The Forum 
monthly Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2021
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DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH 2021 FORUM
If you'd like to have an announcement published in the March 2021 edition of The Forum, please make sure to send your info to the Editor, Jennie Freiberger, at admin@mvuuf.org by Tuesday, February 23rd.
We'd love to read what you have to offer!
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).
OUR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
Please join us on Zoom!

Sundays at 11:00 AM
(Tech assistance available from 10:30 - 11 AM)

Join us online with this link:

(no passcode required)

Please note the following:
1. This service 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).
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)
STAFF NOTES
MESSAGE FROM REV. KELLIE
My Dear Ones,
 
As we have done in the past, we’re sharing my letter from our semiannual congregational meeting in January.
 
I admit that I am a wee bit saddened that we have to skip or delay my 3rd Annual Valentine’s Open House due to the Pandemic. Ivers and I are consoling ourselves with plans for the event next year. So mark your February 2022 calendars for chocolate and delectable Haitian foods at Rev. Kellie’s house!
 
In addition, I’ve included information about scheduling appointments with me using my new online scheduler:  calendly.com/kellieuukelly (email and text are fine if online scheduling seems intimidating—no worries). I also have listed a week of study leave at the end of the month. Last but not least, I include what I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching.
 
I continue to hold you all in my heart and pray for your health, safety, and happiness.
 
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, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
  • You can also schedule a quick call (15 minutes) or longer meeting/visit via Zoom or phone (60 minutes) with me online: calendly.com/kellieuukelly
  • Please do not call or text me on other days unless you are experiencing a pastoral emergency: Sunday is "Church," Tuesday is my study day (worship prep), and Friday is my Sabbath. On these days, email is a great alternative.
  • I will be on Study Leave February 22 through through February 28. Please do not call or text me during my study leave unless you are experiencing a pastoral emergency. As always, email is fine while I am “away.”
 
What I’ve Been Reading, Listening To, and Watching:
  • Washington Post
  • New York Times
  • Dayton Daily News
  • Widening the Circle of Concern: Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change
  • Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Karin Lin and Nancy Palmer Jones
(This year’s Congregational Read continues Saturday, February
13th; discussing Chapters 1 and 2)
  • The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir by Samantha Power
  • Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
  • Enola Holmes (Netflix)
  • The Prom (Netflix)
  • Dickenson (Apple +)
  • Bridgerton (Netflix)
  • Fate: The Winx Saga (Netflix)
  • Last Tango in Halifax (Netflix and PBS)
  • Disenchantment (Netflix)
  • Vikings (Amazon Prime and History Channel)

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

My Dear Ones,

As we mark the much-anticipated end to 2020 worldwide due to the staggering death count and devastating economic losses from the COVID-19 Pandemic, we—as a congregation—mark the midpoint of our third year of shared ministry together and I welcome my fourth Board and Program Council to partner with in our congregation’s leadership.
 
In our first year together, I sought to stabilize the congregation after the tumult that followed Rev. Greg’s unexpected death. My second priority was to get to know you all and learn your congregational culture, meeting with as many groups and committees as possible. We did all of that that and much more, hehe. In our second year together, we sought to explore and define our shared ministry as a way of strengthening our congregational mission and vision. Then a week after our new leadership took office, we learned of the COVID-19 Pandemic and made the heartbreaking decision to suspend in-person gathering through the first week of May 2020 (which now has been extended through June 2021). As the old Yiddish proverb reminds us, “We plan, God laughs.”
 
And yet, here we are—over 10 months since the our initial decision—still gathering virtually, still welcoming visitors; still getting to know new members; still laughing and crying together; still working to make our congregation, our local area, and our world more just and equitable. January 2021 marks. Here we are.
 
COVID-19 MINISTRY:
We continue to meet via Zoom, which provides both online access and phone access. With this continued experience, we have watched our participant numbers increase at the beginning of the pandemic, decrease during the summer with the opportunities to escape Cabin Fever, and return to pre-summer levels in the fall. From conversations with my colleagues, it appears that we’re experiencing the same participation patterns as our sibling UU congregations. However, I have learned that many of our smaller congregations are not offering any worship of programming. This makes me even more grateful that we were able to adjust quickly and effectively. Hip, Hip, Hooray for us (seriously!)!
 
