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Congregational
Mission
Statement
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 Quicklinks
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If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter
the
Beacon
please contact
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Minister's Musings...
Dear Ones,
The Record Eagle had an article about Scott Warren, the activist who was prosecuted for aiding migrants along the U.S. Mexico border. See page 6 here:
https://bit.ly/2rxXdW8
Last week a jury unanimously found him not guilty of federal charges: he left water for thirsty migrants and was accused of intentionally shielding two migrants to avoid Border Protection officers by providing them directions to bypass a nearby checkpoint.
Dr. Scott Warren, a college professor is a Unitarian Universalist and a member of a humanitarian group called No More Deaths. Scott was acquitted on the grounds of religious freedom, the same law that allowed Hobby Lobby an exemption from the Affordable Care Act birth control coverage requirement.
I am inspired this Thanksgiving by Scott's commitment to our UU Principles and am motivated to do what I can to counter oppression against inhumane laws that go against everything our faith tradition holds dear. It isn't always easy to show up and live our values, but in this difficult time we must do what we can.
The organization called SURJ,
Showing Up for Racial Justice, has a toolkit to help in our efforts. Click here
Check out this Thanksgiving placemat, and other resources for countering oppression and living our values especially when it's challenging, like holiday meals with family members who share different views.
https://bit.ly/2XRIpOb
Happy Thanksgiving! And see you in church!
In faith and love,
Cathy
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Sunday Service
December 1 - 1
0:30 AM - "The Gift"
Rev. Cathy Harrington, M
isty Sheehan, c
oordinator
Major wisdom traditions exalt giving, and the Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive. This sermon will counter this by proving that giving and receiving are equally blessed.
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Children
& Youth
Religious Education
Nursery care is available for infants through age 4
Children and Youth are asked to stay in the sanctuary with family
until after the Children's Benediction
At the Thanksgiving Feast last Sunday the children (and adults) heard the story "The Table Where Rich People Sit" by Byrd Baylor. It's a beautifully written tale of gratitude and learning what really matters in life, and I highly recommend finding a copy if you don't already know the book.
I am excited to announce that we have hired two new RE teachers! Claire Crandell and Alison Ernst will be teaching our Sunday RE classes, helping develop and facilitate special events, and assisting with program development. They both have a wealth of experience working with children, youth, and adults in various educational capacities and we are very lucky to have them. Biographies and photos of Alison and Claire will be uploaded soon on Facebook and the UUCGT website.
On Sunday, December 1, Claire and Alison will be having a fun "getting to know you" party in the RE classroom. They are very excited to meet all of you, and I know you will enjoy them as much as I do.
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Celebrating the Life of Treva Jaffe
Memorial
Jazz
Concert & Reception
Sunday, December 1 at 3:00pm
A Memorial
Jazz
Concert in honor of Kim Gribi's mother,
TREVA JAFFE, who passed away on November 8, will be held at UUCGT on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.
Treva performed many times at UUCGT and was a regular entertainer at the Senior Center for the past several years.
"Music in My Mother's House" will be performed by Gary Deavel and Shelley Burnes. The Jeff Haas Trio, including Laurie Sears on sax and flute and Jack Dryden on bass, as well as pianists Tom Kaufmann and David Chown will all perform.
A wine and cheese reception will follow the concert.
Treva's wish was to have a "Jazz Concert for All" and this event is open to the public. So come and enjoy a tribute to a local jazz matriarch.
This will truly be a celebration of her life!
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Help is Needed
Volunteers to assist with Memorial Reception
for Kim Gribi's mother, Treva Jaffe
Sunday, December 1
Set-Up Crew
: 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Food Serving Crew:
immediately following Concert 4:30-5:15 p.m., includes 1 or 2 wine pourers
Clean-Up Crew
: 5:15-6:00 p.m.
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Saturday, December 21
A Winter Solstice Service & Vegetarian Potluck
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tuesday, December 24
Candlelight
Service &
Holiday Reception
7:00 pm
(bring some cookies or holidays treats to share!)
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UUCGT Bulletin Board
Link to December Beacon here
Safe Harbor Thank You!
