Chalice
                              Miami Valley 
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

 

    937-436-3628

 

 

MVUUF's Forum for May, 2019

  visit our website  HERE          visit the UUA's website    HERE

 
__________________________
Service Topics for May, 2019

Soul Matters Theme for May is
Curiosity

Sunday, May 5th   11:00 AM
Child Dedication: Spirit of a Child
with Rev. Kellie
 
Sunday, May 12th   11:00 AM
Lessons from the Man with the Yellow Hat
with Rev. Kellie
 
Sunday, May 19th   11:00 AM
Worship for All Ages: Youth Bridging Service
with Middle School and High School Youth Group
 
Sunday, May 26th   11:00 AM
Soul Matters:  Learning Curiosity
with Rev. Kellie

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Staff Notes

FROM REV. KELLIE
My Dear Ones,
  
"Tra-la, it's May!" Anyone care to sing this classic from the musical Camelot with me? Maybe we can plan a flash mob song-and-dance soon! It is difficult for me to be stressed or down when I hear this song in my head and see Dayton fill with Spring flowers and green foliage. Can you stop smiling when you think of all the new flowers coming up? Happily for me, I have a few other reasons to grin from ear-to-ear this month. And you all are to blame, hehe!
 
First of all, thank you to ALL our friends and members who pledged by the April 28th deadline! You have amazed us with your generosity of heart and spirit! As of May 1st, we have received $182,565 in pledges from 100 friends and members. Of these donors, 20 are new pledgers and 63 donors increased their pledge from last year. Wow, you have blown our socks off (thank goodness the weather is warm)!

If you have not had a chance to complete a pledge form for 2019-20, please do so now! You can email your pledge form to  [email protected]  or drop it off at the pledge table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, May 5th. It is important for us to receive the remaining pledges as soon as possible so the Board can finalize our 2019-20 budget and send it to voting members prior to the June congregational meeting. We need all of us, friends and members, to keep MVUUF alive and thriving!

April 7th, we welcomed 3 new members during o ur New Member Recognition Ceremony. April 28th, we commissioned 6 new Pastoral Associates and 2 new Care Coordinators. Please look out for a new Pastoral Care bulletin board in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, you may always email me at [email protected] or call/text me at my mobile number 847-804-4614. 

This Sunday, May 5th, we will hold our Child Dedication Service for members' children. The congregation-wide child dedication is an important ritual for our children, our families, and our whole fellowship community. It allows us to bless the children and covenant with their families to support them on their journey as parents (if you would like your child to participate, please email me by the end of Friday at [email protected]). Our big finale will be a Bridging Service created and led by our Middle School and High School Youth Group, May 19th. Don't miss it!

The Repair & Healing Taskforce (myself, Ria Megnin, Alysoun Taylor-Hall, Garlene Hamilton, Rachel Feltner, and Sky Stewart) are working on our summary report of our Listening Sessions with the Dayton Mediation Center. If you have any suggestions for future actions or events, please email me at [email protected] . We want this to be a congregational process and would love to learn your feedback.
 
We will share our report during our August 18th service (11AM) and After-Support Session (12:30-1:30 PM). We will also hold a Feedback Session the following Sunday (August 25th) from 12:30-2 PM. As we have stated before, this will not be the end of our work together on these issues. I encourage the Board and fellowship to work together to decide how to move forward. Repair and healing do not have finite endings-they require hard work, openness, persistence, patience, and time.
 
As I have done each month, I share with you a song that holds our monthly Soul Matters theme. Music speaks to us emotionally (heart), kinesthetically (full body), and cognitively (mind). With this month's theme of Curiosity and my upcoming Mother's Day service, Lessons from the Man with the Yellow Hat, I selected a song from the Curious George soundtrack, Upside Down by Jack Johnson.
 
This song reminds us that life (both people and things) are rarely what we think-we all are much more complex than what we show on the surface. We can learn a lot from children. They have so much curiosity. Unlike adults, they do not think they have the world-or each other, for that matter-figured out.
 
So please turn up your speakers and sing along with me, "There's no stopping curiosity...I want to turn the whole thing upside down...I'll share this love I found with everyone...I don't want this feeling to go away!"
 