In Sunday morning services, we’ve become more daring and adventurous with the support of a fantastic Sunday Services Production team. Following on the success of our virtual Flower Communion, we held a virtual Water Communion service for Ingathering, a Program Fair with over 30 groups talking with interested folx in Zoom breakout rooms, our first Animal Blessing, a Thanksgiving Worship for All Ages multigenerational service based on the Stone Soup folktale, our beloved Wassail service, a New Member Recognition service with 11 new members, a Child Dedication service for three of our children, a candlelight Christmas Eve service, and a Hot Cocoa Communion multigenerational service at New Year’s to replace our annual Fire Communion service.
 
Our newer offering of Worship for the Weary on Thursday nights has continued successfully, with some congregants using it as an on-demand spiritual resource via our Facebook recordings. We also expanded the normal 30-minute format for two special services the day after the presidential election and in December for the Winter holidays.
 
In addition to our expanded weekly worship services and our existing meetings and groups, we’ve added new virtual activities like Hamilton watch parties, Social Action film series, various Service Auction events, and a reader’s theatre production of A Christmas Carol. Now we have staff, groups, committees, and congregants planning fun activities on Zoom for the whole congregation. If you have an idea, please let me or our Fellowship Administrator, Jennie Freiberger, know and we’ll connect you to people who can help. Remember, “church” feeds us in many ways—fellowship and community-building matter!
 
NEW PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES:
As I hope you can tell from my COVID-19 section, we are starting to expand our offerings and focus forward again on defining our long-term goals, mission, and vision. Now that we have adjusted to the new normal—virtual everything, uncertain everything—we can live again.
 
One of the learnings that came out of our Dreaming Together sessions in late 2019 and early 2020 is that the congregation is very interested in offering more adult religious education. In light of this interest, we are offering two new classes or programs this year: Long Strange Trip - UU History Redux (a 6-part video and discussion series) and Our Sources (6 months exploring our 6 sacred Sources). As with previous years, we are also starting our new Congregational Read: Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin. My Congregational Reads are intended to provide a learning path for the deep soul work of transformation that Unitarian Universalism calls us to do: personal, interpersonal, organizational, cultural, and societal.
 
With the Board and outside support, we will be leading work around the 8th Principle, which the Board adopted last summer. The 8th Principle is the following: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. Our work is especially timely as the UUA is conducting their 15-year review of our Principles and Sources. If you have specific questions or would just like to learn more, please go to their website first: https://www.8thprincipleuu.org If you still have questions and/or would like to help lead the congregation’s work around the 8th Principle, please email me at minister@mvuuf.org.
 
Despite the continued torment of the pandemic and our country’s death hold on white supremacy, I remain excited to love you all and to be loved by you; I remain excited to learn and grow with you; I remain grateful that physical distance cannot separate us; I remain grateful that we will continue to work to make the world a place where every human being can thrive.
 
With MUCH gratitude and love,
Rev. Kellie
A MINUTE FOR MUSIC
We are human beings, not human doings.

Of the many wisdoms Rev. Kellie has shared with us during the pandemic, this is the one I most need to keep re-learning. Last Spring, when we first discussed continuing Choir and Acoustic Folk Jam remotely via Zoom, I was reluctant. I resisted the idea because you can’t really make music together without hearing each other simultaneously. But I am continuing to understand---it isn’t the “doing” or even the result that matters most. Like when friends meet for coffee or play a pick-up game of hoops, the activity is simply the means for “being” together.

I have personally felt supported and connected and grateful every time I get to gather with friends in our musical groups on Zoom. And I continue to learn that the product of our efforts, the music performance, is not really the goal. It’s just the endeavor that facilitates our being together.
---Sara Davis, Director of Music


CYRE NEWS
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
At this point in time I think we're really all missing our brick and mortar fellowship, at least a little bit. I know I definitely am. For some of us, we haven't seen the inside of our community space in almost a year. I know I'm looking forward to a time when we can be in the building again and be together. 

