UUCGT FLASH NEWSLETTER

This week's sermon, Rediscovering "Prayer," shares my struggle to find meaning in prayer as a Unitarian Universalist chaplain. How could I pray with people when I didn't believe in intercessory prayer? I'll share my 10-week journey of discovery and transformation at a major trauma hospital in Greenville, South Carolina.

Until then, here's how some other UU's ministers define prayer:

Prayers of gratitude focus my attention on the many blessings all around me, pedestrian and profound. Praying for the well-being of others in a Buddhist metta style of wishing what's best for them opens my heart.

Praying for people with whom I'm having difficulty is the best way I know to access my compassion and shift the energy between us. Sending blessings to people I pass as I drive to work - including the drivers who cut me off -reminds me that we are all connected.

- Rev. Sue Magidson

Affiliated Community Minister, UU Church of Berkeley, CA

Prayer is not about leading the universe toward some desired outcome;

it is about our willingness to be led to greater consciousness, compassion, and connection.

- Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom

Minister T homas Jefferson Memorial Church Unitarian Universalist, Charlottesville, VA

What prayer can do is help us to live consciously, honorably, and compassionately. As long as prayer helps me to be more loving, then I need prayer. As long as prayer serves a potent means of sharing my love with others, I need prayer.

- Rev. Kate Braestrup

Chaplain, Maine Warden Service

Love, Cathy

Sunday Service

October 13 - 10:30 AM - Rediscovering "Prayer"

Rev. Cathy Harrington

Margaret Wozniak, coordinator

There are all those jokes about UU's who pray "To Whom It May Concern." Rev. Cathy will share her experience of serving as a chaplain in a major trauma center hospital and how she struggled to find meaning in prayer.

Children & Youth

Religious Education

Nursery care for infants through age 4 is available

C hildren and Youth are asked to please stay in the sanctuary with their family until after the Children's Benediction.

Last Sunday we learned about the Hindu holidays of Diwali and Holi. We explored the tradition of rangoli (large designs created with colored sand or rice) which are used to welcome the goddess Lakshmi into one's home. We discussed how UUs welcome all people and we created a large collaborative sand design to demonstrate our welcoming religion.

On Sunday October 13 we will begin learning about Judaism.

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~ FALL FESTIVAL ~

Sunday, October 27

12:00 noon - 2:00 PM

Family-friendly celebration & candy-free!

Outside event in UUCGT's upper parking lot

Join us to celebrate the wonders of Fall!

Bob for apples , scavenger hunt in the woods,

create a nature wand, games & more!

C ostumes encouraged!

We look forward to seeing you here!

JOB OPPORTUNITY @ UUCGT

Part-time Co-Teacher for Sunday morning Religious E ducation class

Ideal candidate will have experience working with upper elementary and middle s chool aged children in a group setting; knowledge of world religions or a willingness to learn about them; and an interest in learning more about Unitarian Universalism. The teacher is hired by the Board of Trustees and reports to the Director of Religious Education. This is a part-time position - 4 hours/wk at $16/hr

Responsibilities:

* Co-teach RE program for K-8th grade children on Sunday mornings during the worship service. Will be available at the church one hour before the service and remain through the coffee hour to greet and communicate with families. (approximately 9:30-12:00)

* Prepares weekly by reading the lesson plan and learning any background information relevant to the lesson. Assists in the preparation of materials. (approximately 1 hour per week)

* Obtains approval from DRE prior to purchases. Keeps receipts of materials purchased and submits for reimbursement.

* Maintains communication with DRE, other teachers, and RE Committee members.

* Assists in the delivery of multi-generational services.

* Attends monthly RE Committee meetings, usually held the first Sunday of each month following the service.

* Additional hours and responsibilities can be added based on interest in program development, outreach, and curriculum planning. All teachers are required to undergo a background check.

Email cover letter, resume, and three references to dre@uucgt.org

Start Date: October 13, 2019

Book, Art & Bake Sale!