Holding you in my heart,
Rev. Kellie
 
What I'm Reading (aka- What I'm listening to in my Air Pods)
  • White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo (Chapter 12) (Our Congregational Read)
  • The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
  • The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart (Book 2 of the 4-part Arthurian series)
  • Peggy & Me by Miranda Hart
  • Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss
MINUTE FOR MUSIC
Something I stay curious about, especially now in my position here at MVUUF is how music creates for us a shared experience. Often we describe our favorite songs using the words that we hear but music is itself a non-language form of communication. It makes everyone clap at the same time (usually!) or dance in sync. It stimulates shared emotional reactions in a film score and soothes a fussy baby. Curiosity has lead me to a fascinating small book: How Music Can Make You Better by Indre Viskontas who is both a cognitive neuroscientist and a professional opera singer. Her insights help explain how our brains give meaning to the patterns of sound we call "music." Check it out HERE.
---Sara Davis, Director of Music
Fun Activities This Month
 
GLEN HELEN CAMP-OUT
Saturday, May 4th, 12:00 PM, thru Sunday morning, May 5th
We have a wonderful option for the weekend of May 4th and 5th!
 
Join us at the beautiful Glen Helen Nature Preserve, near Yellow Springs, for just the afternoon, for supper and a campfire, or stay overnight too. The over-night stay is Saturday night at the park's Cedar Center, which has heat and hot water. We understand that there is a lot going on that weekend, so feel free to join us for whatever amount of time works for you.
 
The Cedar Center has two wings, two showers, and a microwave. There are bunkbeds, so bring your own sleeping bag or blankets if you are staying overnight. There is room for 30 people; bring a guest if you like. Children are welcome!
 
Bring a canned food item or two to add to the community soup we will cook over the campfire. Bring your own marshmallows, hotdogs, etc. as well. There is a mystery guest for music around the campfire. If you play a musical instrument feel free to bring it. Oh, yes, and sleeping bags for the lodge. You might also want to bring a little something for breakfast, or you could go to breakfast in nearby Yellow Springs. 

Arrive at noon or later on Saturday, May 4th, and enjoy springtime in the Glen! The cost is free to visit for the day. There is a $15 charge for adults who stay overnight. It is free for children under age 5 to stay overnight. The cost for children age 5 and older who stay overnight is $5.
 
A map will be available later. If you are coming for the day, just show up any time after noon that works for you. If you plan to stay overnight please let Kurt Jacobsen know when you see him at church, or phone him at 937-414-2992 to let him know you are coming.


SMART CHOICES BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Thursday, May 9th, 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria, in Kettering
You should join this fun group of ladies as they celebrate birthdays! They'll be meeting this month on Thursday, May 9th, at 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria, in Kettering. Please make sure to RSVP to:
                                Allie Petersen at [email protected]
 

2019's SERVICE AUCTION:
Home Is Where The Heart Is
Saturday, May 11th, 5:00 PM, at MVUUF
Make sure you're planning to attend our BIGGEST fundraiser of the year! The fun happens on Saturday, May 11th, 5:00 PM, at MVUUF. Enjoy yummy food, the warm fellowship of friends, and bidding on some great auction items...ALL to benefit MVUUF! And again this year, UU Bucks will be available so EVERYONE can enjoy the fun!
 
Many hands make the work lighter, so please contact Andy Wilson at [email protected] to see how you can help make this year's Service   Auction a HUGE success!


DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 15th, 10:30 AM, in the Library
Why not plan to join this well-read group? They'll be meeting this month on Wednesday, May 15th, 10:30 AM, in the Library at MVUUF. The book for discussion will be My Brilliant Friend: Neapolitan Novels, Book One by Elena Ferrante.
 


WHAT DOES OUR ACTIVITIES REP. HAVE PLANNED FOR MAY?
Throughout this Month
We have several just-for-fun events planned during the month, so why not mark them on your calendar and plan to check them out?

Wednesday, May 8th, 1:30 PM
Games in the Afternoon (in the Sanctuary)
Saturday, May 18th, 6:30 PM     
Game Night (in the Sanctuary)
Wednesday, May 22nd, 1:30 PM     
Games in the Afternoon (in the Sanctuary)
Friday, May 24th, 6:30 PM     
Family-Friendly Craft Night (in the Founders' Room

 
ROY ZIMMERMAN: RIZE UP
Sunday, June 2nd, 4:00 PM at MVUUF
In the midst of our personal and national crises, we need to laugh. And we need to hope. Roy Zimmerman's signature blend of heart and hilarity has never been more necessary. RiZe Up is ninety minutes of Roy Zimmerman's original songs, a funny and forceful affirmation of Peace and Social Justice. And Roy will be here at MVUUF! Tickets are $20 at the door (or what you are able to afford); bring your family & friends for a wonderful evening of much-needed laughter & hope.
 
