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The Communicator November 2016
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Worship in November: Forgiveness
This month of Sundays, we have opportunities to contemplate atonement and forgiveness. How à propos in a post-election time. As our nation finds a way forward, consider your role in engendering forgiveness and acts of graciousness.
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Community Sharing in November: LIFE
The mission of LIFE, or Lee Interfaith for Empowerment, is that we build a powerful congregation-based community organization capable of negotiating the interests of our community and committed to doing justice. The organization is comprised of a diverse group of religious congregations. Having been founded by congregations, the organization is based on the values of justice and compassion as shared values of our faith traditions.
Past issues that LIFE has researched and made action-based goals for influential people of power are unsolved murders in Lee County, and increasing civil citations for eligible youth in the criminal justice system.
LIFE for Justice, Justice for LIFE!
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Christian Group
The UUCFM Christian Group meets at
9:00a
on Sundays
in Room 7. This is a great time for interested UUs to come visit, take a look, ask questions, and see what we're about. We look forward to welcoming you.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum meets every Sunday at 9:15a in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to join us for a new and engaging topic each week.
The speaker on
November 6th
will be Sylvia
Casabianca. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher and Holistic Counselor, and the director of the Eyes Wide Open Center in Bonita Springs and the author of Regaining Body Wisdom: A Multidimensional Approach, among several other books and numerous articles on body, mind and spirit.
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Coffee Hour
This Sunday's Coffee Hour is provided by
The Women's Circle. Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome. Thank you in advance.
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From the Minister
The energy is high in these heady and interesting times. T-shirts and bumper stickers are cause for double takes, perhaps thinking to ourselves "
Who in their right mind would vote that person in as President?"
Bigger picture thinking offers a reminder that such a person is a human being like everyone else, who has good reasons in their worldview for such a decision. Perhaps the very same person upon whom you scowl is asking the same question of you with your bumper stickers. Although the anxiety is built up to a near fever pitch before the election, I wonder (as many have, every election time) what happens after? Remember, ours is the faith that does not agree with the notion of the elect and non-elect. We are all embraced by a Greater Love. Can you be an instrument of such graciousness in these heady times? Turn off the news. Go to nature. Watch your consumption rates (food, alcohol, shopping, etc.). Breathe deeply...and make sure you vote.
Rev. Allison Farnum
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Election Post-Mortem
Did you win? Did you lose? I often wonder if reframing the question could help us. Ours is a faith that teaches that Love wins. No matter what politician is elected for President, I pray that our actions might create a world in which Love wins- for all.
Do we, as Unitarian Universalists-who call ourselves bridge builders, the "love people"- have a role in the post-election times? Where there is anger and divisiveness, do you dare compassion? And no matter what, we live in a state that needs a religious liberal presence. We live in a community that needs bridge-builders and love leaders. This month of Sundays, we have opportunities to contemplate atonement and forgiveness. How à propos in a post-election time. As our nation finds a way forward, consider your role in engendering forgiveness and acts of graciousness.
Rev. Allison Farnum
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Musical Calendar
November 6: The Choir honors veterans with
A Tribute to the Armed Services, and the Band plays the uplifting gospel song
Life Calls Us On by UU composer Jason Shelton.
November 10: At
Thursday evening's Soulful Sundown service, we sing hymns about the night and Amy Laursen shares UU Composer Elizabeth Alexander's poetic song,
Trust the Seeds.
November 13: For our service about family and forgiveness, Peter Golbitz covers
Cat's in the Cradle and the Choir and youth harmonize Chanticleer's
Calling My Children Home.
November 20: Join us in beloved Thanksgiving hymns. The Choir will sing the heartwarming UU song,
We Give Thanks.
November 27: Keep checking the Weekly E-News for updates.
The
Music Committee will meet on
Wednesday, November 16th at 3:00p in Room 7.
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 [email protected]
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RE News
This Sunday, November 6th, is a very special Children's Chapel. Youth will remain in service while kids Pre-K - 5th Grade will join me in Room 1 for a re-imagined kids-only service. Make sure your kiddos are here to help create a new set of traditions for UUCFM Children's Chapel!
