[UUAA news] UUAA Weekly News | April 7 - April 13 , 2022

[First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor]

All you need to know about UUAA this week.  This Week at UUAA April 7 - 13, 2022 If you are unable to view this entire email, scroll down to the bottom and click "view entire message." The email ends with a "contact us" button and our address. The Weekly News is distributed each Thursday. Deadlines for submissions are Tuesdays at 5:00pm. The deadline for the Weekly News April 14 - April 20 is Tuesday, April 12 at 5:00pm Eastern through this form. The deadline for the May Monthly Newsletter is Thursday, April 21 at 5pm Eastern through this form. Questions? Watch this video on how to submit to the Weekly News, or email Hannah at communications at uuaa.org.  Support the ministries of UUAA: Make an online offering. Click here to download and read this week's Pastoral Care News.  Sunday Worship “Awakening to Ourselves: Engaged Buddhist Practices” Sunday, April 10, 9:30am & 11:30am In person and online at uuaa.org/service   As we reflect on this month’s theme of “awakening,” how might we draw on Buddhist teaching and practice to develop an engaged sense of ourselves and our relationship with the world? Join us this week as we explore this theme and join together in shared spiritual practices.   After the Sunday Service    Social Hour is back. After each service (10:30am and 12:30pm), refreshments will be served in the Social Hall. You may now remove your mask while eating or drinking in the Social Hall. Please watch or read our updated Covid protocols below. There will be a limited number of group display tables to browse, also.    Please note the UUAA’s updated Covid Precautions Policy and Protocols: Anyone entering the UUAA building for activities/business is expected to be fully vaccinated and boostered, as eligible, and must remain properly masked at all times. A video of our updated policy is available here.   *Exception to the mask requirement: Members of the worship team who are actively speaking may remove their masks. All unmasked speakers on the chancel have tested negative in the preceding 24 hours. Members may remove their masks in the Social Hall while eating and drinking.  Upcoming Events & Announcements For a full list of events, visit the UUAA Calendar. Trustees Invite Congregants to Listening/Q&A Session Sunday, April 10, 2:00pm - 3:15pm   The Board of Trustees will host a Listening/Q&A session (Zoom only). The majority of this session is an opportunity for congregants to ask questions about Board-related items. Before the floor is opened to questions, a quick update on Board activities will be offered, and also a brief explanation of UUAA’s governing model, “Shared Leadership – what it is and what it means to congregants.”     To receive the link to the listening session, register in advance: Register for Listening/Q&A Session.  Staffing-Related Update from UUAA's Personnel Working Group The Personnel Working Group wanted to share a brief update related to staffing and personnel matters at UUAA. Our community, alongside many other institutions, has needed to simultaneously navigate: multiple staffing transitions and departures; fiscally driven staff team restructuring; and the need to fill critical, ongoing staff positions that have been vacated or are becoming vacant. As these intersecting dynamics are likely to continue playing out for some time still, we will share with our community periodic updates related to new or upcoming staffing developments. This message contains several such updates. Click here to read more.  Updated Congregational Health and Safety Policy   In order to more fully live into our congregation’s covenant “to dwell together in peace, to search for truth in love,” the leadership of UUAA recently updated our Congregational Health and Safety Policy. These updates further clarify the role of the Healthy Congregation Response Team, the definitions of disruptive or dangerous behaviors, and the potential responses to disruptive behavior. For more information, please read the policy in its entirety here.  Humanist Discussions Thursday, April 7, 2:00pm Monday, April 11, 7:00pm   Topics for Thursday: Chapter 11 of The Scientific Spirit of American Humanism; “Walking with a Modern-Day Moses”; “America Has a Free Speech Problem”   Topics for Monday: “Walking with a Modern-Day Moses”; “America Has a Free Speech Problem”; and “Spiritualism”   Lively groups of Humanists have been meeting for over 20 years at UUAA, gathering on the second and fourth Monday evenings and/or first and third Thursday afternoons to discuss topics relating to Humanist philosophy, theology, morals, ethics, reasoning, science, and more. All are welcome. All meetings are still virtual. To get on our email list, get the login information, or get answers to any other questions, send a query to humanistgroupinfo at uuaa.org. Restorative Justice Webinar Thursday, April 7, 7:00pm - 8:30pm   Restorative Justice is co-sponsoring a webinar event with Friends of Restorative Justice and the Dispute Resolution Center. The guest speaker is Seema Gajwani, Special Counsel for Juvenile Justice Reform and Chief of the Restorative Justice Program Section at the DC Office of the Attorney General.    