Roy's songs have been heard on HBO and Showtime, and his videos have garnered tens of millions of views. He has recorded for Warner/Reprise Records. He's shared stages with Bill Maher, Ellen DeGeneres, Holly Near, Robin Williams, Arlo Guthrie, John Oliver, Kate Clinton and George Carlin, and tours the country constantly with his wife and co-writer, Melanie Harby.
 
Please plan to join us for this wonderful evening of music & inspiration!
 


COFFEE WITH THE MINISTER
Sunday, May 12th, 12:30 PM, in the Sanctuary
After a brief hiatus last month, this fun gathering is back! Please plan to spend some time after the Service on  Sunday, May 12th, enjoying some coffee or tea and finding out more about our very own Rev. Kellie Kelly. You'll be glad that you did!
Around the Fellowship
 
SOUL MATTERS FOR MAY
This month, our Soul Matters theme is Curiosity ; you'll find this theme used throughout the Fellowship this month, from Worship Service topics to what the kids are learning in their classrooms!
 
To receive the Soul Matters packet, please click HERE 

You can receive a hard copy by contacting our Fellowship Administrator, Jennie Freiberger, at 937-436-3628 or [email protected] ; they are available for ALL MVUUF members & friends.
 

PRESIDENTIAL THOUGHTS
We have been looking back in order to look forward. Working on healing from past issues between Ministerial leadership and the congregation, mainly the Board, we've been listening to the concerns of our members and working to right past wrongs in meaningful, long term ways.
 
To that end, in March the current and past Boards met with Lisa Presley of the UUA to review grievances and strategize on long term solutions. Also, guided listening sessions were held to hear the voices of the congregation We are compiling concerns and ideas gathered, and will soon issue a report to the congregation regarding the outcome of these efforts.
 
Kudos to Reverend Kellie, and to the Repair and Healing Task Force, Ria Megnin, Garlene Hamilton, Rachel Feltner, Sky Stewart, and Alysoun Taylor-Hall for arranging these important gatherings.
 
The Board also held a Leadership Retreat on Saturday, April 6th, where we and the Minister spent time brainstorming about short and long term goals and projects. It was good to have some focused time away from the regular immediate issues that beg our attention, to really think about how we can best lead the fellowship.
 
It was very affirming to participate in Reverend Kellie's installation ceremony on Sunday, March 24th. It was good to see her take her rightful place in the community of UU Leaders, and to see and hear the adoration from her colleagues and mentors.
 
I've also spent time discussing mortgage refinancing with our lending institution, participating in our Congregational Read, White Fragility , and have pruned trees and bushes on our property, and replaced missing roof shingles at the peak of the sanctuary.
 
We are all in it together, and I am glad to offer what I can to help this Fellowship remain strong.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Maury Wyckoff, President
Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
 


DID YOU KNOW???
The MVUUF Board meeting in May has been rescheduled to Tuesday May 21st at 6:00 PM (the Board meets monthly, typically on the THIRD Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM).
 
AND, starting with the May meeting, the first 10-15 minutes of each monthly meeting will be open to members and friends for questions or comments!


A FINAL NOTE FROM THE MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
I was truly moved and honored to serve our MVUUF community in the role as chair on the committee. The installation service we held on Sunday, March 24th was the final piece of the process for me, seeing Rev. Kellie and our MVUUF family come together as we continue along the shared ministry path, growing seeds of radical love, justice, and transformation. The Search Committee and Rev. Kellie partnered to create the wonderful ceremony and craft the prayer tree you still see at the front of the Sanctuary. Besides these people and all of those who participated in the Installation Service, many others helped out in some of those behind the scenes roles you may not be aware of. I would like to take a moment to recognize them:

The Octicorn Squad : Adrienne Clark, Ann Rismiller, Dawn Bellinger, Trudy Krisher, and Rachel Feltner (made octicorns for all the kids/young at heart)

The Mistress of the Stole : Ann Snively (created our lovely gift for Rev. Kellie)

Flower Whisperer : Iris Carter (selected the flower arrangements)

Video Razzle Dazzelers : Patsy Ferrell, Jerry Leggett, and Nelson Hitchcock

The A/V Guru : Jim Poltrone; Photo Wizard : Lew Hann

MVUUF 500 Road Crew : Jacob and Dave Nolin (shuttle for late comers)

