|
____________________
Congregational
Mission
Statement
We are a Congregation
creating a better world by nurturing the heart and expanding the mind.
We provide a safe, caring community where all can freely explore diverse religious thought.
We work for justice and equality with the power of compassion and compassionate power.
|
|
____________________
UUCGT Quicklinks
|
If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter
the
Beacon
please contact
____________________
|
|
| |
|
Minister's Musings...
Dear Ones,
Last Sunday, due to catching a virus that led to losing my voice, you didn't get a chance to hear my sermon, "Walking Together." Essentially, it was about covenant and how it is the backbone of our faith tradition. In the absence of doctrine or a creed, a covenant is what binds us together. UUCGT adopted this new covenant in June 2019.
Living our Unitarian Universalist Principles, we:
W
elcome all who come here and we assume good intentions
.
E
ncourage all voices to speak and willingly listen for understanding.
L
ift up work for justice and equity in areas including race, gender, and sexuality.
C
h
oose responsible participation in the interdependent web.
O
perate democratically in congregational work and decision making.
M
atch passions with service to the congregation.
E
xtend compassion to all.
Having a covenant as a guide but does n
o
t mean that we are not allowed to disagree with each other. A covenant states that when we disagree, we will stay the course. We will willingly listen with encouragement, we will honor and acknowledge one another as we work towards understanding and resolution because we assume good intentions. We do not need to think alike to love alike.
Your covenant challenges us all to live responsibly and work to save our planet. To work for justice, to counter oppression and do our own work to dismantle systemic racism that continues to harm people of color today.
Democratic process is one of our seven principles, and it requires open and honest communication; gentle honesty with the willingness to listen to one another.
Your covenant calls you to do your share; to find your passion and share it. Live boldly and with generosity. Extend compassion to all - all means people we disagree with, people we don
'
t like, not even a little bit. It means beginning again in love every day.
See you in church!
Love, Cathy
|
|
Sunday Service
January 26 - 1
0:30 AM - "The Three Questions"
Rev. Cathy Harrington with Misty Sheehan, coordinator
This Sunday we will explore the finer points of Mission and Vision.
Who were we? Who are we? Who do we want to become?
Join us as we contemplate and examine not only the mission and vision of UUCGT, but also how our personal mission and vision intersects.
|
|
Children
& Youth
Religious Education
Nursery care is available for infants through age 4
Children and Youth are asked to meet in the sanctuary
Last Sunday we explored ways that people pray in different religions.
We walked a snow labyrinth and Alison and Claire shared personal prayer beads and a prayer quilt. The children then made their own set of beads, with one bead to represent each UU principle.
During our labyrinth walk, one child suggested that we put "blessing traps" along the way, and that if you were caught in a trap you had to send a blessing out into the world before moving on. We thought this would be a fun idea for a board game! So next Sunday the children will work with a partner or a small group to create a board game out of the leftover cardboard we have. They will be able to integrate the concept of blessings into a game however they choose. We will bring the games into the social hall after the service for the adults to try out!
Join us!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 2
We will be baking banana bread for Safe Harbor!
|
|
UUCGT Bulletin Board
* * * * * * * * *
UUCGT Events on Facebook: W
e will soon begin posting UUCGT Events on Facebook to inform our wider community of the various activities taking place at UU.
Currently, those activities are placed on the website calendar only.
If you are leading a group at the church and do not want your activities posted through Facebook, please contact Jolynn Paige at
231-409-2050 or
grandtraversesocialmedia@gmail.com
___________
____________________
Opportunity to Volunteer at Safe Harbor
UUCGT will be providing the volunteers at Safe Harbor from the evening of Saturday, February 8 through the morning of Saturday, February 15.
We will have a sign up table in the Gathering Space for the next three Sundays. There are still over thirty opportunities to help prepare and serve meals, be an evening host, be an overnight host, and to serve and clean up for breakfast. We also need cleaning volunteers the mornings of Sunday, February 9 and Saturday, February 15. There are also opportunities to provide food items for the week.
Stop by and see us at the sign-up table after service and participate in a hands on ministry to those experiencing homelessness in our community. For more info contact Mike or Sandra McDonald (231) 935-3759.
_______________________________________
Donated Dinners - A FUNdraiser Opportunity in 2020!
John Hoffmann and Lauren Keinath are recruiting congregants to host dinners and other related events as fundraisers to help meet some of the upcoming Search Committee expenses. Please see the article in the January Beacon which has more details. We hope to have hosts volunteer in January with events starting in February.
Contact
John
or
Lauren
if you have questions.
____________________________________
Mark Your Calendars!
Sunday, February 9
* UUCGT 2020-2021 Stewardship
Campaign Kick-Off & Lunch
________________________
___________
* Valentine's Day Dance!
Come learn some easy and fun international Folk Dances!
Each dance is taught, and once the short sequence of steps is learned, the sequence is repeated, and you get to experience of joy of moving with others in a circle or line. We'll do dances from Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Israel, Germany, Macedonia, and more! All ages are welcome, and children 6 and up can easily learn these dances. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
We'll dance from 7 - 9 PM. Call Mary Van Valin at 231-342-1605 if you have questions.
_____________________
____________________
UUCGT Men's Group:
Monday,
February 17
, 5:30pm @ Minerva's (note date change).
