|
____________________
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,
You won't want to miss our fun No-Rehearse Christmas Pageant this Sunday, I promise. It is a
multi-generational interactive service that offers a fresh angle on an ancient story. Our talented Director of Religious Education will be directing the pageant, and all are invited to participate!
And at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve, we will gather to mark a night our ancestors have marked for thousands of years. The stories vary from the winter born king and the sacred mother's sun-child to stories of the Christ child laid in a manger to stories of kindness, generosity, hearts re-opened to love, and the miracle of hope. Come, to be touched by story, by candlelight, by tradition, by ancient rhythms of the soul. Come, and share in this timeless celebration of mystery, magic and wonder.
A
special collection on Christmas Eve will be taken to support local immigrant families through the Justice and Peace Advocacy Center, and to assist a local family, Miguel, Heather, and their young son, Korbin in their struggles to gain legal residency for Miguel.
If you cannot join us for Christmas Eve, please consider sending a tax-deductible donation designated for the Christmas Eve collection in solidarity and generosity for our immigrant neighbors.
Warmest holiday wishes to all!
In faith and love,
Cathy
|
|
Sunday Service
December 22 - 1
0:30 AM - "No-Rehearse Christmas Pageant"
All Congregation, Multi-Generational Service
Rev. Cathy Harrington, Betsy Hammerberg, DRE
Sophia Lyon Fahs wrote, "Each night a child is born is a holy night."
We will bring the Christmas story to life in a way that speaks to everyone, even UU's. Set aside your judgments and join us for this delightful service.
|
|
Children
& Youth
Religious Education
Nursery care is available for infants through age 4
Children and Youth are asked to meet in the sanctuary
On December 15, the wonderful Hal Gurian joined the RE class to teach us about Chanukah. He read a story, led a song, and taught the dreidel game. Hal also brought jelly donuts, a traditional Chanukah food because they are fried in oil. We are all so grateful to Hal for sharing his time and knowledge!
This upcoming Sunday, December 22, we will hold an All-Congregation "No-Rehearse Christmas Pageant".
Children are invited to arrive at 10:15am on Sunday to choose roles in advance or to be shown how to hand out costumes if they'd prefer an offstage role. We will meet in the sanctuary.
|
* * *
Saturday, December 21
* * *
5:00 pm
A Winter Solstice Service
Vegetarian Potluck to follow
Bring a dish to pass & table service
|
|
A Christmas Eve Interfaith Candlelight
Service
at UUCGT ~
7:00 pm
Bring some cookies or holidays treats to share!
|
|
!ANNOUNCEMENT!
Classes
Starting in 2020!
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 Group Facilitator Training
If you are interested in co-facilitating a small group, contact Cathy ASAP for registration. There are two opportunities to participate in an online training session: January 9, 2020 at 7 pm or January 11 at noon.
This is a two-hour online orientation for small group facilitators and small group organizing teams. Essential for new facilitators and a great tune-up for experienced ones, training covers the basics of the Soul Matters facilitation model, tips for handling facilitation challenges, strategies for program growth and best practices for new facilitator recruitment and support.
Soul Matters Small Groups will begin in March
Sign-up sheets will be located on the Welcome Table.
|
|
Cardboard Play Day
Save the Date!
On Sunday, January 12, everyone is invited to the social hall from 12:00 - 2:00 PM to enjoy an afternoon of creativity, building, problem solving, and FUN!
Cardboard box collection will begin in the RE room on Sunday, December 29, so save those holiday shipping and gift boxes!
|
|
DOING OUR OWN WORK:
AN ANTI-RACISM SEMINAR
FOR WHITE PEOPLE
If you are a white person who is ready
to dive deep and come up stronger for
the work of racial justice - Join us!
Dates: January 25 & 26, February 22 & 23, March 21 & 22 -
Attendance at all sessions is required
Time: Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm
Location: Neahtawanta Inn (barrier-free facility)
1308 Neahtawanta Road, Traverse City, 49686
Overnight options available
Cost: $575 includes program, resource materials and
beverages for all six days.
Scholarships and/or time payment plan are available.
We are committed to making this seminar financially
accessible for all who wish to participate.
Facilitators: Allyson Bolt and Lois McCullen Parr
For more information and to register:
Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Questions? Call Jody Betten at 616.706.3549
|
|
UUCGT Bulletin Board
All UUCGT Committees & Staff: December expenses need to be in the office by Monday, December 23. Contact Glennda with questions
2019 Tax Year End is quickly approaching!
Any Pledge Payments or
Donations for your 2019 Year End Statement need to be
in the office by December 29, 2019 in order to be processed
Accounting / Bookkeeping Experience?