Click here to register. Mindful Aging Saturday, April 9, 3:00pm - 4:30pm (note new time!)    Join other UUs for a Zoom discussion of the UM Healthy Aging lectures given March 4, 11, 18, and 25. Topics include financial concerns in retirement and being prepared for disasters and emergencies. To view the recorded lectures, click here. For the Zoom link for UUAA’s discussion on April 9, email Sandy Breck at sbreck at umich.edu TrUU Hope Meetups (with snacks!) Sunday, April 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (What should our group be?) Friday, April 22, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Earth Day!) Friday, May 13, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Friday the 13th!)   TrUU Hope is a UUAA group for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and similarly identified) youth. We aim to grow community and to provide social, support, educational, and activist programs and opportunities for our youth to explore their identities and interests.   Questions? Want to be added to our email list? Send an email to TrUUHopeInfo at uuaa.org. Israel/Palestine Learning Opportunity:  Documentary “Of Land and Bread” Watch online until April 10  Discussion on Sunday, April 10, 3:00pm   This month’s Voices from the Holy Land film, “Of Land and Bread,” reveals the impact of Israeli military occupation on the lives of Palestinians in the West Bank. The film was produced by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem and is comprised entirely of video captured by B’Tselem staff and volunteers documenting human rights abuses by soldiers, police, and Israeli settlers.   UUs for Justice in the Middle East recommends the film and discussion hosted by Voices from the Holy Land to deepen our understanding of the issues as we consider actions our congregation might take to promote peace in Israel/Palestine. Watch the film online for free at your convenience and join the Zoom discussion on April 10.    Click here to register and here to watch the trailer.   Panelists include: Roy Yellin – Director of Public Advocacy, B’Tselem, Israel Dr. Ruthie Ginsburg – Faculty, HaMidrasha School of Art, Beit Berl Academic College, Israel Jamal Najjab (Moderator) – Photojournalist and human rights advocate Alpha House April Host Week Monday, April 11 - Sunday, April 17   Alpha House is an emergency shelter for families temporarily experiencing homelessness in Washtenaw County. Our next host week is April 11 - 17 including Easter Sunday. Sign up online to help financially, donate a dish (curbside or in-person), heat meals (in-person), or oversee activity time (outdoor option if weather allows). Everyone at Alpha House wears a mask and washes hands frequently, regardless of vaccination status. Find links for volunteer guidelines in our signup. Questions? Contact AlphaHouse at uuaa.org. Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East: April Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, on Zoom   UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) is a denomination-wide organization with 27 chapters across the U.S. working for peace, security, and freedom for all people in Palestine/Israel. Our meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm via Zoom. Contact Mark Jagner at mjagner at yahoo.com to obtain the Zoom meeting link. North Ann Arbor UU’s Monthly Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm, via Zoom   North Ann Arbor UU is a social gathering of people who enjoy discussing the various interests of those who come together. Topics for the next meeting may include those the 20/50 Vision offers. All are welcome. If interested, contact Quincy Northrup at qnorthrup at gmail.com  Newcomer Chalice Circle | UU Principles Saturday, April 16, 1:00pm - 3:00pm   If you are new to UUAA and would like to get to know others who are new, join us to explore the tenets of Unitarian Universalism and discuss the UU Seven Principles. What do they mean to you? Which ones resonate strongly? How do they inspire you?    You will receive the principles and reflection questions in advance, and we will practice a deep listening format during the discussion. This session will be held via Zoom. Register by Sunday, April 10 using this link or email Welcome Ministries Coordinator Hannah Hotchkiss at Hannah at uuaa.org.  