Read this Book! It Can't Happen Here
by
Sinclair Lewis. Mark Gustafson will facilitate the discussion
.
Read the book and come prepared to share your thoughts!
_________________________________________
|
~ Gratitude & Appreciation ~
Pat Light, Nan Worthington and Mike McDonald visited Rabbi Chava Bahle on Friday
, January 17 and presented her with a wall hanging designed and created by the Peacemakers Needleworkers to recognize her four years of Ministry with UUCGT.
Pat also gave Rabbi Chava a number of cards signed by many members and friends of the Congregation. Rabbi Chava was very appreciative and extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone at UUCGT.
|
|
! ANNOUNCEMENT !
Classes @ UUCGT
Starting Point:
An Introduction to the Unitarian Universalist Journey
This four-part program is designed for newcomers, but Starting Point has a lot to offer long-time members as well. If you have never participated in a small group, this is the perfect opportunity. Or, maybe you are a longtime member looking to fall in love with UUCGT and Unitarian Universalism all over again. Well then, consider Starting Point your spiritual "re-starting point"!
Rev. Cathy will lead the sessions which are scheduled after the Sunday Service from 11:45-1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Mark your calendar for the following dates:
January 26, February 2, February 16 & February 23
A sign-up sheet is located on the Welcome Table
Soul Matters Small Groups begin in March
Sign-up sheets will be located on the Welcome Table.
For more information about Soul Matters Small Groups, contact Rev. Cathy at
revharrington@mac.com
or 231-301-3177
|
Don't privatize the U.S. Postal Service
If you agree, please sign here:
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Voting Measures
Interested in Voting by Mail being available to all?
Social Justice Action
|
UUCGT 2020 Member & Friend Directory
Do you have a new phone number or email address?
Are you new to UUCGT? Have you moved recently?
If you wish to be included in the 2020 Directory,
please send new contact information to
Thanks!
|
WEBINAR: Whose History Is It Anyway?
Monday Evenings:
January 27 - February 24, 2020
7:45 pm Eastern
How much do you know about the roots of our faith tradition? Explore the history of Unitarianism, Universalism, and Unitarian Universalism in this
five-week class. Using an anti-colonialist, multicultural lens, we'll look beyond the traditional, dusty facts of history and examine to see how our faith was born and how it has developed and evolved over the years.
Topics include: Whose story is it anyway, Why history matters, The Roots of Liberal Religion, The Universalists, The Unitarians, Transcendentalism, Westward Expansion, Humanism, Consolidation, Principles and Sources, Drawing the Circle Wider, Indigenous, Latinx, Black and Non-Black People of Color, GLBTQ, and Disability.
Presenter: Reverend Connie Simon
This webinar has a fee, which is unusual for the MidAmerica Region. It has a fee for several reasons. First, the presentations will be highly unique, viewing UU history through an anti-colonialist, multicultural lens. Second, 85% of the proceeds from this webinar will go to Reverend Connie Simon so that she can continue her important historical research. The fee of $25 per individual and $60 for a congregation (for up to five people) includes all five sessions. There will be no recording, so we hope you can attend!
Cost: $25 individual, $60 for a congregational group (up to 5 people)
Dates/Times: The sessions are all at 7:45 PM Eastern:
- January 27
- February 3
- February 10
- February 17
- February 24
Or, gather a group of 5 and take this class together!
|
|
UUCGT Calendar of Events
To schedule meetings and events
- Congregational Care Team: Thursday, January 23, 1:00pm, library
-
Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
-
Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
-
Community Needs: Friday, January 24, 10:00am, library
-
Indivisible GT Training Workshop: Saturday, January 25, 9:45am - all day, social hall
- Starting Point - UU Class: Sunday, January 26, 11:45pm - 1:00pm
-
Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, January 26, 4:00-6:00pm, sanctuary
-
UUCGT Brewing Community - date correction:
Sunday, January 26
5:00pm @ Workshop Brew Pub on Garland Street. Enjoy great food, a varied drink selection (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available), and Good Conversation with fellow UUer's. Contact John Hoffmann if you have questions.
-
No Stretch & Strengthen class:
Monday, January 27
- Plant Based Lifestyle TC - Meal & Discussion: Monday, January 27, 6:00-8:00pm,social hall - Open to public, register at https://bit.ly/37k8c5I
- Indivisible GT: Tuesday, January 28, 10-:00am, sanctuary
- Bridge Club: Tuesdays, 1:00pm, social hall
-
Leadership Development:
Tuesday, January 28, 3:00pm, library
-
SokukoJi Buddhist Meditation:
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room
-
Stretch & Strengthen class:
Wednesdays, 11:00am, social hall
-
Wednesday Supper/$5 adult, $3/child: January 29, 5:30pm - Everyone is Welcome!
-
Peacemaker Needleworkers:
Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
-
Transition Team: Thursday, January 30, 2:00pm, library
- Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary
- Death Cafe Workshop: Friday, January 31, 10:00am-2:30pm, social hall
- OWL Program: Saturday, February 1, 1:00 - 5:00pm, all building
- OWL Program: Sunday, February 2, 10:00am-noon, meditation room
- Starting Point - UU Class: Sunday, February 2, 11:45am - 1:000pm
|
|
End Note...
"We stand in life at midnight;
we are always at the threshold of a new dawn."
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
|
|
UUCGT office hours
Mon
day - Thursday
|
|
|
