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
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Beacon, and would like to, please contact
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Reflection...
Palm Sunday with Rev. Karen Welch
Every endeavor begins with a first step.
As I write this Flash Reflection, news of another school shooting is coming in. Details are scant, but my heart is breaking that again gun violence will forever change families. I feel confident, however, that daily small steps are the way to address these larger social issues.
This Sunday, the Christian world marks Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, the beginning of holy week which ends next Sunday with Easter. In the ancient Near Eastern world, Spring is the new year. As Unitarian Universalists, we might take this time to consider what first steps we want to take on our journey this week. What fresh start do you need? Is there a call or note you've been putting off? Is there some way you want to start with a fresh slate?
Join Rev. Karen this Sunday to consider these and other questions. Next Sunday we will celebrate Easter morn in word and song.
In loving blessing -
Rabbi Chava
PS - There is no 9 AM program this week or next week. We reconvene with Chapters 4 and 5 of Karen Armstrong's
Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life on April 15. All are welcome.
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Sunday Service
Sunday, March 25 -
Rev. Karen Welch
10:30 AM Service: Palm Sunday - Is It Time?
A Christian Holy Day, Palm Sunday marks the day the people of Jerusalem "rose up" to escort Jesus on a triumphant entry into the city.
What situations in our city, our country, and our world cause us to want to rise up to be part of an effort to make changes for the better? And what can we do as one individual, one congregation to start a triumphant March for change?
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Lifespan Experience
f
or Children,
Youth
and Fam
ilies!
Sundays in March ~
preK - 8th grade
We're very excited to be starting our "Environment Horcrux" in March, and we will continue this through April. We will spend our time engaging in lessons and stories that promote environmental stewardship, as well as considering the ways in which we can get involved in our community in this regard. This will include reaching out to UUCGT committees who engage in this kind of work, thus connecting the generations of our congregation in new and wonderful ways.
Suggested reading for families/parents this month!
This month we have a very timely book not only about our connections with the earth, but about peace in our world.
"A Prayer for World Peace" by Jane Goodall
"...J
ane Goodall is a world-renowned naturalist who brings her passion and her quest for understanding between all the Earth's creatures to the fore in this beautiful and affecting prayer for world peace . She asks us all to rise above our dogmas, to bring a spirit of generosity to the living world around us, to pray for justice and for those who are suffering. Illustrated with rich and colorful artwork, this is prayer that's both personal and universal and one that will speak to people of all ages from all backgrounds".
https://goo.gl/4LZkVP
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Here are some resources on the topic of violence
that may help you and help those around you:
"
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers"
"
No Exceptions...Lovingkindness is a powerful practice for developing goodwill toward all..."
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2018-2019 Pledge Drive
Have you "Shown Up" yet to support our UUCGT Congregation for the 2018-2019 fiscal year?
If you have not already done so, please make your financial pledge for 2018-2019 now by returning your pledge form or by visiting our website www.uucgt.org.
Your increased pledge will help us meet our goal of full payment of UUA dues and giving modest increases to our hard working staff. You should have received a pledge packet at Sunday Services or through the mail. If you have not, or have misplaced your packet, please call our Business Administrator, Sheri Novak, and she will send you another packet.
Thanks for your continued support of UUCGT.
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Many thanks to everyone who participated in our "Soup-er St. Paddy's Day" Lunch last Sunday! It was a huge success, and a wonderful opportunity for our UUCGT community to joyfully gather over great food and conversation!
Special thanks to all those committees who provided food and beverages.
An EXTRA heartfelt thank you to all those who helped to clean up afterwards, most especially Sandra McDonald. We could not have done this without the many hearts and hands that contributed.
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Opportunities for Community Engagement
Gun Reform Events
March 24, 2018: March For Our Lives
A march in conjunction with events organized by the students of Florida. Students
and families of
March For Our Lives
will take to the streets of Washington, DC to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today.
Corresponding rallies in Traverse City, Grand Rapids and Detroit, as well as others across the country. Please see
rallylist.com
for the event nearest you.
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F Y I
2018 Directories are her
e!
Members and Friends pick up a copy at the Welcome Table on Sunday
Coffee Orders are due Sunday, March 25!
Men's Group meets Monday, April 2 @ 5:30pm - Minerva's
Pick up articles in the front entryway
Donations for Goodwill Housing Support Continues!
Please donate cleaning supplies, gas/food/haircare cards, etc.
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Invitation into UUCGT Membership
UUCGT Membership Committee invites all Prospective New Members!
Please sign up at our
Welcome Table for an Orientation Session on
Sunday, April 8, 11:45am - 12:45 am
Subsequent New Member Welcome Service will be Sunday, April 29
We Welcome You!
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Tuesday Community Lunch: Our weekly program of feeding the hungry needs more volunteers! If you are interested, contact Mary Kiner, 231-935-3050 or
marykiner@charter.net
Mom's Demand Action for Gun Sense in America - Northern Michigan:
Meets Thursday, March 22 @ 6:00pm, Central United Methodist Church, 222 N. Cass Street,
Rm 106,
Traverse City. All are welcome - men, women, parents, non-parents, grandparents....contact Liz Bruning for more information.
** Mark Your Calendars **
Wednesday, April 4 - 7:00 PM
UUCGT Wednesday Night Speaker's Program
(following Wednesday Potluck)
Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW (For Love Of Water)
Liz will discuss recent developments on Enbridge Line 5 and other state and national issues affecting our water resources. S
ee FLOW website for more information:
http://flowforwater.org/.
RSVP to
office@uucgt.org
if you plan to attend. Join us for the Potluck, too!
UUCGT Art Corridor:
Donated pieces from Members & Friends
are on display in the Corridor Gallery. Many thanks to all who loaned their treasured works of art for this exhibit and to the UUCGT Arts & Exhibitions Committee for organizing this exhibit!
Local Community Needs
* * * * * * * * *
BEACON articles are due by the 25th each month -
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What's Going On ... at UUCGT?
Please check UU calendar or website
to confirm cancellations
Meetings & Activities
Peacemakers Needleworkers: Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
Meditation Workshop: Thursday, March 22, 5:30pm, classroom
Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
No 9 AM Adult Learning Program on Sunday, March 25
Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, March 25, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary
Stretch & Strengthen:
Classes meet Monday & Wednesday @ 11:00am
Committee on Ministry: Monday, March 26, 2:00pm, sanctuary
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. To volunteer, call Mary Kiner at 935-3050, or email
marykiner@charter.net
Indivisible GT: Tuesday, March 27, 12:00pm, sanctuary
Bridge Group: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall
Wednesday Supper is cancelled for March 28 - Spring Break!
Wednesday Potluck resumes Wednesday, April 4 - 5:30pm social / 6:00pm supper - All are welcome!
Stay for a special speaker event at 7:00pm with Liz Kirkwood, Executive Director of FLOW (For Love Of Water) - Updates on Line 5 and other state and national issues affecting our amazing water resources.
Facilities Committee: Friday, March 30, 10:00am, social hall
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