UUAA Fiber Arts Group Wednesday, April 20, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, via Zoom   Come knit, crochet, embroider, or engage in some form of fiber arts together. UUAA Fiber Arts Group meets on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of the month for fellowship and sharing of knowledge and ideas. If you are a beginner looking for support or an experienced crafter, all are welcome. We also have quilters that have joined us.   If you would like to make comfort shawls or baby blankets for Pastoral Care, arrangements can be made to supply you with the yarn and pattern.    We meet on the first Saturday of the month in person, 11:00am - 1:00pm, and the third Wednesday of the month on Zoom, 7:00pm - 9:00pm. For a Zoom link or questions, email us at crafters at uuaa.org. Regenerative Agriculture Friday, April 22, 6:30pm - 8:00pm In person at the Ann Arbor District Library Westgate Branch   Regenerative Agriculture: What is it, how can it save the planet, and how are local farmers putting it into practice?   Five area farmers will come together to discuss how they practice regenerative agriculture, and why doing so is important to them and to the planet.    The panel features:  Alex Ball, Old City Acres, Romulus  Shannon Brines, Brines Farm, Dexter  Hannah Rose Weber, Green Things Cooperative, Ann Arbor  John Cox, Baseline Farm, Dexter  Dan Gannon, Community Farm of Ann Arbor   Co-sponsored by the Food Justice Team and the Ann Arbor District Library Proposed Bylaws Change Review Sunday, April 24, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Monday, May 2, 6:30pm - 7:30pm   Proposed Bylaws Changes The Board and the Governance Advisory Team along with members of the Leadership Advisory Team will hold two sessions to introduce and take comments/suggestions on proposed bylaws changes regarding the Leadership Development Team Committee. The changes have to do with the number of committee members and increasing the number of committee members elected by congregants.     There will be two opportunities to attend a Zoom session on bylaws proposed changes. The sessions will be identical in presentation, so attendance is according to availability. The first session will be Sunday, April 24 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and the second opportunity will be Monday, May 2 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Look for links to the sessions to be shared in the Weekly News and on our website uuaa.org closer to the dates.     In the meantime, congregants are invited to become familiar with the proposed bylaws changes and the rationale for them by clicking the following links.     Proposed Revisions to UUAA Bylaws - June 2022   Rationale for 2022 Bylaw Changes Congregation  Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice Friday, April 29, 6:30pm - 8:30pm, via Zoom   Join Restorative Justice of UUAA and co-sponsors Michigan UU Social Justice Network, Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration, Friends of Restorative Justice, and Detroit Justice Center in the viewing and panel discussion of this powerful documentary of Sacred Justice through "the examination of Tribal Sovereignty ... as well as Restorative Justice practices such as Peacemaking and Healing.” The panel includes the film’s director, Audrey Geyer; Chief Judge Joanne Cook, chief appellate judge of the Michigan Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians; and Chief Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, chief judge of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in Harbor Springs.   Register here.  GA 2022 Wednesday - Sunday, June 22 - June 26, 2022 UUAA Delegate Deadline, April 30 (see below)   General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Participants worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. This year GA will be in Portland, OR and can be attended in person or online. Housing and registration are now open.   This year’s theme: Meet the Moment: Reimagining Radical Faith Community Dates: June 22 - 26, 2022 Learn more and register: Go to uua.org/ga. We need delegates to represent UUAA at GA. If you’re interested in being a delegate or have questions, email denomination at uuaa.org by April 30. Successful Radical Welcome Gathering Table   Thanks to those of you who attended last Sunday's Radical Welcome Gathering Table. Alex Kapitan and 60+ people engaged in wonderful dialogue about exploring ways to help UUAA become a more radically welcoming congregation. We looked at the benefits of becoming more curious and open-hearted about new ideas, and we learned that practicing Radical Welcome is transforming. If you attended, please complete the follow-up survey so the Radical Welcome Team can develop new ways to continue this important journey together.   