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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 MAY 2022 FORUM
If you'd like to have an announcement published in the February 2022 edition of The Forum, please make sure to send your info to the Editor, Jennie Freiberger, at admin@mvuuf.org by Monday, April 25th.
We'd love to read what YOU have to offer!
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HOW 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:
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To join on your cell phone or land line,
please call 1-929-205-6099
and enter the Meeting ID and Password when prompted.
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OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE CALENDAR
April 3rd (multi-platform)
Rev. Dr. Alice Diebel, Overcoming Fear
April 10th (multi-platform)
Rev. Kellie, The Future of MVUUF
April 17th (multi-platform)
Rev. Kellie, Easter
April 24th (multi-platform)
Rev. Kellie and Somaya Bernard, Worship For All Ages: Earth Day
To attend the service on Zoom, please use the following link:
Meeting ID: 953 8114 7453 and Passcode: 869000
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FROM REV. KELLIE:
My Dear Ones,
In May 2020, I delivered a service called Liminal Space. I talked about the space between Jesus’s death on the cross and his resurrection, comparing it to those first months of the COVID Pandemic. I asserted that liminal space sometimes feels like death. Instead of feeling between times—between an ending and a beginning—sometimes liminal space feels like a vast wasteland, stealing away our hope, our belief that there is something beyond the void. I imagine the profound grief that Jesus’s mother and disciples felt when they believed that Jesus was dead. Did they know they were in a liminal space or were they simply trying to survive the grief? Could they imagine life after Jesus’s death? Did they know that there was something after the ending?
Now almost two years later, I am still trying to hold a liminal space, a liminal space different than I anticipated back in 2020. While I understood the possibility of congregants and loved ones developing COVID, I did not know their names yet—I did not know the long-term effects many of them would suffer—I did not expect to lose congregants and loved ones to other causes of death. Back in 2020, I did not anticipate a war in Ukraine. I am embarrassed to admit that I also didn’t understand the urgency of our climate change crisis. I did not think Roe v. Wade could be overturned. Professionally, I did not anticipate a $95k deficit budget during my fourth year with MVUUF. In my personal life, I did not anticipate most of the challenges and changes that I have experienced over these past two years. Yet, there have been unexpected blessings and growth too. While they do not balance out what we have lost, they matter.
In addition to the unexpected events that have occurred, the space itself feels different or maybe I am simply holding it differently. In the past, I have not been able to find peace in this space between endings and beginnings. Typically, I do one of four things: 1) try to prevent the ending with my sheer force of will (it’s exhausting and often doesn’t work), 2) submerse myself in the grief of the ending, 3) try to fast-forward my life to the next beginning (which would mean losing most of the moments of my life, always fast-forwarding to the next thing), 4) try to press pause on my life until the next beginning arrives (like fast-forwarding, this doesn’t allow me to really live my life). Hopefully, you realize that none of these options leads to thriving. Hopefully, like me, you have learned that there are more options.
Now after two years of holding the liminal space of COVID, I am tired of waiting for the next beginning—I am tired of waiting to put my roots back into the soil—I am tired of waiting to live. I am putting roots down in the muck, in this liminal space. And do you know what? It feels good. In my body, I notice that I am not feeling as rigid or tense. I notice that I do not need to “zone out” or obsess (you know the countless what-if spreadsheets in our minds). In my body, I feel a huge range of emotions from terror, to deep sadness, to anger, to despair, to excitement and wonder, to contentment and comfort. Now that I am trying to make this liminal space my home, I have found a profound sense of peace. Please note that I am “trying” to accept and enjoy my liminal space and still have setbacks where I grab for one of my old tools. Practice makes progress.
I share this with you because it is on my heart these days. I share it with you because I hope my experience can illuminate or affirm your own choices, especially when the world feels so uncertain. I share it with you because MVUUF is in a liminal space itself. My prayer for us is that we give ourselves permission to put roots down in this liminal space; to remain open, present, and hopeful as we learn to live in this new space; to play, imagine, dream and fantasize in this playground of possibility. We do not need to fast-forward or press pause until a solution presents itself. Let us live and love the questions, as Rainer Maria Rilke suggested almost 100 years ago in Letters to a Young Poet:
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves
as if they were locked rooms
or books written in a very foreign language.
Don't search for the answers,
which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it,
live your way into the answer.
I pray for your health, growth, and flourishing.
