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UUCGT FLASH
3-9-23
REMEMBER TO "SPRING FORWARD" THIS SUNDAY!
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IN THIS FLASH:
This Week’s Service IN PERSON at UUCGT - and ONLINE!
TIME: Sunday, March 12 at 10:30 AM
Led by the Rev. Alex Jensen
“Winning Auction Sermon: Addiction From Both Sides”
What are the effects of addiction on an individual? And what about on their family members and friends? In this service, we vulnerably explore the area and science of addiction, as well as how we might see things from a different perspective.
(FOR THIS SUNDAY SERVICE - CHILDREN WILL GO DIRECTLY TO R.E.)
Please find the complete Order of Service HERE.
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If you’re joining us online, attend with YouTube by clicking here.
- If you are attending in person, please feel free to join us following the service for a time of community and fellowship in our Social Hall!
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Please submit Joys & Concerns before 9 AM on Sundays with the online form at: https://forms.gle/k1L7NynkwpamWynx7 or at UUCGT in the book in the Sanctuary.
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To view past Sermons - visit our website: UUCGT.org | | | |
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WINTER SUNDAY SERVICE CANCELATIONS & BUILDING CLOSURES
Please be on the lookout for an emergency e-blast about possible closures and alternate plans for worship. We will also announce closures on our website and social media pages.
Please be vigilant and stay tuned!
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A friendly reminder that it is cold and flu season, not to mention Covid season still - so we encourage you to stay home if you're feeling sick, and to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable that way! | |
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Staffing Update
Your Staff Resources Committee (SRC) has just learned of some big personnel transitions this week. Below you will read resignation letters from our Music Director Renée Russell and our Director of Religious Education Betsie Hammerberg. Their decisions have been made over time, with regret, but also with courage. Read their letters below:
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My dear UUCGT community, it is with deep sadness and regret that I must tender my resignation as the Music Director of UUCGT. This position has been incredibly rewarding and you and the congregation have supported me through one of the most difficult times of my life. I am afraid that my health has continued to decline and at this time I must give what energy I have towards pursuing what medical assistance is available to me. In the spirit of honoring the Soul Matters theme of “vulnerability”, I’ll tell you that this decision breaks my heart but has been a long time in coming. I have tried over the last year to make the position work within my available energy as much as possible but, alas, it still has not been enough. I have been terribly nervous about letting you all down. But I can see that I serve no one by delaying what needs to be done.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for the support you have offered me over this journey of the last three and a half years. What a ride we have all been on together. Your resilience and willingness to hang on during the awkward transitions to online services and virtual choirs and then back to live services with new technology has been awe-inspiring. I feel as if the music program is finally alive and thriving again after the challenges during the pandemic and I am certain you will find the right Music Director to take the renewed energy to even greater heights.
My last day of work will be April 1st, but I will remain available to help transition in the new Music Director as needed. The Music Committee is active and available to continue moving new ideas forward. There is much to look forward to.
It is my hope to join as a congregant in the future as my health allows. I consider UUCGT my spiritual home. I have created deep roots here and am so moved by all that you do for one another and our community. Thank you, with all my heart, for the wonderful opportunity you provided me, to learn and grow with this wonderful congregation. I look forward to where we will grow next.
With deep gratitude,
Renée Russell
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After months of contemplation, I have made the difficult decision to resign my position as Director of Religious Education. My personal and professional commitments have made it so that I no longer have the time and energy to lead the Religious Education program at the level which our children deserve. My last Sunday as DRE will be June 11. I'm not going anywhere, though - my family and I will continue to be active members of UUCGT!
Serving this congregation has been an incredible honor and joy. I am grateful for your guidance, wisdom, support, and encouragement.
Love,
Betsie Hammerberg
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Please know that the SRC and Rev. Alex are fully prepared to move ahead with the process of refining job descriptions, posting the positions, and discovering new staff who will continue the important work of moving us ever forward with love at UUCGT. We must all harness the positive energy in this community, continue to emphasize our growth and abundance, and know that we will manage these transitions successfully. We will hold a celebratory lunch after the service on Sunday, June 11th to celebrate their time with us and say our goodbyes - please join us!