Have you ever painted for justice before? Join us
next Wednesday, November 9th, at
6:00p for Community Dinner and wear your paint clothes! We will be working on creating signs for the upcoming Alliance for Fair Food action on
Sunday, November 13 at 2:00p. You don't need to be an artist to create masterpieces for justice. Bring your friends - and don't forget to carry your sign on November13th! For more information on the AFF action, email
[email protected].
Are you up to speed with UUCFM's Religious Education program? You can now find program updates, inspirational messages, photos and videos, and more on our newly minted Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/UUCFMRE
"Like" our page to keep up to date on all the great things our kids are doing at UUCFM. Don't forget to invite your friends to "like" us too - this is a great way for folks to learn about our program and congregation!
Jenn Blosser, RE Director
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Board Thank Yous
The Board named Lesley Peterson Volunteer of the Month for all her efforts on the UUCFM web sites. They extended thanks to John Worster for his carpentry work in repairing the gates to the dumpster area. Thanks for Membership Committee efforts to Mary Nies, Chris Rosa, Alice Forsyth, Theresa Bahre, Renee Savoia, Emily Hutchinson, and Laura Snow. The following helped to make the Herb Day Festival a success: Hugh Cochran, Peggy and Steve Eisenberg, Joan Hickok, Simone and Walt Ittenbach, Peg Lancioni, Bruce Leddy, Sue Magee, Bob Nies, Bill Petrarca, Mary Alice Pierce, Don Richards, Joe Sexton, Pete Tilly, and Dorothy Van Howe.
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Boycott Wendy's Action Sunday November 13th at 2:00p
Come join in solidarity for the Weekend of National Action and show your love for farm workers and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers as we join in an action outside of a local Wendy's. Accessibility note: We will be moving on a sidewalk and have water available.
We will gather at 2:00p for a march/roll and then CIW will send a delegation to the Wendy's to deliver a letter and we will report back to the gathered.
Location:
Wendy's
9301 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Why Boycott Wendy's? Why come to an action?
1) Wendy's has not only refused to join the Fair Food Program (FFP), but has stopped buying tomatoes from Florida since the implementation of the FFP there. Rather than support an industry setting new standards for human rights, Wendy's took its tomato purchases to Mexico, where workers continue to confront wage theft, sexual harassment, child labor, and even slavery without access to protections.
2) WENDY'S HAS CHOSEN PUBLIC RELATIONS OVER HUMAN RIGHTS
Instead of joining the FFP and its widely-acclaimed, uniquely successful worker-driven model of social responsibility, Wendy's released a new supplier code of conduct that contains no effective mechanisms for worker participation or enforcement. Wendy's new code represents the very worst of the traditional corporate approach to social responsibility driven by public relations rather than human rights.
3) WENDY'S IS PROFITING FROM FARMWORKER POVERTY
Wendy's stands alone as the last of the five major fast food corporations in the country to refuse to join the FFP: McDonald's, Burger King, Yum!Brands and Subway are all doing the right thing and participating in the Program. By refusing to join, Wendy's is deriving a very real cost advantage over its competitors, while continuing to provide an alternative market for less reputable growers.
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Soulful Sundown November 10th
If you are a leader in our congregation- teacher, coordinator, committee chair, board member, come to this sacred time to nourish your own spiritual journey as you serve our faith and our congregation. Soulful sundown is a space dedicated to you leaders in the church who must nourish your inner lives in order to serve with joy and abundance.
Soulful Sundown will be held
7-8 pm
in Miller Sanctuary on these Thursday evenings:
November 10th,
January 26th, and
April 13th.
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Next Connection Circle Begins November 13th
If you are yearning for community, desiring to find deeper meaning in relationships with others in the congregation, and wishing to grow spiritually, a Connection Circle is for you!
