May 9, 2019
Weekly E-News
Service
May 2019: Curiosity

May 12: Curiosity

May 19: New Member & Bridging Ceremonies

May 26: Curiosity and Joyful Life
Sharing
May 2019: Planned Parenthood

Our Community Sharing partner this month is Planned Parenthood. Your generous contributions each week in May are greatly appreciated! All unmarked donations will be given to our local Planned Parenthood organization.
About Planned Parenthood
The mission of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida is to provide affordable access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and accurate health information through patient care, education and advocacy.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, an affiliate of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. began operations in 1966 and presently provides vital sexual health services and comprehensive sexuality education to women, men and teens throughout Southwest and Central Florida. 
The Humanist Forum
The Humanist Forum meets every Sunday at 9:15 am in Hobart Hall. All are welcome to attend. Join us as we engage in a new topic each week.  The forum this Sunday will feature an interview with George Monbiot, a brilliant British philosopher. He will discuss the current state of affairs in western societies, and suggest some ways to approach our problems. His thoughts are relevant to the current state of American political divides.
Social Hour
Sunday's Social Hour happens after the service every week. It is volunteer run- by the Women's Circle on the first Sunday, Humanist Forum on the second, CUUPs on the third, Men's Group on the fourth, and if there is a fifth Sunday, it is All Church.  Any donations of food, snacks or cash are welcome.
From the Minister

Email Scam Alert!!
The UUA has learned that a number of congregations have been hit with an email scam. It involves making a fake Gmail account in the minister’s name, and then sending a request for gift cards allegedly from that minister to the congregation’s member directory. Apparently when you send the gift card it gets cashed by the scammer. so pay attention! Any official email from the minister will come only from  minister@uucfm.org   and I will never ask for gift cards or any other kind of surprise donation through email. Look at sender details to make sure the email address is legitimate.

This article about this scam may be helpful:  http://ow.ly/U8qI30oD6ms

Rev. Allison Farnum
Music Notes
The UUCFM Choir rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:45-8:15 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the sanctuary. It's free and there are no auditions. Come join us in singing!

The UUCFM Band rehearses most Wednesday nights from 6:00-6:45 pm, and on Sunday mornings from 9-10 am in the Sanctuary. If you would like to play your instrument during a Sunday service, please email me to coordinate the details.
Come join us in making music together!

Suellen Kipp, Director of Music
Wizard Camp
Have you registered for the School of Wizardry summer camp yet? The camp runs from June 24th to June 28th and is held here on the UUCFM campus. We're filling up fast, so  register today!  We need youth 14+ to register as camp ghosts (volunteers) as well -  click here to apply!

If you have questions about our youth groups or Children's Religious Education program, please contact Jenn Blosser  dre@uucfm.org .
Membership-New Member Ceremony May 19th
The Membership Ministry Team is making plans for our May New Member Ceremony on Sunday the19th . Anyone interested in becoming a new member, please contact MemberServices@UUCFM.org to
receive your membership enrollment kit prior to the 19th .

Meet Our Members!
ALANIS "WASMNOWF" GARCIA,
Parent, Trans, Lesbian, Atheist. In that order is how Alanis describes herself. She has one child Lei (14 he/him). She has been openly trans and lesbian for 5 years. As an atheist who had been hurt by churches all her life she thought she was done with them. But a dear, departed friend showed her the love that exists in UUCFM and she is better for having found it. Alanis is our new VP of Finance!
Interim Minister (IM) Search Update
This update will cover the major comments the Interim Minister Search Committee has received from church members and an IM process update.

On Sunday, April 28th after the service, the Committee welcomed over 50 church members to a listening Town Hall Meeting to solicit discussions and concerns about the selection of an Interim Minister. (We also
received input from several members who were unable to attend the meeting.) During the hour-long meeting, members completed and submitted a 4-question survey about their concerns and suggestions with discussions following. Here is a synopsis of the predominant responses to the 4 question areas:

#1: What do you value most about this congregation? What does it mean to you? How long have you
been a member? (Top 5 response categories.)

• This is my real community/supportive community
• Individual members/friends
• Openness & acceptance of all
• Social justice ministry/ L.I.F.E.
• Allison’s ministry/ good sermons
Average years of membership represented: 9.9 years

#2 : Based on your assessment of the current needs of our congregation, describe below the primary
area(s) of focus for our IM.

