Chalice                    Miami Valley 
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

8690 Yankee St.  Dayton, OH  45458

 

 

    937-436-3628  www.mvuuf.org 

 

MVUUF's Forum for April, 2018

  visit our website  HERE          visit the UUA's website    HERE

 
Service Topics for April, 2018

Sunday, April 1st---Family Easter Service
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn
Our multigenerational Easter Service 
will include a Flower Communion. 
Please bring a flower to share!             
 
Sunday, April 8th---The Goddesses
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn 
The sermon this morning will explore contemporary 
goddess spirituality from  feminist archaeological, biblical 
and theological perspectives.

Sunday, April 15th---Walking Together
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn
The sermon today will celebrate the many gifts of 
religious community in our liberal religious tradition
and this congregation, as it moves into the future.

Sunday, April 22nd---Practicing What It Means to Be Human
The Rev. Dr. Holly Horn
Today's sermon will explore disciplines of re-enchantment 
as possible responses  to our global environmental crises.
 
Sunday, April 29th---Candidating Week Begins!
(more information on this as soon as it becomes available)  

April News

IN THE INTERIM
When the most delicate and transient
beauty of tulips, grin of the primrose, hyacinth's
perfume
perform for us
 
a transubstantiation of tears
into courage,
 
and the nearness of death, the silence of death
becomes a presence
reckoning all the love we've held back,
saved for another day -
 
there is no other day;
no worthier companions than those we have gathered
into the orbit of this life;
no greater misery than sleeps down the street;
no mystery that waits to be revealed
in some distant hour,
no brighter child or flower.
 
A power
resides unfathomed in us, and in
what is between us, resilient,
transcendent.
 
We see it in each gesture of courage, of kindness;
in all the practices of community:
a rugged spirit,
a recognition of our common humanity.
 
We see it in the most delicate and transient
beauty of tulips, emblems of the earth's unstoppable urge
to renewal.
 
May we celebrate the promise of new life within us, among us, and
beyond us, unleashing our love upon the world.
 
 
Yours in the faith,
 
Holly


__________________________________________________
EASTER EGG HUNT ON EASTER SUNDAY!
On April 1, Easter Sunday, after the multi-generational Flower Communion service, children are invited to hunt for eggs on the lawn and then exchange them for (nonfood) prizes. The eggs will be hidden during service and hunted at 12:15 PM, with younger children getting a head-start. Children (and their adults!) may bring a basket or bag and meet at the back of the sanctuary by 12:15 PM. In case of rain, the hunt will be moved indoors.
 
If you or a teen you know are interested in helping the YRE Committee to hide eggs or staff the egg trade-in, please contact Genevieve Harvey at 937-477-2385 .
-The YRE Committee

 
EASTER SUNDAY POT LUCK LUNCHEON
If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter this year, why not join us for some yummy food and fun games? The luncheon will begin at 12:30 PM; please bring something delicious to share, and a board game or two if you'd like to do so.  HERE is a link to SignUpGenius if you'd like to participate!
__________________________________________________


A MINUTE FOR MUSIC
I taught music to young children for many years and I always give the same response when someone tells me: "I can't sing." "Of course you can! Some people just sing better than others." There are people who truly can't sing because of physical limitations; the late Dr. Hawking comes to mind, or Helen Keller.
 
But I think there are two reasons people feel that they can't sing. First, even though music is very natural and instinctive, it does take some practice to learn to sing well. Oh there are those rare gifted ones, as with artists and athletes, who seem to just be born knowing how. But all the rest of us have to work at it or be taught in school (shameless plug for music   education!) just like every other subject.
 
The second reason is that I believe singing, especially for adults, feels very emotionally vulnerable. It feels the same as looking directly into another person's eyes. Our voices are even more personally revealing than our gaze. But it also feels really good when you can overcome that self-consciousness and share a completely honest expression through song.
---Sara Davis, MVUUF Director of Music
 

 
FROM OUR  DIRECTOR  OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, PHILLIP GREEN
Child/Youth Supervision
Here at MVUUF, the safety and well-being of our children and youth will always be of the utmost importance. Because of this primary concern, I am posting this friendly reminder on MVUUF policy pertaining to child supervision during any programming held at MVUUF, or any official offsite MVUUF events. At least two (approved) persons shall supervise youth and   children at all times during planned programming. There are to be no exceptions to this policy. If the situation arises in which one of individuals scheduled to supervise children/youth is absent, and this person cannot be replaced by another approved supervisor, then all children must remain with their respective guardians. This means that youth programming (such as religious education classes on Sunday) cannot be conducted without two supervisors. Should only one volunteer religious educator show up, and another volunteer cannot be found to fill in, then that class will be canceled and the children will have to remain in the presence of their respective guardians. If you have any questions concerning this policy, or you wish to be a volunteer (or backup volunteer), please see Phillip Green, the Director of Religious Education.
 
