Weekly E-News
January 14, 2021
Our Sunday Service

Please join us on Zoom this Sunday, January 17th at 10:30 AM for our MLK service titled In Remembrance with special musical guests, Melanie DeMore Mary Wilson, and DeMaur.

Sunday Service Link! Join Zoom Meeting Sunday at 10:30am

No ID# or password needed

Or, follow the link on our webpage for audio onlyuucfm.org
Our Musical Guest, Melanie DeMore

Melanie DeMore is a Grammy- nominated singer/composer, choral conductor, music director and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. 

In her presentations, DeMore beautifully brings her participants together through her music and commentary. DeMore facilitates vocal and stick pounding workshops for professional choirs, community groups as well as directing numerous choral organizations in the Bay Area. She is a featured presenter of SpeakOut: The Institute for Social and Cultural Change, and was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated ensemble, Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. She became Music Director for Obeah Opera by Nicole Brooks, as part of the Luminato Festival in 2019. She is a charter member of Kate Munger’s Threshold Choirs and conducts song circles with an emphasis on the voice as a vessel for healing. In here own words: “A song can hold you up when there seems to be no ground beneath you”.
Thank you to Sunday's Participants:

Alberita Johnson, Lay Minister 
Melanie DeMore, Musical Guest
Suellen Kipp, Director of Music  
Mary Wilson, Vocalist
Karen Brown, Worship Associate
Jennifer Grant, Worship Associate 
Lesley Peterson, Tech Team Member 
Mark Brandon, Tech Team Member
Walter Peterson, Tech Lead
Jill Carville, Tech Team Member
Carole Latino, UU Dialogues Host
Bill Petrarca, UU Dialogues Host
UU Dialogues & Breakout Rooms After the Service

To participate in UU Dialogues, stay in the main zoom meeting after the service ends and do not accept the breakout room invitation that pops up.

We will greet newcomers, obtain contact information from guests and visitors, have a general Q&A session with guest speakers and musicians from the service, and most importantly, participate in intentional dialogue. All are welcome to attend this session.

If you'd rather join a breakout room for casual conversation, please accept the pop up invitation after the service. Thank you!
Community Sharing Partner for January: The GRACE Project (The Guatemalan Rural Adult and Children's Education Project)

During the pandemic, GRACE volunteers continued to sew menstrual management kits and make fertility bracelets. GRACE sent six large boxes to rural Guatemalan teachers and midwives, who distribute the kits and bracelets with the education necessary for successful use.

Several groups and individuals have been incredibly generous in their donations, which are even more valuable to women in these times of isolation.

Ellen Erickson and Deloris Donnelly of the Inner Wheel group have made thousands of the bracelets and hundreds of kit components. Many women in the Pelican Preserve community in Fort Myers have been sewing and creating the kits for women and girls in rural Guatemala. Patricia Linhoff donated a sewing machine, and Diedre in Punta Gorda sewed 100 kits herself! So many volunteers have donated supplies, panties, lots of fabric, and a huge amount of time to help make this ongoing project a success!  

In July, the GRACE Project will sponsor a Cosmovision Maya camp for local Maya youth and a public presentation on the Maya culture with art, dance and music.

The UUCFM has supported the GRACE Project for over twenty years. Un millón de gracias for everything!

We are sad to announce that there is no MLK March in Dunbar this year due to Covid 19. Hopefully, next year we will have the opportunity for UUCFM members to participate as we always do!
Beware of Scam Emails! UUCFM has again been hit by scammers. They are using members' email address books to ask for a 'favor.' If you answer the email they will ask for a gift card to be sent to them online. Do not answer- delete immediately. See the following:

Greetings,
 
Due to a Comcast related hack, emails have been sent using my email account asking for help. This started mid-day on Jan. 13. As soon as I learned about this it was reported to Comcast. Comcast says that there have been many complaints about this.I am fine. I do not need any help.
 
 Sincerely,
 Ms. Joy F. Sokeitous  
UUCFM's Online Activities
Hello Singing Sisters!

