Weekly E-News May 16, 2019

May 16, 2019

Weekly E-News

Service

May 2019 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. This week we feature an interview with Vandana Shiva, an Indian author and environmentalist. She will be talking in part about what she sees as the conflict between “The 1%” and the rest of humanity." Shiva is an articulate spokesperson for the rights of “the rest of us” as opposed to the overweening capitalism practiced by the world’s largest corporations, especially the agricultural giants.

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

Letting Go

"To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal, to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it, and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go."

~"In Blackwater Woods” by Mary Oliver

My time as your Minister is ending mid-June, and I wanted to talk more about transition. You will always have a special place in my heart and in the story of my family. At the same time, as I seek a new ministry and ways to serve Unitarian Universalism in the coming years, I also need to make space for the new relationships that will be, whether with a congregation or with a community organization. Social media is one of the ways I need to address this goal of letting go, even after holding on for these almost eleven years.

So...Facebook. I will keep my professional page, https://www.facebook.com/revallison/ publicly available for viewing though I will not engage comment sections. My personal Facebook page will be only for my family and friends. Over the years, I have accepted many friend requests from you and have had the opportunity to companion you not only face-to-face but also through the Facebook feeds. Come June, this personal facebook relationship will end. In order to facilitate your welcoming new ministerial leadership, and for me to make space for what will come professionally, I feel that this decision serves the health of the whole congregation moving forward.

As my retired colleague, the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed wrote in a Berry Street essay in 2000 about ministry, "when our ministries come to an end so must the relationships, lest we take up space the next ministry needs if it is to take root." I wish only the best for this beautiful congregation, and intend to leave the soil rich and ready for planting new growth in the shared ministry between Minister and Congregation for the decades to come!

With gratitude,

Rev. Allison Farnum

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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 [email protected] .

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 [email protected] to

receive your membership enrollment kit prior to the 19th .

Meet Our Members!

PATRICIA LINHOFF- I’m still surprised to find myself a member of UUCFM. Why? Because I was educated for 15 years in the Catholic educational system; I'm a person who was publicly (and surprisingly) recognized by Archishop J. Roach at Mass one day, and am one who believed as a matter of faith and didn’t question. Yes, I know that about now a lot of you former Catholics are nodding in agreement.

Fast forward to 2013….when, with deep appreciation, I joined UUCFM. Why did I join? First, for the community of thoughtful-questioning-friendly and supportive folks. And secondly for the inclusionary outlook of that community.

A little bit about me; I was fortunate enough to spend 33 years in a career I loved…..librarian with Hennepin County Library (Twin Cities, MN) Favorite things to do; float in the warm Gulf water, kayak, fish, and spend time with family--especially my two granddaughters in Baltimore, and friends. I also like to sew, knit, discuss books, garden, and play board games. My three kids, a son in Boulder-a daughter in MN - and a daughter in Baltimore are the best, as is my life partner Ted. I thank all of them!

I eagerly look forward to continued and deeper involvement with all of you at UUCFM. What do I look forward to in the future? Dancing and singing and laughing with folks who like to dance and sing

and laugh.

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

[email protected]

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 [email protected] .

Special Events at UUCFM

Covenant of UU Pagans-Minister's Rite of Passage Service

June 16, 10:30 AM Rite Of Passage service for Rev. Allison . A pot luck is offered after service so please bring a dish to share with the community. We say goodbye to our minister of ten years. CUUPs will be officiating this service.

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, [email protected] .

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 [email protected].

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,

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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. For more info contact Gary Robbins at 302-540-5899.

Book Club

Book Study meets Wednesdays from 1-2:30 PM in the Library of our Administration Building. Join to read and discuss The Untethered Soul : the Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer .

"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.

More!

Safety Tips

Brought to you by the Ops Team

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 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 [email protected]

John E Fischer

Coordinator

Fuun Buunch Dinners

Pets of the Week

This is Archer Gottman . He is a sweet, very loving boy who needs attention 100% of the time. He is seven years old and his breed is “mystery grab bag.” Submitted by Gini Gottman

This is Bentley Nicholas McCuen , an 8-year-old, 12 pound, foot-long, longhaired black and tan miniature Dachshund. Submitted by Christina McCuen

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