Facilitated by a trained UUCFM facilitator following UUA guidelines, a 6-session Connection Circle is a safe place to talk about issues of spiritual or personal importance and a great way to get to know others and be known. In a relaxed atmosphere, share your own life experiences as they pertain to a different spiritual topic each session. Feedback from a recent group includes:"I've made new friends here"; "This is a place where I could be honest with my feelings"; "I feel more self-confident after being in this group"; and "I like the openness and acceptance I found here."
The next 6-session group begins after church on
Sunday, November 13th (from
12:15-1:45) and continues on 11/27, 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, and 1/22. Attendance at all six sessions is expected. Although the group is open to all UUCFM members and visitors, it becomes closed after the first session. Please register with Nancy Letts at
[email protected] or call her at
401-741-2712.
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CUUPs Thanksgiving
CUUPs is having a thanks of sharing on Sunday, November 20th
at
12:30p
. We are honoring food from all around the world as our community's gratitude of our beloved planet. This is a time to say thank you. Our meetings are open to all. We ask you bring your favorite food from your own tradition. We will have a ritual of blessing, then share community and food. Please seek Joy Purcell or Rachel Spiller for details. We love being part of our UU community. Love and balance to all. May we all come together with peace and love in our hearts.
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Holiday Sing-Along!
Join the UUCFM Choir and Band on Sunday December 18th at 1:00p for
the Second Annual
Holiday Sing-Along
in the Sanctuary! We'll pass the Santa hat to benefit the South Fort Myers Food Pantry.
Come sing and enjoy Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs,
solstice chants, and other wintry favorites.
Please bring a friend and a holiday treat to share. Request a song for $25 donation by December 5th. See you there!
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7 African Powers Workshop
January 22, 2017, Sunday 12:30-2:30p
Venue: Covered Porch and Hobart Hall
Presenters: Alberita Johnson, Lily Nieves and Natasha Dvorak
Prerequisite: Have open minds, hearts, spirits and a willing voice to explore another way of honoring the Universe
Synopsis: Present the attributes, folklore, wisdom and powers of the Goddesses and Gods of the African Diaspora. We will explore the Spiritual common threads of Iife; Candomble; Santeria; and/or Orisha Voodun that honors and weaves into the everyday way of life. Via different global practices, song, head wrapping, and the showing of the documentary film: Yemanja – Wisdom from the African Heart of Brazil; the participant will attempt to wrap her/his mind (pun intended) around tapestries of the 7 African Powers .
Fee: $10 per person (all materials are included) The picture shows a model wearing a head wrap. Each participant who attends will receive fabric and hands-on instruction on how to make one. [email protected]
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Holiday Bake Sale & Craft Fair
Our annual fund-raising Holiday Bake Sale & Craft Fair will be held on Dec. 4 and 11 from 11:30am to 1:00 pm. UUCFM members may sell their crafts or baked goods for a good cause. Please sign-up before November 27th.
Arts and Crafts
Here are some suggested craft categories:
· Jewelry & Leather Items
· Knit Shawls & Scarves & Bed Sox & Hangar Pads & Hats
· Paintings & Photography
· Pottery
· Stained Glass
· Used Books & Records
· Christmas Decor
To participate please contact: Pat Linhoff e-mail [email protected] or call 612-382-5927.
Specify your art or craft, average price and amount of table space needed, which days you plan to participate, and brief name for your sign (i.e., Jewelry by Jennifer). Also note what percentage you plan to donate to UUCFM. You also can choose to donate your items -- all revenue going to UUCFM -- and not be present to sell them.
Bake Sale
Pies, cakes, cookies, and other treats are requested for the Bake Sale. Some gluten-free and/or low fat items are also needed (label as such). These goodies should be individually wrapped with a selling price on it. All sales income will be donated to UUCFM. You may take your goods to the Bake Sale Table before church service. You may also volunteer to staff the table and collect sales money or to help set-up.
To participate or volunteer please contact Suzanne Ziemer e-mail: [email protected] or call: 812-332-3450. Specify what treats you are bringing, and on which date(s). Also note what day you would like to volunteer.
