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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Reflection...
"Stories also reveal the powers that provide orientation in people's lives ... stories speak of that elusive sense of meaning, power and value that root our stories in something deeper."
- from Carol Christ
Friends, as you know, I am returning from a working trip to Phoenix (95 and sunny every day) where I spoke to over 1000 medical professionals about the power of the stories we tell - about ourselves, our organizations, our world. Stories are also very much on my mind because this Saturday will be the second meeting of our Women's New Moon Group where we will focus on "thick stories," stories with deeper meaning in our lives. This sharing will be our way of getting to know each other, and I am already relishing hearing your stories. (You are still welcome to join us at 3 PM, and you can pick up the book, Soul to Soul, at the office for $13).
Speaking our stories and listening deeply to each other's is a great gift.
Our congregation tells its story in so many ways: through words and worship, through programs and meals, through coffee hour and artistic expression. I am delighted that our UUCGT story is emerging this Spring as a time of new beginnings, of visioning, of looking toward where we are now and we where hope to go, especially in social justice.
Our story is unfolding, and I am glad to share this journey with you.
In blessing -
Rabbi Chava
PS - I am very excited about this Sunday's All Bach service. Will you be able to Handel it? Don't fret. We won't string you along.
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Sunday Service
Sunday, March 26 - Rabbi Chava Bahle &
John Bailey,
Music Director
No 9:00 AM Program
1
0:30 AM Service: "All Bach Service
"
Johann Sebastian Bach was a Christian, a Lutheran. All his music, by his proclamation, was composed to the greater glory of God and Christ. However, his music has the gift of diversity. It is rare that any music genre does not have examples of Bach's genius. And, it is rare that any given music genre, at least in the western world, does not owe its foundation and structure to Bach's musical organization. Also, rare is it to find a modern spirituality that does not include Bach's music and arrangements. Those of us who grew up Lutheran were bathed in the music of Bach. Those of us who took music theory know and practice many of his analyzed rules that make his music so creatively beautiful and accessible even hundreds of year beyond his death.
Just as our UU beliefs relish in our diversity and acceptance of all, so, too, does J.S. Bach's music engulf diversity in music and acceptance of all genres. In honor of Bach's birthday of March 21, all music will be Bach composed or arranged
music.
It will be an exciting musical service ~ join us!
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Lifespan Experience
f
or Children and Youth (and Families!)
Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m.
Sunday programming for Children and Youth throughout the remainder of this program year will complement Sunday Services in our efforts to move closer to congregational thematic ministry. This thematic calendar will explore the Six Source traditions, and consider wisdom from around the world.
CHILD / YOUTH OF THE MONTH!
Our Child of the Month is Jack Matchett!
Make sure you take a moment to greet Jack when you see him, and check out the poster featuring him in the social hall all of this month!
Each month we will give special attention to a child or youth from our UUCGT community! A picture of them will be featured in the social hall, along with a little bit about them. Interested in more information and how to participate? Contact the office!
Sundays in March
As a congregation we will be exploring the theme of joy - and what better way to tie that into our lessons than celebrating nature and the changing of the seasons! Through lessons based on our 6th UU Source - the Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature - we will happily welcome the spring together!
Suggested readings for families/parents this month
- "Sitting Still Like a Frog - Mindfulness Exercises for kids (and their Parents)" - by Eline Snel
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March 31st - Spring Break Open Play!
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Family
Potluck & Movie Night
Friday, April 7
Potluck @
5:30 pm ~ Movie @ 7:00 pm
" Inside Out "
<See April Beacon for more information>
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W
hat's Going On At UUCGT?
Activities are also listed in the Order of Service & Beacon
Please contact UUCGT office to schedule meetings & events
Please note that the UUCGT office will be closed on Tuesday, March 28th while staff attend to previously scheduled obligations. Thank you
Brewing Community:
Thursday, March 23, 5:00-7:00pm, Rare Bird.
This is a great way to meet people, laugh with friends, family-friendly!
Contact
Sarah
with questions.
Meditation for Spiritual Awareness:
Thursday, March 23, 5:30-6:30 PM, classroom. Free class facilitated by Elisabeth Treefon. See flier
HERE
Impromptu Orchestra Practice:
Thursday, March 23, 6:00 pm, sanctuary.
Practice for
Sunday, March 26 service - a Bach harmonization of "We Are the Earth, Upright and Proud." This is not a required practice,
but it would be good to have a run through. Please contact UU Music Director,
John Bailey
, ASAP with your name and which instrument you'll be playing.
Thanks!
UUCGT Vocal Ensemble: Meets every Thursday at 7:00 - 8:30 PM.
All are Welcome! Contact
John Bailey for more information.
New Moon Women's Circle:
Saturday, March 25, 3:00pm-5:00pm, sanctuary. Women gathering to celebrate the New Moon to rest in the potential of the dark quiet of the new moon and consider the time ahead. Each month will focus on an aspect of our inner and outer lives. For more information contact
Carolyn Kelly
. The book, "Soul to Soul" is available in the office, $13
Program Council: Sunday, March 26, 9:00am
SJA Higher Grounds Coffee: Orders due Sunday, March 26
Order some
Great Coffee at a Great Price
!
Paula Hartmann has volunteered to coordinate this venture.
Thank you, Paula!
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Pledge Reminder
Our Pledge Drive is going well for the 2017 - 2018 fiscal year. However, several folks have not yet submitted their pledge commitment. If you haven't taken the opportunity to pledge, please do so this week by Sunday, March 26, so that we can wrap up our Pledge Drive.
Those who have not pledged should have received a reminder letter with a pledge form this week. If you did not, please pick up a form this Sunday and submit your pledge for 2017-2018.
We appreciate every gift and every giver. If you have questions, please contact Mike McDonald. Thank you.
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F Y I
Thank you!
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UUCGT Financial Summary as of 2/28/17:
Click
here
UUCGT 2017 Directory is available!
Pick up a copy on Sunday!
Social Justice Action Event - "Redistricting": Friday, March 24, 6:00-8:00pm, Scholar's Hall, Rm 109, NMC campus. Count MI Vote hosts Redistricting Forum Town Hall.
Safe Harbor Volunteer Opportunities:
We still need three overnight volunteers (one man and two women) for our Safe Harbor effort at Traverse Bay UMC on
Monday, April 3. This is from 9:00 pm until 6:30 am the next morning. You will get several hours sleep as you will be up in shifts during the night. If you can fill this opportunity, please see Mike or Sandra McDonald at the sign up table before or after service this Sunday or contact Mike McDonald at 935-3759. We need to fill all volunteer positions to perform this critical community service. Thanks!
UUCGT Men's Group: Monday, April 3, 5:30pm @ Minerva's. Handouts are available in the causeway by name tag tower.
Inter Play Workshop: Saturday, April 8, 10:00 - 1:00 pm, sanctuary
Presented by Lee Edwards and Kat Brown. Come for a joyful, creative, and transformative experience - fun & insightful! See flier HERE
Heather Shumaker Book Launch - "Saving Arcadia": Bluewater Hall Event Center, 13424 S. West Bay Shore Drive. Please click
here for more information.
UUCGT Book Club: Sunday, April 9 - April title is "A God in Ruins" by Kate Atkinson
Save The Date! Orientation Session for Prospective Members
Sunday, April 23 at 12 noon. Questions? Sherry Davis, 231-709-2309
Save the Date! SJA Workshop - "Inclusivity", Saturday, April 29, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. See April Beacon for more information.
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phone: l(231) 947-3117 website: www.uucgt.org email: office@uucgt.org Office hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm FLASH articles are due by noon on Wednesday each week
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