Miami Valley 
Chalice
         Unitarian Universalist 
                      Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

 

    937-436-3628

 

 

MVUUF's Forum for February, 2020



  visit our website  HERE          visit the UUA's website    HERE

 

__________________________
Service Topics for February, 2020
 
Sunday, February 2nd   11:00 AM
Imbolc:  The Return of the Sun
with Chalice of the Willow CUUPS

Sunday, February 9th   11:00 AM
The Courage of Persistence
with Rev. Kellie  
 
Sunday, February 16th   11:00 AM
Finding Strength in the Middle
with Rev. Kellie 

Sunday, February 23rd   11:00 AM
Worship For All Ages: 
The Power of Recognizing Interconnections
with Jerry Leggett

---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---   ---

Our Nursery is available for all children during 
before-service programming (starting at 9:30 AM)
and children younger than our preschool* class 
during the Worship Service.

Our Worship for All Ages services are intentionally multi-generational 
so that young people preschool-aged* and older may happily participate
in the entire Worship Service.

For our other Worship Services, all young people preschool-aged* 
and older will begin in the service and exit for their 
religious education classes after the Story for All Ages.
Please pick up children at 12:15 PM.

*Preschool students are 3 years old 
by September 30th of the current school year.

Staff Notes

                                      FROM REV. KELLIE
 My Dear Ones,

I hope you all are healthy in body and spirit, especially with the viruses blanketing our local area. My 14-year old son, Matt, was ecstatic to have his first ever "snow day" (aka---school cancellation) due to sickness throughout the large Centerville school district. February's Soul Matters theme of Resilience seems to perfectly fit our needs this month, ha.
 
While physical resilience is important (our ability to recover from a physical illness or injury), Jane McGonigal emphasizes the need for human beings to cultivate three additional types of resilience: mental, emotional, and social. As a video game designer and researcher, McGonigal believes that playing games can strengthen all four types of resilience.
 
As a Unitarian Universalist minister, I believe that our faith can strengthen them as well by giving us opportunities to go deeper inside ourselves, make deep bonds with our fellow congregants, and work for love and justice in our world. Resilience gives us the strength and flexibility to handle conflict and overcome obstacles so that we can become our best selves. This month's Soul Matters theme song Rise Up by Andra Day captures this spirit of resilience beautifully.
 
At our January congregational meeting, I reminded everyone that all change causes stress, even positive change, like my recent marriage or any number of positive changes the congregation has experienced over our 19 months together. Stress causes us to return to old tools---old ways of being---old ways of interacting (we could also call it regression but that sounds pretty judgmental). Our return to old is completely natural and normal. With this awareness, we can intentionally resist the old ways and reinforce the new ways we have been learning. We can reinforce the new ways and increase our resilience.
 
What old tools are you ready to lovingly let go of? What new ways of being do you want to reinforce? How do you want to increase your resilience? What are you trying to nurture in yourself and in our spiritual home?
 
As I said when I first came to MVUUF, I can't wait to see how love transforms us.


Holding you in my heart, 

Rev. Kellie


How and When to Reach Me:
  • The best way to reach me is to text or call my mobile phone on my office days (847.804.4614): Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
  • Please do not text or call my mobile phone on other days unless you have a pastoral care emergency (Sundays are busy with our worship service, Tuesdays are my day off, and Fridays are my study day).
  • Thank you for helping me take the time I need to stay healthy and happy as your minister!
 
What I'm Reading, Listening to, and Watching:
  • The Overstory by Richard Powers
  • Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
  • The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
  • Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson
  • Dear Fatty by Dawn French
  • Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry, edited by Mitra Rahnema (this year's Congregational Read)
    • Next discussion group Saturday, February 15 at 10:30am
    • Discuss "The Religious Educator of Color" and Response
  • Pose (FX)
  • Grace and Frankie - Season 6 (Netflix)
  • Reign (Netflix; yes, again!)


MINUTE FOR MUSIC
I was honored in January to be named the winning composer of the Hymn Tune Competition sponsored by the Edward T. Schell III Crescendo Fund Committee of First Unitarian Church of Rochester, New York. The rules of the contest stated: "As our church welcomes both a new mission statement and a new lead minister in the Fall of 2019, we are seeking to create a congregational hymn to sing out our reinvigorated spiritual focus..." The committee wrote a three stanza text and invited contestants to write a melody with accompaniment suitable for congregational singing.

