Christmas Eve Services
We will have a regular Sunday morning service at 10:30 am this Sunday and a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5:00 pm. Each service lasts approximately one hour.
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Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum regularly meets every Sunday at 9:15a in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend.
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Administrative Office Closed
The UUCFM Office will close Friday at 1:00 pm for our Annual Holiday Volunteer party and will reopen on Wednesday, December 27th. We hope everyone has a great holiday and see you next Wednesday!
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Community Sharing in December: Quality Life Center
The
Quality Life Center strives to strengthen family and community through the development of programs, services and the provision of housing and property management to ultimately cultivate self-development, teach self-discipline, build confidence and promote nutritional and cultural awareness.
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Sunday Coffee Hour
Sunday's Coffee Hour is provided by volunteers from the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, CUUPS on the second Sunday, Humanist Forum on the third Sunday, Men's Group on the fourth Sunday and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church. Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome.
Dorothy Van Howe
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From the Minister
As we sang this past Sunday during our winter solstice pageant, "let us bring in the light and turn the wheel." As usual, the arrival of a new year brings time for reflection. How will you live into your most sacred intentions? These could be ways you wish to live into loving yourself, others, or even our planet. The new year brings the time of possibility for us all, that none of us are outside a circle drawn by a greater love. Whether you are 9 years old or 90 years old, is there potential that is yet untapped in you? As Howard Thurman puts it, "
Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve
."
My prayer for the new year is that this congregation is the place that reminds you of your moments of high resolve and asks you to live in to them.
I will be in Richmond, Virginia with family from Christmas day through New Year's Eve and back in the office January 3rd. The following weekend, I am doing an out-of-town wedding for staff members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
If you are home on New Year's Eve, I highly recommend attending church on the 31st, when my colleague the Reverend Jason Shelton will be joining you In worship. There are so many wonderful things to say about Reverend Shelton, including his deep and loving music Ministry that has brought us into new places in our Unitarian Universalist hymnody. On the 7th you will be offered some glimpses of Grace from skilled worship leaders in our congregation as well as an opportunity to learn more about how the Grace Project enlivens our liberal religious values not only in this country but abroad.
The new year brings beautiful things, and you are among them. All the brightest blessings of the Season be upon you.
Rev. Allison Farnum
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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.
December 24: 10:30 am Suellen Kipp shares her piano talents.
December 24: 5:00 pm Beloved Christmas carols for the annual Christmas Eve service.
December 31: Celebrate the end of 2017 with Rev. Jason Shelton, UU composer! The Choir shares the heartwarming round,
Dona Nobis Pacem.
The next
Music Committee meeting will be in January, 2018.
The UUCFM Choir
rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15 pm, and on Sunday 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 6:00-6:45 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
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Thank You from the Staff
The UUCFM Staff and their families would like to thank the Congregation and Board of Trustees for their generous donations of Holiday bonus envelopes this year. This congregation is awesome and we all appreciate you!
Jill Carville, Mickey Kellam, Liza Kellam, Jenn Blosser, and Rev. Allison
A Special Note from Amy...
To my beloved congregation of UUCFM:
Thank you so much for the very generous staff bonus. It couldn’t come at a better time. Thinking of you all and wishing you a beautiful holiday season. Stay tuned for cute baby pictures!
Sincerely, Amy Laursen and family
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Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans
We are having a special time for all! Last year we hosted a Yule feast and song- we will do this again on a smaller scale on December 22nd. We will gather at the fire pit. Come join us at 6:30p as we drink wassail and have a Yule log with song and stories. We will honor the solstice. Bring a chair, a dish to share, and your voice. Join us as we celebrate Yule! May blessings of Peace and Love be with you all.
CUUPs co-chairs,
Lily Nieves
Heather Robinson
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Join The FUUn BUUnch For Dinner on Christmas Eve!
Sunday, December 24, 2017 immediately following the Evening Christmas Eve service at:
LaGrotta
9520 Marketplace Road
Ft Myers 33912
1-239-332-5500
DIRECTIONS:
Drive E/W on Daniels Parkway toward 75. Turn North on Danport Way (Just east of Denny’s). Turn Right (East) on Marketplace Road (first road). La Grotta is on the right across from the Marriott. If you miss it, go round the circle, head west. La Grotta is 500’ west of the circle on the left.
To sign up, please call or text John E. Fischer 1-267-992-6566 or email
[email protected] by Friday, December 22, 2017 to reserve your place. Management needs exact numbers to schedule staffing. Please see John at the FUUn BUUnch table at coffee hour Sunday for your copy of the special holiday menu.
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Memorial for William P. Ziemer
A family-led Remembrance will be given, Sunday, December 31st, immediately after the Church Service. The Ziemer family welcomes anyone to attend in celebration of a life well lived.
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Pachamama Alliance of SW Florida
Ready to talk about changing the game to create the more beautiful world we know is possible?
If so, please join the Pachamama Alliance of SW Florida on Thursday evening, January 4th, at 6:30 pm in Hobart Hall for our next Pachamama Game Changer Gathering, hosted by the UUCFM Social Justice Committee.