Please join us in a few weeks for SingFest 2021. This year we are offering a virtual multi-day event. We’d love for you to join us for all three sessions, but if you can only join us for one or two sessions, that’s great, too! We will be offering a MashUp Sing, Singshops (experiential workshops with special guest facilitators), and an evening concert with performances by our special guest facilitators.

SingFest 2021: General Schedule
Friday, January 22nd~ 7 pm (ET) Opening Ceremony & MashUp Sing*
 
Saturday, January 23rd~ 1-4 pm (ET) Singshops with special guest facilitators~ 7 pm (ET) Evening Concert with special guest facilitators:

1. Melanie DeMore: http://www.melaniedemore.com/   
3. Linda Smith Koehler and Rissa Moore: http://www.lindasmithkoehler.com/
4. Shelley Graff: www.shelleyg.com
5. Reneé Janski Vocal Health: The Crone Voice
     “Our Choir Director”: https://www.uufayetteville.org/worship/music/ and 
6. Wild Bodema-Drumming group: facebook.com/wild.bodema

Donation: Sliding Scale~ $5-$50  (No womyn turned away due to lack of funds)

 
*a Zoom Link will be emailed to you one day before the event!

Hosts: UUCFM/CUUPS and Florida Womyn Singing in Sacred Circle

Questions? Contact Shelley [email protected]
Connection Circle

It is not too late to join the Connection Circle beginning Monday, January 18 from 1:30 to 3:00 by Zoom. This is open to EVERYONE and is a great way to get to know and form bonds with others. 

The Connection Circle is facilitated by trained leaders, Mary Cline Golbitz and Leslie Gatto, who choose a topic for discussion each session. Each circle meets for 6 sessions. Please sign up ASAP by contacting Leslie Gatto at 239.850.9664 or [email protected]

The Circle meets Mondays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm on January 18, February 1 & 15 and March 1 & 15.

Whether you are new to UU or a long timer, or whether you are in Florida or far away, you are invited to participate. Now is your chance to experience this way to connect with others in a deep and meaningful level.
Four Agreements Connection Circle
Thursdays, Jan 21- Feb 25, 2021 1:30-3:00 PM

We are so inspired by your UU Dialogue response to the Four Agreements "Reflection" of this past Sunday. In response, Patricia Vivier-Naidl (along with Holley Rauen and Gary Robbins) will be leading a Connection Circle focusing on the Four Agreements. The group will be held on Zoom for six (6), 1-1/2 hour sessions, beginning on Thursday, January 21st and continuing each Thursday through the month of February (the last session will be Thursday, February 25th).

Due to the nature of a Connection Circle, we, unfortunately, will have to limit the number that will be able to sign up to NINE participants. We ask that you sign up only if you are able to meet each of the six sessions, barring, of course, any unforeseen circumstances. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. You will be notified as soon as possible if you are one of the nine, or if the group number has been met before you signed up. If there is enough interest, beyond the nine, we will discuss the possibility of holding other more generalized discussions.

Email Holley at [email protected] ASAP if you want to register. Space is limited. Here is a link to the book by Juan Ruiz
The UUCFM Book Group

The Monday Book Group will meet at 1 pm Monday, January 18, when it discusses Part 3 of Caste by Isabel Wilkerson If you’re joining for the first time, please email Mary Studer. She will send you the link to zoom. [email protected] 
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UUCFM, Caloosahatchee Book Study

The title of our current book is Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World.

"A guidebook for how to use mindfulness to build our inner strength, find balance, and help create a better world."

We meet Wednesdays from 10-11:30 AM on Zoom. For more info and to join, contact Helen Leddy [email protected].
Important! When you reach the bottom of this newsletter, please click "Message Clipped  View entire message" to see the complete newsletter!
Member to Member Fundraiser

Let's buy and sell from Church Members! Nothing is too large to list- house, car, or boat; and nothing is too small- household item or piece of art.

How it works:
In the newsletter you'll see listed items offered by Donor/Seller with total price, percentage of sale to UUCFM, and contact information. Donors/Sellers determine their own percentage of the sale to UUCFM. Delivery/pickup of item is between Buyer & Seller. Buyers write two checks, one to the seller and the other to UUCFM for the percentage of sale going to the church, with fundraiser in the memo line.