Youth Wranglers : Genevieve Harvey and Jerry Leggett

MVUUF Bed and Breakfast Hosts : Iris Carter, Sharon Harmer, Joe Zimmerman & Genevieve Harvey (opened their homes for out of town guests to stay)

UU-Uber Services : Larry and Julie Stone (shuttle to and from locations for out of town guests)

Creative Idea Channeler : Jennie Freiberger (designed the flower and chalice design featured in the Order of Service)

Fire Tamer : Sky Stewart (chalice duties)

Music Weaver : Sara Davis

Trio of Angels : Kristen Beireis, Allison Crews, and Barb Weber (singers)

Jam Maestro : Jerry Leggett (singer)

The Local Vocals : our MVUUF Choir

Governance Champions : Maury Wyckoff, Gail Cyan, and Barb Weber (as current and past presidents, leading the official installation bit with the congregation)
 
Lastly, a large thank you to those who did things we didn't have names for. Those that came out and did some spring cleaning, those who picked up litter or rearranged chairs at the last minute, those who helped out out with refreshments, and everyone else who might have been asked at the last minute (sorry!) as things tend to come up that way when planning big events. All of you made this service and celebration work so well. Thank you all - we know our hearts are full and in awe of all the work you do!
 
Laura Vondenhuevel (last note as MSC Chair)
and the entire MSC:
Eileen Simon, Catherine Queener, Larry Stone,
Rachel Feltner, and Trudy Krisher
 

 
UNSUNG HERO
At its April meeting, the Program Council was delighted to recognize Kristen Beireis as an MVUUF Unsung Hero.
 
Most of you know Kristen as our tie-dye fashionista, but let me assure you that she us much more than a quirkily-dressed rainbow of positive energy. In addition to being an active Choir member, Kristen shares her musical talents performing during Sunday services, being part of the Talent Show, and organizing and conducting the Children's Choir. She uses her friendly smile and outgoing personality as a Sunday morning Greeter, too. But that's not all!
 
Kristen is also an organized leader and took on the responsibility of chairing the Service Auction last year by gathering a committee of volunteers and delegating the tasks so that the preparations were a shared effort. Kristen exemplifies our First Principle, "the inherent worth and dignity of every person," as she participates in the Fellowship in a variety of ways. And we appreciate her!
 

 
PASTORAL ASSOCIATES & CARE COORDINATORS
On Sunday, April 28th, we commissioned our Pastoral Associates and Care Coordinators during the 11:00 AM service, and thanked our outgoing Pastoral Associates, Tina Porter and Sky Stewart , as well.
 
Pastoral Care is about listening with the heart, bearing witness, and sharing our common humanity. Our Pastoral Associates are: Adrienne Clark , Mike Fanelli , Jim Patton , Cameron Smith , Laura Vondenhuevel , and Kathleen Werning . You can count on them to companion us during major life transitions such as birth, marriage, divorce; to offer support during times of difficulty or illness; and to make calls and visits to those who are hospitalized or cannot leave their homes.
 
Our Care Coordinators are Deb Tarr , Meal Train Coordinator; Kathleen Werning , Ride Coordinator; and Steve Steel , Food Pantry and Holiday Giving Tree Coordinator. They will help to foster a culture of care and compassion at MVUUF, connecting us with fellow members and friends so that we can better care for each other.
 
The Pastoral Care bulletin board will soon be updated with their names, pictures, and contact information so that you can get to know them a bit better, and will be able to reach them when they are needed. And we thank all of them for their willingness to serve MVUUF in this way.
 
   
TRANSPORTATION TO MVUUF
Do you have room in your car for a congregant or visitor? Do you need a ride to MVUUF to join us? If you would be willing to ride-share or need a ride, please contact Kathleen Werning, our Ride Coordinator, at 937-825-4314 or [email protected]. Kathleen will need your name, contact information, your area of town and whether you can provide a ride or need a ride. This is a way to care for each other and increase participation at MVUUF.  



FRAGRANCE-FREE FELLOWSHIP
Remember, due to allergies, asthma, and other sensitivities of our members & friends, we ask that you please refrain from wearing scent at MVUUF (perfume, aftershave, scented hair products, lotions, etc.).

Thank you for helping us to be a safe as well as welcoming congregation!



FAIR TRADE COFFEE SALES
You can order fair trade coffee after the Sunday Worship Service at MVUUF! Orders are placed on the first Sunday of the month (this month that's May 5th!), and then your order should be ready to be picked up on the third Sunday of the month (this month that's May 19th!).

