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Sunday Morning Service at 10:30am
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October 13
“On Hearing and Being Heard” Deborah Tannen wrote, “We all want, above all, to be heard–but not merely to be heard. We want to be understood–heard for what we think we are saying, for what we know we meant.” With a year before the next set of major elections, let’s revisit some of the difficulties in communicating with folks “across the aisle” as we strive for a more perfect union. Eric Severson leading.
Children’s Circle – Lower Elementary (UL303) In Another’s Shoes (Moral Tales) – Story: The Wounded Seal (A Scottish folktale of a seal hunter who learns empathy for seals and abandons hunting them.
Children’s Circle – Upper Elementary (UL302) The Birth of the Ganges (This story provides an origin story that touches on Hindu stories of the foundation of the world and the beginning of India’s largest river, which is sacred in Hinduism and which millions of people depend on).
Crossing Paths – Map Sundays: October 6, 13 – Continue exploring how the religion might connect to Unitarian Universalism and how it might differ.
Crossing Paths – Tack Sundays: October 13, 20 – Conclude with a visit to or from a local community or representative of that community.
For upcoming Sunday Services, click here.
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 Fall Clean-Up for the UUFoM Building and Grounds
Saturday, October 12 (Rain or shine)
Morning shift: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Afternoon shift: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
There is also an option for General Clean-Up where you can come any time you can and stay as long as you can! We will put you to work!
There are two work shifts available. You can sign up for either or both shifts. There will be a Building & Grounds Team meeting during lunch, 12:00-1:00pm. All are welcome to attend the meeting.
What work is planned for the Fall Clean-Up? The key work to be done involves various aspects of the grounds and making our Fellowship a better place. Depending on response, we plan to focus on the areas listed below. If no one signs up for a focus group, that job may not get done this time around. So if you want to see it done, join the fun.
Focus work groups:
1. The Playground and play structures. These are the areas used by children from our community. Replace the landscaping weed barriers: remove weeds, move large amounts of gravel, replace the weed barriers, then put the gravel back over the weed barrier.
In addition, our Sexton, Sandy Hay, has volunteered to improve the wooden play structures by driving in nails and screws that have become hazards.
If this is your desired focus, sign up, bring yard and hand tools to help.
2. The Vegetable Garden on the north side. Remove dead plants in preparation for winter.
3. The Memorial Garden. General weeding and cleanup is needed. This is a sacred space.
4. Trash removal and picking up sticks. No special skills required, just a need for general cleanup.
5. General trimming and weeding of the landscaped areas at the driveway, Fellowship sign and building entryway.
6. Gutter and roof cleaning. Remove debris from the roof of the building. Acrophobics need not apply!
7. Finally, we would like to remove some of the Buckthorn plants that are invading our grounds. As the name implies, they are very sharp and thorny!
Sign up for one or more of the above groups.
Please plan to bring yard tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses.
Bring snacks, a sack lunch, water bottles and weather-appropriate clothing. The building will be open for restrooms and cold water.
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| *|YOUTUBE: [$vid=xjTbBOFECc8,$max_width=300,$ratings=N,$views=N,$border=N,$title=N,$trim_border=N]|* |
Please get your nominations in! You can nominate your Unsung Hero until Monday, November 14.
Click here to nominate YOUR Unsung Hero!
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Pastoral Care Team Request
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The Pastoral Care Team and our minister, Eric Severson, has been contacted by a UU who recently moved to the south side of Saginaw. She would like to attend services, but has no transportation. If you are able to provide a ride occasionally, or have an idea how she could connect with someone using public transport or another resource, please contact a member of the Pastoral Care Team (Gisela Bailey is the October contact) or our minister, Eric Severson.
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 I'm Monica Hughes, candidate for the Nominating Committee. I've been a member of UUFoM for about five years or so.
I was born in Florida and I moved to Michigan when I was about ten. I met Scott when I was 19 and we got married when we were both 20. Two weeks after the wedding Scott had to go to Iraq with the Army. While he was there, we found out we were pregnant with our first child, William. When Scott came back from Iraq, we became pregnant with our second child, Adrianna, and not long after we became pregnant with our third child, Rosalinn. As of right now, I'm going back to college for a business management degree and raising our children, as well as helping lead our CUUPS group. I also love spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying nature and our gardens.