Sunday, October 20 & Sunday, October 27

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Meet the Artists!

October 20 & 27

Mary Anne Rivers-Friese & Elizabeth Rivers

"Fit To Be Dyed" 100% silk scarves in various lengths & widths

Beautiful colors for Fall!

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Meet Author Heather Shumaker

October 27 only - Book Signing!

The Griffins of Castle Cary

This story features three adventurous siblings, a ginormous, drooly Newfoundland dog, and a bit of a ghost problem.

Saving Arcadia

A narrative nonfiction book set in northern Michigan that's been called a "page-turning environmental action thriller" and makes grown men cry. Saving Arcadia has won state and national awards including the Michigan Notable Book Award and the Next Generation Indie Book - Environment Winner.

It's OK Not to Share & It's OK to Go Up the Slide

These books are based on UU principles, promote play, risk, conflict mediation skills and no homework for young children.

And there's more ~ Watch the Flash!

Select books from UUA's Beacon Press & Skinner House,

local artists & craft vendors & yummy baked goods!

Volunteers are needed!

- Artsy person to help create roadway signs

- Bakers for some yummy baked goods for Sunday, October 20 & 27

- Helpers to sell Baked Goods & Books, and set-up/take-down tables

If interested, contact Chris Lautz or call her at 860-884-7741

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UUCGT Bulletin Board

Link to October Beacon here

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UUCGT Financial Statement as of September 30, 2019 - click here

Weapon Free Zone: If you have an interest in joining a task force - limited meetings and time- exploring the possibility of UUCGT being a 'Weapon Free Zone', please contact Judy Myers or Joan Sheard. This should only be 2-3 meetings and much can be done via email. All voices are welcome.

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AMERICAN WASTE RECYCLE TOUR

Tuesday, October 15 - 2:30 PM @ American Waste

Come one, Come all! This place is amazing!

30-minute presentation, 30-minute tour and all of your questions

answered! I

chrislautz7777@gmail.com

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Brewing Community i s returning Thursday, October 24 after a nearly two year hiatus! Come join co-hosts Sarah Montgomery-Richards and John Hoffmann at the Workshop Brew Pub from 5:00-7:00pm. Enjoy your favorite beverage, food menu and conversation. The Workshop Brew Pub is located behind Hotel Indigo on Garland Street. Join us! Contact John Hoffmann if you have any questions.

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UUCGT Book Club

Date correction - Sunday, October 20 @ 2:00 pm

The Sellout by Paul Beatty

Hosted by HG & Autumn Smith

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BENZIE UU FALL SCHEDULE

Benzie UU meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at "Grow Benzie" at 5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia. Potluck is at 6:30pm and service begins at 7:30pm. For more information, email Catherine Green or call or text 231-499-7276.

October 16 - Amanda Mangiardi, Mary Van Valin, Misty Sheehan will present a program in appreciation of Mary Oliver. This program was originally created by Amanda Mangiardi, Rev. Nancy Doughty, and Karen Casebeer for the UUCGT.

November 6 - Marcelo Betti, an immigration and family attorney, working with Justice for Our Neighbors will help us see and understand what is going on at the border and with detention centers, and how we might help.

November 20 - Kathy Ross, a student of Thich Nhat Hanh, will discuss "Engaged Buddhism".

December 4 - Josh Stoltz and Annie Browning will discuss their vision for Grow Benzie and community building. Presumably we'll also be able to find out how Josh's recent travels, including to Mozambique, have influenced his thinking.

December 18 - Barb Skurdall will treat us to her annual exploration of the Winter Solstice.

October 14 is Indigenous People's Day

Native American Rights: The 1835 Treaty of New Echota resulted in the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from its tribal land to territories in Oklahoma, an event known as the Trail of Tears. Nearly 4,000 died as a result of that forced march. As part of the 1835 treaty, the U.S. government promised the Cherokee Nation that it could seat a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Cherokee Nation has now announced its intention to appoint a delegate.

