Weekly E-News
January 18, 2018
MLK Commemoration 2018
Sundays in January
Rummage Sale Postponed!
Due to timing problems the Rummage Sale is being postponed. Don't get rid of your intended donations as we will be having the sale Friday, February 2nd-Sunday, February 4th. The sale will begin at 8:00 am on Friday the 2nd, 8:00 am on Saturday, the 3rd, and after church on Sunday, the 4th. Contact Deb Lewis for details [email protected]
Michael Durall Weekend
Church consultant Michael Durall will be with us this weekend. We encourage all members to attend his Saturday morning program from 9:30 am until noon. Mike is a lively and engaging presenter who will speak about the UUCFM of the future. He throws out a heresy from time to time, to keep things interesting. No sign-ups necessary.
Staff & Board News
From the Minister
In the first month of 2018, we are given an opportunity to consider what's new for us as a congregation and what our priorities might be as we take leaps of faith into the future. I do hope you will join in learning and participating this weekend with church consultant Mike Durall. The details are above in the newsletter. I hope to see you there! Families, childcare will be provided.

Rev. Allison Farnum
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
From the Board
Nominations for Board of Trustees Positions

The Nominating Committee is beginning its tasks of considering candidates for the Board of Trustees to
present to the membership at our March Annual Meeting. This year, nearly all of the Board positions
are to be filled as existing Board members’ terms are expiring.

 President: Matt Hoffman (present President-Elect) will take the President’s Office, as stipulated
by the ByLaws.

 President-Elect: (open) “shall act for the President in his or her absence and shall perform such
duties as may be designated by the President.” Serves as member of the Personnel Committee.
Desirable skills: previous Board experience, work with volunteers, leadership experience, and
rules for presiding at meetings.

 Vice President-Finance: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Finance Council.”
Oversees the annual budget process, provides a monthly report to the Board re church incomes
and expenses, and collaborates with the Treasurer in managing financial activities. Desirable
skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.

 Vice President-Ministerial Services: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Ministerial
Council.” Serves as liaison between the Board and the Chairs of all church ministerial services
committees, collaborates with the VP of Programs on Ministerial and Program activities, and
greets visitors at the Welcome Table and during coffee hour. Desirable skills: team
management, scheduling, communicating, personnel management, and group dynamics.

 Vice President-Operations: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Operations Council.”
Provides leadership and support to buildings & grounds, décor & flowers, hurricane
preparedness, kitchen, library and Eco-Preserve committees. Advises the Office Administrator
in matters pertaining to the Operations Council budget and church facilities rentals. Desirable
skills: facility management, budgeting, leadership experience.

 Vice President-Programs: (open) “shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Programs Council.” Is
liaison between Board and Chairs of church program committees, is responsible for all church
dinners, holiday events and annual dinner, collaborates with VP of Ministerial Services on
Ministerial and Program activities, and works closely with church members who plan special
church activities such as movie nights and parties. Desirable skills: team management,
scheduling, and communicating.

 Secretary of the Board: (open) is responsible for documenting Board proceedings, annual
meetings and special meetings of the congregation. Desirable skills: written and verbal
communications, computer-based applications.

 Treasurer: (open) monitors church’s financial institutions accounts, oversees dispersing and
collecting of money, has custody of all church funds and financial records, serves as Vice-Chair of
the Finance Council, and reports the state of finances to the Board and the congregation.
Desirable skills: accounting, communicating, financial experience.

 Member-at- Large: (open) serves as liaison to Membership. Coordinates volunteer recognition,
assists other officers as needed.

Note that the Vice President positions have a two-year term.

Please give some thought to how you might best serve the congregation as a Board member and let
Russ Rosenthal, Nominating Committee Chair, know of your interests. His email is [email protected].
For further information about any of the Board positions, please contact any of the existing Board
members.
Special Events
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 buffet meal included with the $20 ticket.  Doc Gatto will be there with his popcorn machine for continuous free popcorn all night.  Tickets on sale in Hobart Hall after the Sunday service or contact Suzanne Ziemer,  239-463-9020 , [email protected]

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.
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.