Example:
Oil print of Woodland scene, 100% to UUCFM, $25. Contact Suzanne at [email protected], 239-463-9020. (include photo if you want)

How to Participate:
Send email to [email protected] with item description, photo (if possible), price, percentage going to UUCFM, and contact information. Your offer will run for a month or until sold. Limit of 2 items per week per person, thank you.

Questions?
Contact Ways & Means Chair, Suzanne Ziemer, 239-463-9020,
Apple Watercolor $20 to UUCFM
Yamaha PSR-320 Keyboard (Portable)
  • Music Stand
  • Keyboard Cover
  • Keyboard Stand
  • Carrying Case
 $100.00 20% to UUCFM
Contact:  [email protected]
Brocade Trundle Bed Cover with bed skirt , three large back pillows, two round bolsters pillows and coverlet for sale, 100% to the church for the price of $40.00 [email protected]
Cooler – Igloo Polar Roller with Handle & Wheels -- 24” x 14” & 19.5” Deep.
  • Price $15.00 
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
Electric grill with folding side shelves, with cover.
 
$45.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
Sears Sport 20-SV Rooftop Cargo Carrier
67.5" (L) X 36.25" (W) X 20.25" (H) .
 
Price $40.00
Contact: Joy Sokeitous –[email protected]
Oil print of Monet, 32: x 38", $30.,100% to the Church,
[email protected], 239-463-9020
Matching floral prints, green borders, 28" x 28", $40.,100% to the Church, [email protected], 239-463-9020
Area Rug, bright red & white, 40" x 56", $20., 100% to Church,
[email protected], 239-463-9020
Rather funky sturdy shell decorated blue chair, comfortable seat, $20., 100% to church [email protected], 239-463-9020
Antique Johnson Bros. English gold rimmed china, 6 pieces, 4 10" plates, oval platter, covered serving bowl, from 2019 Art Fair, $25.,
100% to Church, [email protected], 239-463-9020
100% of this bundle of baby/ toddler items will go to the congregation. 

Crib (with sheets) $35; bouncing chair $15; high chair $15; changing mats (2) $15; bath tub $8; booster seat $7; potty $5. Total package $ 100
Contact Kathy Ford
Cooler - Coleman -- 21” X 13” & 12.5” Deep
Price $10.00
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
Floral 3-seat sofa Price $50.00
Floral Price $30.00
Art Price $30.00

– 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
Maple sculptured "Hall" table, 50"L x 28"H x 18"W, $30. 100% to church, Suzanne Z. 239-463- 9020 [email protected]
Oil print woodland scene, 30"x38", $25, 100% to church, Suzanne Z.
239-463-463 [email protected]

"Comfy" Fabric covered footstool, 20" W x 16" H, $20., 100% to Church,
[email protected], 239-463-9020

Oster Extra Large Digital Countertop Oven
·  Stainless Steel housing & finish 
·  2 rack positions & Removable crumb tray
·  Digital Controls: toast, bake, broil, pizza, warm, defrost.
·  Outside Dimensions: Width: 21.65", Height: 12.91", Depth: 19.2" 
·  New $129.99
 
$50.00 -- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
"Coffee Table" glass top with lattice wood, 60" L x 26" W x 16" H, $50., 100% to Church 239-463-9020,
Maple Marble End table, 27" W x 21"L x 17" H, $25. 100% to Church,
[email protected], 239-463-9020
Recliner Chairs
Price: $65.00 each
2 beige ultra suede Electric Recliner
-- 20% to UUCFM
Contact: Joy Sokeitous [email protected]
Lightly used Knee Scooter. Includes memory foam pad and front basket. Handle folds down for transport or storage. $100. 50% to UUCFM. Richard Barnes [email protected]
Recumbent trike project available. At 250lbs I’m too heavy for the frame. Rear frame is bent. I was going to cut the rear off and replace with rear triangle from a mountain bike. 20” wheels. Fabric seat. 

