GUUF ENEWS: June 16th- June 22nd

We are currently in Phase 2; the two-week incidence level is now
35.3/100,000, and the two-week percent positive is 2.2%.

We will reach Phase 3 when the two-week incidence rate is less than 10 per 100,000 and the 2-week average percent positive tests below 5%
CLICK HERE FOR THE GUUF REOPENING PLAN
CLICK HERE to view the CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People.

What's Happening this Week???

Office Hours- Wednesday 6/16/21:

Please note that Karen will be working remotely
on Wednesday 6/16/21.

Patience and Faith
Sunday, June 20th at 11 AM
Reservations are required to attend
Seating for the in-person presentation is limited so be sure to reserve your seat early.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT

CLICK HERE FOR A VISUAL GUIDE TO SUNDAY MORNING DISTANCED SEATING IN PHASE TWO

For those of you that are not able to attend the service in person,
you can always join us via Facebook Live!

A Note From Kathleen Anderson, Director of Religious Education

Dear GUUF Friends,

The next couple of weeks will mark my last few days with you, as I will be retiring at the end of June. Before I say farewells, I want to express my profound gratitude for the time we have had together, and to share a few thoughts about what comes next.
With you, in this work and this place, I have had wonderful years, rich with opportunities to serve and grow and deepen. Together we faced challenges and accomplished big things, sharing ideas, love, laughter, and elbow grease. I don’t take it for granted. I am thankful for the help and support of so many, for friends old and new, the kindnesses and care extended, and for your generosity and the faith you have had in me. My heart is full.
As the pandemic deepened over the past year, we all experienced unprecedented changes. Masks, economic insecurity, remote work, virtual school, way too much or not enough family time, limited social opportunities, economic insecurity, loss of friends and loved ones, deep political divisions, racial tensions and violence, and intense paranoia about the continued availability of toilet paper all became part of a bizarre collective reality. Now, even though things are beginning to stabilize, and we emerge blinking into the unfamiliar glare of in-person community, we are realizing that the changes are not done, and life will not be going back to the way it was before. Ever.
As I write this, I have become a grandmother; in the next few weeks I will celebrate my 70^th birthday and be without a real job for the first time in my adult life. Everything will be different. Again. What will I do now? Who will I be? How will I matter? I know new opportunities will come, but life can deal out hard things or too many things at once, and I feel overwhelmed sometimes. Can I do this? What else? What next?
Packing up my office, I’ve been thinking how my personal questions apply just as clearly to the GUUF community. Things we used to take for granted are gone; the future is uncertain. What will we do now? How will we matter? Are we enough? Do we have what it takes? I think about you, knowing that GUUF has experienced some difficult upheavals in the past, and this last year has been especially tough. As an outsider working on the inside, I have seen close-up the potential, strength, resilience, aspirations, and steady growth of this congregation for nearly nine years, and I want to say that I have faith in your future, and I give you an unequivocable YES, you are enough, and YES, you have what it takes!
Change and new beginnings can be formidable. They involve loss and invariably require hard work, but their great gift is their enormous power and possibility. Right now, we all have a chance to come unstuck and go forward untethered, free to move in any direction. We can look at what has been and what yet may be in a new light, free of old habits. Potential waits for the sparks of creativity that will bring a new reality into being. And it is exciting to fall in love with a future where anything is possible for those who are strong and brave.
In our old Coming of Age curriculum, there is a lesson that challenges the teens to create their own versions of the Ten Commandments. I always liked to participate in that one and have written several versions over the years. Since my next steps mirror yours in many ways, I share them here, along with my fondest hope that the journey ahead for this lovely congregation will be a sweet one, filled with adventure, cooperation, love, deepening purpose, wonderful surprises, and great success.
First, I must explain that the word “commandments” wakes up my inner mule, so I am calling them my Ten Suggestions.
I also want to say that this is an aspirational list—I do believe these things, but I have to work at them every day, as I’m sure many of you also stretch toward your own ideals.
One: Be grateful for everything that got you to where you are. We learn from mistakes, but those can be hard lessons, so don’t do dumb things if you can help it, or at least don’t repeat them. And no one succeeds without help, so remember to say thank you and tell people how much you love and appreciate them.
Two: Choose joy. Pay attention to your happiness. Regrets, worry, and whining waste your power and attract what you do not want. Do your best with what you have, and meet whatever comes with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
Three: “Hold on tightly; let go lightly.” ~Hawkeye Pierce, in M*A*S*H. Protect and cherish what is before you, whether it is people or things or ways of being that are beloved and useful, but when it is time, let go of what is finished. Like this: LET. GO.
Four: Participate. Show up. Share your strengths. Know when to step up and step back. People who are present are the ones who have the most power to influence outcomes, and of course everything is more exciting when you have skin in the game.
Five: Give and receive help GLADLY when it is needed. Kindness and gratitude benefit everyone and they have a ripple effect, plus they build your immune system, so you’ve got that going for you, too.
Six: Guard your integrity. Tell the truth. Keep your word. Do the right thing. Everything that happens carries the DNA of how and why it was done, so your intentions, methods, and actions matter as much as the outcome.
Seven: Befriend your problems. They show you where you are stuck and are easier to solve if you deal with them right away. Blame and shame are never helpful. Our brilliance, our juiciness, our spiciness, and our gifts are all mixed up with our craziness and confusion and failings, so it’s both gentle and strong to be willing to love ourselves and one another just as we are and to learn what the things that happen have to teach us.
Eight: Deal with conflict at its source. This the fairest and usually the fastest way to get resolution. Share your concerns with the right person (or people) promptly and privately. Muttering, holding grudges, and parking lot gossip are toxic behaviors. Listen to understand.
Nine: Share your ideas and make good plans, but don’t get too attached. Not everyone is going to salute your flag and plans change but going off in a huff or throwing a fit when things don’t go your way are just tacky.
Ten: When uncertain, ask for guidance and then pay attention. Guidance always comes, often from unusual or unexpected sources. Then screw up your courage to act on it. Sometimes it’s enough just to find the next right thing and do that. Have faith.
Then there are the Six Reminders:

