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The Forum
monthly Newsletter
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DON'T MISS ANY OF THE FORUM!
When you get to the end of this email message,
please check the bottom left of your screen...
you may have a message that states:
[Message clipped] and View entire message.
Click on "view entire message"
to read ALL of this month's Forum!
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DEADLINE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2021 FORUM
If you'd like to have an announcement published in the September 2021 edition of The Forum, please make sure to send your info to the Editor, Jennie Freiberger, at admin@mvuuf.org by Monday, August 23rd. We'd love to read what YOU have to offer!
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TO CONNECT WITH US ON ZOOM
We provide Zoom links in The Forum so you can join
ALL of our events online (computer, tablet, smart phone).
Additionally, if you want/need to attend the meeting/event using a phone, you can use the following number for ANY of our events:
To join on your cell phone or land line,
please call 1-929-205-6099
and enter the Meeting ID and Password when prompted
(our worship services do not require a password).
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OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES |
While we would love to immediately offer multi-platform worship services (both in-person and virtually at the same time), we realize we need more time for our AV and Zoom Production teams to make this happen. Instead of delaying in-person gathering, we will rotate between in-person and virtual Sunday worship this summer. Our goal is to offer our first multi-platform service for Water Communion on Sunday, September 12th, 11:00 AM (both in-person and Zoom).
Worship for the Weary will continue to be a Zoom only service (Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 7:00 PM).
- 8/1---in-person only
- 8/8---Zoom only
- 8/15---outside, in-person only, evening service (6pm)
- 8/22---Zoom only
- 8/29---in-person inside only
- 9/5---Zoom only
- 9/12---Water Communion: first multi-platform service
COVID-19 Guidelines
- Masks covering nose and mouth are required inside for everyone. This is to protect our unvaccinated children (no vaccine is available for children under 12 years) and to protect us all from the Delta variant (fully vaccinated individuals are acquiring COVID more than anticipated).
- We will not have coffee service; you are invited to bring your own if you'd like.
- Remember that everyone has different levels of comfort returning to large in-person gatherings. Please ask before initiating physical contact.
To join us on Zoom, you can use the link below:
(no passcode required)
Please note the following:
1. Our Zoom services will be recorded and/or live-streamed to Facebook. If you do not want to be included in the recording, please turn off your camera, mute your microphone, and change your name to "MVUUF" (these are all Zoom options once you join the meeting).
2. If you would like to submit an announcement, joy, or sorrow for the service, please email Rev. Kellie by 10:00 PM on the prior Saturday evening (minister @mvuuf.org).
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AND IN ORDER TO HAVE MULTI-PLATFORM SERVICES... |
We have formed a Multi-Platform Taskforce! Our Multi-Platform Taskforce will meet each Tuesday, 7:00 PM, through August & September, on Zoom. As we are ready, we will have some folks at the Fellowship working with the AV equipment to set up and some folks on Zoom so we can practice doing multi-platform services.
Our target for the first multi-platform service is the Water Communion on September 12th, which means we need to make good progress quickly and can use more help. Multi-platform options are important to ensure we can include our members and friends who cannot attend in person, whether that is due to distance, health, schedules, or any challenge.
- If you have ever pointed a camera or smart phone at something to take a picture or video, that qualifies you. We will have a need for a variety of technical skills levels.
- If you think technology is fun to play with, you have officially found your tribe.
- If you have experience working with AV equipment, Zoom or other virtual meeting tools, or OBS (open broadcast system), we definitely could use your help.
If you are interested in helping with this effort, please attend this meeting. Contact Garlene Hamilton at Producer@mvuuf.org if you have questions.
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WORSHIP FOR THE WEARY
Thursdays, 6:30 PM
We continue to offer this shorter, more reflective service as a way of providing a bit of peace and comfort during these trying times. We "gather" on Zoom for music, readings, and reflection.
We do hope you'll join us by using the link below:
Meeting ID: 958 9428 2191 (no passcode needed)
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FROM REV. KELLIE:
My Dear Ones,
I hope that you are enjoying your summers!
It has been soul-nourishing to start reconnecting with many of you in-person—in one-on-one visits, at our July 18 Open House, and at yesterday’s worship service (our first in-person worship service since March 8, 2020). To be honest, I cried off and on throughout the entire service. I had forgotten how much we communicate with one another through our eyes. I saw God in your eyes.
