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Weekly Communicator
February 17, 2022
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Like stained glass, broken and beautiful some journeys break us but when mended we are more beautiful than before. Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, Lay Minister, Alberita Johnson and Worship Associate, Leslie Gatto invite you on a Journey to Widen the Circle of Love. | |
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Ministerial Search Committee
Beloved Community,
We, the Board of Trustees, want to express our support and gratitude for the hard work the Ministerial Search Committee has been doing and will continue to do for our Congregation. At our February Board Meeting, we spent the majority of the meeting hearing from the Search Committee about their recommendation and the rationale behind it. We are confident that these are the right people for this very tough work and that they represent a diverse swath of our community. Together, we would like to invite you to Zoom sessions where we can all listen, discuss, learn, grow, and agree to the next steps going forward. Please ensure you attend at least one of them because we want a mutual decision, and we can't have it if we don't all participate in the process of learning about what would be more beneficial to our community.
Sunday. 2/20 from 3-4 p.m.
https://zoom.us/j/91569278419
Monday. 2/21 from 7-8 p.m.
https://zoom.us/j/95935784971
Tuesday. 2/22 from 4-5 p.m.
https://zoom.us/j/93018935772
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Dear UUCFM Congregation,
We are pleased to report that Lee County’s COVID risk level has begun to improve. We’re now at “very high” risk; see the CovidActNow website.
The Board of Trustees has determined that we will return to worship services in our Sanctuary two weeks after Lee County reaches the “high” risk level, while maintaining our Zoom broadcast for those who aren’t able to join in-person. Watch the Weekly Communicator for the announcement of the date we’ll be back together.
Other gatherings on campus may continue in cautious compliance with our re-opening guidance, found by clicking here.
As always, reach out to me with any questions at UUCFMPresident@UUCFM.org or 239-222-9406.
Yours in Growth,
Lane Cook
President, UUCFM Board of Trustees
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Please send all newsletter articles by
12pm Wednesday for publication in Thursday's newsletter.
Send articles to newsletter@uucfm.org
**Please do not send requests to the office manager email**
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Starting Point
Come, come whoever you are,
Wonderer, wanderer, lover of leaving,
Ours is no caravan of despair,
Come yet again come
You are invited to "Starting Point" Journey Group
a four week curriculum for new members and those curious about Unitarian Universalism, and for not so new members who would enjoy a refresher and accompany our new members on this journey.
Four Sessions: Beginning Feb. 20, 2022 through March 13, 2022. Sundays, at 2:00PM in Hobart Hall. Please wear a mask, and social distance.
Week One: Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
Week Two: The Unitarian Universalist Journey & The Journey of our Church/Congregation
Week Three: Our Journey Together: The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism, Part One
Week Four: The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism, Part Two & Finding Your Journey Group
For more information please contact
Marge Gonzalez: margaretgonzalez@me.com
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OUR GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN FINALE
LET’S PARTY ON THE 27TH!
Join us Sunday, February 27 in the screen room at noon for a CELEBRATION. The Stewardship Committee again offers an ICE CREAM SOCIAL and a time to honor our past, celebrate our Generosity, and look to the future. We promise a short program, friends, beverages and ice cream! The program will begin at 1 pm so come when you can. If you wish to picnic, please bring your own bag lunch.
- Talk to members of the Board and Search Committee.
- Find out who won the MACC tickets in the lottery for early pledgers.
- Enjoy our campus, as we look forward to being able to be together again.
FEBRUARY 20 IS THE LAST DAY OF OUR Generosity Campaign. If you have been putting it off, please make your pledge now. It is easy to do at https://uulead.org/fairshare/. Call the UUCFM office if you need assistance in making a pledge. The Finance Committee and the Board need to know where we stand in order to craft a budget for the coming fiscal year (beginning April 1).
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE ALREADY MADE YOUR PLEDGES TO UUCFM!
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Ministry of Earth - Events Bulletin
February 18 - RESET Conversation about soil management.
February 19 - Guardians of the Gardens, Work-Party at UUCFM Memorial Garden, 9-11am. All Welcome!
February 24 - Conversation with Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe on how oil drilling threatens Big Cypress National Preserve.
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Carole Latino, Volunteer of the Month: Feb. 2022
Carole is currently the Co-chair of both Membership and Social Justice Committees, and serving on the 60th Anniversary Committee.
