Chalice                    Miami Valley 
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

 

    937-436-3628  www.mvuuf.org 

 

MVUUF's Forum November, 2017

  visit our website  HERE          visit the UUA's website    HERE

 
Service Topics for November, 2017

Sunday, November 5th 
Beyond Arius: Unitarian Universalist 
Roots in Early Christianity
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn
This sermon will explore aspects of richly diverse 
pre-Constaninian Christianities and their relationship to
historically Unitarian Universalist doctrines. And 
Director of Religious Education Lori McClain will introduce
our newest staff member, Youth Advisor Libby Gephart.
 
Sunday, November 12th
She Who Dream-Visions  
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn 
 Today's sermon will focus on the life of the Powhatan 
spiritual adept known to most of us as Pocahontas.
We will also welcome our newest Fellowship members 
in a special ceremony of recognition.

Sunday, November 19th
Thanksgiving Family Service
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn
Today's multi-generational service will celebrate 
Thanksgiving in song and story, and the spiritual value
of community with a Unitarian Universalist communion ceremony.  

Sunday, November 26th
Guest Speaker 
 (there will be more information available soon 
regarding the speaker and the topic) 
 
November News

IN THE INTERIM
From George E. Odell:
 
We need one another when we mourn and would be comforted.
 
We need one another when we are in trouble and afraid.
 
We need one another when we are in despair, in temptation, and need to be recalled to our best selves again.
 
We need one another when we would accomplish some great purpose, and cannot do it alone.
 
We need one another in the hour of success, when we look for someone to share our triumphs.
 
We need one another in the hour of defeat, when with encouragement we might endure, and stand again.
 
We need one another when we come to die, and would have gentle hands prepare us for the journey.
 
All our lives we are in need, and others are in need of us.
 
 
If you are in need of me, I remind you that I am usually in the office Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Thursday is my day off. Friday I work on the Sunday service. Saturdays I'm doing final prep for Sunday and I'm also available for meetings. Email is the best way to schedule a meeting with me: [email protected]. In an emergency, please call me at home:  937-886-5750.
 
Yours in the faith,
 
Holly



LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS
Do you play an instrument? Do you 
like to sing but can commit to choir?
 
If you would be willing to provide special music for a    service, please contact me with your information so that I can develop a more comprehensive list of your talents.
 
I'd also like to develop a "house" band that could possibly play on a monthly schedule, so if that interests you, please let me know that as well.
---Brad Mattingly, Music Director
513-435-4580 or [email protected]



MORE THAN A "HELP WANTED" AD:
MINIISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE CRAFTS SEARCH DOCUMENTS THIS MONTH
In October,  the Ministerial Search Committee stayed busy with Cottage Meetings, interviews with Board and Program Council members and Staff, and surveying those who joined MVUUF since 2014. And we presented a  summary and highlights of what we've learned at a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, October 29th.
 
So what's next? Now that we have this mountain of information, how do we convey all there is to know about our Fellowship to ministers looking for a church? There's more to it than posting a job ad in the paper or on a job    website. Ministry is an extraordinary calling, far more than mere employment. The search for a settled minister is really about finding a good match, not just filling an open position. For help with matchmaking, search committees follow procedures developed by the UUA's Transitions Office. The procedures and guidelines make sure churches present themselves in a consistent format and draw out details prospective ministers need to know.
 
You've probably seen the timeline we posted in the Gathering Space, so you know the basic outline of the search process. As we enter November, the MSC's next big task is to distill everything we've learned from our survey,    interviews, and Cottage Meetings (and everything else there is to know about MVUUF) into two packages of information:  the Congregational Record and the Search Website.
 
The Congregational Record is an online form with required questions from the UUA about our history, past ministers, membership and attendance, RE program, social action, budget, pledges, fundraising, facilities, geographic location, and more. It also includes written profiles of our congregation and of the hypothetical minister we hope to find. The Congregational Record is how we'll make that all-important first impression on prospective ministers and (hopefully) pique their interest.
 
The Search Website is how ministers in search discover even more about the culture, personality and daily life of the Fellowship. In the past, prospective ministers requested a paper-stuffed binder (a.k.a. "The Packet") filled with pictures, documents, narratives and letters, mailed from each church of interest. Now the process is streamlined and binders are replaced with dedicated search websites, so ministers can check out congregations efficiently. Our Search Website includes introductions to the search committee members, survey results, pictures of our building, grounds and facilities, a narrative of our history, a letter from our Interim Minister, financial information, overviews of key programs, samples of The Forum and Orders of Service, our bylaws, details about living in the Dayton area and our application for the Beyond Categorical Thinking program.
 