Before I move on to “coming attractions,” I would like to take a few moments to thank all who have gotten us through the last 17 months. First of all, thank you to everyone reading this newsletter column. Whether this is your first newsletter or your 17th, you have kept us alive with your participation. Churches cannot survive and thrive without people, both longtime members and new friends. Secondly, thank you to those who kept their 2021 pledge commitments and made 2022 pledges, even if they did not participate in our online gatherings. Next, thank you to our 2021 and 2022 Board and Program Council members for believing in us and leading by example—often giving to us from reservoirs that were already depleted by the strain of the pandemic on your own careers and personal lives. Thank you to all the lay leaders not mentioned who helped us create new positions or adapted their work for our new online world. Thank you to our incredible staff team for learning new skills (in a matter of minutes) and holding hope for our congregation until others were able to join us. Last but not least, thank you to everyone who kept our building and campus safe while we were away and brought them back to life last month, with sparkling windows and floors. Thank you.
One of the new positions we created recently is the Connection Coordinator, a lay leader who can help new and longtime members alike get more involved in MVUUF. Although the position is new, Diane Colvin is a longtime member and our former Membership Rep. She is very involved and will help you make new connections at the fellowship. Whether you are interested in planning activities, welcoming visitors, making or editing videos, posting on Facebook, helping redesign our website, making music, playing with Zoom, weeding, fundraising, or building a garden, Diane will get you plugged in. If you are interested in becoming more involved, please contact Diane at connection@mvuuf.org (please put MVUUF Connection in the subject line).
Another new position is actually an old position that had not been active since Rev. Greg’s ministry. In January 2021, the Board recommissioned the Committee on Ministry (COM) and at the June 2021 congregational meeting you all added the final member. The members are as follows: Ann Snively (chair), Alysoun-Taylor Hall, Ria Megnin, and Iris Carter. The COM supports the health of our congregation’s ministry. Because we have a shared ministry model, this includes both the minister and congregants. Please look for their article later in this newsletter!
As we gear up for the start of the 2022 program year September, I will be taking 2 weeks of study leave to finish the worship schedule and other planning. During this time (August 23rd through Labor Day September 6th), I will be available via phone and text for pastoral care emergencies only.
In the month ahead, I hope to see more of you in-person. As always, I will continue to pray for your health and flourishing.
With much gratitude and love,
Kellie
Rev. Kellie Kelly
Mobile (847) 804-4614
Email minister@mvuuf.org
Appointment Scheduler: calendly.com/kellieuukelly
How and When to Reach Me:
- The best way to reach me is to text or call my mobile phone between 9am and 8pm on my office days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
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You can also schedule a quick call (less than 30 minutes) or longer meeting/visit (60 minutes) with me online: calendly.com/kellieuukelly.
- Unless a pastoral care emergency, I typically do not return email messages, text messages, or calls on the following days: Sunday is "Church," Wednesday is my study day (worship prep), and Friday is my personal Sabbath.
- During my study leave (August 23 through Labor Day September 6), I will be available via phone and text for pastoral care emergencies only.
What I’ve Been Seeing, Reading, Listening to, and Watching (since May):
- Glen Helen Nature Preserve
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Washington Post
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New York Times (via a new app I discovered called Scribd)
- The Atlantic
- Dayton Daily News
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In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
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Apple by Eric Gansworth
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Co-Active Leadership by Karen and Henry Kimsey-House
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Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (one of Matt’s assigned summer reading books)
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Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen
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Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Album
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The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
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The Three Mothers by Anna Malaika Tubbs (about the mothers of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin)
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The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell
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Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
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Pride by Ibi Zoboi
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Yes Please by Amy Poehler
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The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson
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Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
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The Goes Wrong Show (Amazon Prime)
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Wynona Earp (Netflix)
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Being Human (Amazon Prime)
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The Tomorrow War (Amazon Prime)
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Atlantis (PBS Masterpiece)
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Les Miserables – Limited Series (PBS Masterpiece)
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Atlantic Crossing (PBS Masterpiece)
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Mad About You – New Season (Amazon Prime)
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One Night in Miami (Amazon Prime)
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Call Me Cat (Hulu)
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All Creatures Great & Small (PBS Masterpiece)
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FROM YOUR FRIENDLY
FELLOWSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Hi everyone!
Did you know that I'm finally back in the building? Yep, it's true!
We've decided to try something different as we navigate the "new normal" in the time of COVID, so my office hours for the MVUUF building will be Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 9:30 AM until 3:00 PM. I'll still continue to work on Tuesdays and Thursday, but will do so from home (like I have been doing since March 2020).
Additionally, I will be out of the office (MVUUF building & home) the week of August 23rd through August 27th (the 25th is my
1st wedding anniversary!).
