Chalice                   Miami Valley 
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

 

    937-436-3628  www.mvuuf.org 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MVUUF's Forum  May, 2017

  visit our website  HERE          visit the UUA's website    HERE

 
Service Topics for May, 2017

Sunday, May 7th -- " Are We Color Blind?  Should We Be ?"
Privilege, Supremacy, and Unitarian Universalists. 
Rachel Feltner and Rev. Bill Breeden
 
Sunday, May 14th -- Missionaries from Honduras,
Lottie & Leonard Brown

Sunday, May 21st --" The Power of Forgiveness "
Exploring the Ultimate Gift to the Self. 
Rev. Bill Breeden

Sunday, May 28th --" Bald Heads, Brats and She-Bears "
Exploring one of the strangest of biblical stories so apropos in our time. 
Rev. Bill Breeden
   
May News

REFLECTIONS FROM REV. BILL
It has been just a few weeks since I first encountered the spirit of this congregation, and my appreciation for it grows with every experience. I am convinced that this Fellowship is healthy and forward-looking, which is a testament to the brief ministry of Greg Martin and to the commitment of the members and friends who endeavor to make this world a better place for all.
 
I want to thank all those who are serving on the Stewardship Committee to meet the financial obligations inherent in building and sustaining the work that is before us. I also want to thank all those who choose to pledge their financial support, as well as those who pledge time and talents to further increase the ministry of MVUUF.
 
This is one of the few congregations that give 100% of non-pledge offerings on Sunday morning to support charitable social justice programs in the greater community. That is impressive, and I am honored to serve in the spirit of your generosity.
 
I will be with you for three Sundays in both May and June. Invite your friends. Transition does not mean sitting still. We are always moving on in order to keep moving on.
 
Finally, I am aware that Greg Martin's death was a seismic event in the life of this community, and while I have not focused on that event and the accompanying grief, I am very much acquainted with the trauma that follows such events. For some, such trauma is short-lived, for others it can seem an enduring presence. I would like to hold a "healing circle" for all who would choose to attend I will announce the date for the circle soon.
 
Be well, and know that you walk always within the circle of abiding love.
 
 
Peace,
 
Rev. Bill


JOINING TIME
If you are ready to become a Voting Member of MVUUF, NOW is the time. There's a Joining Session on Saturday, May 6th, 10:00 AM-noon, in the Founders' Room at the Fellowship. You will receive information on the rights and responsibilities of membership;  the stewardship of time, talent and treasure; and the procedure for becoming a member. Rev. Bill Breeden will be there, along with Board members and Program Council and team representatives. Do you want to have your voice heard as we enter this important period at the Fellowship? You can change your status from "Friend" to "Voting Member." Is now your time?
 
Please email Diane Colvin, Membership Representative, with your intentions at [email protected] . The reception of new members will be held on Sunday, May 21st, during the worship service.



2017 SERVICE AUCTION:  SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Don't forget!!! This annual fund raiser for MVUUF takes place on Saturday, May 6th, beginning at 6:00 PM at the Fellowship. Enjoy yummy food, fun drinks, share some fellowship with members & friends, and spend some $$$ on wonderful silent and live auction items, and raffle baskets! You can even bring the kids, as they'll be enjoying their own auction, too! It promises to be a very wonderful evening, so make sure you don't miss it!



IMPLICIT BIAS WORKSHOP
This important program will take place on Saturday, May 20th, 12:30-2:30 PM (doors open at noon), at the Fellowship, and will be presented by Carmen Culotta, Ph.D., who teaches psychology at Wright State University. There will be a slide talk, as well as short break-outs.  There will also be computers set up for the optional taking of the implicit bias test; this will take place from noon until the formal program begins at 12:30 PM. Simple snacks will also be provided.
 
Upon the requests by several people, the Anti-Racism Team asked Ms. Culotta to repeat this workshop from a year ago, so if you missed the opportunity before, now you have an additional chance to attend. If you will need child care, please RSVP to Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 or [email protected].
 


THE COVENANT OF RIGHT RELATIONS
The Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship's Covenant of Right Relations calls us to respect, honor and nurture one another, and is a testament to how we live and act our UU principles. This Adult Religious Education class will be an opportunity to learn more about how the covenant came to be, examine and discuss its components and reflect on how the covenant guides our relationships within the fellowship and the larger world. Facilitated by Alice Diebel and Alysoun Taylor-Hall. Everyone is welcome!!

It will be held on Thursday, May 4th, 6:30-8:00 PM, in the Founders' Room at MVUUF. Sign-up sheet can be found in the Gathering Space.



AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
Thanks to so many who contributed to the great success for our April 13th games & dinner with the visiting Arab-Israeli students! MVUUF's youth hosted this event for the visitors from the D-D (Dayton to Deir al Asad) English  Education Program. The kids held a mini-fundraiser, selling bagels & snacks after April 9th's service, and raised $165 which nearly covered the cost for the taco buffet and sundae bar.
 
Over Arab pop music, our visitors enthusiastically shared their skills in uniformly chopping tomatoes and lettuce with beautiful results! We also played a rousing game of "I Like All My Friends and Neighbors" and a lot of fun was enjoyed by everyone!
 