UUCGT has once again completed a successful week of volunteering at Safe Harbor. Thanks to all of our volunteers for helping provide shelter, meals, hospitality, and, most importantly, love to an average of nearly sixty guests a night during the last week. Fifty-six individuals from UUCGT volunteered last week along with nearly 40 volunteers from our partners, Congregation Beth Shalom, Grand Traverse Humanists and Grand Traverse Area Pagans. We hope to see everyone volunteering again in February during our second week for the season.
Mike and Sandra McDonald
Seeking Donation - 5 Holiday Trees: Do you have 6 - 8 foot tall evergreen trees to donate for
our holiday celebrations?!
Please contact Dave Halsted at 409-0854
Join our Community Needs Team to Help our Neighbors
NW Michigan Supportive Housing is accepting donations of household move-in items for residents with mental illness. Items include
bed sheets, pillowcases, laundry & hand soap, cleaning supplies, plungers, toilet cleaners & brushes, shower curtains,
hand & bath towels,
toilet paper, paper towels...
Baskets of Bounty/Commission on Aging is accepting donations of personal care supplies for
low-income seniors
Bins
are located near the kitchen! Thank you for your generosity!
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Volunteer needed to support UUCGT Accountant
Volunteer needed to learn basic elements of our accounting system and act as back-up when necessary. 4-6 hours/week to learn system, then 1-2 hours every couple of weeks to maintain skill level.
Contact Jim Walworth, 409-9278 or Mike McDonald, 342-0768 for more information
Barb Berry's black wool winter coat went missing Sunday, November 17
A similar coat is in the front entry closet area. Please contact Barb if you have her coat - Thank you!
LOST & FOUND + FREE BOOKS & PUBLICATIONS!
Check for your lost items in the alcove by the name tag tower - Coats, sweaters, single gloves, hats, kitchenware, water bottles, glasses...
UUCGT Men's Group: Monday, December 9, 5:30pm @ Minerva's
Mark Gustafson will facilitate "Abolish the Priesthood" - article available in front entrywa
y
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MaryAnn Force
A Celebration of Her Life and Art
Please enjoy a collection of MaryAnn's watercolor paintings currently displayed in the
UUCGT Corridor Gallery!
Artwork is available for purchase from MaryAnn's daughter, Liz Swartzmiller - call Liz at (231) 313-9038
"Little Birch"
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BENZIE UU December Schedule
Benzie UU meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at "Grow Benzie" 5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia. Potluck 6:30pm/ Service 7:30pm.
December 4
- Josh Stoltz and Annie Browning will discuss their vision for Grow Benzie and community building.
December 18 - Barb Skurdall will treat us to her annual exploration of the Winter Solstice.
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UUCGT Social Justice Action Team
Military families deserve respect not deportation.
Imagine finding out as an adult that you are not a U.S. citizen after believing for your whole life that you were. That's the story of tens of thousands of our adopted family members, partners, and friends who could be DEPORTED because the process failed them.
There are over 18,600 Korean American adoptees, alone, who do not have American citizenship.
Emmy Lou Cholak, co-chair
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UUCGT Calendar of Events
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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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Religious Education Committee: Sunday, December 1, 12:00pm, classroom
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Treva Jaffe Memorial Jazz Concert & Reception:
Sunday, December 1, 3:00pm, sanctuary - Open to everyone - please join us!
- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, December 1, 5:00pm, meditation room
- Stretch & Strengthen:
Mondays, 11:00am, social hall
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SokukoJi Buddhist Community Meditation/Study:Tuesday, December 3, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room. See
https://sokukojitc.org/ for more information
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Stretch & Strengthen:
Wednesdays, 11:00am, social hall
- Staff Resources: Wednesday, December 4, 3:00pm, library
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Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, December 5, 9:30am, sanctuary
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Congregational Care Team: Thursday, December 5, 1:30pm, library
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Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
- All Music Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, December 5, 5:00pm, sanctuary
- Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
- Facilities Team: Friday, December 6, 10:00am, social hall
- Holiday Tree Decorating: Saturday, December 7, 4:00pm - Cookies!
- OWL: Sunday, December 8, 10:00am, meditation room
- Social Justice Action Team: Sunday, December 8, 11:45am, library
- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, December 8, 5:00pm, meditation room
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End Note...
Being Grateful
May our hearts be open and grateful
for the many blessings in our lives.
May our gratefulness overflow
in generous sharing
with others.
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UUCGT office hours
Mon
day - Thursday
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