So I'm thinking the next question to come my way might be, "So, when are you going to compose a hymn for MVUUF?" To express our congregation's identity and spirit would be an awesome responsibility for me to take on by myself. Perhaps we could use the same process as First Unitarian of Rochester? If a willing, thoughtful group of folks could come together and write poetic words that express our purpose, I could create the music for us to have our very own hymn. Interested?
---Sara Davis, Director of Music


YOUR LINK TO THE SOUL MATTERS THEME FOR FEBRUARY
Feel free to click  HERE to get the Soul Matters packet on Resilience for this month. You do not have to be a member of a Covenant Group in order to have it; the packets are available to all our Members & Friends. If you prefer a hard copy of the packet, please contact our Fellowship Administrator, Jennie Freiberger, 937-436-3628 or jennief@mvuuf.org and she'll make sure to get one to you.

Fun Things To Do This Month
 
                                    DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, February 19th, 10:30 AM, 
in the Founders' Room
This well-read group meets on the third Wednesday of every month, 10:30 AM, in the Founders' Room at MVUUF. This month, they'll gather on Wednesday, February 19th, to discuss The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton.

In March, they'll discuss The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri
 
The group is open to all, and they'd love to have you join them!


COFFEE WITH THE MINISTER
Sunday, February 9th, following the 11:00 AM Worship Service
Once again this month you'll have the chance to hang out with the lovely Rev. Kellie after the 11:00 AM service, on Sunday, February 9th, in the Sanctuary. So make sure to g rab the beverage of your choice, find a seat, and get ready for a nice chat...you'll be glad that you did!


WELCOME SESSION FOR FEBRUARY
Sunday, February 16th, 12:15 PM, in class room #5
Our Welcome Sessions take place on the third Sunday of the month, which means it will be taking place on Sunday, February 16th, 12:15 PM, in class room #5 in the RE Hallway. 

Attending a Welcome Session is a great way to find out more about MVUUF and all we have to offer, and is especially helpful for those who are new to the Fellowship. Rev. Kellie and other leaders of the congregational will be on hand to provide more information and answer any questions you may have. We hope to see you there!
 

WOMEN'S GROUP
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM, in classroom #5
The group is open to ALL who identify as women, and they love to have you join them!  

The discussions are confidential with topics of general interest and those with a women's viewpoint. They meet on Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM, in class room #5 in the RE hallway.  


KELLIE'S SECOND ANNUAL VALENTINE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, February 8th, 2:00 PM, at Rev. Kellie's home
T his year, Rev. Kellie, Ivers, and Matt will be opening up their home to MVUUF members & friends for a Valentine Open House, on Saturday, February 8th, 2-4:00 PM, at 6141 Park Ridge Drive, Dayton OH 45458.

Enjoy some snacks & refreshments while chatting with friends new and old...what a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon during the cold, bleak winter!



SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, February 23rd, 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary
Make sure to save this date on your calendar for a FREE concert by Lyric League and others (some MVUUF Folks, too!).

It should be a great evening of beautiful music!


 
Around the Fellowship
 
UNSUNG HERO
At its January meeting, the Program Council (PC) was delighted to recognize Yolanda Crooms as an MVUUF Unsung Hero. 

Yolanda is a calm, quiet, positive spirit in our Fellowship.  In addition to serving on one of our search committees, Yolanda has shared her talents in many ways including (but not limited to) serving as part of our mission/vision committee and volunteering on the nominating committee. She uses her kind heart and friendly spirit to help individual members and can be found most Sundays in the CYRE wing, teaching our children. Yolanda exemplifies our 1st principle, the inherent worth and dignity of every person, as she spreads her lovely smile and warm heart throughout Fellowship in a variety of ways.
 

CIRCLE WORSHIP: THE GATHERING OF SPIRITS
Sunday, January 16th, 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary
Our monthly Circle Worship: Gathering the Spirit will take place on Sunday evening, February 15th, 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary. All ages are invited to a shorter and more intimate alternative to Sunday morning service; the service seeks to provide another way for finding deep connection.

Does that sound interesting to you? Then make sure to attend and see what you think. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Somaya Bernard at somayaharperii@gmail.com .

Please contact Somaya Bernard, somayaharperii@gmail.com, to find out more.