There are generally two search cycles per year for settled ministers:  the "Fall start" with the minister arriving in August (that's the cycle we're in), and the "Winter start" with the minister arriving in January. As the Fall search ramps up in the coming weeks, a minister's first stop is the UUA's online list of ministerial opportunities (which  includes settled minister positions as well as Interim, Developmental, Assistant, and others). MVUUF is on that list and with any luck a crop of fabulous prospective ministers will click the links to our Congregational Record and Search Websites. We hope they like what they see!
 
Stay tuned for more updates from the MSC in the coming weeks, and don't forget to mark your calendars for the Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop on Sunday, December 10th. Join us for a special service, followed from 1-4:00 PM by the workshop, facilitated by the UUA's Mary Esther Johnson.
---Eileen Simon, Secretary, Ministerial Search Committee
 

 
COVENANT GROUPS SIGN-UPS THIS MONTH!
A new season of Covenant Groups is being offered at the Fellowship. These are small groups which offer a unique way of strengthening our relationships within the Fellowship. The groups of 8-12 people gather to share personal thoughts and listen to each other, deepening how we "know" one another. Covenant Groups have been shown to encourage respect for our differences and celebrate our relationships. They usually meet every other week for a set number of sessions. A service project by the group is encouraged.
 
Five very different sessions will be offered. You may choose one of the following options:
 
  • Reading/discussing chapter of the book Heart to Heart
  • Delving into common "isms" such as optimism, heroism, etc.
  • Discussion of the topics of Sunday worship services
  • An innovative on-line Covenant Group
  • Constructive communication with one another
 
More details about these groups will be found on the sign-up sheets available in the Gathering Space during this month, along with people who can tell you more about this small group ministry. We also plan to have an on-line version of the sign-up sheet, as well. If you have immediate questions, please call our Membership Representative, Diane Colvin, at 937-433-0969.
 

 
CALLING ALL LEADERS, NEW AND OLD!
Have you considered serving in a leadership role at MVUUF?  Those serving in elected positions during the next term will have an exciting and inspiring opportunity to work with our new minister. This would be a wonderful time to see some newer faces in leadership!
 
Each year the Nominating Committee is tasked with providing the congregation with a slate of capable and willing candidates to serve in leadership for a designated term.  Each year, every term on the board ends at the end of February and a new one begins March 1. On that date, half of the program council (a two-year commitment) turns over, as well.  When the term ends, a person may be asked to re-up, consider a different position, or they may take a break to allow others to take a turn at leadership. The Nominating Committee is currently gathering information to inform our discernment process regarding these positions that are up for renewal or replacement.
 
Please contact one of the members of the committee if you would like to give input, volunteer yourself for consideration for nomination for service, or have a suggestion as to who you believe would be able to best serve our congregation in one of the open positions. Most offices require that one has been a member of MVUUF for at least a year by the beginning of the term (March 1, 2018).
 
Committee members are Ann Snively, chair; Karen Evans, Chris Gooley, Genevieve Harvey, Alysoun Taylor-Hall, and Maury Wyckoff.
The following offices are being considered for the 2018-2019 church year:
  •  Board terms ending Feb. 28, 2018:  President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Council Chair, At Large Trustee A and At Large Trustee B.
  •  On the Program Council, the following two-year terms ending in even years (2018): Communications, Lifetime Religious Education, Membership, and Music. Additionally, we will be seeking appointees to fill the remaining one year of terms for the Activities and Worship positions. 
  •  The Endowment Committee also will have a three-year term ending this year.  
 
You may learn more about the specific roles and governance structure by talking to someone in leadership and by finding information, including job descriptions, in our Policy Manual.  Section 7 is specific to the Program Council (click HERE);  Section 6 of the policy manual and bylaws (click HERE)  cover the duties of the Board.  The MVUUF organizational chart of the congregation's leadership is available HERE.  


 
FIRST FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT FOR NOVEMBER
The next First Friday Movie Night will take place on Friday, November 3rd, 7:00 PM, at the Fellowship. The Anti-Racism Team will be showing Raoul Peck's new documentary about the life of James Baldwin, I Am Not Your Negro . Snacks will be served during the film, and a   discussion will follow. You can find the New York Times' review of the movie by clicking HERE. 
 
Please plan to join us!
 
 

OCTOBER UNSUNG HERO RECOGNITION
Due to his dedicated service as one of our A/V volunteers, Eugenio Durand is the Program Council's choice for October's Unsung Hero recognition. Eugenio has faithfully enriched our services through his service and has even cheerfully stepped in at the last minute when another A/V volunteer was unable to help. Because of him and his fellow A/V volunteers, our mics work, our slides are projected, and our videos stream.  Please congratulate and thank Eugenio when you see him! We depend on wonderful volunteers like him every day.



DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
The next gathering of this well-read group will take place on Wednesday, November 15th, 10:30 AM in the Library, and they'll discuss Dark Money , by Jane Mayer. All are welcome to join them. Choices for future meetings are:
 
December 20th..... A Man Called Ove , 
                                  by Fredrik Backman
January 17th..... News of the World , by Paulette Jiles
February 21st..... Road to Jonestown , by Jeff Guinn
March 21st..... The Kite Runner , by Khaled Hosseini
 

 

SMART CHOICES BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Members & friends of MVUUF (that identify as women) are invited to join this fun-loving group as they celebrate birthdays on Thursday, November 9th, 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria, in Kettering. Please RSVP to Allie Petersen at:    [email protected].
 

 
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 November 10-13 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!
 

 
ENDOWMENT FUND NEWS
On Sunday, October 29th, we had a lovely time right after the Worship Service celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the MVUUF Endowment Fund's creation. We enjoyed cake, punch, and friendly fellowship with one another. There was a special collection for the Fund during the service, and we are pleased to let you know that $696.40 was raised! Thank you to everyone who generously contributed! What follows is a bit of our history, shared with you so you'll know more about the Fund and what it does.
 
MVUUF officially chartered the Endowment Fund on June 14, 1992 and began with an investment of $1195.00 in 1993. Monies were initially in Invesco Funds, but were thereafter in T Rowe Price, Vanguard, and finally with the UUA. The UUA fund is primarily invested in socially responsible funds, and has a little over 1% fee.
 
There are three Trustees (currently Sharon Harmer, Larry Stone, and Bill Ross), elected by the congregation. The purpose of the Fund is to augment principles, objectives, program and purposes by providing a suitable distribution of gifts (memorial or other) by which the donor wants to make a lasting contribution to the Fellowship. Once a year, the Board of Trustees may request a portion of the net income increase to be withdrawn for specific budget items.
 
The Fund has benefitted from numerous memorial gifts as well as bequests from members ($10,000.00 came from the estate of Alice Keck). When First Church closed, some of their funds went into the Endowment Fund-a major increase of about $60,000.00. By 1998, it increased to $91,995.00,  in 2007, the value was $101, 845.00, and since April of 2016 about $43,000.00 has been added. As of April 30, 2017, the value was $144, 554.98.
 


HAVE YOU HEARD?
Recently, Iris Carter was notified by Carol Vincent's son that Carol fell again, this time breaking her other hip. She had surgery at Mercy Hospital (Anderson Township) on October 17th, and will be in rehab for a few weeks, as well as going through physical therapy.
 

We are also saddened to pass along the news of two recent deaths:  

Jim Wyckoff and Ralf Grisard
 
Jim (Maury's father) had fallen recently, was unable to regain consciousness, and passed away. His Memorial Service has been scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd, at 2:00 PM at the Fellowship.
 
Ralf went to bed Friday evening, October 27th not feeling well, and passed away peacefully in his sleep. More details will be available later regarding a Memorial Service.
 
We hold the loved ones of Jim and Ralf in our hearts & thoughts.
 


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 Dayton's St. Vincent Shelter.  This month we switch our  fall/winter chili menu. You can sign-up for the November 11 lunch for food donations and/or serving on the clipboard in the  Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at  [email protected]  or by calling or texting   (937) 657-0426 .  You can also check on what is needed at SignUpGenius (no need to log in unless you also want to sign up through Genius).
 
If you would like more information regarding volunteering, please take one of the info flyers near the sign-up sheet. Thanks to everyone who pitched in providing food and/or serving the October meal! We served a grand   total of 90:  34 in the women's group at 11:00 AM and 56 in the family group at noon.
 
November 11th  menu:  Our needs include  hearty chili,  fresh fruit salad or fresh fruit, chili toppings (shredded cheese and sour cream), green salad, orange juice, and dishes made with fresh vegetables (anything from a hot vegetable dish to carrots & celery sticks).   We need several donations of most items, with each donation serving  15-20 people. Please bring all items (heated if  applicable) to the side "donation"  entrance at  120 West Apple Street in Dayton (St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter for Women and Families) by 10:45 AM.
 
 
    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  November 5th ) !   Coffee will be ready to be picked up on or after the third Sunday of the month (this month,  November  19th ) . 

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

(937) 657-0426  or  [email protected]
 
 
     
DON'T FORGET!
Y ou 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!