$100.00. 50% for UUCFM. Contact Richard Barnes at [email protected]
239-628-6119. 
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January Birthdays

January 2  Roy Green
January 3  Marshall Hoffman is 9!
January 3 Julie Clark Ireland
January 4  Bruce Leddy 
January 4 Neil Yesu
January 6  Elyana Hutson is 18!
January 8  Margie Kolde
January 10  Ellen Erickson   
January 10 James Kolde
January 15 Torben Snow is 15!
January 19  Declan Ireland is 16!
January 26 Emily Hutchinson 
Amazon Smile donates to UUCFM when you do your online shopping by following this special link
Want to Become a Member?
If you are interested in becoming a new member of UUCFM, please email [email protected].
Our Greater Community
Beginning this month, Gulf Coast Symphony will have rehearsals and our first performances in the Sanctuary! Our first production will be "I Do! I Do!" a charming 2 person show that chronicles a marriage through the years. Performances are January 20, 21,22, 23, 27, 28, 29 30. Another highlight will be a recital by Reiko Niiya and Friends- Reiko was the longtime concertmaster of Southwest Florida Symphony. All performances will have extremely limited audiences in a socially distanced seating map. Performers will follow strict testing protocols as we continue to make safety our top priority. UUCFM Members receive a discount!

On January 26 visual art classes begin in person in Hobart Hall. Class size has been limited and accommodations will be made for all students and teachers to remain socially distanced. gulfcoastsymphony.org
From the UUA Southern Region

Save the Date: New Day Rising Conference
February 27
 
Is your congregation ready to take a new step in racial justice work? Want to learn what your fellow congregations are working on, and how you might apply it at home? Join a continent of UUs as we explore next steps in creating Beloved UU Communities.
 
On Your Own: Watch compelling video TED-talk style testimonials from selected congregations around the continent sharing their learnings, hopes, and next steps in their quest for racial equity in their congregations.
 
Together, via Zoom: Worship·Workshops·Caucusing. With plenty of breaks! Saturday, February 27th, 9a-6p PT/10a-7p MT/11a-8p CT/12n-9p ET. This event is brought to you by your Unitarian Universalist Association. To register, go to uua.org

UUA General Assembly 2021 WILL BE VIRTUAL!
 
The UUA Board of Trustees passed a resolution making the 2021 UUA General Assembly a 100% virtual event. Let’s reach record-breaking attendance on June 23-27, 2021.
 
Why Virtual General Assembly? General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. Although we give up the face-to-face interaction and hugs that are prevalent when we meet in-person, we retain our dedication to community and make our experience more accessible and more environmentally sustainable.
 
“Circle 'Round for Justice ● Healing ● Courage” is the theme for GA 2021. General Assembly is a time to circle ‘round in community. We circle ‘round in care and healing; for liberation and justice; and for love and courage.
 
Registration opens December 1st. Registration for virtual GA 2021 is $200 per person. Financial aid for registration as well as a payment plan are available. General Assembly registrants receive access to the 2021 Online Participation Portal, including live, simulive, and on-demand video content, the virtual exhibit hall, chat features, support, and a (new!) GA mobile app. To register, go to uua.org.

For more news from the UUA Southern Region, please go to https://www.uua.org/southern.
Contact Us
Board of Trustees
Email: [email protected]

President Lesley Peterson
President Elect Lane Cook
Secretary Ruth King Fotovat
Treasurer Pati Maier
VP Ministerial Services Keith Hamlin
VP Operations Dorothy Van Howe
VP Programming Toni Latino
Member at Large Genelle Grant

Staff
Lay Minister Albie Johnson [email protected]
Lay Minister Mary Cline Golbitz [email protected]
Director of Music Suellen Kipp [email protected]
Office Manager Jill Carville [email protected]
Building Supervisor  Mickey Kellam [email protected]
Assistant  Liza Kellam [email protected]
Please send all newsletter articles by Wednesday at noon for publication in Thursday's newsletter. Send articles to [email protected].
UUCFM
13411 Shire Lane
Fort Myers, FL 33912

[email protected] 239-561-2700
Office Hours:
Tues-Fri 9-2

Please wear a mask and call
or email for appointment so
we can social distance.