HARVEY SCOTT MEMORIAL NAME PLATE
Harvey Scott will be remembered with a name plate in our fellowship's Memorial Garden. Harvey was a member for 28 years and died on Oct. 24th. A memorial service for him and his mother, Kuppy Clodfelter, was held at MVUUF on Saturday, February 1st.
 
To honor him the usual $300 cost of Memorial Garden membership is being assumed by his friends. Those wishing to contribute may write a check to MVUUF with the note line "Harvey Scott Memorial" and mail it directly to John Bierman at the address below. As Memorial Garden Chair I will deposit the funds and inform MVUUF of the name plate installation.
 
John Bierman
5273 Bittersweet Dr.
Dayton, OH 45429



LET'S GO GREEN WITH
AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY SERVICE AUCTION
Saturday, February 29th, at MVUUF
PLEASE make sure you have the date saved for our annual Service Auction:  Saturday, February 29th! We'll enjoy food & drinks and conversation, while bidding on some great auction items, while taking in the environmentally-friendly atmosphere!

And speaking of auction items, now is a great time to contact Andy & Donna Wilson to let them know what sort of item you'd like to donate this year; you can reach them at andbriwilson@gmail.com. And if you'd like to help with food for the event, please contact Bea Walther at auntiebeaW4@aol.com.

Once again, UU Bucks will be available; Andy Wilson will be located at the back of the Sanctuary every Sunday after service to receive your donations for those.

And on Sunday, February 16th and Sunday, February 23rd, Steve Steel will also be on hand after the services to sell tickets for the Basket Raffle.
Let's make sure this year's Service Auction is another success!



SCRIPTURE STUDY AT MVUUF
Sunday mornings, 9:30 AM, in class room #7
On Sunday, February 9th we will begin study of the Hindu  Bhagavad Gita , using the translation by Eknath Easwaran and starting with the book's introduction of Hinduism. We also suggest " God Is Not One " by Stephen Prothero as a world religions reference text.  Both books are available on Amazon.com ($5.79 & $11.99) and also in libraries.

We meet weekly to read sections and talk about what they mean to us. There are no right answers as our group includes UU Theist, Humanist & Pagan views and all are welcome. Bring a Bible to read or share one in the group. For info call John Bierman at 937-438-0211 .
 


PLEASE SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!
                 
Rev. Kellie's 2nd Annual Valentine Open House     
Saturday, February 8th

                                              Service Auction 2020                                               Saturday, February 29th

                   2020-2021 Pledge Drive Kick-Off                        
Sunday, March 8th

Peacebuilders' Walk     
Saturday, May 16th

June Congregational Meeting     
Sunday, June 14th


DID YOU KNOW???
Have you heard? The monthly meetings of MVUUF's Board of  Trustees are open to all, and the first 10-15 minutes are provided for members & friends to ask any  questions they may have of the Board members.
 
The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Sunday, February 16th, 1:30 PM, in the Founders' Room.
 
 
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 February 2nd!), and then your order should be ready to be picked up on the third Sunday of the month (this month that's February 16th!).

There are many varieties and bean grinds to choose from...some are even organic! For more information, feel free to contact Lynn Buffington at abufflg@gmail.com 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


WHOSE HISTORY IS IT ANYWAY?
Mondays, February 3rd thru 24th, 7:45 PM, in the Sanctuary
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
Rev. Connie Simon serves as minister of First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati. Prior to entering the ministry, she served as a lawyer, a political consultant, small business owner, an event planner, teacher, realtor, and program director for a non-profit. At the heart of each position has been a desire to serve others. Connie describes her ministry as "healing people from the inside-out so they can do the outside-in work our world so desperately needs."
 
We have purchased this webinar as a congregational group and will be watching it together in the Sanctuary; each evening begins at 7:45 PM, and will be held on the remaining Monday evenings:  February 3rd, February 10th, February 17th, and February 24th.


FORUM ON SANCTUARY AND ASYLUM
Sunday, February 23rd. 2-5:00 PM, in the Sanctuary at MVUUF
On Sunday afternoon, February 23, from 2-5:00 PM, the Fellowship will be hosting a forum on Sanctuary and Asylum led by the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition.  This will be an informative event for congregations, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting sanctuary and asylum seekers.  Rev. David Meredith from Cincinnati will walk through the process of becoming a sanctuary congregation;  Dawn Leach from Columbus will describe the experience of a congregation in sanctuary; and Jessica Ramos an attorney with ABLE will provide perspective on related legal issues.  Information will be provided on how you can help.