Questions? Email RadicalWelcome at UUAA.org.  Sharing the Collection in April April 2022   On Sunday, April 3, after hearing directly from IHN/Alpha House’s Volunteer Coordinator Zach Crutchfield, we once again passed the collection baskets in person and congregants were able to drop in checks designated for this worthy non-profit. IHN/Alpha House’s mission is to end child and family homelessness. There is still time to donate to this April’s recipient, IHN/Alpha House.  Donate by mailing your check to UUAA (UUAA, Att: Ed Lynn, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103). Please write “Sharing the Collection/Alpha House” in the memo line. You can also contribute to Sharing the Collection/ Alpha House online.    In March, we collected $3828 for Habitat for Humanity. Thank you! UUAA Social Hour Needs Your Support The return of Social Hour at UUAA is an exciting development. Many have longed for the time to gather with refreshments and socialize with fellow congregants. To make this a success, we need your help on two fronts. First, please contribute to the best of your ability to funding Social Hour. The suggested donation is $1 per item, for example, a cup of coffee and donut = $2. UUAA spends well over $400 a month on donuts alone, and we make every effort to use sustainably sourced Equal Exchange coffee. You can leave cash or checks in the Social Hour donation baskets in the Social Hall or donate online (scroll to Social Hour). Second, be a Social Hour volunteer. Make the coffee once a month before first service, or help clean up after second service Social Hour, or reset between services. In order to avoid using individual serving containers, we especially need hosts to serve the bagels with cream cheese. Bagel servers will reduce UUAA’s landfill/recycling waste substantially. To learn more about the Social Hour volunteer opportunities, email Welcome Ministries Coordinator Hannah at uuaa.org.   Landscaping Ideas Wanted   We are about to launch the landscaping segment of our site carbon neutrality plan recommended by the Graham Institute Study. If you are interested in participating in a session to discuss possibilities and ideas that could then be gathered into a session for congregational input, please contact Ruth Vail at ruthvail43 at gmail.com to indicate your interest. We are targeting a session in late April for this initial discussion. Thank you. Scrip Mechanics 102   “Did you know you can purchase SCRIP (gift cards) in Realm? No checks, no cash, just a few clicks in your account under the ‘giving’ tab on Realm! I found myself at church on Sunday without my checkbook AND needing gas cards. Carolyn told me I could do it through my Realm account, and within 30 seconds I had my gas cards in hand. The process was super easy and convenient. If you are not on Realm yet or need help, I’d be happy to walk you through it!” —Beth Hospadaruk Green Corner: What’s Wrong with Landfills, Anyway?   We know they’re ugly, but do landfills actually cause environmental damage? YES! Even modern landfills emit potent greenhouse gases (GHG) and potentially leach toxins into soil and groundwater.    What can you do?  Compost food and yard waste – In landfills it creates methane as it decomposes, a GHG that is 20 to 30 times worse than CO₂. Typically more than 50% of waste in landfills is biodegradable and should be composted instead. Send nothing to the landfill; re-use and recycle everything possible! Refuse to buy bottled water and plastic bags!   Learn: (https://youtu.be/18FLfQDInI8) (https://youtu.be/lsyg472MQp8) (https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2021/04/15/hidden-damage-landfills#:~:text=Environmental%20Impact%20of%20Landfills&text=Along%20with%20methane%2C%20landfills%20also,create%20smog%20if%20left%20uncontrolled.)   Wanna dig deeper?  (https://youtu.be/rVsyhTZPROk) (https://news.mit.edu/2022/loci-methane-emissions-landfills-0202) Links Reserve a Zoom room | View past services Log in to Realm | Make your pledge ‌ ‌ ‌ UUA.org | MidAmericaUUA.org Side with Love | UUCSJ | DRUUMM | BLUU Contact Us First Unitarian Universalist Congregation Of Ann Arbor  4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-665-6158 communications at uuaa.org First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor | 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Unsubscribe news3 at uuaa.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by communications at uuaa.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!
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