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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
[email protected]
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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 [email protected]
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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 PM to 8:30
p.
We meet in classroom 4.
Whale Maiden conducts this class with a co-facilitator. In these classes, we presents 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 AM to 11:30a
.
This class is conducted outside.
We gather at the Pond by the Amphitheater of the UUCFM.
In this class, we work with one tree per month to learn what it is and what it’s 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
Join members and friends of our UUCFM community 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.
Activitie
s for November:
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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Tai Chi with Lucy Wistreich will begin soon on Thursdays at 10:00a in the Sanctuary.
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Mah Jongg will resume soon. We play on Friday afternoons. All welcome!
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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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LIFE for Justice and Justice for LIFE!
Monday evening we had 111 voting members present. 93 people voted to continue our Focus from last year around unsolved murders, and research will bear if we pursue police - community relations. We heard powerful stories- one from a white grandmother whose grieving grandson played ball with
Stef'an Strawder,
one of the teens killed at Club Blu. We also heard powerful testimony from young adult Pastor Roosevelt Stewart of Mt. Hermon Ministries. He shared stories of how he has been pulled over several times because he was driving while black. He has even been pulled over in front of Mt. Hermon, and police did not believe his story that the church was his place of work. He also spoke of the proactive need for his community's responsibility to building trust in police-community relations.
We also had approximately 10 people coming from the Fort Myers United Church of Christ congregation. They are not yet ready to join the organization, but they are already clearly on their way. Their numbers are not counted. Additionally, I did get follow up from the rabbi and a lay leader at Temple Beth-El, who are still recovering from the high holy days. They will likely come to the Nehemiah action.
If you wish to be part of the research process, shoulder to shoulder with other LIFE members in looking for realistic solutions to the problems of unsolved murders and police-community relations, please plan on attending the Research Kick-Off November 7th at Messiah Lutheran, 2691 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral. New folks are welcome to join!
Rev. Allison Farnum
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South Fort Myers Food Pantry
A helpful suggestion to remember your food donations!
The request for food donations is still the same. If suggestions are needed, canned protein such as chicken, ham, tuna, turkey, ravioli (very popular) or hardy soups are great. The collection boxes & basket are still in the same places; by the water cooler in Hobart Hall and next to the middle door of the Narthex. Now you know where to put the food once you get it here but how can you remember to bring it in the first place? This is so much to think about on Sunday morning! A suggestion made by one of the members of the Social Justice Committee is to put your food out on Saturday evening and put your car keys on top of the food. Now you can't forget to bring a food donation unless you forget to drive your car. (Thank you, Liz.) If you have questions or want to volunteer, contact Fran Rose by email with "Food Pantry" in the memo line. [email protected] The SFM Food Pantry thanks you.
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Table Graces for Thanksgiving
As we approach Thanksgiving with family and friends, here are some table graces you can offer for the occasion. You may also decide to try some at the start of each meal, either privately or with your table company as a way to take pause for the gift of nourishment in body and spirit. And of course, you might use the words we speak every Sunday when we give thanks for the weekly offering.
---Rev. Allison
This ritual is one.
The food is one.
We who offer the food are one.
The fire of hunger is also one.
All action is one.
We who understand this are one.
-Ancient Hindu
Thank you for the wind and rain
and sun and pleasant weather.
Thank you for this food
and that we are together.
-Mennonite
This food comes from the Earth and Sky.
It is the gift of the entire universe.
And the fruit of much hard work;
I vow to live a life which is worthy to receive it.
-Buddhist
The bread is pure and fresh,
The water cool and clear,
Lord of all Life, be with us.
Lord of all Life, be near.
-African
Mother earth, you who give us food,
whose children we are and on whom we depend,
please make this produce you give us flourish.
And make our children and animals grow...
Children, the earth is the mother of humankind
because she gives us food.
-Rigoberta Menchú
Praised are you, Adonai, our G*d,
Guide of the Universe who creates innumerable living beings and their needs.
For all the things You have created to sustain every living being,
Praised are you, Life of the Universe.