Since the Fellowship has agreed to support congregations providing sanctuary, this would be a helpful opportunity to learn more about what this means.

Everyone is invited.  Please let Bill Ross ( 937-520-2481,  rossviva@hotmail.com )   or Bob Lewis (937-350-7763, bobslewis@hotmail.com) know if you plan to attend.
 

ANTI-RACISM ALLY GROUP
Monday, February 10th, 7:45 PM, in the Sanctuary
This 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. 

For their meeting this month, they'll be attending the Whose History Is It Anyway? webinar on Monday, February 10th, 7:45 PM in the Sanctuary. 

Questions, concerns or suggestions? Please email Rev. Kellie at minister@mvuuf.org .



THIS YEAR'S CONGREGATIONAL READ
Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry
edited by Mitra Rahnema
Saturday, February 15th, 10:30 AM, in the Sanctuary
  Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry has been chosen by Rev. Kellie as our Congregational Read for this programming year. The book includes nine essays by different authors, each one a Unitarian Universalist religious professional of color. Each essay is followed by a response, also from a religious professional of color. This book centers the stories, analyses, and insight of Unitarian Universalists of color who are offering their professional religious leadership, and is a joint project of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association's Committee for Antiracism, Anti-oppression, and Multiculturalism and Skinner House Books (and it's  available through the UUA Bookstore, on Kindle, and Google eBooks).

We'll gather this month on Saturday, February 15th, 10:30 AM, in the Sanctuary. 

If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kellie at minister@mvuuf.org.


TRANSGENDER ALLY GROUP
Monday, February 20th, 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room
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. 

In February, the meeting will take place on Thursday, the 20th, at 7:00 PM, in the Founders' Room.

Contact Rev. Kellie at minister@mvuuf.org with any questions or concerns.


TRANSGENDER INCLUSION IN CONGREGATIONS
  Course Begins This Month at MVUUF 
MVUUF's Transgender Ally Group formed a year ago as a supportive place where cisgender congregants could work on reducing and eliminating their own internalized transphobia and heterosexism without harming our transgender siblings.  To learn more about being a transgender ally and how to make our congregation fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity, the group took the "Transgender Inclusion in Congregations" course offered online by Transforming Hearts Collective .   We were all deeply moved by the course as it pushed us to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building and because of that, we would like to offer it to ALL of our members and friends at MVUUF.  

The "Transgender Inclusion in Congregations" course will be offered in three interactive sessions that will include watching the lectures with time for group discussion and individual reflection.  Please join us in the Sanctuary for Session #1 on Saturday, February 22nd, 1:00-4:00 PM. Snacks will be provided.
  
"This course is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. The course pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and two spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach. "---from Transforming Hearts Collective

Session #1 : Saturday, February 22nd  1-4:00 PM  
Session #2 : Saturday, March 14th  1-4:00 PM 
Session #3 : Saturday, April 25th 1-4:00 PM

For more information, please contact RenĂ© Hick : rene@hickfamily.net .  


SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Monday, February 17th, 7:00 PM, in the Library
The Social Action Committee meets on the third Monday of the month, 7:00 PM, at the Fellowship. On even-numbered months they gather in the Library, and on odd-numbered months they meet in the Founders' Room.
 
If social action issues are something you feel strongly about, why not consider joining them? The meetings are open to ALL.


ST. VINCENT De PAUL LUNCH
Saturday, February 8th, 10:45 AM, 120 West Apple Street, in Dayton
Please join us on Saturday, February 8th, in providing our long-standing second Saturday lunch for women and families staying at the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter. Our needs for this fall/winter menu include servers, hearty chili (at least one batch vegetarian), vegetable dishes (such as cooked fresh vegetables or medley), green salad, fresh fruit/fruit salads, shredded cheese, sour cream, 100% orange juice and milk .   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, Feb 8 lunch on the clipboard in the Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 (call or text) or ABUFFLG@gmail.com. You can also check on what is needed at  SignUp Genius (no need to log in unless you also want to sign up through Genius).

It's always a guessing game for how many diners we will have on the 2nd Saturday lunch.   For four months running, September - December, we served more than 100, but last month in January we served 83 with 51 in the women's and partners' group at 11:00 AM and 32 in the family group at noon. Is it a downward trend?? Stay tuned!
 
 
 
 

______________

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!