And did you know...on Friday, September 3rd I will be beginning my 8th year as your Administrator? I consider myself fortunate to have found such a wonderful place to work filled with so many great humans. Thank you for that! I look forward to what the future holds, for all of us.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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CYRE COMMITTEE
Second Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, August 11th, 7:00 PM
Our Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Committee meets on the second Wednesday of the month and is open to ALL! Whether you have children in the CYRE program or not, the committee is always looking for people to teach classes and/or volunteer to help with family-friendly activities.
If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Somaya Bernard, re@ mvuuf.org.
To join the Zoom Meeting online, click below:
Meeting ID: 813 5941 9144 Passcode: 385131
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WEEKLY CYRE CLASSES
Preschool-5th Grade Religious Education
Our Preschool-5th Grade RE classes will be meeting IN-PERSON on Sundays when we have in-person worship services; upcoming dates are August 15th (during our 6:00 PM service), August 29th, and September 12th. We look forward to seeing you in person!
Middle School and High School Groups
Sunday afternoons, 2:30 PM
The High School Group meets on the 1st & 3rd Sundays and the Middle School Group meets on the 2nd & 4th Sundays. Both groups focus on building more bonds and strengthening their connections.
Meeting ID: 220 144 959 Passcode: 149172
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ADULT
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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SCRIPTURE STUDY
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 AM
If you are interested in learning about different religions, and especially in the writings from those different religions, then you should consider attending our weekly Scripture Study. They meet every Sunday morning, beginning at 9:30 AM on Zoom; you can contact John Bierman if you have any questions at john_bierman@att.net.
To join their Zoom meeting, use the information posted below:
To join the gathering online, click the link below---
Passcode: 720015 Meeting ID: 424 304 843
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LONG STRANGE TRIP:
UU HISTORY REDUX
You can find out abut the final two sessions of this program in the September edition of The Forum. Stay tuned...
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DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Third Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, August 18th, 10:30 AM
Our Daytime Book Club continues to meet monthly to discuss a featured book; here's what they'll be discussing on Wednesday, August 18th, 10:30 AM on Zoom: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer.
Upcoming discussions will be:
9/15th---American Dirt: A Novel by Jeanine Cummins
10/20th---The Hare by Melanie Finn
11/17th---The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
12/15th---Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese
If you'd like to join them online, please click the link below:
Passcode: 284687 Meeting ID: 814 1095 6674
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DEATH CAFE
Fourth Monday Each Month
Monday, August 23rd, 7:00 PM
At a Death Café people, often strangers, gather in an accessible, respectful and confidential space to enjoy refreshments and to discuss death. Our Death Café conversations are participant-directed; there is no agenda. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. Groups such as this gather around the globe with a purpose: "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives."
MVUUF holds a Death Café on the fourth Monday of each month from 7-8:30 PM; uou are welcome to join us to listen and share and/or invite a friend who you think may be interested in exploring the topic.
To join the meeting online, click below:
Passcode: 900106 Meeting ID: 851 4870 0547
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WOMEN'S GROUP
Sunday Mornings, 9:30 AM
This weekly group is open to all who identify as female, and they would love to have you join them for one of their interesting and thought-provoking discussions!
To join the gathering online, click on the link below---
Passcode: 042027 Meeting ID: 339 923 301
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DA' GROUP
This group is a space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to gather and share their stories, receive and provide support, and share their joys, sorrows and celebrations with each other.
Currently, the group is on hiatus; you can contact Ndidi Achebe at nachebepublic@gmail.com
if you'd like more information.
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YOUNG ADULTS GROUP
Now Forming
Connect and build bonds with other UU young adults at MVUUF (ages 18-35). If you are interested in participating, please contact Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education, at re@mvuuf.org or 937-694-0594 to let her know what meeting dates/times work best for you.
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MVUUF's WORSHIP CHOIR
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
It's a new month, and that means our Choir Rehearsals are back! Doing you enjoy singing with others? You can contact our Director of Music, Sara Davis, with any questions at music@mvuuf.org.
Beginning this month (August) we'll be gathering in-person at MVUUF, and we'd love to have YOU join us!
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WHAT'S A COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY,
AND HOW CAN I HELP?
Support crew. Evaluation team. Stewards of healthy communication. In good Unitarian Universalist tradition, MVUUF’s newly formed Committee on Ministry is wearing multiple hats!
The team is called by our current bylaws to “provid(e) feedback to the Minister(s), Board, Program Council, and Congregation regarding the overall health of the congregation’s ministry,” support the minister’s professional development, and to serve as a communication channel between the minister and the members of our congregation.