-Jewish
Mother/Father God, for the sacred circle of family and friendship,
we thank you and ask that with your guidance, we may widen and deepen those circles by touching others with love and understanding.
Blessings Be.
-Sue Patton Thoele
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Holidays without Hunger - Youth Volunteer Opportunity
We have another great Youth Led Project for you- Emmie (project leader) and the RE department invite you to join team UUCFM at Meals of Hope's Holidays Without Hunger event at Harborside Event Center on Christmas Eve morning. Just go to
http://www.holidayswithouthunger.org
, register to join, and put in team name UUCFM. (You will click on team registration.) Register soon as this event fills up quickly! Even the youngest helpers will enjoy packing meals and making a difference this holiday season. We hope to see you there!
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Bill Brewer Family Gardens
We are in our Fall campaign to rent Family Gardens beds for 10 or 12 months. Please consider renting a bed for your family, recommending rentals to your friends and neighbors, or buying a bed in our co-op to have others work your bed and share the harvest. Send all requests to
[email protected]
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Dinners-Go-Round are now forming for January through April!
Denis and Linda Jensen are organizing the Dinners Go Round for January through April of 2017. For new members or those who haven't participated in the past, these monthly potluck dinners offer you a chance to get to know your fellow UUCFM members on an informal basis. One dinner is held each month at a host UUCFM member’s home on a date determined by the host and the participants. If you would like to participate, please email Denis Jensen by December 1st at [email protected] and let him know. Please include your names, telephone numbers, addresses and email addresses and also let him know if you would consider being a host for one of the four monthly dinners, or if there is one or more of the four months where you would not be able to participate. Also advise Denis if you will require wheelchair accessible dinner sites.
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Homes for the Holidays
Several members of the congregation would like to share their holiday meal with their UUCFM friends. If you don't have a holiday meal plan, or would like to be with other UUs for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, please contact Leslie Gatto at
[email protected].
I am still accepting offers for host families, as well! This is who we are as congregants of UUCFM: loving, growing and serving.
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Gratitude Notes: Carol Louis
Have you ever taken the time to look at this plaque in our Narthex? Lots of familiar names, aren’t there? And if you look closely, you will see these names in the upper right corner…
Irving (Bud) and Carol Louis were a fixture around UUCFM for decades, serving in many volunteer and leadership roles. We reached out to a long-time member, Phyllis Brewer, for some reflections on the
Louis’s service to UUCFM:
“They were terrific fund raisers and co-chaired THREE capital campaigns (all were successful). The first was to raise $190,000 to pay for the land on Shire Lane. The second was to build the first phase of the campus, which included the administration wing, the RE wing and Hobart Hall. Because we weren't able to sell the old building at the original appraised price (the real estate market had dropped), we weren't able to build the sanctuary [at that time]. During the fundraising process, they brought the UUA's development person down to Fort Meyers for consultation. I attended the meeting at the Louis's house. We were told that, in his opinion, UUCFM would not be able to raise the amount of money needed. The congregation was too small, didn't have enough money, etc.
Carol and Bud's response was to rise to the challenge and go for it anyway! They were very successful,
and we raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $500,000.
The third campaign occurred shortly after Bill Miller died [in 1994]. At the last service before his death,
the congregation voted to proceed with the construction of the sanctuary and an addition to the RE Wing.
When Bill died, everything went on hold. Then we had much encouragement from our interim minister, Jo Bartlett; Bill’s widow, Shirley; the president of the UUA (John Buehrens) and Rev. Terry Sweester (who spoke at our church to encourage us to proceed). To quote Ed Porteus (former BOT President) “….so Carol and Bud Louis once again went to work and now their successful $650,000 fund raising campaign is a grand part of our history.” As you can tell, there was a very positive response to the campaign as our wish to honor Bill Miller as well as the congregation’s desire to move forward.
Anyway, Carol and Bud Louis loved the church and Bill Miller and they had tremendous confidence in all of us. They were a pretty impressive team.”