If you want to be free, forgive everyone for everything.
Real listening is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Things that happen and how others behave are almost never about you.
Very few situations can be improved by going nuts.
Wisdom is in doing what works.

And finally,

Sometimes the best thing you can do for the world is take a nap.

Fondly,
Kathleen Anderson
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration
Greenville UU Fellowship
2012-2021

General Assembly 2021 Public Events

Several events at this year’s UU General Assembly are being made available online to the public with no registration required.
Visit https://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2021 to see the schedule.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

GUUF Food Drop-Off—Saturday, June 19th • 9AM - 11AM
We’re collecting food and toiletries for the United Ministries Food Pantry. All non-perishable food is welcome, but currently they’re low on canned Vienna sausages, chicken, salmon and beef stew (pop top), individual packets of powdered milk, cereal, hotel-sized soap, shampoo and lotion, Q-tips and small bottles of hand sanitizer. If you prefer, you can make a check out to GUUF and write UM Food Pantry on the memo line and we’ll make an online donation on your behalf. Learn more at unitedministries.org

Local Red Cross Board member (and longtime GUUF member) Jo Anne Hennigan reminds us that the Red Cross needs your help! Thankfully, we've been spared lately the hurricanes that usually bring the Red Cross to top of mind, but home fires (unfortunately) never take a break. Did you know that after a home fire, 40 percent of the American public cannot cover an expense of $400 or more? The Red Cross spends an average of $1250 per family, helping home fire victims get on the road to recovery. Can you be a Hometown Hero and help? The Upstate Chapter of the American Red Cross has been offered a challenge match: your contribution will be matched until the total reaches $5000! Here's the link to make your contribution count double: https://e.givesmart.com/events/lsk/c/:JOQZfJcnIJ_/

Thanks for your support!

NANTAHALA 2021 RAFTING TRIPS SUNDAY
JUNE 20, JULY 11, & AUGUST 22

THIS YEAR – We encourage everyone to enroll for trips by mailing (or handing) us a check made out to Brookside Campground and Rafting well before each trip. We will conduct each trip only if we have reservations and pre-payments in our hands for at least 8 paddlers no later than seven (7) days before the trip. This will help us run safe and fun trips for everyone.

Note: We will not be responsible for any illness participants may contract on this outing.

This is a great outing for families and people of all ages with one caveat: you must weigh at least 60 pounds to raft on the Nantahala (hypothermia is the concern). Here's the rafting day plan:

7:00 AM Meet at the parking lot on 291 at the foot of the Bob Jones pedestrian footbridge. Sign In and Pay $* for Rafting if needed. Set Up Carpools.
7:30 AM Meet at Hardee's of Travelers Rest for Breakfast and 2nd chance for oversleepers. More Signing In and Paying and Setting Up Carpools as needed.
10:30 AM Meet at Brookside Campgrounds (map will be provided). Hardboaters* may check in with us here, then set up shuttle and prepare to join us at launch.
Brookside has dressing rooms, a few sundries, parking, and picnic tables. You can leave your clothes, food, and everything else you don’t need on the river in your car at the campground. Brookside people will take us and the rafts to the Nantahala launch area, and pick us up at the take-out about 8 miles and 2-1/2 hours later. Back at the campground we'll put on our dry clothes and have a picnic before we start home.
Bring tennis shoes (or neoprene booties) and clothes you don't mind getting wet to wear on the river. We recommend you wear a swimsuit and a tee shirt and bring along some extra warmth in case you need it. The water is cold, so you may want to wear wool socks and a windbreaker. Blue jeans are not recommended. Synthetic fabrics are best. Bring a towel, plastic bag for wet clothes, sunscreen, medications you might need, drinking water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Make sure you have dry clothes for the trip home.