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Committee members Ann Snively, Alysoun Taylor-Hall, Ria Megnin, and Iris Carter are tasked with managing the UUA ministerial credentialing process for Rev. Kellie Kelly as she seeks Full Fellowship status. We are also working on proposed updates for the Committee on Ministry section of MVUUF’s bylaws to better align with UUA best practices and the needs of our congregation.
While meetings are closed due to the necessary confidential nature of discussions, feedback and engagement are welcome! We would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and questions about how things are going with MVUUF’s ministry. Think of MVUUF’s ministry as how well we are working together to achieve our vision and mission:
Our Vision:
We strive to embrace every mind, body, and spirit — without exception.
Our Mission:
We covenant to practice compassion, forge connections,
and pursue justice.
You can read the Committee on Ministry's bylaws (Section F on page 12 of MVUUF’s bylaws) HERE
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PROGRAM COUNCIL
First Monday Each Month
Monday, August 2nd, 7:00 PM
Our PC is responsible for the following: Leading and implementing a variety of programs that bring MVUUF closer to realizing its purpose, vision and mission; Facilitating cooperation among program areas; Approving the appointment or removal of committee chairs nominated by individual program council representatives; Appointing interim members to fill mid-term vacancies on the nominating committee; Nominating one qualified candidate for election to the nominating committee each year; and Recommending policies and procedures to the board for approval and incorporation into the MVUUF policy manual.
PC meets once a month, usually on the first Monday, and their meetings are open to ALL; look for them to gather next on Monday, August 2nd, 7:00 PM, on Zoom.
To join the meeting online, click below
Passcode: 395986 Meeting ID: 845 4628 1330
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FINANCE COMMITTEE
First Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday,
August 4th, 7:00 PM
We meet on the first Wednesday evening of the month to discuss the fellowship's finances. This includes budgeting, stewardship, and fundraising.
As with the Board meetings, we set aside time at the beginning of each meeting for visitor comments and/or questions. So you can ask questions or make comments and leave right afterwards if you'd rather not stay for the whole meeting (which is usually about an hour). Contact is Skylar Gladden, our Treasurer; you can reach her at treasurer@mvuuf.org.
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below:
Meeting ID: 844 3664 8371 Passcode: 495242
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CHALICE OF THE WILLOW (CUUPS)
DISCUSSION GROUP
Second Sunday Each Month
Sunday, August 8th, 12:30 PM
Our pagan group, Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS) has a discussion group on the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 12:30 PM. It's a great way to find out a little bit more about pagan beliefs & traditions, and to converse with others in a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Beginning this month (August), their group will be meeting (in-person only) at MVUUF; meeting dates can be found on the MVUUF calendar. You can find out more by contacting Tina Porter at ladyosun@yahoo.com.
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BOARD MEETING
Sunday, August 15th, 1:30 PM
Our Board meetings are open to EVERYONE, and time is set aside at the beginning of the meeting to answer any questions our members and friends may have for Board members. This month, the group will meet on Saturday, August 21st at 10:00 AM.
To join the Zoom meeting, click below:
Passcode: 033710 Meeting ID: 976 9504 0775
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WELCOME SESSION
Sunday, August 22nd, 12:15 PM
Are you new to MVUUF? Would you like to know more about the Fellowship and what we have to offer?
We offer a Welcome Session monthly where you'll have the opportunity to find out more about our Fellowship and meet Rev. Kellie and other members of MVUUF.
To join the meeting on Zoom, simply stay on in the Zoom session for the Sunday worship or use the info below:
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ACOUSTIC FOLK JAM SESSION
Third Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, August 17th, 7:00 PM
If you're looking for a fun way to share your love of music, may we suggest attending our Acoustic Folk Jam Session? You can play an instrument...or use your voice...or just listen and enjoy to everyone else. It's a low-key way to enjoy some human connection (virtually, of course) and relax.
We've been meeting at MVUUF (outside, weather permitting) to share some music & socialization. Why not plan to join us this month, on Tuesday, August 17th, at 7:00 PM?
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SHOWING UP FOR
SOCIAL JUSTICE
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SHARING THE OFFERING
MVUUF shares 50% of its non-pledge offerings with a human service agency or similar fund. These agencies are selected yearly by the congregation’s members under the guidance of the Social Action Committee.
Please give generously by clicking HERE to go to our online donation page and go to “SHARING OUR OFFERING.”
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About Our Current Recipient
For the months of July & August, 50% of non-pledge offerings will be given to The House of Bread, a community kitchen, founded in 1983 by a Catholic nun and a Jewish businessman, with a simple belief that no one deserved to go hungry. You can find out more about them HERE.
