GUUF E-NEWS January 26th-February 2nd

COVID -19 UPDATE: We are currently at Phase 0
This week’s two-week incidence rate in Greenville County is 1387.1 /100,000,
and the two-week % positive testing rate is 31.9 %

Update from our Covid 19 Task Force.

The GUUF Covid 19 task force is continuing to meet and to monitor the situation in our area. The infection cases are running very high in Greenville County. On January 15^th there were over 8000 new cases of covid in the last two week period in Greenville County. Our fellowship remains at Phase 0.

The task force wants to remind everyone of the three important ways to slow the spread of covid 19:

Wear a mask over your mouth and nose.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.
Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

The good news is that vaccines are available and are starting to be administered to those at highest risk and those over 70 years of age. We encourage everyone to get a vaccine, or to get on a wait list. We hope the roll out of vaccines will pick up in pace. We want to remind people that scientists do not yet know if vaccinated people can still spread the virus. So, the CDC is asking folks to continue to wear masks and keep socially distant, even after one is vaccinated.

We all miss our in person connections, and will be together in person as soon as it is safe to do so. See you on zoom!

FOOD DROP-OFF—Saturday, Feb. 13th from 9AM-11AM This time we’re donating to the United Ministries Food Bank. Their need is great. Here is what’s currently on their wish list:

Non-perishable food needed: Canned meat (Vienna sausages, beanie wieners, salmon, chicken & beef stew), canned fruit (any variety), canned vegetables (green beans, corn & mixed veggies) canned potatoes & pasta, Mac & Cheese, grits, dried beans, ramen noodles (individual packs), cereal, saltines & powdered milk. PLEASE NOTE: All canned food must have pop-tops.

Hygiene products needed: Hotel sized shampoo, soap & lotion, regular-sized spray deodorant, Vaseline, shaving cream, washcloths, laundry detergent, sunscreen, chapstick, small bottles of hand sanitizer & bug spray.

We’re also accepting gift cards and checks. Details to whom will follow. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

TreesUpstate
Help keep Greenville green. TreesUpstate mission is to plant, promote and protect trees in the Upstate. They plant trees in parks, schools, and neighborhoods. They could use our help, for volunteer opportunities click here: https://www.treesupstate.org/volunteer/ They’re also giving away free trees in various locations in the upstate, click here https://www.treesupstate.org/freetrees/

COMPASSION AS AN ENGINE FOR SUCCESS WEBINAR
Join brand strategist Maria Ross, author of The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success and host of The Empathy Edge podcast, as she shares the value of compassion. Learn how you can amplify empathy through your work and bring your organizations along with you to create a better world. With fascinating stories from company founders, change-makers, and brands we know and love, Ross will precisely reveal how empathy makes leaders (and organizations) more robust and sustainable. You’ll learn five concrete ways to flex your empathy muscles for tremendous success and how you can amplify empathy through your work to create a better world. Click here Review Webinar

El REFUGIO & STEWART DETENTION CENTER El Refugio is collecting handwritten cards and letters to send to detained immigrants at Stewart Detention Center. These immigrant detainees face many challenges. This year, our support is especially important. Covid-19 has intensified the isolation detained immigrants face, many at Stewart has tested positive for Covid-19 and three people have died. A card or letter to them can help lessen their isolation. Place your cards/letters in unsealed, stamped envelopes and then place into one large envelop and mail it to El Refugio, P.O. Box 1166, Decatur, GA 30031

The Sustainability Action Group asks you to see https://drawdown.org/solutions/table of solutions. This site takes a detailed look at 100 climate change solutions. The most impactful changes are: reduce food waste, increase health and education, increase plant-rich diets, manage refrigerants and restore tropical rain forests. What will you do to help?

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Results of the January Adult RE Survey

With thanks to the 29 persons who responded to our survey, here are the chief response patterns that resulted. Of those responding, 48% identified themselves as being members or associates of GUUF.

The perceived benefits of adult RE programming are in two primary areas: #1 - Social: Being able to interact with others provides a feeling of connection otherwise missing for many, especially while we are unable to gather in person. #2 - Educational: Learning about current social issues, discovering new books or topics to discuss, etc.
Participants prefer programs that provide an opportunity for live discussion.
Sharing a common experience such as a video or a presentation by a guest speaker before discussion is valued.

Thank you to all who took a few moments to share their thoughts with the Adult RE committee. If you have any suggestions for future programming or other thoughts to share, please email them to adultre@greenvilleuu.org.

GREENVILLE UU FELLOWSHIP
ADULT RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES
SPRING 2021 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The Pink Unicorn
Wednesday, February 3, 2021 from 7:00-9:00 PM

Join us for a viewing of The Pink Unicorn presented by Greenville’s Proud Mary Theatre Company. In this heart-warming and funny one-woman show, Kelly Davis depicts Trisha Lee, a conservative Southern Christian widow who collides head-on with gender issues when her 14-year-old daughter, Jolene becomes "Jo," without a gender. What happens next gets a lot of attention!

One showing only. Sign Up Here to receive the Zoom link by email.
Actual Link is https://forms.gle/H7ACAxgymUS7Xppt8

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
Tuesday Evenings,
January 26th, February 2, and February 9
7:00-8:30 PM on Zoom
Register Here to receive Zoom links by email.
Actual link: https://forms.gle/Sp4eFAo6HgUEZya46

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking is a scourge that plagues children and teens from all kinds of families and communities. Mr. Roger Acton, Faith-Based Program Director for the SC Victims Assistance Network, will moderate all three sessions, along with various panel guests each time.
Session 1: The Nature of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

What it is
How it functions
What survivors say
Prevalence in SC
Trends during Covid-19 Pandemic
Hopes for the future

Session 2: The Helpers and What They Are Doing

Federal, state, and county agencies
Law enforcement
Non-profit Organizations
Rescue Programs
Hospitals, Schools, & Youth Programs
Everyday Citizens, parents, grandparents (Lead-in to Session 3)

Session 3: Protecting the Children

Possible actions for anyone
Becoming Aware
Recognizing indications
Teaching young people how to self-protect
Sharing with others

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.

Bag of Blessings!

You are invited to join in an effort to fill gift bags with classroom supplies, cleaning supplies, or Montessori materials to benefit the children at the UU World of Children.

For more information, click HERE.

Attractions Books!

The UU World of Children is selling Attractions Books for $20. The entertainment books have been redesigned for the pandemic. There are several takeout options in there.
Please email the office at office@uuwoc.com
or call 864-239-0607.

Cash or Check (made out to "UUWOC") accepted.

Memorial Garden Update

Please Note: While the GUUF property and buildings are closed to all but essential personnel and UUWOC staff and students, you can still visit the Memorial Garden if you wish to pay your respects. Please be aware that a mask and social distancing protocols are mandatory if others are present in the garden at the time of your visit.

(updated 01/04/21)

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.

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.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE GUUF Business Directory

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P.O. Box 4518, Greenville, SC 29608
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