She is a lifetime ally to the oppressed, specifically African American and the LGBTQ+ communities. She has marched in just about every MLK Jr. celebration honoring Dr. King since becoming a member, and transported members to the beginning of the parade so they could march.
Carole is earth centered and has led and participated in many CUUPS events and rituals, where she shares her gift of music while playing her native American flute and she is frequently the fire keeper. She has been the treasurer for CUUPS for several years.
Carole is a song bird at heart and loves singing. She has served as the VP of the SWFL Gay and Lesbian Chorus, now know as Voices of SWFL one of our expected Community Sharing Partners, and she plans to sing with our choir once again when we can safely.
Carole has shared of love of singing with UUCFM, as a tenor/alto and in the acapella group, Womyn Singing in Sacred Circle, where they have shared their gifts with us here at UUCFM, and with SingfestFL a Womyn's only event sponsored by CUUPS. Carole celebrated her 11th year of membership and service with UUCFM, Feb. 15, 2022. Thank you Carole for your service to our community.
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It’s Budget Time Again!
The Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees will soon begin to develop a proposed budget for the next fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2022. This budget will be voted on by the Congregation at the annual meeting at the end of March. In the meantime, we welcome your input. Please send any items you would like to propose for inclusion in the budget to treasurer@uucfm.org by February 25.
Thanks!
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The Bill Brewer Family Gardens | |
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UPDATE
The gardens will be holding a Work Day on February 27th, beginning at 9am. We will be working with the Cub Scouts on sprucing up, weeding and planting. Simple refreshments will be served. Anyone in the congregation is invited to attend. Come and see how the gardens are growing! And maybe enjoy some samples!
Interested in a bed for yourself? Contact. Bonnie Jean, familygardens@uucfm.org.
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LIFE for Justice!
This year Lee Interfaith for Empowerment continues its push for much needed affordable housing in Fort Myers. There are two upcoming events to which you are invited: the annual rally is March 1 at 7:00 PM and the annual Nehemiah Action, March 15 at 7:00 PM. Both will be at Mount Hermon, 2856 Douglas St. These events will also be streamed online. When it comes to social justice, the various denominations of our area are united, and there is strength in numbers. Justice for LIFE!
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Community Sharing in February: Pachamama of SW Florida
The Pachamama Alliance of SW Florida was formed in October 2016 after a group of local leaders took the Game Changer Intensive.
Their intention is to work with the people in Southwest Florida who are beginning to live in a new dream— one that fosters environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Their three-fold mission is to collaborate with and support existing Game-Changing movements; Originate programs and facilitate trainings designed to enlighten, energize, and empower pro-activists, and integrate the wisdom of and promote the participation of indigenous peoples to strengthen our collective transformation.
More info can be found at https://connect.pachamama.org/group/87/about
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On February 21, we'll discuss Ch. 2 & 3 of Invisible Women: Data Biased in a World Designed for Men by C.C. Perez. | | | |
60th Anniversary Pave the Way Fundraiser Update | An anonymous donor has put us over 80 bricks sold with "Be Kind & Play Nice" for Bill Petrarca. They are loving reminders for who we are, and who we have been. Do consider adding your names and thoughts. | | | |
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Help wanted!
The Membership Committee is looking for one person from each committee to help out with the upcoming 60th anniversary party. Please contact Carole Latino at carolelatino@gmail.com if you can help.
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60 Years - Standing Strong
Writing is underway for our 60th anniversary play, "60 Years - Standing Strong". It's been 60 years since June 20, 1961 when UUCFM received its Charter from the UUA. Reflection interviews are being collected by Hank Nash and Margaret Ramus. The more ideas and reflections the better. We are building on the 40th Anniversary Play produced in 2002. To be part of this effort, contact 60th Play Coordinator, Suzanne Ziemer, suzanneziemer@gmail.com, 239-463-9020.
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The MACC
The Music and Arts Community Center
2021 - 2022
Season Tickets
The GCS comprises the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and the Music & Arts Community Center (MACC). This year over 100 programs will be offered that present the best in classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film and musical theater.
Ticket prices range from $24 - $44
As you know, there's not a bad seat in the house!
Tickets and seat choice can be purchased online or at the door.
For more info visit
gulfcoastsymphony.org
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