With 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:
I will be on study leave through Monday, April 4. During this time, I will only be available for pastoral care emergencies (via voicemail or text on my mobile phone).
I’ve gotten some feedback that it is difficult to remember when it is okay to reach me by text or phone calls. Please don’t feel stressed about my schedule. I will not hate you or shun you if you text or call on the wrong day. I just won’t reply unless it is a pastoral emergency.
In an effort to make my schedule easier to remember, I have simplified it to the following:
The best way to reach me is to text or call my mobile phone between 9am and 8pm on my office days: Monday-Thursday and Saturdays.
If you have a pastoral emergency on a Friday or Sunday (Sunday is my big workday and Friday is my personal Sabbath), please text me with “URGENT” as the first line.
For non-emergencies, please feel free to send me an email or text reminder if you don’t receive a reply to your message in 3 days.
You can also schedule a quick call (less than 30 minutes) or longer meeting/visit (60 minutes) with me online: calendly.com/kellieuukelly.
What I’ve Been Seeing, Reading, Listening to, and Watching:
- Washington Post
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New York Times (via Scribd)
- The Atlantic
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Dayton Daily News
- Apple News+ (I’m trying out the subscription because they have audio on some of the stories)
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Once Upon a River: A Novel by Diane Setterfield
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The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel by Diane Setterfield
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Shadow of Night: A Novel by Deborah Harkness
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A Discovery of Witches: A Novel by Deborah Harkness
- Bridgerton—Season 2, sooooooooo good! (Netflix)
- The Last Kingdom—FINAL season, boo-hoo! (Netflix)
- Call Me Kat—week by week (Hulu)
- The White Queen (Starz)
- The Spanish Princess (Starz)
- Why Women Kill—by the creator of Desperate Housewives, hard to stop watching (Paramount Plus)
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A MINUTE FOR MUSIC
It has truly been a joy to have the MVUUF Worship Choir rehearsing singing together again on Wednesday evenings at the Fellowship. It feels like, along with nature, we are slowly coming back to life. And with this new beginning, I've invited the choir members to consider possibilities for what type of choir we want to be.
Traditional choral singing, reading music and replicating the work of a composer, is what we've mostly done. (Think: singing "Messiah" at Christmas time.) A chorus is more self-expressive, informal group singing, learning by ear and incorporating movement. Circle singing is more a meditative practice, aimed at the improvisatory experience, rather than the "finished product." Or we could be intentional about learning music from other cultures and languages. All are valid ways of making music together and we don't have to choose just one. And since this is OUR choir and all are welcome to sing with us, I'd like to open this conversation to everyone. Think of the possibilities!
---Sara Davis, Director of Music
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CYRE NEWS
While trying to rebuild our CYRE program, we recently held two meetings with families asking what they wanted to get out of RE and how we could accomplish that. The decision we settled on was to offer multiple different things every month. Every month we will have one class during service, one family event, and one worship for all ages. We are asking for parent volunteers to assist in classes during the service. We will put together a sign up sheet spanning several months. Youth meetings are still being finalized and we will have more information sent out to families directly.
All events and classes will be on the MVUUF calendar for easy access.
Here is our current schedule for April:
Sunday, April 3rd---Our first prek-5th grade class
Children will start in service with us and be led out after the Story For All Ages. Please pick your child(ren) up from the founders room after service.
Sunday, April 17th---Easter Egg Hunt and Potluck after the service
Youth are invited to help hide Easter eggs during the service if they don't want to participate in finding the eggs (they can still pick out prizes!)
Sunday, April 24th---Worship For All Ages: Earth Day Service
If you have any questions or would like to set up a time to meet and talk, please email me at re@mvuuf.org.
---Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education
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CHILDREN & YOUTH
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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CYRE CALENDAR
APR
SUN 3rd PreK-5th Grade Class
SUN 17th Family Event: Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck
SUN 24th Worship For All Ages: Earth Day
MAY
SUN 1st Family Event: May Pole
SUN 15th Worship For All Ages: CYRE Service
SUN 22nd PreK-5th Grade Class
JUN
SUN 5th PreK-5th Grade Class
SUN 12th Worship For All Ages: Flower Communion
SUN 26th Family Event: Hiking
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CYRE COMMITTEE
Second Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, April 13th, 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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CAMP MEE
June 13th-17th on the grounds at MVUUF
Did you know that we'll be hosting a summer camp this June for kids, presented by Planned Parenthood? It's true! It will take place June 13th-17th, 8:00 am--5:00 PM, in the building and on the grounds of MVUUF. MEE stands for Movement, Enrichment, and Empowerment.
