UUCGT FLASH NEWSLETTER

What lessons have we learned in the past year and which new ones now call us forward?
To whom do we still owe an apology or expression of thanks?
And with whom must we draw fresh boundaries?

As we pause from our regular rhythms of rush-rush-rush, we open ourselves to new perspectives and possibilities.

We give thanks for these moments and for the wisdom they afford us. May they help bring us together in the sacred dynamics of life so that we - as individuals and as members of this community - might reach our full potential.

As we step across this threshold, let this new year be a year of greater awe and gratitude,

Of deeper kindness and acceptance, and more courageous acts of conviction.

For a kinder, more equitable and sustainable world is not only possible, she is on her way. And in the quietness of this sacred community, we can ever hear her breathing.

Amen.

Sunday Service

Sunday, December 30 - Amanda Mangiardi, coordinator

10:30 AM: "Women's Voices in the New Year"

UU congregations across the nation have strong women members who are speaking out for their rights as women - not to be intimidated, dismissed, or abused. Hear three strong opinions on how we can help the next generation of strong women to speak up for themselves and for each other.

Rabbi Chava Status Update:

Rabbi Chava is continuing to recover from her August concussion and is still under doctor's restrictions to not work and not drive. Donna Stein-Harris and I visited Rabbi Chava this past week and our Staff Resources Committee will be reviewing a return-to-work plan that Rabbi Chava has prepared. The plan would ease her back into activities over the next six months and is subject to her continued recovery. We will keep you updated.

Meanwhile, we have engaged Rev. Jane Lippert to lead services once in January and twice in February. Rev. Jane will also assist the Sunday Services Committee in their planning meetings in January and February.

Mike McDonald, President, Board of Trustees

Children & Youth Programs

The Religious Education Committee is thrilled to announce the hiring of three new teachers!

The future of an expanding children and youth program at UUCGT is looking very bright, thanks to three newcomers who have agreed to take positions with us starting January 6, 2019.

Due to our Safe Congregation policy, each classroom will have two adults working with the children and youth at all times. The parents of children in grade 5 will have the option of choosing which program is the best match for their fifth-graders. The teachers' full resumes are available online (they are sooooo qualified!).

Susan Holmes Glazier will be teaching K-5:

Susan has a Master's Degree in Montessori Elementary Education and was the Music Director for the UU of the Blue Ridge (VA) from 2011-2014.

She will be assisted by parent and congregant volunteers.

Logan Chamberlain and Katie Tomczyk will co-teach 5th-8th graders:

Logan comes to us with college studies in philosophy and photography.

He currently runs the after-school Kid's Club in Leland in addition to doing marketing and communications for Neahtawanta Research & Education Center.

Katie's Master's degree is in Curriculum and Instruction with endorsements in PE/Health Education and Special Education and she has experience in teaching a wide range of health topics including self-care and reproductive health.

Please give Susan, Logan and Katie a warm welcome, and support this important curriculum by agreeing to volunteer a

few Sundays a year. Contact Jolynn Paige at 231-409-2050

or heyjopaige@gmail.com if you can help.

The children and youth of the Grand Traverse Region need a place like UUCGT. Let's build a multi-generational community together!

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Child care for infants through age 4 i s provided in our Nursery on Sunday mornings.

The Religious Education Committee will be hosting brainstorming sessions in January (Sundays after service during the coffee hour). Your suggestions are welcomed and encouraged! Join us!

UUCGT Giving Trees

Donations will be received through the end of December!

Your generous gift will support one of two needs:

1) A sister UU congregation in Chico, CA is gathering funds in support of those who suffered great loss during the Camp Fire in California. Please make checks payable to UUCGT and write " Camp Fire " on the memo line.

2) UUCGT member, Christie McGue, is working with v olunteers at the UU Fellowship of San Miguel de Allende to support refugees who are seeking help. Checks are payable to UUCGT with " Refugee Relief " written on the memo line.

May we all have a healthy, fruitful New Year!

May we find it in our hearts to speak out

and help protect the rights of others.

And as we listen to their concerns, may they too,

enjoy the bounty and beauty that our country could offer to all.

With peace, health, opportunity, and good will

- the UUCGT Social Justice Action Team

Save the Date!

Sunday, January 20

Congregation Potluck Brunch

after service

Members & Friends are Welcome!

UUCGT Bulletin Board

Link to December Beacon here!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

UU Men's Group: Monday, January 7, 5:30pm @ Minerva's

Discussion will focus on the movie, "Green Book". Also, a 1962 article by James Baldwin is in the front entryway - pick one up!

HOW ART SPEAKS....

Check out the Exhibit in the Corridor Gallery!

Needed: Indoor Plant Adopter(s)

Our lovely indoor plants need a regular caregiver. Do you love plants? and have 20-60 minutes once a week (or a couple of someones) to water, trim, mist, occasionally fertilize and/or transplant plants as needed? If you're interested, please contact Lauren Keinath, 231-342-0617, or Ladyofthelake48@gmail.com . Thank you!

Year End Note - Cash donations to UUCGT - How to get credit: If you wish to receive credit for cash donations - toward a pledge or for income tax purposes - put the cash in an envelope with your name and designation - Congregation or Community Needs - before putting it in the basket on Sunday. Several cash donations are received each Sunday that are not clearly identified. All donations are much appreciated.

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Local Community Needs

Request Form

2019 Donated Dinners + FUNdraiser!

John Hoffmann and Lauren Keinath are coordinating this effort. Several UU congregants have already volunteered to host a unique dinner or other activity in support of a successful FUNdraising event!

These fun, social activities benefit the Congregation as well as designated community groups. Interested in hosting? Questions? Contact John Hoffmann

FUNdraiser descriptions and sign-up sheets will be available in the social hall in January.