So since for valentines day this year we can't be in person together, we are thinking at least our stuffed animals can be! For the first time ever we are going to offer a stuffed animal sleepover at our fellowship. 
What is a stuffed animal sleepover you ask? 
Well, we have set up a registration for your stuffed animals. You'll really have to decide which one you can handle being away from for a whole week! Drop off for your stuffed animals will be February 9th, the time will be decided at a later date. And then on Friday through Sunday be on the lookout for pictures of the stuffed animal sleepover in progress! We welcome any and all to participate with us! No stuffed animal is too old or too young. HERE is the link for registration.

PreK-5th Update 
As we all know, this year has been a year of change. We have had to learn new ways to adapt and roll with whatever the universe throws at us. RE at MVUUF is no exception. We’ve tried many different things so far since covid hit. The RE committee is still actively working to create the best program we can in this new setting. Feedback from parents has inspired us to change things up again. For our PreK-5th grade class we are moving to a new schedule. We would love to offer something for everyone. 
Our new schedule will consist of three different meetings a month, one art/craft Sunday, one game Sunday, and one class Sunday where we’ll be following a new curriculum called CartUUns. We will send out the schedule for the entire month, a month before, along with a supply list for each class. If obtaining these supplies will be a financial burden MVUUF would be happy to help you get these supplies but we do ask that the supplies be picked up at the fellowship, please contact me at re@mvuuf.org.

The schedule will change monthly based on when our WFAA(Worship For All Ages) service is. They will go in order as far as Sundays that we meet for RE. So for the first Sunday we meet we will play games, the second Sunday we meet we will do an art/craft project, and the third Sunday we meet we will do CartUUns. Since the WFAA won’t be on the same week every month, the schedule will change a little each month. 

Here are some brief description of what each Sunday will be like:

Game Sunday
Description---Who doesn’t love games?! I know we do in the prek-5th grade class. So we’re dedicating one whole Sunday class a month to just some plain fun and games. It will be a great way for us all to stay connected and build community together.

Art/Craft
Description- It’s so important for us to get a little creative every now and then. So one Sunday a month we’re going to do that together and create an art/craft project together. We’ll be creating something that will help us connect to our faith and each other in new ways. 

CartUUns
Description---In our new CartUUns class we will be watching animated shorts together so we can then use the videos to facilitate discussions as Unitarian Universalists around our ethics, values and feelings. These videos are short in length which will allow all children to see the animation in its entirety, grounding the discussion in a shared experience. 

WFAA/ No Class
Description---It can be overwhelming to have to participate in two different things on Sunday. So any time we have a Worship for all ages service, we’re going to skip prek-5th grade class. You can use that time to play some games, read some books, or just hang out (and have some things to share for check in next time we meet!) 
February Schedule and Supply List

Sunday, February 7th- Games (Multiplayer Jigsaw puzzle)
No supplies needed
Sunday, February 14th- Art/Craft (Making Valentines, adult supervision may be necessary)
Supply List: 
Paper
Scissors (with parental okay/supervision)
Markers/crayons/colored pencils
Anything else you might need to make valentines!

Sunday, February 21st- No Class/WFAA

Sunday, February 28th- CartUUns (Your Friend the rat)
No supplies needed

Youth Update
The middle school and high school groups will continue meeting , they have been meeting on alternating Sundays for conversation and games. The middle school group meets the second and third Sunday of the month and the high school group meets the first and second Sunday of the month, regardless of if there is a WFAA service that day. Right now, in this time, it is most important for them to be able to build community and strengthen their connections with each other. You can find the zoom link in our weekly eblast or on our parents Facebook page. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to email me at re@mvuuf.org, or you can call or text my cell phone Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
---Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education 
CHILDREN & YOUTH
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
CYRE COMMITTEE
Second Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, February 10th, 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
WEEKLY CLASSES
CYRE classes usually do not meet on Sundays when we offer a Worship for All Ages multigenerational worship service(designed for preschool-aged children and older). Confirm directly with our Director of Religious Education, Somaya Bernard, re@ mvuuf.org.

