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Sunday Morning Online Service at 10:30am
May 31
"Mending the Brokenness" - One mask, sock, mitten, or hat at a time, people's avocations can help heal the world. Join Ellen Dodge Severson and other UUFoM crafty folks in discussing how and why they use their gifts to provide for others.
Order of Service.
If you have a candle or chalice at home, please have it ready to light together when the time comes.
If you haven't zoomed with us before, please arrive 15 minutes early for Zoom instructions. Here's a video on how to install the Zoom app. Please contact Wendy Altmeier, office@uufom.org, if you have issues connecting or you need help with installing.
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UUFoM YouTube Channel
Did you miss the service on May 17? You can see a replay (minus Joys and Sorrows) below and on our YouTube Channel. We invite you to subscribe to our channel to stay up-to-date with all videos.
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May 17 - “The Economics of Poverty”
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This Week at the Fellowship
All teams and groups have decided to meet via Zoom instead of face to face during this time. Please contact your team/group leader if you need further guidance. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please email the office or call 989-631-1162.
All meetings listed below are via Zoom.
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| Sun 5/31 |
10:30am |
Online Sunday Service |
| Tue 6/02 |
10:00am |
Morning Tea with the Minister |
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12:00pm |
Staff Meeting |
| Wed 6/03 |
5:00pm |
Three Jewels Sangha |
| Thu 6/04 |
1:30pm |
Social Justice Group Meeting |
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2:00pm |
Afternoon Tea with the Minister |
| Fri 6/05 |
10:00am |
Pastoral Care Team Meeting |
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Calendar
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What Happened (?)
by Shannon Sonoras
Never had I wondered what it would be like to be in a leadership position serving the community I love and finding out that many of them were in danger, some were being evacuated and all would be changed by this event.
It was only a week ago when the board was trickling into the Zoom room near 6:30pm for our regularly scheduled meeting. We had a lot to cover, expecting an important discussion about the future of UUFoM.
Soon it was apparent that the Emergency Alerts we were receiving required our attention. We decided to postpone the board meeting and commit our focus to the imminent change that was coming down the river. (Yep, I went there.) In retrospect, the way we mobilized seems incredible. In the moment it felt scary and very important. We had facts and resources and each other. We asked the familiar question of late: “What does our community need now?”
Every board member offered ideas and perspectives, and each took action items. We chose to open our building to members and friends who were being evacuated. We talked about social distancing, masks and other safe practices. Patricia volunteered to pack a bag and head to the church to be the constant presence there. The team agreed to meet on Zoom in a couple of hours for updates and to make any adjustments to our plans. We met again Wednesday morning and Wednesday evening. It was only the beginning and we knew it. And it was clear that we are better together.
Wednesday morning I started jotting down notes as while the board checked in; things were changing so quickly. It wasn’t long before I realized history was unfolding. Not as big as COVID-19, but when you add a flood that washed away a dam and left mass destruction in its wake, this becomes bigger history. I made a conscious choice to pay attention. And of course, the story doesn’t end there.
What about you? Tell me about what it’s been like for you. Where were you when you realized the flood was going to hurt? Who did you reach out to first? If you had to leave your home, what did you take with you? What did you leave behind? What happened in your life as the situation played out? The questions go on and I’m collecting your answers. Write, type, voice record or video your experience of the last two weeks (or snippets of it). It will be added to the stories of others and saved for posterity sake.
One last thing: Thanks for being part of my story!
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Help is Here
The Fellowship is rallying to help all our friends in need. Here are a few comprehensive lists of tools, items and services offered by various UU friends. They will be updated as needed. You can contact people directly, or contact the office, or the minister, or any member of Pastoral Care team for any other needs you may have. We are here for you!
List of tools/items offered
List of services offered
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What Do You Need? What Can You Offer?
UUFoM was in the process of creating this form before COVID-19, but due to the absolute devastation of the flood that has affected many in our community, we wanted to get this out as soon as possible. Please fill out the UUFoM Resources: Haves and Needs form. You may fill it out more than once if your needs increase when you are able to re-assess your situation. And you may fill it out to offer services or donations anytime. Maybe you have something to offer and a need for yourself - include it all! We will try to match them up all up and contact you at a later date. Also, if you would rather donate financially, the Minister's Discretionary Fund is always available. If you have any questions or are unable to access the form, please contact Wendy Altmeier.
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Calling All Poets!
We’re planning a poetry service for June 28, and are looking for 1- or 2-sentence contributions from any or all of you about your lived experience of the pandemic and lockdown. Jim Crissman will do his best to fuse your submissions into a collective poem to commemorate this historic time. We also plan to have a limerick interlude for the lighter side of lockdown. Email Jim Crissman with your original short contribution to the collective poem and/or a limerick, or call him at 989-297-3009 with any questions.
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Virtual Tea with the Minister
Since we are not meeting in person regularly, if you would like to connect casually with our minister, Eric Severson, he will be holding virtual tea sessions via Zoom, per the schedule below. Please add one or more to your calendar if you wish. If you would prefer to schedule a private conversation, click here.