UUFoM is important to me because of the amazing community that we have. You all have supported me, loved me, and given me a place to belong, to where I don't feel judged or feel like I have to be a certain way to belong. Also it's a place where my children can learn and grow as people.
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 I'm Marsha McDonald, candidate for Board Secretary.
My husband Scott and I have been members since 1990. We have two daughters, Jessica and Alison, who grew up in the Fellowship but now attend more Christian and conventional churches. We also have five grandchildren, some of whom have visited the Fellowship a few times.
I spent most of my childhood and the early years of my marriage in Beulah and Benzonia before moving to Midland in 1984, l I was a full-time mother as much as I could be, working outside the home as a secretary, private Latin teacher, and proofreader.
The Fellowship is important to me because here I don't have to pretend to be more Christian and less politically radical than I am. Here I can find people who think that's a good thing, and people with whom I can join to work toward the world I started believing was possible 50 years ago.
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 I am Chris Nakamura and I am a candidate for the two year Member-At-Large position. I have been attending UUFoM for about three years and have been a member for about two years.
I am originally from Michigan. I was born in Gross Pointe and lived in Detroit until about age 7 when my family moved to Hamburg Township, where my parents and brother still live. I went to college at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where I studied physics and met Sarah Nuss-Warren. I worked at General Dynamics in Ypsilanti before going to grad school at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. In 2007 Sarah and I got married - by far my smartest decision, and in 2012 we moved to this area when I joined the physics faculty at Saginaw Valley State University. We live nearby on Jefferson with a wide range of plants in various states of thriving. I have more hobbies than I really should be allowed. I am deeply fascinated by all things art and science, but since I had to pick one, I chose physics. I enjoy it immensely, and I feel very grateful to get to do a thing I love for a living.
UUFoM is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to interact with people who are similarly interested in exploring their values and building lives that reflect those values. I engaged with Christianity as a young child and today I find it stifling and oppressive to my spirit. I find the faith we build together uplifting and freeing. When times are hard, I am reminded that the world is what we make it, and I’m very happy that I’m part of the ‘we’ of UUFoM.
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 I’m Beth Sperry and I’ve been asked by the Nominating Committee to act as Board President-Elect for 2020.
I began coming to UUFoM almost four years ago, and joined the Fellowship in November 2017. I was raised in Midland but was gone for forty years: 10 years in Manhattan, eight and a half years in Los Angeles and almost 22 years in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. As a practicing Buddhist for over 30 years, UUFoM was the logical place for me to land when I returned to find a spiritual, political and social community. The Three Jewels Sangha immediately became a home for me and over the years I’ve expanded my involvement with the Fellowship and fallen in love with the people here. I co-facilitate the Sangha, and am on the Pastoral Care Team and the Auction Committee. I was also blessed to be accepted into the Improv For Fun troupe and played and performed with several talented UUFoM members under the loving, zany direction of Jenn Ciolino.
For several years after college I pursued the life of an actor, first in Manhattan and then in Los Angeles. When I realized I wasn’t going to have an acting career, I got a job with a real estate law firm in LA. In 1994 I moved north to Marin County and began a long career as a litigation secretary at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, one of the premier law firms in the country. I loved my job and the brilliant people with whom I worked. The highlight of my career at Gibson was working the case and trial that legalized same sex marriage in California. I also studied improv and co-founded a performance troupe in Marin with several fellow students. In October 2015 I moved back to Midland, drawn back by the pull of family and the realization that I could never afford to retire in the Bay Area. I had to say good-bye to many beloved people and the sacred land and ocean, but I love my life now.
I accepted the invitation of the Nominating Committee even though I’m unclear why I was chosen. I had the same confusion when I was approached about Pastoral Care, but I’ve grown into that role and now have a sense of why I fit. I want to stretch myself and serve the Fellowship, so I decided to trust that others can see things in me that I don’t yet recognize. I’m excited to take on a larger role as we integrate Eric into our Fellowship and move forward together with love and commitment
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October 20
"Representation Matters" In a political climate of disenfranchisement, division, and dismissal, it's important that we listen to voices from the margins of society. After the sweeping election of women and minorities to Congress, let's take stock of the increasing need for acceptance, visibility, and representation in the democratic process. Eric Severson leading.
Children’s Circle - Lower Elementary (UL303) Forgiveness (Moral Tales) – Story: Mussa and Nagib (Brazillian story set in Persia about two best friends and how they forgive each other when hurting each other and treasure the moments where they help each other).