Preschool-5th Grade Religious Education
Sunday afternoons, 1:00 PM

Meeting ID: 747 369 526 Passcode: 149172

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
ADULT
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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, and are currently discussing The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson. You can contact John Bierman if you have any questions at john_bierman@att.net or 937-438-0211.

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
NEW! ADULT RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION NIGHT & CLASS
Second Monday Each Month
Monday, February 8th, 7:00 PM
While we talk a lot about our 7 Principles, our 6 Sources are not named as often. Can you list them? Don’t worry— there will be no quiz at any time during our class, hehe. How about this quiz question (I know, I know— I said that we wouldn’t have a quiz): how long have we had our current Sources? Once again, the answer is a part of our religious movement’s framework that many Unitarian Universalists do not know or even consider. 

Because we believe in the progress of human understanding, the practice of democratic governance, and the continued unfolding of Truth, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) bylaws require that we review our Principles, Purposes, and Sources every 15 years and revise or reaffirm them at General Assembly. If you would like to learn more about this process (we’re 6 months into a review right now) and its history, read the Article II Study Commission’s first blog (dated November 23rd, 2020), What Brings Us Together.

Please join Rev. Kellie and Lifespan Religious Education Rep., René Hick, as they explore each of our current 6 Sources. No prep work or homework will be assigned (Rev. Kellie’s favorite type of class). While we would love for you to be able to attend all 6 monthly classes, there also is no attendance policy (attend as often as you like/can).  The February meeting will take place on Monday, February 8th, 7:00 PM.

To join us on Zoom use the info below:

Meeting ID: 824 1035 5529 Passcode: 945147

LONG STRANGE TRIP:
UU HISTORY REDUX
Second Saturday Each Month
February 13th 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Are you a history geek? Maybe you’re
a story lover? Maybe you just want to learn Unitarian Universalism history? Or maybe you want to revisit the UU history you learned through an anti-racism and anti-oppression lens?

If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, please join Rev. Kellie and Lifespan Religious Education Rep., René Hick, as they share Ron Cordes’ 6-part UU history film series, Long Strange Trip. Sessions will be monthly on the second Saturday, January through June.

We will watch each film together for the first half of the 2-hour session (each film is aprox. 60 minutes). During the second half, Rev. Kellie will start our group discussion by providing an anti-oppression perspective, adding context and additional histories.


No prep work or homework will be assigned (Rev. Kellie’s favorite type of class). While we would love for you to be able to attend all 6 monthly classes, there also is no attendance policy (attend as often as you like/can). The February class will meet on Saturday, February 13th, 10:00 AM.

To join us on Zoom please use the info below:

Meeting ID: 880 0486 8864 Passcode: 977790
CONGREGATIONAL READ
Third Saturday Each Month
Saturday, February 20th 10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Join Rev. Kellie for her THIRD Congregational Read, Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin. The UUA Bookstore states that the book, “Shares how five diverse congregations encounter frustrations and disappointments, as well as hope and wonder, once they commit to the journey to create multicultural, antiracist Beloved Community.” 

Rev. Kellie’s Congregational Reads provide a learning path for or the deep soul work of transformation: personal, interpersonal, organizational, cultural, and societal. In her first year, Rev. Kellie shared White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and, in her second year, Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry, written by Unitarian Universalist religious professionals and edited by Rev. Mitra Rahnema. After we complete this year’s read, Mistakes and Miracles, Rev. Kellie will lead us through one of the most important reports issued by the Unitarian Universalist Association, Widening the Circle of Concern: The Commission on Institutional Change’s 2020 Report

Regardless of whether you have read all of the previous Congregational Reads with Rev. Kellie or you are new to Unitarian Universalism— regardless of whether you are committed to antiracism and anti-oppression justice or you want to grow your mind, heart, and soul— regardless of whether you can attend all 8 monthly sessions or only a few, please join Rev. Kellie on Saturday, January 16th at 10:30 AM on Zoom. We will be discussing the Foreword, Introduction, and Words about Language.

Kindle version available at Amazon and print version available at the UUA Bookstore. If the purchase cost would make it difficult to participate, please email Rev. Kellie directly to arrange the best way to get a copy to you at no cost (minister@mvuuf.org). In February the group will meet on Saturday, February 20th, 10:30 AM.