We'll be back in Greenville by early evening (7:00-8:00 p.m.). Contact Merridee Harper (padlindiva@att.net - c. 864-304-7590) or Hal Smith (shaljr@bellsouth.net - h. 864-244-9322, c. 864-982-3201) if you have any questions.

*          RAFTS + EQUIPMENT :   $16 per person - OR
*          FUNYAKS + EQUIPMENT :    Single $27.00 - OR Double $40.00 - OR
*          BRING YOUR OWN:    FREE*

Be sure to Mail your Reservations and Pre-Payment Checks made out to Brookside Campground and Rafting to Merridee Harper, 21 Ashford Avenue, Greenville, SC 29609

COMMUNITY CARING

We Extend Our Loving Support:

Please keep Alex Murdaugh in your thoughts and prayers and send him positive energy. His wife and son were murdered at his home and then his father passed away. -Candy Kern

We Celebrate With:

To Kathleen Anderson, one of my best friends. I am so thankful I got to dance around the office with you! You taught me love, kindness and how to see through the chaos and have fun at work. I wish you joy, joy, joy my lovely. Love you millions. See you in Hilton Head soon! Happy retirement! - Stephanie Green

I would like to thank Erin Dwyer again for saving my life Monday. My sugar hit 35 and I went into diabatic shock. 911 was called. I'm ok now, but thank you Erin. I love you and I have the Best Friend Ever -Dana Couillard

For Kathleen- You can Retire your running Shoes Now! -Dana Couillard

If you would like to submit a candle of Joy or Sorrow to be lit during the service,
click here.

Please Note: Submissions received after 9 am on Sunday will not be shared until next week.

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

GREENVILLE UU FELLOWSHIP
ADULT RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES
SPRING 2021 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

BEING UU at HOME

AVAILABLE ONLINE 24/7
(Eight permanent lessons-no registration required)
Anyone, of any age, who wants simple ways to express their UU faith in the context of home and daily life will find something of interest here. This series offers engaging ideas and activities for individuals, families, and partners for integrating UU faith into your home and daily practice.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

More programs are under development, and we hope to share offerings from other congregations as well, so check back regularly for updates.
You can help make it happen! Email adultre@greenvilleuu.org to discover how.

UU ADULT RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION CURRICULUM SHARING AREA-WIDE IS HAPPENING NOW!
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES!

This is a great way to learn new things and connect with UU friends from all over!

A COURSE IN MIRACLES STUDY GROUP

Thursday afternoons, beginning January 7, 2021
Participants will use daily lessons from the
Course in Miracles Workbook
and then share their experiences and thoughts in the
weekly Zoom meetings. This class is offered
by the UU Fellowship of Statesboro, GA.
If interested, email ShariRB@aol.com to register.

Did You Know???

The BUDS Meditation Group is in need of someone to lead the group when they are able to meet in person again. If you are interested please contact Luci Fernandez.

Core Office Hours are Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm.
Please make appointments for visits outside of the core office hours listed above.

Masks are requested.

The GUUF Gold Star is a simple way for YOU to recognize one another for volunteer service.
To make your submission to suggest a Gold Star recipient, click here or contact Lynn Bell, Volunteer Coordinator.

PASTORAL CARE
To reach the Pastoral Care Team, call or email
the Fellowship Administrator, 864-271-4883 or office@greenvilleuu.org, or if out of hours, call 864-365-6177 (please leave a clear voicemail message).

In the event of a crisis or loss of a loved one, call the minister directly, Rev. Lisa Bovee-Kemper, on
864-301-1477 or email minister@greenvilleuu.org.

If you have an emergency situation, please dial 9-1-1 for assistance.

Covenant Circles

Some GUUF Covenant Circles have remained active, holding virtual meetings, during this pandemic. Covenant Circle meetings done virtually have met a need for social connection and meaningful conversation. If you are interested in joining a Covenant Circle with a virtual meeting type format, we will find a spot for you. Also, as we normally do in the Fall, if you would like to change to a different circle to meet new and different people, this is also the time to let us know of that request.

Please contact covenantcircles@greenvilleuu.org with your request or with any questions regarding Covenant Circles.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE GUUF BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Copyright © 2020 Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 4518, Greenville, SC 29608
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The Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship · P.O. Box 4518 · Greenville, SC 29608 · USA