More info will be available soon, but make sure to check out the flyer in the pamphlet rack at MVUUF!
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ADULT
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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SCRIPTURE STUDY
Sunday Mornings, 9:00 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 9:00 AM on Zoom; you can contact John Bierman if you have any questions at johnbierman78@gmail.com.
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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DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Third Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, April 20th, 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, April 20th, 10:30 AM on Zoom: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.
Upcoming books for discussion are:
May 18th: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
June 15th: On the March: a Novel of the Women's March on Washington by Trudy Krisher
If you'd like to join them online, please click the link below:
Meeting ID: 841 6986 8518 Passcode: 734700
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DEATH CAFE
Fourth Monday Each Month
Monday, April 25th, 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; you 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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AWARENESS FOR BEGINNERS
A Workshop Presented by
Ministerial Intern Leigh Waltz
(multiplatform)
Thursdays, April 7th & 14th, 7-8:30 PM, on Zoom
From the edges of intuition to our staunch beliefs, awareness guides us, and can fail to do so, as well. How functional or realized can YOU
be? Discussion and idea-mapping will intrigue the playful curious.
We will be meeting in-person in MVUUF's Sanctuary, and you can also join us online using Zoom; to join us on Zoom, please use the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83909252822?pwd=VmU3b2p4UjZKZ0ZZUC94d0dUdTRQUT09
Meeting ID: 839 0925 2822 Passcode: 980071
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SMALL GROUPS' THEME FOR APRIL
For the month of April, our Soul Matters' theme is Awakening.
The Soul Matters' packet includes spiritual exercises, questions that encourage reflection on daily living, and 5-7 pages of recommended resources that help participants explore the monthly themes in more depth. And you DON'T have to be a member of a small group in order to download and use them!
Simply click HERE for this month's packet!
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WOMEN'S GROUP
Sunday Mornings, 9:00 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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EASTER CELEBRATION
Sunday, April 17th
We'll be celebrating Easter this spring with an Egg Hunt and a Potluck Meal! The fun follows the Worship For All Ages Service on Sunday, April 17th.
After service we'll head outside to look for eggs, so bring a basket with you that day (if you don't have one, we'll also have some available to use). Teens are invited to help hide the eggs during the service, if they'd rather not participate in searching for the eggs.
After the hunt is over, we'll enjoy a yummy potluck meal; those bringing dishes to share should also bring a card to let others know if their dish is vegan/vegetarian/etc.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at re@mvuuf.org.
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JUNE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Mark your calendars so you won't forget: our June Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, June 12th, at 12:30 PM. At this time, we are investigating if this could be our first multi-platform congregational meeting; please make sure to check the May and June newsletters as well as our Friday eBlasts for more details as we draw closer to the date.
While our congregational meetings are open to everyone, attendance at them are a privilege and a commitment of our Voting Members; all Voting Members are encouraged to attend.
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EMILY UPHAM AWARD: REQUESTING NOMINEES
The Social Action Committee invites nominations for the 2022 Emily Upham Social Justice Award. This award is given to a member of the congregation who exemplifies commitment and service for world peace and social justice, and is involved in on-going activities that support a vision of a better world.
Several past awardees have been: Rachel Feltner, Steve Steel, Kathleen Pennington, Ndidi Achebe, Gary Courts, Phil Wise, Alice Diebel.
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In your nomination, please tell us about the person and why you think they should be selected. Please send your nominations by Sunday, May 15 to Bill Ross, Social Action representative (at rossviva@hotmail.com).
If you would like to make an arrangement to nominate in some way other than email, please contact Lynn Buffington at 937-657-0426 or ABUFFLG@gmail.com. We expect the award to be presented at the June 12th congregational meeting.
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HEALTHY CONGREGATIONAL
SYSTEMS WORKSHOP (PART 2)
Saturday, April 2nd, 1-3:00 PM,
in the Sanctuary at MVUUF
The Committee on Ministry has asked MVUUF's own Barb Weber to lead a 2-part workshop on healthy congregational systems. Systems Theory is a holistic way of viewing a community and its journey, helping to keep groups on track for their long-term goals and the congregation healthy as a whole.