Children’s Circle - Upper Elementary (UL302): Rama, Sita and the 10,000 Monkeys (This story tells of a prince and princess (Rama and Sita) who are exiled into the forest and assisted by the Monkey King and eventually return to their kingdom).
Crossing Paths - Tack Sundays: October 13, 20 - Conclude with a visit to or from a local community or representative of that community.
October 27
"What If Voting Day Were a Holiday?" We have holidays for dressing up in costumes, have great meals, remember with family, give thanks, eat candy, and more. How about for voting! Join us for a multigenerational service in which we will discover what happens to the rabbits when only the wolves get to vote. (Everyone is invited to dress up and have fun)! Eric Severson and Heather Cleland-Host leading.
Crossing Paths - Summit Sunday: October 27 (evening) - After the visit, the participants will reflect together on what they have learned.
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If you appreciate or have enjoyed the fellowship's offerings and are considering joining as a member, fantastic! We hope you are able to make connections in many ways, and we invite you to engage in this path to membership.
1) Attend!
The best place to start is by getting to know your fellow seekers on Sunday mornings, in small groups, or during social gatherings.
2) Explore!
Pamphlets can be found on the wall near the front entrance. Borrow a book from our library. Visit the UUA's FAQs at http://www.uua.org/beliefs/faq/index.shtml. Either way, get to know Unitarian Universalism!
3) Get Involved!
Be present in congregational life and participate as a volunteer where you receive fulfillment.
4) Question!
We are a faith about questions. Explore yours with our minister or your fellow travelers on the journey.
5) Learn!
Attend the "UUFoM & You" class!
6) Join!
Sign a membership card with our minister, familiarize yourself with our by-laws, and fill out a Membership Form.
Keep in touch with us via our Facebook group.
Click here to register!
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 Who is Robert and Why Should We Follow His Rules?
Saturday, October 26, 10:00am-12:00pm
Get ready for the annual meeting. Learn what can be discussed, when it can be discussed and how to get your ideas seriously considered. Learn three things -- in addition to voting no -- you can do if you disagree with a proposed action.
General Robert uses formal language to make sure everyone knows what is being discussed and to avoid escalating conflict. In this workshop you will learn the scripts and code words to help you navigate a formal meeting.
There is currently discussion in UU circles about whether Robert’s Rules of Order are the best way to conduct business in our assemblies. There will be background information to help you think about this question.
Presented by Sara Clavez as part of the Engagement Team effort to promote member involvement in UUFoM.
Sign up here.
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Euchre/Game Night FUNdraiser
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 Friday, November 1 at 6:30pm
(signup deadline is October 27)
What’s your favorite game, and would you like to play it with UU friends?
Both euchre and non-euchre players are welcome at our next Euchre/Game Night FUNdraiser, to be held on Friday, November 1, at 6:30pm. Sign yourself and your game-playing friends up soon! Light snacks, drinks and dessert will be provided. $10 per person--and for euchre players, make sure to bring quarters in case you get euchred! Signup deadline is Sunday, October 27 for both game-players and childcare. If you have any questions, contact Janelle Dombek or Michaele Malecki.
Sign up here! |
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The UUFoM Library is now located in its permanent home - UL301. Enjoy reading a book in a comfy chair upstairs or bring a book home to read. If books are your thing, our Library group is looking for some helpful volunteers. Please contact Marsha McDonald if you are interested!
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 Books culled from the UUFoM Library are available for a few more days for free will donations. They are located in the coatroom. Stop and shop!
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Current Members
Chair: Kathy Kinkema
Hospitality Groups Coordinator: Christina VanPoucker
Leadership Development Coordinator: Sara Clavez
Members at large: Amy Rogers, Joanne Rummel, Estella Thomas, Maxine Guettler
The Engagement Team meets every second Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00pm.
The purpose of the Engagement Team is to develop a membership engagement path via hospitality groups, social activities, ministry team involvement, and leadership development. The aim is to strengthen the member connection to the Fellowship community.
If you are interested in joining the team, please contact Kathy Kinkema.
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PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AND
DEVELOPMENT
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Knitting (or Crocheting) the Web Covenant Group
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A covenant group is made up of six to twelve people who meet together regularly over time. You are asked to commit to at least one year. In the group you are encouraged to share what is important to you and to build deeper relationships with group members and the Fellowship. Groups are open to members, friends and potential members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland.