Together we can express our passions, share our actions, and discover how to weave them together to promote environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. We will find out about the next 8-week online Game Changer Intensive, which starts on January 23rd. It is time to register now!
Coffee and teas will be served. Desserts welcome! We hope to see you there!
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Games and More!
Saturday, January 27th, our church sponsored Scouts present a Casino Night for UUCFM. There is limited seating. Get tickets for friends and neighbors for a fabulous evening on January 27, 2018 from 6-10 pm,at $20 per person. Make checks payable to UUCFM, memo line Casino fundraiser. Send to/ contact Suzanne Ziemer, 4753 Estero Blvd, #303, Fort Myers Beach, 33931 or reserve
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 the UUCFM Budget.
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Mike Durall Visit
We’ll have a special visitor on the weekend of January 20-21 of next year. Mike Durall, a parish consultant and author of nine books about church life, will be helping us figure out what the future might have in store for UUCFM.
Mike was here four years ago, and among his recommendations was to urge UUCFM to become, in the words of one of our own members, “A church that is respected and valued in this community.”
We’ll provide more details as the date approaches, including how church members can participate in the overall process of looking ahead. If you’d like more information about Mike and his work, his website is
www.vitalcongregations.com
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Rummage Sale
Save your gently used items for our UUCFM Rummage Sale! The sale will happen over 3 days January 19th-21st. Contact Deb Lewis for details
[email protected]
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Women's Circle & Potluck
Come and attend the next meeting of the Women's Circle on January 8th at noon in Hobart Hall. The potluck will be followed by a discussion on "How New Technology Has Affected You." Feel free to bring a friend. For additional information, contact chair Rose Klein,
[email protected]
,
810.441-0678
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UUCFM Book Group
Join up with the book study group starting Wednesday January 10th, meeting from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the Library.
January 10th: Part I pgs 6-39
January 17th: Part I pgs 39-71
(skip a week)
January 31st: Part II pgs 71-99
February 7th: Part II pgs 99-132
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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 Yesu:
[email protected].
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UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club
The UUCFM Historical Martial Arts Club is dedicated to preserving and practicing a variety of historical martial arts for entertainment and fitness purposes. We meet at various times (determined by interest) most often at 12:0p after the service on Sunday to practice archery and tomahawk/axe throwing. Other activities and times can be found oun our facebook page of the same name. All are welcome to join us.
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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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Gaming Group
The UUCFM Game Group is the club for you. We do our best to meet in Room 7 on Sundays after church from 1:00-4:00
pm.
Those of us with children can't always make it so please check the Facebook group page (UUCFM Gaming Group) to see if games are scheduled.
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The Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist group meets Sundays at 1:45p in Room 1.
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UUCFM eBINGO
December play cards will be available this Sunday after the service in Hobart Hall.
What a great Holiday surprise it would be to win the eBINGO Jackpot! Join in the fun! Tell your friends—the more who play, the bigger the jackpot. Where else can you turn $10 into $125 (or more) and help the church in the process? Easy-peasy!
[email protected]
Bill Petrarca
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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 December:
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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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]
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Thank you for Q Center Gifts!
Thank you to everyone who donated gifts to the Quality Life Center kids.
Thanks especially to Liz Taggart, Fran Rose, Sydney Stewart, Bruce Marble, Deb Lewis, and Helen Dixon for loading their vehicles with gifts, driving to the Q, and unloading!
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Help Needed for Casino Night Fundraiser
A member has volunteered to furnish all the beverages, from water to wine, for theJanuary 27th Casino Night Fundraiser that our Boy Scout troop is producing as a token of their appreciation for being here at UUCFM. Additinally, I need volunteers to assist that evening to actually run the evening's activities, help sell tickets beforehand. and do the Beverage Bar. Contact Suzanne Ziemer to volunteer,
239-463-9020
,
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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
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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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WhaleCoast Alaska
My name is Dave Frey, member of the Fairbanks, Alaska UU Fellowship. I am the organizer of a unique Alaska UU fundraising tour program called “WhaleCoast Alaska." We want the members of your congregation to know about the Alaska UU summer program for 2018, and to have an opportunity to register before the program fills. Since these tours are so popular, they will probably sell out long before the official registration deadline. We send similar notices to all the UU newsletters in the US. Our fundraising tour program involves dozens of volunteers from 4 Alaska UU congregations: Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, and Sitka. This is a unique and wonderful opportunity for your members to visit our state. If you have any questions, please call
907-322-4966
or email
dfrey@WhaleCoastAK
. Thank you so much!
Dave Frey, UU Fellowship of Fairbanks
WhaleCoast Alaska program director
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The 1
st
Amendment vs. Anti-Discrimination Law
The Collier County chapter of the ACLU is hosting this 1
st Amendment debate on January 13, 2018, at the Naples UU church from 2:00-4:00 pm.
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Dec 21 Harvey Heckes
Dec 26 Melinda Machones
Dec 30 Joy Sokeitous
Dec 30 Bruce Marble
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Newsletter Editor: Jill Carville
(239) 561-2700
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