroom
Community Lunch: Tuesdays - Volunteers meet at 10:30am. Every week for the past 25 years, UUCGT has provided a free lunch for anyone in the community who would like to come to Friends Church located at Fifth and Oak Streets in Traverse City. For more information, or to volunteer, call Mary Kiner at 935-3050, or email
marykiner@charter.net
Indivisible GT: Tuesday, February 20, 12:00pm, sanctuary
Bridge Group: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall
Lifespan Experience: Wednesday, February 21, 12:00pm, library
Sunday Services Committee: Wednesday, February 21, 4:00pm, classroom
Membership Committee: Wednesday, February 21, 4:15pm, library
Wednesday Potluck! 5:30pm social & 6:00pm supper - Share delicious food and UU fellowship
!
NOTE: Wednesday Speaker Program scheduled for February 21 with Liz Kirkwood of FLOW has been postponed and is
rescheduled for April 4th.
Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, February 22, 9:30am, sanctuary
Brewing Community: Thursday, February 22, 5:00-7:00pm @ The Workshop on Garland Street
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End Note...
It is the spiritual work of a lifetime
to learn compassion and gentleness and equanimity.
It is also the spiritual work of a lifetime
to learn ferocity in the face of injustice and oppression.
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