April Meet and Greet: K-8 Parents/Children and MVUUF Religious Educators
On Wednesday, April 18th from 5:30--7:00 PM, the new Director of Religious Education, Phillip Green, and the MVUUF Youth Religious Education Committee are hosting a Meet and Greet for parents of K-8th grade students, their children, and the volunteer religious educators. This will be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved to jointly discuss the future of religious education here at MVUUF. Please come and share your hopes, concerns, and ideas on religious education. Pizza will be provided! Please RSVP with the DRE, Phillip Green.
 
Open Invitation to MVUUF High School Students
Ready to step up? Want to have your voice heard? Are you ready to play an important role at MVUUF? The new Director of Religious Education, Phillip Green, invites all MVUUF high school students to join him on Wednesday, April 11th at 5:30 PM to discuss (re)establishing an official MVUUF Youth Group. The open discussion will be informal, and the goal is to provide a space in which teens can safely and openly share their visions and desires concerning their role at MVUUF. Potential topics to be explored are identity formation, leadership, youth ministry, service and social justice, multi-generational pastoral care, and any other topic important to you! Food and drinks will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your friends. Please RSVP with the DRE, Phillip Green.

--Phillip Green, MVUUF Director of Religious Education
 


NEWS FROM THE MSC
What The Ministerial Search Committee Has Found, So Far...
Our search process is about congregational self-discovery and about gleaning wisdom from many sources, with intent to identify the best minister for MVUUF. We have spoken to so many wise ministers! Several of them have offered up insights about MVUUF that ring true for us. These gems made us sit up and say, "Hey that's a good point!"
 
While we are still hard at work cogitating about pre-candidates, we'd love to share what we can. No single source has all the answers, not even our future settled minister! Try on these perspectives of where MVUUF is right now -- and how we can bloom and grow.
 
  • MVUUF can find ways for former members --and members taking a break-- to gracefully rejoin us, and we can do our part to leave the door open for reconciliation.
  • We can learn much about enhancing our own worship services by visiting other churches and observing their successful practices.                  
  • Implicit bias and categorical thinking pop up when we let our guard down. Reducing oppression is an ongoing process.
  • MVUUF's governance system and right relations process are good for a congregation of our size.
  • We need to meet people where they are rather than where we wish they were.      
  • How we are together determines how much we can do together.
  • Focus on the present rather than on the past or future.      
  • Trust is at the heart of a thriving church.
 
---from your Ministerial Search Committee:
Rachel Feltner, Trudy Krisher, Catherine Queener, Eileen Simon, Larry Stone, and Laura Vondenhuevel
 


PROGRAM COUNCIL'S UNSUNG HEROES THIS MONTH
The  Program Council is happy to honor Genevieve Harvey and Joe Zimmerman for our monthly Unsung Hero recognition. It is a daunting task to describe even the recent   contributions of Genevieve and Joe to MVUUF.   The new Rev. Greg Martin Center for Creative Play greets everyone who enters MVUUF and it was in large part Genevieve's and Joe's leadership, vision, and hard labor that brought the project to fruition. If you have any question about MVUUF, most likely one of them can answer as both Genevieve and Joe embody an enormous amount of institutional knowledge resulting from both their dedication and from their extensive service in leadership in many roles. Very     recently Genevieve served as the Nominating Committee Chair and is on the YRE Committee and Joe served as Worship Representative and even provided a Sunday worship sermon last November. Joe has long provided special music during Sunday   services and he played a vital role in the planning and operation of our current wonderful MVUUF building.     Genevieve benefits MVUUF in countless ways from her many contributions to policy development, the YRE program, and, not-to-forget, as a self-described "doer and noticer of problems."