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ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE
Beginning Sunday, August 1st
Help support two of our partners serving the West Dayton community: Westwood School and the Wesley Community Center. Last year our West Dayton Action Group provided over 700 books for Westwood students and 75 literacy kits for the Wesley Center’s Baby Ready Program.
Here’s how to help:
1. Donate books! Purchase new books or donate used books in good condition. Books for Westwood School should be suitable for ages 4-12. Books for the Wesley Center should be small board books suitable for babies. When your books are ready contact Steve Steel to arrange a pick up.
2. Donate money! Mail a check to the fellowship made out to MVUUF with “book drive” in the memo line, or donate online at the MVUUF donation page using the “book drive” link. All monetary donations will be used to purchase culturally relevant, discounted books from fbmarketplace.org
Contact Steve Steel at 937-304-4087 or steel.steven@yahoo.com with any questions and thank you for supporting our West Dayton neighbors.
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WEST DAYTON ACTION GROUP
First Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, August 3rd, 6:30 PM
If you are concerned by the conditions of our siblings living in West Dayton, please consider attending our West Dayton Action Group. They meet--on Zoom--the first Tuesday of every month, and have already developed and participated in several actions to benefit those living on the west side of town.
The group will next meet on Tuesday, August 3rd, at 6:30 PM.
You can find out more by contacting
Bob Lewis at bobslewis@hotmail.com.
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IMMIGRATION ACTION GROUP
Second Monday Each Month
Monday, August 9th, 6:30 PM
Are you interested in supporting those who have come to our country searching for a better life? Do you believe all humans have a right to live in a safe environment? Then we'd like to suggest attending a meeting of our MVUUF Immigration Action Group. One specific way to help is with food and supplemental item deliveries. We do this with the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition, and volunteers are much needed now to deliver this support.
Our MVUUF Immigration Action Group meets on the second Monday of every month, 6:30 PM, on Zoom, and the meeting is open to ALL. Why not join them and see how you can help?
To join the meeting online with Zoom please use the link below:
Passcode is: 100025 Meeting ID: 845 0612 0783
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ST. VINCENT de PAUL LUNCH
As mentioned in the June/July Forum, we have been considering whether to continue this effort and we invited input. For the time being, we are discontinuing this food ministry.
Thanks to all those who have donated funds and all those who have been willing to provide extra large batches of menu items during our COVID-19 period! Over many years, MVUUF has treasured the opportunity to provide hundreds of healthy, fresh, delicious meals to the women and families at the Apple Street Shelter.
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TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE GROUP
Second Thursday Each Month
Thursday, August 12th, 7:00 PM
MVUUF's Transgender Alliance Group meets each month on the second Thursday; the group is a supportive place of community for transgender folx and their allies.
To join the Zoom meeting online, click below:
Passcode: 774615 Meeting ID: 841 0786 6724
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Third Monday Each Month
Monday, August 16th, 6:30 PM
Our Social Action Committee offers many different ways for you to "be the change" you'd like to see in the world: immigration action, St. Vincent lunches, improving conditions in west Dayton, literacy & tutoring projects, and the list goes on.
Feel free to join their next meeting by using the info below:
Passcode: 613674 Meeting ID: 850 2242 9356
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ANTI-RACISM ALLY GROUP
4th Thursday of Every Month
Thursday, August 26th, 7:00 PM
There's a different format for this month's meeting: our Anti-Racism Ally Group invites members, friends, community members and community groups to join us in a screening and discussion of the film Racially Charged: America's Misdemeanor Problem.
The film was made under Stacey Abrams’ label, Brave New Films. America’s Misdemeanor Problem exposes how our country’s history of racial injustice evolved into an enormous abuse of criminal justice power. 13 million people a year – most of them poor and people of color – are abused by this system.
Through first-person accounts of those charged under the Black Codes of the Reconstruction era paralleled with the outrageous stories of people trapped in the system today, the film brings to light the unfolding of a powerful engine of profits and racial inequality. With the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, this film provides historical context and examines America’s history of racist oppression. See the trailer and find out more HERE.
We will come together in community via Zoom at 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 26th for this film screening followed by discussion. Please register in advance using this LINK.
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DONATE TO MVUUF AS YOU SHOP...IT'S EASY! |
Did you know you can donate to MVUUF at no cost to you
every time you shop at
Kroger, Dorothy Lane Market, and Amazon?
By using the affiliate groups at these companies,
a percentage (based on your purchases) will go to MVUUF.
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