Knitting (or Crocheting) the Web
Knitting and crocheting are ancient crafts that encourage meditative reflection as we produce warm and caring gifts for ourselves and others. Bring your own project or the group can provide ideas, materials and instruction, if needed, for knitters. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Starting in November and facilitated by Sara Clavez.
Please click here to sign up or see the sign-up sheet under the events board.
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L.O.V.E. Racial Justice Group
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The L.O.V.E. Racial Justice Group invites those interested in discussing issues related to racial identity, race relations, and racial justice to meet with us this Sunday, September 22, from 11:45am until 2:00pm, in UL302. Please contact Denise Reiling for further information. We will meet on the following days:
October 27
November 24
December 22
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We collect donations on an ongoing basis for the Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network. Sixty-seven items were donated recently! Place your donations in one of the bins outside the sanctuary, and we will transport them to the Food Pantry. Non-perishable foods, self-care items, paper products and cleaning supplies are accepted. Thank you!
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This Week at the Fellowship
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Fellowship Office Hours
The Fellowship Office is open Mondays through Thursdays, from 9:30am until 2:30pm. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please email the office or call 989-631-1162.
| Fri 10/11 |
1:00pm |
LOVE Team Meeting |
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7:00pm |
Owning Your Religious Past |
| Sat 10/12 |
9:00am |
Fellowship Grounds Clean-Up |
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12:00pm |
Building & Grounds Committee Meeting |
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1:00pm |
Fellowship Grounds Clean-Up |
| Sun 10/13 |
10:30am |
Sunday Service |
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6:00pm |
AA District Business Meeting (rental) |
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7:00pm |
AA Meeting (rental) |
| Mon 10/14 |
10:00am |
Staff Meeting |
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6:00pm |
Lifespan Religious Education Team Meeting |
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6:00pm |
Our Examined Lives (Cov Grp) |
| Tue 10/15 |
6:30pm |
The Books We Carry With Us (Cov Grp) |
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7:00pm |
Board Meeting |
| Wed 10/16 |
4:00pm |
Where Do We Go From Here? (Cov Grp) |
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5:00pm |
Three Jewels Sangha |
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7:00pm |
Choir Rehearsal |
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8:00pm |
AA Meeting (rental) |
| Thu 10/17 |
6:30pm |
Engagement Team Meeting |
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7:00pm |
WOMAN (rental) |
| Fri 10/18 |
10:00am |
Pastoral Care Team Meeting |
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7:00pm |
Owning Your Religious Past |
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Calendar
Reserve a space.
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Pests are trying to invade the Fellowship! Please do not leave any open food packages or containers on the kitchen counters or anywhere else in the Fellowship building. Before you leave the building, please take any trash containing food waste to the large trash bin outside the back door.
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Have you noticed a burned-out light bulb or something in need of repair at the Fellowship? Please fill out a Maintenance Request form, located in the rack outside the office door, and return it to the top slot in the rack. Our sexton, Sandy Hay, will fix the problem as soon as possible! Please respect that Sandy does not work on Sundays.
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Pastoral Care Ministry Team
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October Contact: Gisela Bailey 989-708-1344
Our Pastoral Care Ministry Team is here for you. We can provide a meal, a ride, some respite or a supportive ear and a cup of coffee.
We maintain a volunteer list where you can identify ways to help a Fellowship member in need. Please click here to fill out the Pastoral Care Volunteer Form online.
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You can access the Member Directory on the password-protected Member section of the website. The Member Directory contains names and contact information for all members and pledging friends. Please notify the office if you need to change your information or you do not wish your information to appear in the online directory.
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The Weekly Candle Flame is published each Thursday. Submission deadline is Monday for Thursday publication. Please send submissions to Wendy Altmeier, Office Assistant, using only this address [email protected].
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Wi-fi password for the Fellowship is yellowdeer807.
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Fellowship Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30am-2:30pm
Eric Severson
Minister
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday 11:00am-3:00pm
Other times by appointment.
[email protected]
(608) 738-2694
In case of a pastoral emergency, call anytime
Heather Cleland-Host
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Office Hours by appointment only
[email protected]
Wendy Altmeier
Office Assistant
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm
[email protected]
(989) 631-1162
Sandy Hay
Sexton
[email protected]
(918) 698-0311
In case of building emergency, call anytime
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