Morning Tea with the Minister: Tuesdays at 10:00am
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/671875462?_ga=2.255680072.1354847327.1583942114-281701554.1582131720
Afternoon Tea with the Minister: Thursdays at 2:00pm
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/194390393?_ga=2.159743997.1354847327.1583942114-281701554.1582131720
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Need to Connect with Someone?
HOW ARE YOU? For many of us, our daily lives have been turned upside down. We may be lonely, miss our daily routine and being with friends or family, feel trapped inside... and have trouble not touching our faces.
Whatever you are experiencing, it may be new feelings or bring back difficult memories from the past. Regardless, there are Pastoral Care people who would be glad to visit with you over the phone. You're welcome to call any member of the Pastoral Care Team.
Mary Johnson (989) 859-1490
Gisela Bailey (989) 708-1344
Linda Rector (989) 259-7492
Beth Sperry (415) 419-1747
Amy Rogers (989) 750-6989
Donna King (989) 488-2886
Speed Malecki (989) 835-1915
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Upcoming Services
May Theme - "Vocation"
May 31
"Mending the Brokenness" - One mask, sock, mitten, or hat at a time, people's avocations can help heal the world. Join Ellen Dodge Severson and other UUFoM crafty folks in discussing how and why they use their gifts to provide for others.
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June Theme - "Play"
June 7
"Strength in Diversity" - Join us for an unusual Flower Communion service. We will celebrate the earth's natural beauty, our own great diversity, and the courage it takes to live and fight for sacred ideals. Heather Cleland-Host is still looking for pictures. Please email her your pictures for this service. Led by Eric Severson and Heather Cleland-Host.
June 14
"Our Incredible Journey" - The Incredible Journey tells the story of a cross-country journey of two dogs and a cat that actually happened, but for the most part was unwitnessed. It was an unintentional journey, much as the one we find ourselves on right now. Come join us in celebrating our incredible yearlong journey across our interfaith community, within our community, and ultimately across the internet. Come sing a song with our UUFoM community! Heather Cleland-Host is still looking for pictures. Please email her your pictures for this service. Led by Heather Cleland-Host.
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COVID-19 MICHIGAN INFORMATION
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Governor Whitmer's Press Conference - May 29
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Latest News
Designed primarily for employers and employees, the online tool is also available to all Michigan residents. Users enter information daily to help identify symptoms that might be caused by the virus and to make decisions about when to seek appropriate medical care.
The Pure Michigan Business Connect program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has developed a portal specifically designed to support the personal protective equipment (PPE) needs of Michigan businesses as they start the process of re-opening.
To make life easier on families who need to stay home during the pandemic, Michigan families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) soon will be able to buy their food online from two national retailers. In addition, the state is also rolling out "quarantine care kits" with essential goods for families with low and moderate incomes who are in quarantine or isolation.
Michigan's regulated utilities have agreed to extend, through mid-June, the shutoff protections, flexible payment plans and other options they've offered to help customers struggling to pay utility bills because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new criteria includes asymptomatic patients who are preparing for surgery if testing is deemed necessary by the treating health professional. It also includes asymptomatic people who have known exposure to someone who has COVID-19 or symptoms, or who work in a profession that puts them at high risk of exposure due to close contact with the public.
Developed through a collaboration between MDHHS, LEO and the University of Michigan, the new online dashboard visually illustrates COVID-19 risks and trends in Michigan to provide residents with important information about the pandemic status where they live and work.
Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in May to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card this week and by May 31.
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UUA Recommends Long-Term Closure
The Unitarian Universalist Association has shared with congregations its recommendations for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the following text: "Based on advice from experts, we continue to recommend that congregations not gather in person. We also recommend that congregations begin planning for virtual operations for the next year (through May 2021)." Read the full text here.
Our fellowship's board will discuss these recommendations at its next meeting and will make decisions about future activities. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Sonoras, Beth Sperry, or Eric Severson.
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Fellowship Building Access
Under the governor's directive, no one should be in the building except designated persons performing "minimum basic operations." At the Fellowship, this includes
- Eric Severson, Minister
- Sandy Hay, Sexton
- Vicki Rothhaar, Treasurer (mail and check processing)
- Pete Carlson, Finance (donations, deposits)
All other staff and volunteers are working from home. If exceptions need to be made, please contact Eric Severson.
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Shannon Sonoras
President
Beth Sperry
President-Elect
Marsha McDonald
Secretary
Vicki Rothhaar
Treasurer
Chris Nakamura
Member-At-Large
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Pastoral Care Ministry Team
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May Contact: Mary Johnson 989-859-1490
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.
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Fellowship Office Hours
Fellowship Office currently closed due to Governor's Whitmer executive order.
Eric Severson
Minister
uuseverson@gmail.com
(608) 738-2694
In case of a pastoral emergency, call anytime.
Heather Cleland-Host
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Office Hours by appointment only
DREHeather@uufom.org
Wendy Altmeier
Office Assistant
office@uufom.org
(989) 631-1162
Sandy Hay
Sexton
House_doc@att.net
(918) 698-0311
In case of building emergency, call anytime
Andrew Schulz
Choir Director
Melanie Willison
Accompanist
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