If you are a Board member, Program Council Rep, Nominating Committee member, Committee Chair, or a congregant interested in helping MVUUF's ministry flourish, we hope you'll be able to attend this second part of the workshop.
If you have any questions, please email us at: committee.on.ministry@mvuuf.org or connect directly with committee members Ann Snively, Alysoun Taylor-Hall,
Iris Carter, Ria Megnin, and/or Jon Bebb.
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PEACE HEROES TRAIL 2022
It’s time.
ALL payments to the
Peace Heroes Trail campaign
are due Monday, April 4th.
To ensure that all of your donation goes toward peacebuilding (without fees), send a check to:
MVUUF
Write your Peace Hero’s name on the subject line.
Or send your check electronically to MVUUF and email MVUUF administrator Jennie Freiberger to indicate your intended Peace Hero.
Another easy option is to donate through the main Charity Web site.
But fear not!
Peace Heroes efforts continue through the year, and you can play your part:
- Edit Peace Heroes cards, an educational tool for kids and families
- Plan our outdoor celebratory opening of the new “wing” of the Peace Heroes Trail
- Bring and serve taste treats for the celebration
- Thank captains, donors, and the leadership team
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Add the stories of Miami Valley Peace Heroes Trail heroes to a new section of the MVUUF website
- Create engaging peace heroes activities for kids and families
- Become a Miami Valley Peace Heroes Trail docent, leading tours and telling stories
- Serve on the 2023 leadership team
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KEEPING UP WITH PLEDGES
Did you know we are nearly three-quarters of the way through our 2021-2022 pledge year? It seems hard to believe, yet it's true.
3rd quarter pledge statements will be sent out via USPS within the first couple weeks of April; this is a great time to review your pledge, to make sure you won't be "surprised" with how much is left to pay by June 30th.
Have you realized that the pledge you made last spring may be a bit difficult to complete? It happens, especially with the extenuating financial situations our global economy has created in the past couple years. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or need some advice; I'm here to help!
You can reach me at admin@mvuuf.org or 937.436.3628, Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-3:00 PM.
---Jennie Freiberger, Fellowship Administrator
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AND SINCE WE'VE MENTIONED PLEDGES...
The 2022-2023 Pledge Drive is Coming!
Yes, it is that time of year again, our annual pledge drive will arrive soon!
We are anticipating some new things with this year’s pledge drive to hopefully simplify the process. The pledge drive team will be working out the final details and will roll them out soon. Pledges are the major source of revenue for MVUUF. It is vitally important that we know what funding to expect for our budgeting process for programs and, of course, salaries and benefits and keeping our building going.
Until then, please be thinking about your support of MVUUF. Coming out of two years of dealing with a pandemic has placed social and economic burdens on everyone. MVUUF is vital to our social and spiritual well-being; hopefully you will be able to continue your financial support in the upcoming fiscal year. It would be absolutely wonderful if you could increase your pledge so we can avoid a repeat of the “close the gap” campaign and asking for an additional withdrawal from the endowment fund. We understand that the recent inflationary situation has impacted all of us, and MVUUF is no exception. Your support is vital to the long term survival of this unique spiritual environment. Please pledge as generously as you can.
---Andy Wilson, Board President
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CONNECTING WITH MVUUF
Whether you are an “old” member, a newcomer, a long-time friend, or an occasional visitor, you are reading this because you are somehow “connected” to the Miami Valley UU Fellowship. We are glad you are here! We are trying something new to help more of us become connected to the fellowship in a meaningful way. You know we have a lot to offer, and we know you have something to offer us, but how best to find your niche? The hope is that I can help you on that journey.
Send an email to connection@mvuuf.org and it will magically appear in my email. If you put the word “connection” in the subject line, I’ll know that it is VERY important, and I’ll read it immediately. You may ask questions, tell me about yourself, include your phone number if you’d like to talk, and we will begin searching together. UUism can open your eyes and your heart and MVUUF is “where it’s at” in Dayton.
In the spirit,
Diane Colvin, Connection Coordinator
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PASTORAL CARE ASSOCIATES
The Pastoral Care Team at MVUUF is a group of lay leaders who volunteer their time to tend to the heart of our community. Led & guided by Rev. Kellie, this group reaches out to or works with individuals who reach out to the Team who are in need—for many different reasons. You can reach out to anyone on the Team at any time, and rest assured all info is kept confidential.