The Finance Council is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant bequest of $25,000 from the
estate of Carol Lewis. As per our agreement with the Endowment Fund, approximately $8,500 of this
bequest was used to pay off our note. In addition, we purchased a desperately needed Utility Cart which has been vital in our efforts to maintain our large campus and Eco-Preserve. The balance of the bequest gave a much-needed boost to our reserves. We are grateful for their confidence in UUCFM and continue striving to be a worthy recipient of such a gift.
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Small Things to Make a Big Difference
Here are some ideas for how you and your family can help UUCFM and the causes we support:
1. Make it a habit to bring a grocery sack of food each week for the South Fort Myers Food Pantry.
Go through your own pantry and donate (non-expired) canned goods. Add two items a week (beans, rice, pasta, peanut butter, tuna, canned ravioli) to your grocery list and take advantage of BOGOs or bulk purchases to increase your impact.
2. Purchase items from our Amazon Wish List for the
daysforgirls.org project for GRACE:
https://goo.gl/AWtwEq Or donate cotton or flannel fabric or cash to purchase snaps and liners. Call hotels to get donations of washcloths or bars of soap. We will provide a donation letter in thanks!
4. Start a family change jar for contributing to Community Sharing partner each month. Have kids earn $ for chores for the jar. We love seeing pocket change in the collection baskets!
5. Volunteer on campus for 4 hours per month. Weed gardens, tidy classrooms and Sanctuary, wash
dishes…
6. Save (new) travel-sized toiletries from hotel trips and bring to church so we can distribute to local
homeless populations.
7. Offer to carpool to UUCFM on Sunday with another member who lives nearby.
8. Complete a Volunteer and Interest worksheet letting us know about your talents, experience and
interests so members can reach out to each other and take advantage of our wide variety of skills and interests.
9. Contribute to a directory for small, local businesses that other members or folks new to the area
might like to patronize. Offer a couple of words of review for the places you know well. Submit
10. Want a project to manage? What about restarting the Equal Exchange program selling Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate!
www.equalexchange.coop They now carry Keurig compatible coffee! Combine Fair Trade products and fundraising for UUCFM. Thank you!
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My UU Story: Peg Eisenberg
G.O.D.= Good Orderly Direction
My maternal grandparents raised me in a loving, Christian home, in a small upstate New York town. My grandmother was a church-going Methodist, and my grandfather was a “lapsed” Catholic. Growing up, I believed if you did not have Christ in your life, you were likely going to hell. It was extremely upsetting to think so many people I loved would not enter the “kingdom of heaven”.
When I was 18, my grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I prayed with all my heart for a
miracle, but none came. For many years I lived in a spiritual wasteland. I blamed God for her death,
and for His desertion of me. Fortunately, at age 26, I got involved with in a 12-step program. I learned
about the concept of G. O. D. as “good orderly direction,” and was able to begin my spiritual search as
an adult.
What a journey it has been! I often joke that I was a Buddhist-Jewish- Wiccan with Christian tendencies.
Others religions, or spiritual writings, can be added. I still love learning about the wonders of various
religions and spiritual beliefs. I never felt comfortable with any one religion. How could one be right
and all the others be wrong? For me, I do feel closer to my Higher Power in nature than anywhere else.
Some of my friends never question the religious precepts they have been practicing all their lives. They
seem content. Was there was something wrong with me? Why couldn’t I find a religion/spiritual path
that worked for me? Why do I ask so many questions? Why can’t I just deal with the dogma and the
rules of any one particular faith?
A few years ago, I happened to be looking around for Wiccan Sabbats celebrations in the Fort Myers
area. Imagine my surprise when UUCFM was listed as having a CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian
Universalist Pagans) group, a Buddhist group, a Humanist group, and the Holton Eco-Preserve.
Hmmm. This is a church that is a welcoming congregation, active in social justice issues, and works to
combat racism, sexism, and classism. Is it really a church? I thought, “What is this UU stuff all about?”
My husband, Steve, and I came to UUCFM a couple years ago. We have been here ever since. I realized that I was a UU without knowing it! I have finally found my spiritual home.