• Bridging inter-generational gaps/ Congregational harmony, cohesion
• Attract more members
• Pastoral care/ Home visits
• RE, support for families with kids
• Helping us develop a new dream for our future/ nurture our mission

#3: Please list the strengths you think we should look for in an IM.
• Bring in new members with dynamic sermons
• Positive in human relationships, listening & leadership skills
• Able to unite members & youth
• Openness, friendliness, engaging, good communicator
• Diplomat/Mediator

#4: Describe any programs or traditions which the IM should maintain.
• RE/ Time for All Ages / OWL
• Centering/ Stone ceremony/ Meditation
• Good music program
• Social Justice efforts/ L.I.F.E.
• Caring & Sharing services

Anyone who was unable to submit their answers to these 4 question areas is welcome to submit them
to MemberServices@UUCFM.org before May 13th . With these congregational inputs, the Committee is
well-positioned to proceed with the final steps in the IM process and make a recommendation to the
Board of Trustees for their final deliberations.

So far, the Committee has received 3 inquiries for our IM request. We have interviewed IM candidates
using concerns we received from the Town Hall discussions.

 After checking out references for our candidates, the Committee will make a recommendation
to the Board this week.
 Based on the Board’s decisions, the Church will submit a “yes/no/maybe” response to the UUA
on or before May 13.
 On May 15 at noon, UUCFM will submit an offer to our IM of choice.
 By June 11, a recommended engagement letter will have been worked out with the IM and
submitted to the Board for deliberation.
 By mid-June, a “final” engagement letter will be offered to the IM.
 August 1, we welcome our new IM.

This dateline assumes the successful completion of the tasks before each date and our reaching
agreement with the IM of of choice. We are working with our IM UUA coach on alternative scenarios
should the need arise.
Social Justice
Pachamama Alliance of SWFL Presents
DIVING INTO DRAWDOWN
First Four (4) Saturdays in June, 2019
At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers in Hobart Hall 9:00am - 1:15pm. All invited!

Find out which Solution you can work on that will help Southwest Florida DRAWDOWN atmospheric Carbon, and become part of the Global Community committed to reversing Global Warming.
We Can Do It!
For more information
South Fort Myers Food Pantry
The support that UUCFM has shown to our pantry over the years is appreciated. Along with other coalition members, the combined effort fed 26,646 people from the South Fort Myers area in 2018. There is still a tremendous need in Southwest Florida and consequently the Harry Chapin Food Bank sometimes runs low on food. When this happens, your donations of food each Sunday become so important, even if it’s just one item. Remember “Fran’s plan, just one can”? Look around church this Sunday and just imagine the amount of food, if everyone brought just one can. Protein items are always a good choice, canned ham, chicken , tuna or hearty prepared meals or soups.  

Prefer to donate money? You can make out checks and send to the South Fort Myers Food Pantry. 8260 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL. 33919. Be sure to write Food Pantry in the memo line. Looking for a satisfying volunteer experience?   Our Pantry needs summer help. The South Fort Myers Food Pantry thanks our winter residents for donating what was left in their cupboards before leaving for the summer. For those of you who live here year round, please, consider volunteering on Mondays during the summer months. They are desperate for volunteers who can tolerate working in the summer heat.  At least go for one day to see if you can do it, even if you can only do a couple of hours. The people who need to use the pantry don’t get to take vacations during the summer months. Many have lost their seasonal jobs and only turn to us at this time of year. If you know the pantry then just go there around 10 AM for the day shift or at 4:15, 4:30 for the afternoon/evening shift. Pantry open only on Mondays.  Contact Fran Rose 617-750-0470 or email  francrose@centurylink.net
Special Events at UUCFM
Covenant of UU Pagans

Blessings UU community,

May 11, drum circle, 6:30 fire circle
May 12, 12:00, Cuups meeting, honoring our Mother Earth.
June 16, 10:30, Rite Of Passage, service for Rev Allison. A pot luck is offered after service. Please bring a dish to share with the community. We say goodbye to our minister of ten years. CUUPs will be officiating this service. See ya all in the next few weeks.
The FUUn BUUnch is Back!
Meet us Saturday, May 25th at 6:30 p.m. at Bianca’s Restaurante

DIRECTIONS TO
BIANCA’S RESTAURANTE ITALIANO
12651 North Cleveland Avenue
North Fort Myers, Fl 33903

Go Northbound over the Caloosahatchee River Bridge. Continue on No. Cleveland Ave. Go over Littleton Road, past Bianca’s Restaurant on the left and make the first “U” Turn. Bianca’s is in the Tamiami Plaza on the Right Side. Questions: John E. Fischer 267-992-6566, SilverFischStudios@gmail.com .