THIS YEAR'S DELEGATES FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The MVUUF Board is pleased to announce the delegates who will represent us for official business and voting at the UUA General Assembly (GA) in June: Ndidi Achebe, Gail Cyan, Alice Diebel and Rachel Feltner with Bob Lewis serving as delegate. All members and friends are invited to discuss GA with our delegates. You can view the   agenda and related information HERE
 
Even if you are not a delegate, GA provides an important opportunity to deepen your understanding of Unitarian Universalism. Join thousands of UUs in inspiring worship and music, learn from other UUs from around the country in workshops, experience our democratic governance process, and visit exhibits. This year's assembly will be in Kansas City, MO from June 20-24, and registration information can be found HERE. The cost of registration goes up May 1. Feel free to contact Alice Diebel if you are interested and want to know more about it at  [email protected] . 



PLEDGE SEASON
Last year's short pledge season worked very well, so we are using the same plan this year. The pledge drive will open on Sunday, April 15th and close Sunday, April 29th. During pledge season we fill out the pledge cards, planning and offering our support, financial and volunteer, for the next year here at Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Pledge season is also the time of year when we take stock as a community, of our goals and achievements of the past year, count our blessings, and give thanks for all of the people who have helped.
 
This year has been a challenging one for Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Since Rev. Greg died shortly before last year's pledge drive, this past year has been filled with leadership transitions, and so a greater reliance on lay leaders. During this year's pledge drive, I would like to focus giving thanks for the time and financial investment that goes into to inner workings of this fellowship, one year after another. To this end, this year, we will be preparing a narrative budget. The intent of the narrative budget is to help personalize and dramatize the financial investments, which we usually present in dense spreadsheets. We will also be recognizing the people who turn the money into our ministry.
With gratitude,
Sky Stewart, Stewardship Chair
 

 
WHY NOT NOW? MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY IN APRIL
What are you waiting for? Now is a great time for long-time friends and visitors to become voting members of MVUUF! 

In just a few weeks we will be meeting a new candidate for our next settled minister and members will be voting on the outcome. There will be a spring stewardship drive, and a semi-annual congregational meeting in June. I'm hoping you want to be an active participant in MVUUF's future, starting this month.
 
A Joining Session will be held on Saturday, April 7th from 10:00 AM until noon. Attendance at this session is required if you wish to become a member now. You will learn something about UUism, the joys and            responsibilities of membership, and more. New members will sign The Red Book during worship on Sunday, April 22nd.
 
Take action. Trade in your friend name tag for a permanent wooden one that shows you are committed to this fellowship and its future. Sign up at the greeter's table on Sunday, April 1st or email Diane Colvin at [email protected] . And please plan to attend the Joining Session on Saturday, April 7th.
 

 
DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
The next gathering of this well-read group will take place on Wednesday, April 18th, 10:30 AM in the Library, and they'll be discussing The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini; this is a re-schedule from last month when snowy weather caused them to postpone. All are welcome to join them!
 

 


SMART CHOICES BIRTHDAY LUNCH
Members & friends of MVUUF (that identify as women) are invited to join this fun-loving group as they celebrate birthdays on Thursday, April 12th, 11:30 AM, at MCL Cafeteria, in Kettering. Please RSVP to Allie Petersen at:    [email protected].



BIBLE STUDY---THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Our bi-weekly discussion of Mark's gospel has been suspended due to a member's upcoming vacation and the Easter holiday. We will resume on Sunday, April 8th, by talking about Mark 13. Since we are nearing the end of this gospel, we want to ask MVUUF members & friends about our next step. At our last meeting we brainstormed   various ideas such as:
 
  • Do we wish to continue the group? While 15 people came to our first meeting about 9 months ago, recent attendance has been no more than 7. In the event of vacation, illness, or sleeping late, we near critical mass. Would you be interested in any of the following changes?
  • Should we move to a different day or time (i.e., after the service, or a week-day evening)?
  • Should we meet weekly for a shorter programs lasting just 4-6 weeks?
  • What should we study? Among the suggestions so far have been the Book of Acts (about Paul's missionary journeys), the book of Job (human suffering), or perhaps a 4-week     program on the Bible 101 for UUs? Do YOU have any topics or books you'd like to suggest?
  • Would we be willing to purchase individual study guides for a subject?
 
