UUCM Monthly News
October 2021
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A Stable Faith
We have been under the cloud of this pandemic now for 17 months in some way, shape, or form. Spring looked hopeful, given the availability of a vaccine, but then hope seemed to crumble as the Delta variant of COVID-19 hit and cozied up to another chunk of our population. So here it is October and we are still wondering, “When will this end?”
That got me to wondering… What would it look like to engage this difficult time with faith? What if there were a season for everything, and a time for every matter under heaven, even if those seasons and times weren’t convenient for us? And what might happen if we simply centered ourselves in this time, such as it is, secure in the knowledge that this will eventually come to pass, as all things do? Read more here.
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Join Sunday Worship at 10:30am on Zoom
The theme for October is: Cultivating Relationship -- a lesson we have learned when COVID brought so much to a halt. Read more about the theme.
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From the President's Desk
I am writing this message as we worship virtually on Zoom once again. I feel your disappointment, your sadness, and your frustration. I also feel how much we care for each other, and know this is for the best. I do not know how much longer we will need to remain virtual. This makes it difficult to feel up to the task of planning for the year, not sure what's going to be possible. But planning is indeed beginning again, the church calendar is filling with meetings and events and the Board is beginning its work as well.
Please stay up-to-date with all that is happening, both in-person and virtually, by reading the weekly and monthly emails. Now is a great time to reacquaint yourself with the UUCM website. There are so many resources there for members and friends that make it easier to stay connected and involved. You can even pledge there!
I may not know what will be possible this year, but I do know what is possible now: to hold one another in loving-kindness, taking time to breathe in compassion, and breathe out love, as we continue this journey the only way we can: together.
In Faithful Service,
Marti Kennedy, Board President
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Redesigned Member Resources Section of Website
The Communications Team has redesigned the Members Resources section on uucm.org -- adding more content and simplifying navigation.
In this section you will find Membership & Leadership Directories, Member Biographies, UUCM Bylaws, Board Minutes, Annual Meeting Information, Policies & Procedures, Forms & Checklists, and more. To access some of these resources, you will need to register for login credentials if you have not already. (There are instructions on the website or contact commteam@uucm.org.)
Take a look and let us know what you think of this work in progress.
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Who Are You? Who Are We?
Since we will be meeting virtually for awhile yet, NOW would be a good time for old and new members and friends alike (especially Board and Committee members) to introduce yourselves on the private Members-only section of the website: https://uucm.org/member-biographies/ Doing so can help build community even while we are socially distant.
If Dona already got a pre-COVID photo of you for the bulletin board in Barnum Hall, all you need to do is send a brief introduction to commteam@uucm.org. If you are new, please include a photo if possible. Otherwise we can take one when we finally meet in person.
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Reopening Taskforce Update
We are still technically in Step III of our Re-Opening Plan, meaning small groups can meet within the building, and we are available for somewhat limited rentals (group size determined by rooms being used, physical distancing, and the use of masks being recommended).
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Invitation to a Memoir Writing Experience
“Writing Your Life — One Story at a Time” is a simple process of recapturing moments from your life’s journey and then sharing them with a small group of fellow memoir writers. Although not using the structure of Small Group Ministry, we do have a covenant of confidentiality and our meeting times have a similar feel of personal sharing in a safe space.
Several “Writing Your Life” groups have met over the last several years at UUCM. One has continued now for nearly two years and is ready to welcome new members. Intrigued? You’re invited to join us for a sample session on Sunday, October 17 at 4:00 pm, via Zoom.
If you plan to attend this session, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Nieuwejaar at jeanne.nieuwejaar@gmail.com. She will be happy to give you an assignment (optional) to bring to the October 17 gathering.
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Finance Committee News
Fundraising Update: We have leaders for the Pumpkin Festival, the Holiday Fair, and 2 Trivia Nights. Due to COVID-19, Trivia Night this fall has been cancelled. The Pumpkin Festival is on, but we don't know yet if we can hold an in-person Holiday Fair and Auction.
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It is the very beginning of the church year and pledges are usually slow throughout the summer and expenses less than expected. We have second wave of Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) money as income in the budget and used it during July.
Finance Committee Happenings
· Analyzed impact of budget if we don’t reopen as planned.
· Thanks again to Jamie Ferrier, our 2nd Payroll Protection Plan loan has been forgiven!
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Visit UUCM at the Pumpkin Festival
UUCM will be selling Apple Crisp on Saturday/Sunday, October 9/10, in our booth on the Community House Lawn (corner of Elm and Union Streets). Hours are Saturday (10-3:30) and Sunday (10-3), or until we sell out.
Please contact Jane Mika or Dona Eaton for information.
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Game Night - October 8 @ 7pm
Come to Barnum Hall for an evening of fun and fellowship. We will meet to play board games and get to know one another better. Kids, families, and adults are all welcome. Bring a favorite game if you wish. We will supply beverages and something sweet. Contact: Leslie Bennett
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Small Group Ministry (SGM) to Start New Sessions in October
UUCM has several facilitator-led SGM groups that meet for 2 hours twice monthly where members share what’s happening in their lives and discuss a topic. SGM is a good way to maintain contact, get to know a few people better, and enjoy meaningful sharing with a small group of 8-10 people. If this is a program that interests you, let Rev. Shayna know.
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What in God's Name
"What in God's Name" is a podcast featuring Rev. Shayna and her good friend and colleague, Rev. Chris Owen. The show runs about 20-25 minutes and explores current events through the lenses of theology and philosophy. Although they are taking a summer break, you can still access the podcasts here: Whatingods.com.
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To contact UUCM leadership:
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Jamie, our administrator, is in the office Monday-Thursday from 8am-3pm. You can reach her at 603-673-1870 or at office@uucm.org
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Urgent messages should be sent to the UUCM Board at board@uucm.org. Someone from the Board will respond to your message. Contact information for Board members is listed here.
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Rev. Shayna can be reached at minister@uucm.org
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For Pastoral Care Assistance in October: Contact Linda Higgs or office@uucm.org
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Donate Food to SHARE in October
Please purchase and deliver canned ham, canned meats, Ravioli & Beefaroni, and side dishes
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UUCM 603-673-1870 office@uucm.org
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