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COVID -19 UPDATE: We are currently at Phase 0
This week’s two-week incidence rate in Greenville County is 1620 /100,000,
and the two-week % positive testing rate is 36 %
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE 8th UU PRINCIPLE?
 
If you heard Rev. Lisa’s sermon this past Sunday, then you know that your GUUF Board of Trustees endorsed the 8th Principle at our last meeting on this past Wednesday and voted to bring consideration of its adoption to you, our Congregation.  Adoption of the 8th Principle will be considered at the next General Assembly of the UUA this coming June, but about 25 individual UU congregations have already adopted it.  The 8th Principle reads:  “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”  Adoption of this principle will require affirmative commitment by the congregation to implement “deeds not words.”   In order to inform and educate the congregation as to its implications to prepare for a vote, probably at the annual meeting this spring, the Board has set up a task force.  Lori Morton, Board Trustee, is chairing the task force, which includes Shawn Trapp, Chirinjev Peterson, Jim Hennigan, Pat Chaney from the Social Justice Committee, and Rev. Lisa.  Stay tuned for more information! -
 
Jeannette Winn
GUUF Board of Trustees President
Report from CFO or Chief Bean Counter:
 
We just completed a six-month mark of our Fiscal Year.  It has been a very eventful six months.

Bean 1:  By this time, you should have received two statements from the GUUF.  The contributions statement outlines your contributions to GUUF for the calendar year 2020.  This can be used for your tax preparation.  GUUF does not advise about the deductibility of your contributions.  Consult with your Tax Advisor.  If you did not get one or want a printed copy, please call or email our office administrator. 

Bean 2: The second statement is your pledge statement.  It outlines your contributions against your pledges.  Out of 155 Pledging units, 42 have already completed their pledge.  About 6 units out of 42 have contributed more than their pledge.  😊😊.  89 units are on a regular payment plan.  😊.  I thank you for that.  If after the second round of rebates, if you feel you can contribute some “windfall” to GUUF, we will appreciate that also.  The remaining 24 have yet to contribute. ☹.  Remember, we count on every dollar and our budget is based on your pledges.  Some of you have already communicated your situation with me.  I do appreciate that also. 

Bean 3: I am sending out financial reports to be posted on the website.  Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 

Bean 4: Donation of a Boxster:  I am sure you have learned that the Boxer brought in about $10K.

Bean 5:  Other Fund Raisers:  Look out for an announcement for a gigantic Rummage Sale.  We have decided to postpone the Auction until the Fall of 2021. 

Bean 6:  Budget Drive:  We are soliciting your input for our budget and the budget drive for the fiscal year beginning in July 2021. If you belong to a committee, please help your committee to transform your dreams into reality by providing budgetary input to us.  We can not create our beloved congregation if we do not fund your ideas.  This is the first brick in our dream.  If you do not belong to a committee and you have an idea for the budget, let me or the program council know.  They can assist you.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  If you are interested in joining or attending the Finance Committee, please let me know.  Our next meeting is on Monday, 8th February.  I will send you a Zoom link.  Finance Committee is a fun committee and I promise you, you don’t have to be a geek or nerd to participate.  There are many tasks you can assist us with. 

Thanks
 
Bo Boghani
GUUF Board of Trustees CFO
 
Did you know we have a GUUF Business Directory?
 
From Jim Yockey:  At our covenant zoom meeting our member Holly Ferguson told us she had moved her cosmetology location and could use some new customers. While most of Holly’s work is with women, she is my barber as well. I am impressed with her work. I wrote our president Jeannette Winn about how I could help Holly find some GUUF customers and she said, “Put an ad in our business directory.”   What business directory, I asked? Go to our web page-Members area- bottom of the list and there it is. Go look—it is a hidden treasure!  Did you know Dionisio has a restaurant? Here are details. Need landscape help? Two sites cover it. Nancy Bender will help with travel. Nine different sources of help for home improvement, carpentry, plumbing. Several other services and now you can find Holly with a full description of her skills. I bet this directory is a secret to most of us, yet is a valuable resource. Do you have a skill to offer? Here is a place to offer it.
COMMUNITY CARING


JOYS AND SORROWS
01/17/21

 
We Celebrate With:
 
My 97 years young Mom will be undergoing heart valve replacement surgery on Tuesday in Miami, FL. The assistance of your positive outcome wishes and energy will be of benefit. Thank you. - Ritch Yount
 
SOCIAL JUSTICE

UPCOMING FOOD DROP-OFF—Saturday, Feb. 13th from 9AM-11AM Please put this on your calendar. Details have yet to be decided, so please stay tuned. 
 
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 have tested positive for Covid-19 and three have died. Sending them a card or letter can help lessen their isolation. Place your cards/letters in unsealed, stamped envelopes and then insert everything into one large envelope and mail it to El Refugio, P.O. Box 1166, Decatur, GA 30031. Thank you.
 
GREEN SANCTUARY As we work towards our Green Sanctuary recertification, the UUA has asked us to submit historical information about our community. Regarding this request, Jim Hennigan wisely pointed out, “Being aware of our history provides us with important context as to who we are and how we got here and who we owe our gratitude to.” Greenville is located on land that was once part of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee nation. It’s also an area that has overlapping or closely neighboring tribes within the Eastern Band—notably the Catawbas. These boundary lines are far from exact and some places may not have been traversed or inhabited at all, while other locations may have had multiple groups occupying them. Next week, we’ll share an article about the desegregation of Greenville. 
 
GREEN ZONE DROP BINS They accept used (very used is OK) as in stained clothing, textiles, shoes, things that are too "used" to go to Goodwill and others. There are bins located at various locations: Pelham Place on State Hwy 14, Shoppes at Plaza Green on Woodruff Rd and Taylor Square on Wade Hampton Blvd. Please note: What they accept from bin to bin could vary.
ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
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
 
 

WHITE LIES

In 1965, UU Minister Rev. James Reeb was attacked in Selma, Alabama after leaving a restaurant. He died three days later.  Three white men were arrested, but quickly acquitted and the case was closed. No one was ever held to account for his murder.
Fifty years later, two Alabama journalists returned to Selma to investigate. It took them five years to expose the lies that kept the murder from being solved, but in the process they uncovered a wrenching story about guilt and memory that says as much about America today as it does about the past.
White Lies is a serialized investigative podcast released over 7 episodes on National Public Radio.   “RIVETING!”  CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ON THE WEB
 
Please join us for a multi-congregation Adult Religious Education class exploring the real-life implications of systemic racism.

Final Session, January 21st from 7pm-9 pm 
Led by Rev. Lisa Bovee-Kemper
 

 
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.
 
UUWOC
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.

Click HERE for a list of Savings you get in each book.
Click 
HERE for a quick look at the companies in the book.  
 
Did You Know???
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. 
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. 
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.
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

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