Flexible work schedule? Stay at home Mom?
Volunteer needed as back-up for our Accountant -
4-6 hours/week to learn system, then 1-2 hours every couple of weeks to
maintain skill level. Contact Jim Walworth, 409-9278 or Mike McDonald,
342-0768 for more information
_________________________________________
UU Brewing Community
meets
Sunday, December 22, 5:00-7:00 pm
.
Join us for a Holiday Brew at the Workshop Brew Pub on Garland Street. Enjoy good conversation, a nice food menu and plenty of drink options.
Contact
John Hoffmann
with questions.
________________________________________
Donations to Help our Community this Holiday Season!
Bins near the kitchen
--
NW Michigan Supportive Housing
Household move-in items for residents with mental illness
--
Baskets of Bounty/Commission on Aging -
Personal care supplies for low-income seniors
_____________________
____________________
Be Aware of Holiday Gift Card Scams:
Stay safe - verify any email requests for money or gift cards. Do not click on email links, or send money, gift cards, etc.
LOST & FOUND - Items will be donated to Goodwill in January!
Check for any lost items in the alcove by the name tag tower - Coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, kitchenware, water bottles, glasses...
UU Men's Group: January meeting - Monday, January 6, 5:30pm @ Minerva's - Articles in entryway
Mark Your Calendars!
All Ages Cardboard Challenge Play Day! Sunday, January 12, 12 noon - 2:00pm - Creative fun & adventure for all!
UUCGT STEWARDSHIP Campaign Kick-Off & Reception!
Sunday, February 9 after the service
______________________________________________
MaryAnn Force
A Celebration of Her Life and Art
Enjoy a collection of MaryAnn's watercolor paintings currently displayed in the
UUCGT Corridor Gallery!
Her artwork is available for purchase from MaryAnn's daughter, Liz Swartzmiller - call Liz at 231.313.9038
|
We are so pleased that the UUCGT Christmas Eve collection will be shared equally between the Peace and Justice Advocacy Center and a local immigrant family who are in need of help to gain legal residency for husband and father, 26-year old Miguel, who is presently separated from his family and is in Mexico awaiting an immigration visa.
Since arriving in the United States at age 12, Miguel has attended school, worked hard, and as an adult has been supporting his family and doing well. Due to the present administration's changes in immigration, this has become a complicated and extremely difficult situation. In the meantime, his wife Heather works hard cleaning houses to support herself and her young son, Korbin.
Your tax-deductible donation will go towards legal fees and other needs. Please be generous, let's give them all the hope we can.
Many thanks!
Emmy Lou Cholak
UUCGT Social Justice Action Team
* * * * * * * * * *
Try a new game with your family over the holidays!
Enjoy!
|
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, on:
- 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
-
Shantideva Fan Club: Thursday, December 19, 9:30am, sanctuary
-
Congregational Care Team: Thursday, December 19, 1:30pm library
-
Peacemaker Needleworkers: Thursdays, 1:30pm, social hall
-
Transition Team: Thursday, December 19, 3:00pm, library
-
Vocal Ensemble: Thursdays @ 7:00pm, sanctuary
-
Winter Solstice
Celebration & V
egetarian Potluck:
Saturday, December 21, 5:00pm - Solstice gathering & potluck are open to everyone!
- Hanukkah: Begins at sundown on Sunday, December 22
-
Mindfulness Meditation:
Sunday, Dec. 22, 5:00
pm, meditation room
- Stretch & Strengthen classes meet again on 1/6/2020
-
UUCGT Interfaith Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: Tuesday, December 24, 7:00pm - UUCGT sanctuary
-
Merry Christmas Everyone!
- Wednesday Suppers begin again on 1/8/2020 - Happy Holidays!
-
Kwanzaa: Begins Thursday, December 26
|
|
End Note...
Winter Solstice Blessings!
December 21
Ages ago...
our ancestors, cold and fearful for their very survival, watched the winter skies
for signs of the sun's return.
Each winter, we are still reminded
that even in dark times,
hope is waiting to be reborn inside each of us.
M
erry Christmas!
Wishing you peace this holiday season
|
|
UUCGT office hours
Mon
day - Thursday
|
|
|