John E. Fischer, 267 992 6566 or [email protected]

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.
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
[email protected] by Wednesday, January 31st with your name, email, and phone number.
2018 Service Auction
The Adventures in Wonderland service auction is right around the corner. Donations can be made online at  togetherauction.com/uucfm  or via our paper form available in the Narthex and church office starting Sunday, January 21st. Do you have a interesting hobby you would love to share? Donate a hour or two of your time to lead a class.

Tickets for the auction this year are $25 and will include complimentary drink tickets as well as themed catering provided by our own Joy Purcell. Contacts us at  [email protected]  or buy your tickets before or after service on Sundays.

Let’s have an adventure. -Stephanie and Matt Hoffman, auction co-chairs [email protected]
Classes & Groups
UUCFM Book Group
Join the book study group on Wednesdays. We met from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Library.

January 24th No Meeting
January 31st: Part II pgs 71-99
February 7th: Part II pgs 99-132

Email Rev. Allison with any questions: [email protected]
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  [email protected]  or call at  401-741-2712 .
The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1.
Weekly Activities
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
Social Justice
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). 
Member to Member
Do you have something to offer, trade, or sell? Are you looking for something? Free ad space here for personal items only. Email [email protected]

Condo Sharing: 2 bed, 2 bath, no pets, no smoking. $600.00 a month.   [email protected] . 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 [email protected]

Looking for Class C or B Camper: Under 50k miles. Virginia Duffy  < [email protected]

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  [email protected]  or text  239-940-2947  (do not call).
More!
Kitchen Party
An after Holiday Kitchen Clean Up will be held Monday January 29th at 9:00 am. It's time to wipe off fingerprints and spills that happen during the use of our church kitchen. A chili lunch will follow. Yum Yum! Contact Dorothy Van Howe at  [email protected]  or  239-560-7238  if you can attend. 
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
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
Shop at  smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1160337  and Amazon donates to Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers.
Our Greater Community  
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.  
Transgender Issues & Challenges

Issues and challenges transgenders face in a gender biased society will be shared by Nathan Bruemmer from ALSO Youth Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook.

The public is invited and there is no charge. The presentation will include what it is like growing up transgender and transitioning from birth gender to identified gender. He will include discussion regarding “religious” freedom bill discriminating against transgender people in bathrooms, housing , employment and heath care. Mr. Bruemmer currently works with teens and youth age 12-21. He will be available to
answer questions. For futher information: [email protected]
January 19  Declan Ireland is 13!
January 20 Rod Miller
January 23  Mel Cooper
January 26 Emily Hutchinson
January 27  Matthew Stark
  Please send all news articles for the Weekly E-news to  [email protected]
All Communicator articles may be emailed to [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville 
(239) 561-2700 
Board of Trustees

President              Steve Eisenberg        239-634-7367    [email protected]
President Elect     Matt Hoffman          239-222-4836    [email protected]
Secretary Theresa Bahre 843-472-0386 [email protected]
Treasurer              Jen Smith             630-881-0000    [email protected]
VP Finance             Deb Lewis            239-313-5618    [email protected]
VP Programming Julie Ireland 786-348-5544 [email protected]
VP Ministerial Services Harvey Heckes           [email protected]
VP Operations           Bill Petrarca           239-454-2438    [email protected]
Member at Large Bruce Marble 239-596-2703 [email protected]
Youth Representative Madeline Wellman [email protected]


Staff
 
Minister            Rev. Allison Farnum  239-561-2700x204    [email protected]
Director of Music   Amy Laursen        941-932-2353        [email protected]
Director of RE       Jenn Blosser       239-561-2700x208    [email protected]
Office Manager      Jill Carville          239-561-2700x202    [email protected]
Building Supervisor  Mickey Kellam       239-738-3473        [email protected]
Nursery Supervisor  Liza Kellam          239-314-6316         [email protected]