From your SRC,
Co-chairs Pam Hendrick and Dusty Culton, Kim Gribi, Chris Walter, and Rev. Alex Jensen, ex-officio
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Join The SALT Coalition and other spiritual leaders and activists in our area for this training on building relational power for the sake of change - please find details below! | |
Looking ahead, Congregation Beth Shalom and UUCGT welcome you to join us for our Yom HaShoah service this year on Sunday, April 16th at 10:30 AM: | |
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The food collected in the month of February has been donated to 2 local food pantries. One is the Courtade Elementary School Blessings Barn and the other is Grace Episcopal Food Pantry.
The red collection boxes are located in the Front foyer. Grab a can of something to donate when you come to service each Sunday. When grocery shopping, grab something on sale to donate.
Let's help make sure no-one goes hungry.
Chris Lautz
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Introducing Rev. Wendy
Our New Community Minister for Social Justice - and meet her at this Sunday's Service!
| UUCGT's Board of Trustees voted to affiliate the Rev. Dr. Wendy von Courter in the February Board Meeting. What is a Community Minister? In short, a Community Minister is an affiliated UU Minister with a UU Congregation whose ministry is primarily outside of the walls of the congregation. The Community Minister and Parish Minister also work together to align their ministries in support of the congregation and the wider community. Community Ministers are common in many UU Congregations. Read more about Rev. Wendy HERE: | |
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Community Coffee Hours TODAY!
Want to hang out or visit with some of your friends from UUCGT over some tea, coffee or sweet treats? Have a burning question or two for Rev. Alex? Grab a cup, pull up a chair, and come hang!
When: Thursday, March 9th from 3 to 4:30 PM
Where: Grand Traverse Pie Company at 525 W. Front Street (next to Burritt's Fresh Markets)
Drop in for as little or as long as you'd like - friends and acquaintances welcome!
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ARICA WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE THIS MONDAY AND TUESDAY (3/13 & 14)
PLEASE CALL HER FOR ANYTHING URGENT - THANK YOU!
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REMINDERS AND PRIOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interested in Getting More Involved at UUCGT? Click HERE to find out how!
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Sunday Service Greeters Needed: Please sign up on the sheets on bulletin board outside the office.
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Vocal Ensemble: Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 6:30pm. All voices/experience levels welcome!
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Zen Buddhist Meditation/Study: Tuesdays, 6-8 PM in Yellow Classroom/Zoom. Contact Anne Hughes for details.
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT POTLUCK: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month at UUCGT! Contact Chris Lautz for details
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Soul & Creativity Matters Small Groups: Great opportunities for engagement and creation! Contact Kat Norman to get involved.
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WE ARE HIRING for a SEXTON: Please click HERE for details!
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Sign Up to Represent UUCGT!
UUCGT is tabling at Polestar's Community Resource Fair at the Traverse Area District Library (610 Woodmere Ave.) on Saturday, March 11th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Please sign up here to represent UUCGT and share about our community and our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Please reach out to Rev. Alex if you're interested in helping with logistics and setting up for this event!
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THE EVENT BELOW HAS BEEN CANCELED BY EMMY LOU - NO COURT DECISION HAS YET BEEN MADE - THANK YOU!
Texas court is expected to BAN the use of the oral abortion pill, which will set the precedent for other states to follow. Planned Parenthood has organized a mailing to go out locally to all those who might need it.
Please join me to help their efforts at
UUCGT from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, March 11th
to prepare and get out the mailers. Watch for sudden announcement as we learn the Court’s decision.
Thank you! - Emmy Lou
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In order to keep Committee Lists current, please email ALL updates to Arica Eshelman at office@uucgt.org AND Chris Lautz at chrislautz7777@gmail.com when Committee members and/or Chairs change - thanks! | | | |
THE CALENDAR
The UUCGT calendar for the week may be viewed on our website at https://uucgt.org/21861-2/
| Again, please double-check if meetings are happening in person, online, or both; when in doubt please make sure the office knows your status. If you notice something is missing or in the wrong place on our calendar, please let the office know! | | | |
PLEASE NOTE: The Staff meet every Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. The office will always be closed during this time. | | | |
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THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION
OF GRAND TRAVERSE
6726 Center Road
Traverse City MI 49683
231-947-3117
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