Mike Fanelli
fanellimike@aol.com
937.231.6359
Steve Steel
steel.steven@yahoo.com
937.304.4087
Jim Patton
fhotojim@sbcglobal.net
937.956.1097
Maury Wyckoff
mwyckoff@woh.rr.com
937.478.2993
You can also reach them at: pastoralcare@mvuuf.org
Many hands (and hearts) make light work.
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WHERE DO OUR PRINCIPLES COME FROM?
Article II Commission of the UUA
Saturday, April 9th,
11:00 AM-12:30 PM, on Zoom
Where do our Principles come from? They come from us - the member congregations of the UUA. Every 15 years, our bylaws (specifically Article II) require us to take a look at them and make sure they still reflect who we are. The UUA has formed an Article II Commission and is encouraging congregations to talk through what we "affirm and promote" in this current time. Rev. Alice Diebel will host a discussion on Article II and send your thoughts that come out of this discussion to the commission. Join us on Saturday, April 9th, from 11:00 AM--12:30 PM on Zoom.
To learn more, please click here; you can listen to video interviews and read background information. You can also respond to the survey on your own, but we are encouraged to think together as we respond!
To join us on Zoom, please use the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86074984415?pwd=Zmw0RDkwK3k1UDd3V3VNMmpFRVFmQT09
Meeting ID: 860 7498 4415 Passcode: 944192
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MIDAMERICA REGION'S 2022 ANNUAL MEETING
Start planning now to attend the MidAmerica Region's Annual Regional Assembly, taking place online on Saturday, April 30th!
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MVUUF's WORSHIP CHOIR
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM,
in the Sanctuary at MVUUF
Do you enjoy music? Do you enjoy singing with others? If so, please consider joining our Worship Choir! You can contact our Director of Music, Sara Davis, with any questions at music@mvuuf.org.
We are currently holding Choir Rehearsals in-person in the Sanctuary at MVUUF. Please plan to join us!
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PROGRAM COUNCIL
May 2nd, 7:00 PM on Zoom
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 is currently evaluating how often they need to meet throughout the year; at this time, they plan to meet in May and August, and decide the rest of the schedule at their August meeting. Their meetings are open to ALL; to join the meeting online, please use the Zoom link below:
Meeting ID: 845 4628 1330 Passcode: 395986
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CHALICE OF THE WILLOW (CUUPS)
DISCUSSION GROUP
Second Sunday Each Month
Sunday, April 10th, 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.
This 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, April 24th, 2:00 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.
The Board usually meets the third Sunday of each month; but this month, the group will meet on Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 PM.
To join the Zoom meeting, click below:
Passcode: 033710 Meeting ID: 976 9504 0775
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WELCOME SESSION
Sunday, April 24th, 12:15 PM, on Zoom following the Worship Service
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, you can simply stay on in the Zoom session for the Sunday worship (if you joined us online) or use the info below:
Meeting ID: 953 8114 7453 Passcode: 869000
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ACOUSTIC FOLK JAM SESSION
Third Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, April 19th, 7:00 PM,
multi-platform (in-person and online)
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 (socially-distanced, of course) and relax. You can join us in-person at MVUUF, or online on Zoom.
Why not plan to join us this month, on Tuesday, April 19th, at 7:00 PM?
To join us online please use the Zoom link below:
Meeting ID: 876 8968 9805 Passcode: 639360
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SERVICE & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
ANIMAL POLICY
Recently the following policy regarding service & emotional support animals was approved and added to our Policy Manual:
MVUUF( Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) allows service animals to be brought on site by people with disabilities, including those with mental disabilities or in need of emotional support. MVUUF defines service animals as those animals (usually dogs) that are individually trained to perform tasks or offer emotional support for people with disabilities.
No other animals are allowed on the fellowship property. When it is not obvious what service the animal provides, MVUUF staff or leaders may ask if the animal is a service or emotional support animal.
MVUUF expects these animals and their handlers to meet the following expectations:
- These animals remain with their handlers while on campus.
- These animals do not sit on church furniture
- These animals are harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
- These animals cannot be disruptive, including, but not limited to whining, barking, grumbling, growling, or making other noises. An exception may be if the whining is an alert, such as to notify a handler who is experiencing a panic attack or a drop in blood sugar.
- Handlers are expected to clean-up any waste left by the animal.