To join us on Zoom please use the info below:

Meeting ID: 847 5921 6947 Passcode: 773098
DAYTIME BOOK CLUB
Third Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday, February 17th, 10:30 AM
Our Daytime Book Club continues to meet monthly to discuss a featured book; this month, they'll be gathering at 10:30 AM(on Zoom) on Wednesday, February 17th to discuss The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz.

Next month's selection:
March 17th: All Adults Here: A Novel
by Emma Straub

If you'd like to join them online, please click the link below:

Passcode: 284687 Meeting ID: 814 1095 6674
DEATH CAFE
Fourth Monday Each Month
Monday, February 22nd, 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; this month, they'll meet on Monday, February 22nd. 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
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
SOUL MATTERS' THEME FOR FEBRUARY
For the month of February, our Soul Matters' theme is Beloved Community.

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.

Simply click HERE for this month's packet!
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
DA' GROUP
Second Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, January 12th, 6:30 PM
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.

Contact Ndidi Achebe for Zoom access info at nachebepublic@gmail.com.
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.
AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP
MVUUF's WORSHIP CHOIR
Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
Did you know that our Worship Choir continues to meet--on Zoom--and participates in our Worship Services? Their love of singing won't let the pandemic stop them!

They "gather" on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM, and you are always welcome to join them. You can contact our Director of Music, Sara Davis, with any questions, and join rehearsals online by clicking the link below:

Meeting ID: 149 540 739 Passcode: 115053
PROGRAM COUNCIL
First Monday Each Month
Monday, February 1st, 6:30 PM
The PC will meet next on Monday, February 1st, 6:30 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 meets once a month, usually on the first Monday, and their meetings are open to ALL. The January meeting was cancelled and the PC will meet again Monday, February 1, at 6:30 PM (on Zoom).

To join the meeting online, click below

Passcode: 395986 Meeting ID: 845 4628 1330
FINANCE COMMITTEE
First Wednesday Each Month
Wednesday,
February 3rd, 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 Jim Patton, our Treasurer.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 844 3664 8371 Passcode: 495242
CHALICE OF THE WILLOW (CUUPS)
DISCUSSION GROUP
Second Sunday Each Month
Sunday, February 14th, 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.

You can find out more by contacting Tina Porter at ladyosun@yahoo.com. This month the group will gather on Sunday, February 14, 12:30 PM; you can join the discussion online by clicking the link below:

Meeting ID: 860 0484 4655 Passcode: 757543
BOARD MEETING
Third Saturday Each Month
Saturday, February 20th, 1:30 PM
Our monthly Board Meetings are usually held on the third Saturday of each month. 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, February 20th, 1:30 PM.

To join the Zoom meeting, click below

Passcode: 033710 Meeting ID: 976 9504 0775
WELCOME SESSION
Third Sunday Each Month
Sunday, February 21st, 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 on the third Sunday of each month, hosted by our Membership Rep., Lathe Snyder, and our minister, Rev. Kellie, where you'll have the opportunity to find out more about our Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism. Please join us in February on the 21st, at 12:15 PM!

To join the meeting on Zoom, click on the link below:

Passcode: 567024 Meeting ID: 815 9880 6017
ACOUSTIC FOLK JAM SESSION
Third Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, February 16th, 6:30 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. Join us on Tuesday, February 16th, at 6:30 PM.

If you'd like to join them online, please click the link below:

Passcode: 639360 Meeting ID: 876 8968 9805
SHOWING UP FOR
SOCIAL JUSTICE
WEST DAYTON ACTION GROUP
First Tuesday Each Month
Tuesday, February 2nd, 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.

This month, the group will meet on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 6:30 PM. You can find out more by contacting Bob Lewis, bobslewis@hotmail.com.
IMMIGRATION ACTION GROUP
Second Monday Each Month
Monday, February 8th, 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 (NEW date and day!) 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
ST. VINCENT de PAUL LUNCH
Second Saturday Each Month
Saturday, February 13th 10:30 AM
Thanks to all those who have donated funds and all those who have been willing to provide extra large batches of menu items as we continue with the COVID-19 plan we began back in April 2020.   We ask MVUUF members and friends to provide beef or ground turkey sloppy joe sandwich filling,  salad and fresh fruit, and to deliver or arrange with Lynn Buffington for pick up.  The food service director has told us that the sloppy joe menu is very popular with residents and he hopes we will continue that menu. 