See https://n.pr/30TNqFX - T ell Members of Congress to work collaboratively with the Cherokee Nation to keep its promise.

Immigration Flash

T here is much we would like to do to help Immigrants in their fight to become citizens. At this time there is a lady in custody in Michigan who has an asylum court hearing in January 2020. She cannot afford the bond of $40,000, so she must remain in custody until her hearing. That is the latest ruling. She needs money so she can call and keep in touch with family. If you are willing to donate, please contact sjatcmi@gmail.com . Thank you for your generosity!

UUCGT Social Justice Action Team

Emmy Lou Cholak, co-chair

http://www.uujustice.org

THE CROP HUNGER WALK NEEDS YOU!

Transforming Communities

Sunday, October 13

Sign-in @ 1:30pm / Walk @ 2:00 pm

The 2019 CROP HUNGER WALK is scheduled for Sunday, October 13 at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. This project helps fight hunger in the U.S. as well as other world-wide countries.

Your donations and/or active participation are greatly appreciated. Please see John Hoffmann in the Social Hall following Sunday Service for more information.

Volunteer at Safe Harbor

UUCGT will be providing volunteers at Safe Harbor from the evening of Saturday, November 16 through the morning of Saturday, November 23.

We will have a sign-up table in the Gathering Space the next five Sundays. There are opportunities to help prepare and serve meals, be an evening host, be an overnight host, or serve and clean up for breakfast. We also need cleaning volunteers on the morning of Saturday, November 23. There are also opportunities to provide food items for the week.

Stop by and see us at the sign-up table 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

Save the Date!

Saturday, November 2, 2019

7:00 - 10:00 PM

Contr a Dance!

No dancing experience necessary!
Dancing Instructor & Guide
Live Music
Light snacks & refreshments
Tickets $10.00

A Fun Family Time at UUCGT!

Children under 16 are free! Non-members are welcome!

6726 Center Road, Traverse City

Questions? Contact Hal Gurian @ 410-340-7323

UUCGT Calendar of Events

Click here

To schedule meetings and events, contact office@uucgt.org

- Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, October 10, 9:30am, sanctuary

- Peacemaker Needleworkers: Thursdays, 1:30pm, social halL

- Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays, 7:00pm, sanctuary

- Author Charles Eisendrath - Interview by Doug Stanton: Friday, October 11, 6:30pm, sanctuary, refreshments. A series of essays spanning four decades, Eisendrath's book Downstream From Here, range from Anatolia to Argentina, from FDR's secret wartime fishing trip to a plane crash in Costa Rica. The margin notes of academic articles lead to a grill admired by James Beard and a Saudi prince. Tenure at the University of Michigan inspires a cherry orchard, and bulldozers invite ghosts. Serious, hilarious, inquisitive, spontaneous, Eisendrath introduces us to the people and places, the life, death and afterlife that goes on nonstop, all around us, all by itself. Free event - all are welcome!

- Singing Sisters: Saturday, October 12, 10:00am - 2:00pm, sanctuary

- Mindfulness Meditation: Sunday, October 13, 5:00-7:00pm, sanctuary - see

www.tcmmg.org for more information

- Program Council: Sunday, October 13, 9:00am, social hall

- Stretch & Strengthen: Monday, October 14, 11:00am, social hall

- Tuesday Community Lunch for those experiencing food insecurity

A 28-year UUCGT tradition - 4 volunteers provide entrée, salad, dessert, and a shopper. Tuesdays @ 10:30am - Volunteer as often as you like!

Contact Mary Kiner @ 423-991-9794 or

marykiner@charter.net

- Bridge Club: Every Tuesday @ 1:00pm, social hall

- American Waste Tour: Tuesday, October 15, 2:30pm, Cass Road. RSVP to Chris Lautz - wear good shoes

- SokukoJi Buddhist Community Meditation: Tuesday, October 15, 6:30-8:30pm, meditation room. See https://sokukojitc.org/ for more information