PLEASE RSVP by May 23, 2018. The restaurant needs firm numbers to accommodate us. 
Student Recipients of Youth Violence Prevention Grants Present Programs
The recipients of the Youth Violence Prevention Grants from the Unitarian Universalist Church and the United Way will present their programs to the public on Friday May 24th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church Sanctuary. Attendance is free to the public.

UUCFM will be hosting this highly visible event. Seven different youth organizations will be presenting their grant project results to the Fort Myers community, Dr. Mike Martin, President of FGCU and Mr. Jim
Nathan, past-President of Lee Health and one of UUCFM founders, will be speaking, United Way officials, and we expect visitors from various community organizations plus the News-Press.

This is a golden opportunity for UUCFM to be the shining light on the hill, “a generous and inclusive faith
community that compassionately leads the way, creating connections to build a just, sustainable world.”
A bold and important manifestation of our Community Engagement Vision! This is an important event
for our ability to grow our membership. An overwhelming showing of our membership at this event is
key.

Please make every attempt to join the rest of our members and our greater community on Friday
evening, May 24 th , at 5:30p in the Sanctuary.

We need a couple of volunteers to help with traffic control and ushering. Please contact Stephanie
Hoffman at stephgator7@yahoo.com.
UUCFM Classes & Groups
Yoga!
Join Mary Cline Golbitz for a month of yoga at UUCFM from 5-6pm on Wednesdays from April 24-May 29 in Room 1. All welcome. No charge.
Women's Sharing Circle
Every 4th Tuesday there will be a noon potluck in Hobart Hall. Bring a dish to share and your own beverage.

Tuesday, May 28th meeting
Same noon schedule of potluck. "Stories of Travel Times, in the World and United States" featuring Mary Nies & Deb Lewis in their Thailand Adventure. We'll chart where we have been in the world.
Dorothy Van Howe, 239-560-7238,
Men's Social Group
We want you to join the  UUCFM Men's Social Group.  We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 11:45 am at the Cross Creek Country Club Clubhouse/Restaurant off Daniel's Parkway. 

For 2019, we are planning fun social activities as well as action sessions on what the Men's Group can do to help UUCFM. For information, contact Denis Jensen at 215-436-5748 or email Denis at
Mindfulness Meditation
Join us to explore the simple and satisfying practices of mindfulness and meditation. You don’t need experience with meditation, nor do you have to be a Buddhist. 

Please bring intention to quiet the mind and body in a supportive group of UU members and friends with a similar intention - people who want to carry mindfulness into their daily lives. We meet Mondays from 6:30-8:00p in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please call or text Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.
Book Club
Book Study will resume Wednesday, May 15th from 1-2:30 PM in the Library of our Administration Building. Join up to read and discuss up to page 59 of  The Untethered Soul : the Journey Beyond Yourself  by Michael A.   Singer .

From the publisher: "What would it be like to free yourself from limitations and soar beyond your boundaries? What can you do each day to discover inner peace and serenity? The Untethered Soul offers simple yet profound answers to these questions. Whether this is your first exploration of inner space, or you've devoted your life to the inward journey, this book will transform your relationship with yourself and the world around you. You'll discover what you can do to put an end to the habitual thoughts and emotions that limit your consciousness. By tapping into traditions of meditation and mindfulness, author and spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer shows how the development of consciousness can enable us all to dwell in the present moment and let go of painful thoughts and memories that keep us from achieving happiness and self-realization."
More!
Kitchen Work Party!
Dorothy Van Howe of Operations will be "hosting" a kitchen work party next Monday, May 13th at 9:30 AM.  It's time to give the kitchen a wipe down before the summer starts. All are welcome.
Shop at Amazon and Help UUCFM
Did you know your purchases can make a difference? AmazonSmile donates to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers when you do your online Mother's Day shopping. Follow this link:   smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1160337
Desperately Needed: FUUn BUUnch Coordinator 
A new coordinator for the FUUn BUUnch dinners is needed. Effective with the MAY 31st meeting, I will be stepping down as the coordinator of the FUUn BUUnch dinners. The dinners are great for the church but if they are to continue, a new coordinator must be found. Most of the work is computerised and requires a minimum of time and effort.  