Thanks to EVERYONE who donated funds, ingredients and labor (especially Adrienne and Tyler Clark who came early and stayed late), those who took laundry home, and to parents who made time in their busy schedules for their students to participate. And it's a sign of the enthusiasm for this event that many began immediately brainstorming for next year! Thanks also to Martha Moody, the incredible D-D program manager; you can read more about the program by clicking HERE
 


WHY HAVE AN ENDOWMENT FUND?
Too often, a major unforeseen building expense appears, just when a congregation has stretched itself to build a generous budget for church programs. It is suddenly realized that a new roof is needed, a minister must be called, or the furnace must be replaced.
 
To some churches, such expenses are death blows. To other churches, it means diverting funds from operational budgets, thus weakening their programs of ministry.
 
When emergencies arise, an Endowment Fund of sufficient size can respond to the need, protect future congregations from such crippling events, and assure a church's healthy survival. It is our savings account for the future.  As families save for the future so that they can enrich their lives as well as cover unforeseen  emergencies, so should the Fellowship.
 
In 1992, the congregation established an Endowment Fund as a vehicle for those who wish to make a commitment to MVUUF's continuation and the preservation of our liberal religion. The Endowment Fund trustees encourage ALL members to consider having the Fellowship included in their financial planning (wills, insurance, or other).
 
Thanks to Anwyl Scott for her contribution last month to the Endowment Fund, in memory of Rev. Greg Martin.



DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
This well-read group will gather for their next meeting on Wednesday, May 17th, 10:30 AM, in the library at MVUUF. They'll be discussing the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly.
 
Future discussion will be about One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus (June 21st), Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance (July 19th), The Little Parish Bookshop by Nina George (August 16th), and Lucky Boy by Shanti Sekaran (September 20th). ALL are welcome to join them!



SMART CHOICES BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON
The next meeting of this fun-loving group will take place on Thursday, May 11th, 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria in Kettering. This group is also open to EVERYONE, and they'd love to have you join them!



ENVIRONMENTAL BOOK CLUB CHANGING THEIR FORMAT
The Environmental Discussion Group (formerly called the Environmental Book Club) will now be focused upon the discussion around the topic of a book, instead of just the book itself. They will continue to meet on the third Monday evening of the month (bi-monthly), 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room at the Fellowship. Their next meeting, on June 19th, will feature a short presentation on the book, Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Life , by Edward  D. Wilson. This is another group that is open to ALL, and they welcome your suggestions for future topics of discussion.
 

 
BOOK FAIR FOUNDATION ANNUAL SALE
Thanks to the many of you who have generously donated to the Book Fair Foundation by placing unwanted books in the collection box (located under the MVUUF mailboxes in the hallway). The next Book Fair Sale is scheduled for September 8-11 at the Montgomery County Fairground's Coliseum. Recipients of the funds from this year's sale are:  The Artemis Center, Dayton Public Radio, and the Cesar's Ford Theater.
 
Please continue to drop your unwanted books into the collection box under the mailboxes, to help support these worthy groups!



ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCH
Please join us in providing food and/or serving for our long-standing second Saturday lunch ministry for women and families staying at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter. You can sign up for the Saturday, May 13th lunch for food donations and/or serving on the clipboard in the Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 (call or text) or [email protected] (email). If you would like more information regarding volunteering, please take one of the info flyers near the sign up sheet.
 
Thanks to ALL who pitched in by providing food and/or serving the April meal! Once again, diners were appreciative of our fresh, nourishing and abundant food. We served 64:  41 in the women's group, and 23 in the family group, including 16 children.
 
May 13th menu :  sandwich filling (bbq pulled pork/chicken/beef, sloppy joes, or chicken/egg salad), vegetable dish (pasta salad with LOTS of veggies, cole slaw, or other vegetable-steamed broccoli with Italian salad dressing has been popular!), green salad, fresh fruit/fruit salad, 100% orange juice and reduced-fat milk (we use buns from St. Vincent's pantry for the sandwiches). We need several donations of most items, with each donation serving 15-20 people. Please bring all items-heated if applicable-to 120 West Apple Street (the St. Vincent de Paul Hotel) by 10:45 AM on Saturday, May 13th.
 

 
  FAIR TRADE COFFEE SALE!
Remember to place your order for Fair Trade coffee on the first Sunday of the month (this month it's on  May  7th)  in the Gathering Space after service, to be picked up on or after the third Sunday of the month (this month, Ma y 21st) . 

There are many varieties and bean grinds to choose from, including several that are organic!
 
You can also contact  Lynn Buffington  at:

(937) 657-0426  or  [email protected]
 
 
     
DON'T FORGET!
You can keep up-to-date with all the happenings at MVUUF by viewing the Fellowship's calendar online, from a link to our website  HERE  
 
The calendar is updated daily, so it's always the place to check and see what's going on!

       
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We are a liberal religious community that embraces diversity and respects the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  ALL are welcome here, no matter their race, sex, sexual/affectional orientation, gender expression, or ability.

 

Please visit us on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. for our worship service---

we'd love to see you!