- If an animal does not follow these expectations, the leader of an event has the ability to ask the handler to remove the animal. Subsequently, the leader should notify the Minister and Board President of the incident. Although an event leader can initiate the removal of an animal for a single event, only the MVUUF Board may initiate a prolonged ban of an animal from MVUUF property.
We recognize that some people have allergies or aversions to animals; we will work to find a way to address this as the need arises.
This policy does not only apply to worship services but also to any on-site event (indoors or outdoors). The Program Council may make exceptions to this policy to accommodate unique events and situations.
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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.
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For the months of April, May and June, our recipient is: Miami Valley Immigration Coalition.
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In response to the Miami Valley Immigration Coalition’s call for sanctuary churches, Lower Miami Church of the Brethren in Dayton declared sanctuary in 2020 and agreed to offer housing for a family with the understanding that MVIC’s Sanctuary and Asylum Working Group would organize support for daily needs. MVUUF, which committed by congregational vote in 2017 to support those in Greater Dayton offering hospitality to migrants in need, is a founding member of this Working Group. Bob Lewis and Maureen O’Meara represent MVUUF there.
This year, the Working Group and Lower Miami decided it would serve the migrant community better to focus this offer of hospitality on asylum seekers.
Lower Miami members, Jan and Dick Futrell, stepped up to sponsor a family, often a necessary part of being able to enter the US and apply for asylum. With sponsorship, a family of four from Honduras entered under the process known as HUISHA that was created specifically for families who were previously deported without receiving any of the protections required by US immigration laws. Despite this permission, when they presented themselves at the border in August, they were detained and deported once again. Thanks to contributions to the MVIC Sanctuary/Asylum Working Group, it continues to accompany this family by sending funds to help them with housing in the very dangerous town of Tijuana, Mexico.
With the living space at Lower Miami once more available, another asylum-seeking family from Columbia who were already in the US found the Working Group. On November 1st, 2021, Luciano, Karen and their two sons moved into the church’s walkout basement. Because they are not safe in Columbia, they have applied for asylum in the US and are in the waiting period for work authorization (likely 6 months). They have quickly become an integral part of the church and MVIC communities. The boys have been welcomed into their school. Karen and Luciano are taking English classes and focusing on knowledge they need to thrive in Dayton. They are offering beginning Spanish classes to Lower Miami members and sharing delicious flan with friends and supporters. A number of MVUUF members are among those who have already supported the family by such actions as making contributions, providing furniture or supplies, giving rides, and buying flan. Contributions are also needed to help the family pay substantial legal fees they are incurring while seeking asylum.
If you would like to know more about sponsoring asylum seeking individuals or families or other ways in which you can join the Working Group in of this work of welcoming the stranger, contact MVIC Sanctuary/Asylum Working Group leader Jan Futrell (peacepathsteps@gmail.com , 859-358-8152) or members Maureen O’Meara or Bob Lewis.
Lower Miami Church of the Brethren, MVUUF, and the Sanctuary/Asylum Working Group are all part of the MVIC, a coalition that connects all who are working for immigrant justice in the Greater Dayton area. MVUUF members Lynn Buffington and Bob Lewis serve on the Leadership Team of the Coalition. You can check out the Coalition on the website www.mvicdayton.org and join its Facebook group (financial contributions can be also made on that website).
---Maureen O'Meara
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WEST DAYTON ACTION GROUP
First Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, April 5th, 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, April 5th, at 6:30 PM.
You can find out more by contacting
Bob Lewis at bobslewis@hotmail.com.
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TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE GROUP
Second Thursday Each Month
Thursday, April 14th, 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, April 18th, 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, April 28th, 7:00 PM
A Black Lives Matter Perspective
on Allyship: with Special Guest
Yolanda Simpson
This month we'll have a special guest joining us: Yolanda Simpson, who's been a member of BLM Miami Valley since 2014, and an advocate for activist groups in our area.
Anti-Racism Ally Co-Leader, Kristen Beireis, will ask Yolanda questions about allyship as it relates to community and activism. Attendees will be able to ask questions and there will be open discussion of one or two reflection questions as time allows.
We will also be talking about the 8thPrinciple and allyship: Our 8th Principle calls us to take "actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions." Whether you are taking action in the community or in 1:1 relationships, doing the work in allyship is an important part of this work.
To join us on Zoom, please use the link below:
Meeting ID: 810 0062 5437 Passcode: 306008
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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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