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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
[email protected]
Joy will help you edit and she will provide questions to help you develop your story.
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Help Hilary Support Heights
Help Hilary Matheson check rappelling down 19 stories off her bucket list. Her fundraiser, benefiting The Heights Foundation will take place 1:25p November 12th at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, Cape Coral FL 33914. She hopes to raise a minimum of $1,500 to support The Heights Center’s School Success program for at risk children in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. That is $79 for every floor she passes on her way down.
“Over The Edge gives [Hilary] the opportunity to make a positive impact in a community [close to where she lives] in exchange for the experience of [her] lifetime,” said Kathryn Kelly, President and CEO of The Heights Foundation. “The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average. The goal of our School Success program is to ensure our kids have the necessary support and tools to succeed in school.”
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Just a note to clarify my ad for my farm share. The church can be a drop off site on Thursdays (the time is flexible depending on when works best for folks) in front of the office. However, in order for this to be feasible for me, I need to have at least 10 folks signed up. So far I have a few people who are interested--so please do let me know if you are interested (even if it's a half a box a week).
I would like to share that this farm is not just a business to me, it is part of my mission to be part of a movement for food, environmental, and racial justice. As part of that mission, I have been working with the youth at the Quality of Life center, to revamp their community garden and eventually offer a food justice curriculum with the youth. I am also an ally with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and have been in conversations with them on connecting the local food movement with the movement for farm worker rights. Finally, I'm in the process of accepting SNAP/EBT as payment and have plans on creating a low-income CSA program, in partnership with churches and other community spaces in low-income communities, that will address issues of access to fresh food as well as offer political education around the food system and health and wellness. So, do know that by joining my CSA program, you are not only supporting a local farm, but also supporting a movement for justice and equity in our communities. Thank you to those of you who have expressed interest thus far!
Prita Lal
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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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Honoring Our Sacred Water
A Morning of Meditation and Music to Bless all Water
Saturday November 5th 9:00-10:30a
Rotary Park Environmental Center,
5600 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral, 33914
We of the SW Florida community will come together to pray and honor the spirit of the water with an intention of healing, awareness, and positive solutions during this crucial time of mass environmental changes. Gather and commune with the spirit of the water and for its healing on Mother Earth. We also invite groups and individuals throughout the world to join us in this intention this day for healing the waters of South Florida. Contact [email protected] or visit us on facebook page: Honoring Our Sacred Waters
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MOVIE: LOVING The National Association of Black Journalists in Washington, DC and Shiree Woody are working to bring this exclusive screening to SWFL, which will air in select cities on
November 4, 2016.
We need your support by attending the screening. We need to have a count, so we need to you to RSVP to the link below ASAP. We need to have a strong showing. Below are details and a synopsis about the movie.
From acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols, “Loving” celebrates the real-life courage and commitment of an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), who married and then spent the next nine years fighting for the right to live as a family in their hometown. Their civil rights case, Loving v. Virginia, went all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1967 reaffirmed the very foundation of the right to marry – and their love story has become an inspiration to couples ever since.
RSVP to:
[email protected]
Be sure to include number of people attending and your names. Thank you.
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Nov 1 Ann Heckes
Nov 1 Barbara Moreland
Nov 2 Miriam Jones
Nov 5 Mary Nies
Nov 8 Alice Forsyth
Nov 8 Ellen Kelly
Nov 8 Terri Kelly
Nov 8 Bob Krieger
Nov 9 David Kulpanowski
Nov 10 Randall Gann
Nov 12 Barbara Kuzniar
Nov 17 Denis Jensen
Nov 20 Theresa Bahre
Nov 20 Cori Calkins
Nov 21 Erin Everson
Nov 21 Mary Murray
Nov 28 Bob Krieger
Nov 28 Jennifer McFadden
Nov 29 Liz Taggart
Nov 30 Amy Laursen
Nov 30 Bob Nies
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Jill Carville
(239) 561-2700
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