Please note changes in delivery times and new drop off spot due to creation of a St. V. central kitchen on Edwin C. Moses Blvd.  We will now drop off all Saturday lunch food on Fridays between 8 am and 5 pm. 

For COVID safety we will continue to deliver to an outside door, but at the new address, and the hard working St. Vincent's staff will serve the meal. Please check the signup genius for how you might help and please pay careful attention to the labeling instructions and new drop off location.  To access SignUpGenius click HERE.
 
Because of the expense of large “batches,” we are reimbursing cooks and shoppers for ingredients.  We accept financial donations for this purpose.  You may donate by sending a check made out to MVUUF with memo line "St. Vincent's." Please mail to 8690 Yankee St, Dayton 45458. Because MVUUF still needs our funds for operating expenses, more than ever, please only donate for St. Vincent's if you are able to also continue to contribute to MVUUF operating expenses. You can contact Lynn with questions, including about reimbursement process, and suggestions:  ABUFFLG@Gmail.com cell: 937-657-0426.
TRANSGENDER ALLIANCE GROUP
Second Thursday Each Month
Thursday, February 11th, 7:00 PM
MVUUF's Transgender Alliance Group meets each month on the second Thursday; this month, they'll gather (on Zoom!) on Thursday, February 11th from 7-8:30 PM. Our Transgender Alliance Group is a supportive place of community for transgender folx and their allies. 

For more information, please email René Hick,  rene@hickfamily.net. 

To join the Zoom meeting online, click below

Passcode: 774615 Meeting ID: 841 0786 6724
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Third Monday Each Month
Monday, February 15th, 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.

If you would like to join them, feel free to join their next meeting, on Monday, February 15th, beginning at 6:30 PM on Zoom.

To join the Zoom Meeting online, click below:

Passcode: 613674 Meeting ID: 850 2242 9356
ANTI-RACISM ALLY GROUP
4th Thursday of Every Month
Thursday, February 25th, 7:00 PM
There has been a lot of turmoil around racism in our country, state and city. Are you a white person with questions, ideas, concerns or just want a place to have discussions about what is going on? We also welcome anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.
 
Currently we are asking the question:
What is happening in the community and our congregation in regards to policing, and what support is needed? 
 
Please join our Anti-Racism Ally Group on Zoom, Thursday, February 25th, at 7:00 PM. Each meeting one or two members bring in materials or a speaker so we can learn about a topic. We then allow for open discussion around how the topic relates to being allies. We also commit to actions that support Black, Indigenous and all People of Color in our congregation as well as the larger community. Meetings are held the 4th Thursday evening of the month.
 
If you have questions, you are welcome to contact Co-Leaders Bill at rossviva@hotmail.com or Kristen at KristenBeireis@gmail.com 
 
To join the meeting online click on the link below:
 
Meeting ID: 810 0062 5437 Passcode: 306008
MOVIES FOR THE SEASON OF NONVIOLENCE
CONTINUE THIS MONTH
Fridays of February 26th, March 26th, 7:00 PM
The Season for Nonviolence, launched at the United Nations in 1998, marks the annual 64 calendar days between the memorial anniversary of the assassination of Mohandas K. Gandhi on January 30th and that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4th. MVUUF has honored this season in various ways for the past 10-15 years.
It seems like ideas of nonviolence and nonviolent resistance are needed now more than ever, and it is timed well with our Peace Heroes Trail. This month, the MVUUF Social Action Committee will continue to show movies that highlight people and actions that reflect nonviolence and social change. The remaining movies will be on February 26th and March 26th, both evenings at 7:00 pm.
You are also invited to visit the Gandhi Institute website for tools and resources about this season. And you can also develop a daily practice of 64 nonviolent reflections by visiting http://www.agnt.org/node/131.
 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.