There are many varieties and bean grinds to choose from...some are even organic! For more information, feel free to contact Lynn Buffington at [email protected] or 937-657-0426.



LOST & FOUND AT MVUUF
Did you know we have a lost & found box at the Fellowship? It's located in the Office area, on the floor under the long table holding all the plants!

If you think you may have lost something while at MVUUF, it's the FIRST place you'll want to look!
Showing Up for Justice
   
CONGREGATIONAL READ:
White Fragility:  Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism
Our final meeting of the Congregational Read will take place on Saturday, May 4th, 10:30 AM, in the Sanctuary. We'll draw to a close the discussion of White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism, by Robin DiAngelo.

Next year's Congregational Read will be Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry, edited by Mitra Rahnema. A joint project of the Committee for Antiracism, Anti-Oppression, and Multiculturalism of the UUMA and Skinner House Books, this is the first book to center the stories, analysis and insight of UUs of color offering their religious leadership.



ANTI-RACISM ALLY GROUP
Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room
This newly-formed group is a supportive place where white congregants can work on reducing and eliminating their own white fragility and internalized racism without harming our siblings of color. Rev. Kellie is also looking for individuals who are interested in assisting her to lead this ongoing group.
 
For the month of May, we'll gather on Thursday, May 2nd, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room. Questions, concerns or suggestions? Please email Rev. Kellie at [email protected] .
 
 
TRANSGENDER ALLY GROUP
Monday, May 27th, 7:00 PM, in the Library
Our newly-formed Transgender Ally Group will be meeting this month on Monday, May 27th, 7:00 PM in the Library at MVUUF. This group offers a supportive place where cisgender congregants can work on reducing and eliminating their own internalized transphobia and heterosexism, without harming our transgender siblings. Contact Rev. Kellie at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
 

 
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Monday, May 20th, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room
The Social Action Committee will be meeting this month on Monday, May 20th, 7:00 PM, in the Library at MVUUF. If social action issues are something you feel strongly about, why not consider joining them? The meetings are open to ALL.


DAYTON PRIDE 2019
Saturday, June 1st, 11:00 AM, downtown Dayton
It's that time of year again!! Dayton PRIDE 2019 is here! This year's parade will be held on Saturday, June 1st, and will kick off at noon! We typically gather at 11:oo AM for conversation and organization, lining up on St. Clair Street between Second and Third Streets. The theme for 2019 is the 50th Anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in 1969; the Greater Dayton LGBT Center is planning to center around this theme.  
 
The Miami Valley UU Fellowship advertises in the resource guide for the parade, and we have purchased spots in the parade and on Courthouse Square. How you can help? Please contact Adrienne Clark and Sarah Withrow to help set-up and take down the booth on Courthouse Square...please wear your yellow "Side With Love" shirt or tie-dye...and please join us for the walk and celebration as MVUUF stands in solidarity with all people, no matter sexual orientation or gender identity.
 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCH
Saturday, May 11th, 10:45 AM, 120 W. Apple Street in Dayton
Please join us on Saturday, May 11th, in providing our long-standing second Saturday lunch for women and families staying at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter.   

This is the first month of our "summer" menu and our needs this month include: sandwich filling (sloppy joes, BBQ pulled pork/chicken/beef, tuna salad and one batch of egg salad), vegetable dishes (pasta salad with LOTS of veggies, cole slaw, or other vegetable - green beans have been popular!), green salads, fresh fruit/fruit salads, 100% orange juice and 1% 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 Gateway Shelter) by 10:45 AM.  
 
You can sign up for Saturday, May 11th lunch on the clipboard in the Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 (call or text) or [email protected]. You can also check on what is needed at Sign Up Genius HERE (no need to log in unless you also want to sign up through Genius).
 
St. Vincent's continues to be very full with about 120 in house, but the number of Saturday lunch diners is unpredictable as some residents, especially families, take advantage of warmer weather to go elsewhere. In April, the weather was mild and we fed 53, with 39 in the women's group at 11 and 14 in the family group at noon. Thanks to the many who served (in the photo below) and/or provided food!
 
If you would like more information regarding volunteering, please take one of the info flyers near the sign-up sheet in the Social Action area in the Gathering Space.

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One Last Thing... 

 

CHECK OUT THE MVUUF CALENDAR!

You can keep up-to-date with all the happenings at MVUUF by viewing the Fellowship's online calendar right HERE.


 

The calendar is updated throughout the week, so it's ALWAYS the place to check & see what's going on at MVUUF; usually, it's quite A LOT!

 

 

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, class background, 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!