Please, if you have enjoyed the dinners, Christmas Eve and otherwise, step up and take charge. Don't allow the May dinner to be the last. This needs to continue. Respond to: John E Fischer 267-992-6566 Silverfischstudios@gmail.com  

John E Fischer 
Coordinator
Fuun Buunch Dinners
Wanted: Car Pool from Cape Coral
A new visitor, Mary Moldawski from the Sandoval Community (near Veterans & Surfside Pkwys) would like to know if any Cape residents would like to carpool to church on Sundays. Contact Mary at marymoldawski@gmail.com .
Pet of the Week
This is Fionna McGill, aka The Wee Fiend. She's a Westie, age one and a half. Submitted by Pati Maier.
Our Greater Community Events
Save the Date: LIFE Celebration
You are cordially invited to LIFE's 8th Annual  Celebration at Mount Hermon Ministries on May 28 at 7pm 2856 Douglas Ave, Fort Myers, FL.  We are joining together to celebrate you and each other. We will be celebrating our past victories and hearing from those impacted by our work (with a potential special guest or two). We will celebrate this year's Nehemiah Action with photos, videos, and update on behind-the-scenes work leading up to and after the event. And we will celebrate each other with music, fellowship, food, and raffles. We will also have a special celebration for Rev. Allison Farnum from UUCFM who will be departing Fort Myers for new opportunities in Chicago. The Celebration is our opportunity to join together to reflect, honor our work, and grow together. We are hopeful that the Celebration will close out our investment drive for the year and if you feel so led- feel free to bring along your checkbook or credit card. Otherwise, bring yourself and be ready to take part in the joy of celebration, together. 

Sincerely, 
LIFE Board of Directors 
SWFL Gay & Lesbian Chorus Concert at All Faiths
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Group
The Rissho Kosei-kai group meets Sundays at 2:00 PM in Room 1. Contact Mary Tracy Sigman for info  marytracysigman115@gmail.com
Happy Birthday!
May 9  Alison Carville 
May 9 Helen Dixon  
May 9 Walter Peterson
May 12 Fran Rose
May 14 Jim Stout
May 17  Elaine Swank
May 21 Mary Golbitz  
May 23  Cathy Snow
May 24 Nancy Beecher 
May 24 Elise Sexton 
May 29 Stephanie Moreland
May 30 Diane Buckley
Calendar Connections
 
 Click on the name on each event for more information or inspiration.
 
Interfaith:
●       Beltane  (Wiccan) - May 1 (more  here )
●       Ramadan  (Islam) - May 5 - June 4 (more  here  and  here )
●       Visakha Puja  -the birth, the enlightenment & death of the Buddha.(Buddhist) - May 18-19 (more  here )
●       Ascension of Baha'u'llah  (Baha'i) - May 28-29   
●       Ascension Day  (Christian) - May 30 (more  here )

Unitarian Universalist:
●       UUA Founding Day  (1961) - May 15
●       Emerson's birthday  - May 25 (1803) 
●      American Unitarian Association founded May 25 (1825)   

National & Cultural:
●      Asian/ Pacific American Heritage Month
●       May Day /International Workers Day - May 1 (more  here )
●       Cinco de Mayo  - May 5
●       Mother's Day  (US & Canada) - May 12
●      First HIV/AIDS death in North America - May 15 (1969)
●       Brown v. Board of Education  - May 17 (1954)
●       Victoria Day  (Canada) May 21
●      Memorial Day (US) - May 27

For Fun and On the Fringe:
●       World Press Freedom Day  - May 3
●       Star Wars Day  - May 4

World Laughter Day  - First Sunday in May 
Contact Us
Board of Trustees
Board Email  board@uucfm.org

President               
Theresa Bahre
President Elect
Lesley Peterson
Secretary  
Alison Carville
Treasurer
Eddie Grimes       
VP Finance
Alanis Garcia
VP Programming
Cathy Snow
VP Ministerial Services
Karen J. Brown
VP Operations
Dorothy Van Howe         
Member at Large
Helen Leddy

Staff
Minister             
Rev. Allison Farnum  239-561-2700x204   minister@uucfm.org
Director of Music   
Suellen Kipp  music@uucfm.org
Director of RE        
Jenn Blosser  239-561-2700x208   dre@uucfm.org
Office Manager       
Building Supervisor   
Nursery Supervisor  

UUCFM.ORG uuchurch@uucfm.org  | 239-561-2700
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