Our current core group includes a UU theist, a UU pagan, and a mix of other views. We value your opinion-even if it's critical-and we seriously want to hear from YOU.
 
Please contact me by email at [email protected] or in person at the Fellowship and let me know what you think. We'll be reviewing new ideas on Sunday, April 8th.
---John Bierman
 


WHAT IS THE ENDOWMENT FUND?
An endowment fund is a way we try to ensure the long-term financial future of our   Fellowship. The principle is to be protected for future use, but income may be used to enhance our various programs. There are 3 trustees who manage the fund. The Board may request money from the income of the Fund. The congregation has final authority over the Fund.
 
Currently, our Endowment Fund is 25 years old, has about $204,000 and is invested with the UUA Common Endowment Fund. That fund in turn invests in socially responsible corporations.
 
Income from the fund is based on the increase in the price per share over the past year. Example: if you had 100 shares at $10 per share and the market value of the share   increased to $12, then you would have 100 x 2 = $200 increase. That would be the basis for any pullout.   When money is pulled out, it also reduces our number of shares .
 
A correction needs to be made: the very generous gift of $40,000 (plus individual donations of over $3000) has been put in the Endowment Fund account. However there was not a similar $40,000 gift to the Fellowship; instead, it was $10,000. I (Sharon Harmer) apologize for my faulty hearing/memory and statement to the congregation of an erroneous amount.
 
If you have any questions about the Endowment Fund, contact Bill Ross (President), Iris Carter (Secretary) or Sharon Harmer (Treasurer).



SANCTUARY MOVEMENT EDUCATION
The Sanctuary Taskforce and the Adult Religious Education Program are sponsoring a yearlong exploration of the world of immigration and the rise of the Sanctuary Movement. 

The third in the series will be held on Sunday, April 15th, 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary at MVUUF. We are honored to have immigration attorney David Larson present on immigration and the law, with time for questions.   He is the recipient of the 2015 Lloyd O'Harra Public Interest Law Award, practices law in Dayton and is on the board of Grace United Methodist Church. Generally the workshops are on the first Sunday of the month, but April 1 is Easter and many have family activities so it was moved to the middle of the month.

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LUNCH
Please join us in providing food and/or serving for our long-standing second Saturday lunch ministry for women and families staying at Dayton's St. Vincent Shelter. The April 14 lunch may be the last of this year's fall/winter chili menu. You can sign-up for food donations and/or serving on the clipboard in the Gathering Space, or you can contact Lynn Buffington at [email protected] or call or text (937) 657-0426. You can also check on what is needed at Sign Up Genius  HERE  (no need to log in unless you also want to sign up through Genius).

If you would like more information regarding volunteering, please take one of the info flyers near the sign-up sheet. Thanks to everyone who pitched in providing food and/or serving the March meal! In January and February we served over 100 diners; in March the numbers were a bit less: 79 with 47 in the women's group at 11 am and 32 in the family's group at noon.

April 14th menu: Our needs include hearty chili, fresh fruit salad or fresh fruit, chili toppings (shredded cheese and sour cream), green salad, orange juice, and dishes made with fresh vegetables (anything from a hot vegetable dish to carrots &   celery sticks).   We need several donations of most items, with each donation serving 15-20 people. Please bring all items---heated if applicable---to the side "donation" entrance at 120 West Apple Street in Dayton (St. Vincent de Paul Gateway Shelter for Women and Families) by 10:45 a.m. Thank you!

   
 
      FAIR TRADE COFFEE SALE!
Remember to place your order for Fair Trade coffee on the first Sunday of the month (this month it's on March  4th ) !

Coffee will be ready to be picked up on or after the third Sunday of the month (this month, March  18th ) . 

There are many varieties and bean grinds to choose from, including several that are organic!  Contact  Lynn Buffington  at:

(937) 657-0426  or  [email protected]
 
 
     
DON'T FORGET!
Y ou can keep up-to-date with all the happenings at MVUUF by viewing the Fellowship's calendar online, from a link to our website  HERE  
 
The calendar is updated daily, so it's always the place to check and see what's going on!

       
*****   *****   *****   *****   *****   *****   *****   *****   *****   *****    


 

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, 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!