[UUAA news] UUAA Weekly News | May 5 - May 11 , 2022

[First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor]

All you need to know about UUAA this week.  This Week at UUAA May 5 - 11, 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 May 12 - May 18 is Tuesday, May 10 at 5:00pm Eastern through this form. The deadline for the June Monthly Newsletter is Saturday, May 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. Sunday Worship “I’m Gonna Let It Shine” Sunday, May 8, 9:30am & 11:30am In-person and online at uuaa.org/service   Join us this Sunday in a service for all ages as we celebrate the music ministries at UUAA through congregational singing, music from our Chalice Singers and Chalice Bells, and reflections on musical selections.    After the Sunday Service  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.  Featured Event Benefit Concert for Refugee Ukrainian Relief, Featuring Tret Fure Saturday, May 21, 7:00pm - 9:00pm   Please join us in person for acclaimed award-winning contemporary folk artist Tret Fure in a benefit concert to support the Ukrainian Relief Fund at FemFund.PL. This is an in-person performance at UUAA, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor. Admission is free – donations are requested, 100% of which will go to the Refugee Relief Fund.   Space is limited, so registration is required. This link takes you to the registration form.   Please read UUAA's Covid-19 policies for in-person events.   Can't come but want to donate to the Ukrainian Relief Fund? Use this link and scroll to "Tret Fure Benefit Concert" Click here to download and read this week's Pastoral News. A Special Pastoral Message from Rev. Manish Upcoming Events & Announcements For a full list of events, visit the UUAA Calendar. Capital Campaign “Uphold Our Values”    You are invited to support the Capital Campaign to fund major changes, most importantly, paying off our mortgage and working toward one of our Vision 20/50 Foundational Areas—Financial Stability. Find more information here.    We want to thank the following folks who have stepped up first to make their pledge: Jennifer Ellsworth, Hannah Hotchkiss, Geri and Daniel Cogan, Arika Lycan and Mike Fry, Jo Dodge, Kristin LeSueur, Charlene Mangi, Kim Clugston and Peter Russell, Kyla Boyse and Scott Peacor, and Susan Randall and Mark Sanderson. UUAA’S ACTING DIRECTOR POSITIONS: AN UPDATE FROM THE UUAA PERSONNEL WORKING GROUP Dear Members & Friends of our UUAA Community, As previewed in our March 2022 update, Personnel Working Group member Leigh Robertson has now completed an assessment process related to our community’s two Acting Director positions, the Acting Director of Spiritual Growth and Development and the Acting Director of Music Ministries. The analysis of the feedback that our community provided is now complete, and this email contains a high-level summary of the qualitative data that was gathered. Based on this data, UUAA is now able to share how we will be proceeding with regards to these two positions. Finally, this message contains some additional reminders and updates that you might find helpful. Read more here. May Sharing the Collection   It is not too late to donate to the May Sharing the Collection. This month’s collection benefits the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).    Mission: “UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies. Our work is grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power and dignity.” Visit them online at www.uusc.org.  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/UUSC” in the memo line. You can also contribute to Sharing the Collection/UUSC online and scroll to sharing the collection/uusc. Humanist Discussions Thursday, May 5, 2:00pm Monday, May 9, 7:00pm   Thursday topics: “Coach’s Prayers Prompt Supreme Court Test of Religious Freedom,” by Adam Liptak; “This Brand of Conservatism Remains a Doctrine of Hate,” by Leonard Pitts, Jr.; “Why Did We Stop Believing That People Can Change,” by Rebecca Solnit Monday topic: “Some People Turn Suffering Into Wisdom,” by David Brooks   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 Zoom login information, or get answers to any other questions, send a query to humanistgroupinfo at uuaa.org. Garden Party—Help Improve Accessibility in the Memorial Garden Saturday, May 7, 10:00am - noon   Garden Stewards seek three to six persons with strong backs to assist us with improving accessibility by spreading pea gravel in the Memorial Garden and on the walking paths surrounding it. No previous experience needed! Beverages, snacks, singing, and fellowship provided! Questions? Contact Kim at kimclugston1973 at yahoo.com. UUAA Fiber Arts Group Saturday, May 7, 11:00am - 1:00pm, Young Room Wednesday, May 18, 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, 11:00am - 1:00pm in person at the UUAA Young Room, and on the third Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm - 9:00pm on Zoom. For a Zoom link or questions, send us an email at crafters at uuaa.org. Landscape Planning Session Tuesday, May 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, via Zoom   Please join us for the first of several meetings to develop a new Landscape Master Plan for the UUAA property. This first session will explore developing a vision for the property by examining the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the UUAA congregation and its relationship with its 40+ acres of land. The meeting will be held via Zoom. Email Office at uuaa.org for the Zoom link. Palestine/Israel Discussion Group Tuesdays, May 10 & June 14, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, via Zoom   UUs for Justice in the Middle East will be hosting discussion groups on the second Tuesday of the month to gain a deeper understanding of the Palestine/Israel issue. It will be an opportunity to learn, ask questions, share our thoughts, and listen to others.   Topic for May 10: Does reframing the Israel/Palestine conflict as a human rights issue advance or hinder the prospects for peace? Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch recently published reports claiming that Israeli policies and practices amount to apartheid. We will watch two short videos summarizing the reports, followed by discussion. Questions or to receive the Zoom link, email uujme at uuaa.org. Visit our table during Social Hour on Sunday, May 8. North Ann Arbor UUs Tuesday, May 10, 7:00pm - 8:30pm   North Ann Arbor UUs, a small social group, will gather for a brief check-in and spend our time together offering one another our various reflections on holidays, any one that brings up memories to share. Fellowship, support, and fun are our objectives. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Quincy Northrup at qnorthrup at gmail.com. Introduction to Islam for UUs Wednesdays, May 11, 18, & 25, 7:00pm - 8:30pm   How might Unitarian Universalists understand and relate to Islam, as a faith tradition? Please join us for this three-part seminar, co-sponsored by the Church of the Larger Fellowship and the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Unitarian Universalists to move into a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith and its beliefs and traditions.    Unitarian Universalist–Muslim leaders, Reverend Summer Albayati and Reverend Doctor Mellen Kennedy, will co-lead this seminar. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, click here.  TrUU Hope Meetups (with snacks!) Friday, May 13, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (Friday the 13th! Creepy crafts) Sunday, May 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (New date—Memorial Day weekend)  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.  Community of Writers Zoom Meeting Sunday, May 15, 1:00pm - 3:00pm   Tolstoy took six years to write War and Peace, a novel of 1,225 pages. Members of the Community of Writers have until May 15 to write a much shorter version on the topic of war and peace. Dan Carleton has suggested this prompt for our next meeting. He will introduce the readers and lead the appreciative comment that follows each reading. Alternatively, members may choose to read five minutes of their writing on another topic. Interested? For the Zoom link, contact Sandy Kunkle at sandykunkle at gmail.com or Anne Ramsey at anneramsey2910 at comcast.net, facilitators for May.    Meetings are open to anyone in the congregation who has a desire to write. One does not need to be an experienced writer, although experience is always welcome too. All are welcome. Understanding the Needs of Trauma Victims Sunday, May 15, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (Fahs Chapel)    Restorative Justice and Immigration Action Coalition have teamed up to co-sponsor a trauma seminar. Becca Pickus, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma with experience and knowledge with migrants and people who have been incarcerated, will be conducting the event. She is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Residential College with the Prisoner Creative Arts Project. This will be a great opportunity for us to learn how we can better serve, understand, and connect with individuals in various settings including our social justice work.    Questions? Contact Priscilla Tait at priscillatait at gmail.com or Cesilie Cordovilla at immigrationaction at uuaa.org. Mindful Aging Saturday, May 21, 1:00pm - 2:30pm   Join other UUs for a Zoom discussion of the UM Healthy Aging lectures given during April. The topic “Brain Health” included presentations on dementia, treatments, exercise, sleep, caregiving, and more. To view the recorded lectures, click here. For the Zoom link for UUAA’s discussion on May 14, email Sandy Breck at sbreck at umich.edu. Newcomer Chalice Circle | Covenant Saturday, May 21, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, via Zoom Register here by Sunday, May 15 (Link Here)   If you are new to UUAA and want to get to know others who are new while exploring a basic tenet of Unitarian Universalism, join us for a discussion of what it means to be a covenantal religion. How does this differ from a creedal religion? What inspirations or challenges are presented with a covenant? You will receive short reflections and questions in advance; we will practice a deep listening format during the discussion. We ask that when you sign up that you commit to attending and to log into the Zoom room by the start time. Register here. Questions? Email Welcome Ministries Coordinator Hannah Hotchkiss at Hannah at uuaa.org.    You can register with the link here, by filling out a paper registration on Sundays, or by emailing Hannah at uuaa.org.  Habitat for Humanity Build Season Begins Saturday, June 4   Habitat for Humanity (H4H) Build Season Begins Our summer build season is about to begin. This year’s Good News House is in the West Willow neighborhood of Ypsilanti, at 893 Nash Ave. Our workdays are: Saturday, June 4 Friday, June 24 Friday, July 15 Possible August days   Lunches: Bring your own sandwiches UUAA will supply drinks and dessert.   Signup for working and/or lunch donations: Use our SignUpGenius site. Visit us at the H4H table between Sunday services. Have a look at our web page for more details and links. Monthly Women’s Breakfast Resumes in June Saturday, June 4, 8:30am   Early risers—join other women from UUAA for breakfast and conversation on the first Saturday of the month starting in June. It’s been a long, lonely, and isolated pandemic. We hope you’ll feel safe gathering in person once again.    The first breakfast is June 4 at the Alpha Diner (new name for the former Classic Cup Café, where we met pre-pandemic; 4389 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor). Check the menu at www.Alphadiner.com. Contact Judi Marks or Joan Wells at womuunscouncilinfo at uuaa.org.  General Assembly (GA) 2022 Wednesday - Sunday, June 22 - June 26 Portland, OR   Ware Lecturer (featured speaker) at GA this year will be Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist  GA Theme:  “Meet the Moment: Reimagining Radical Faith Community”   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. GA can be attended in-person or online.   Housing and GA registration are now open. Go to uua.org/ga to learn more and register.    We need delegates to represent UUAA at GA. If you’re interested in being a delegate or have questions, email denomination at uuaa.org. Rev. Manish Joins Religious Leaders Opposing Violence Against Muslims in South Asia   A letter from global religious leaders was recently published in The Indian Express, one of India's largest English language newspapers. The letter opposes violence and discrimination against Muslims in India, as has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of Hindu nationalism and fundamentalism. To read the published letter, please click here. New Group for Caregivers of Trans Folks   Looking for parents or caregivers of trans people: We are starting a friendly group to help each other support our trans offspring.  Email me and we’ll plan some get-togethers either in-person, on Zoom, or both, at Finnabar at gmail.com.   The working name for now is SPOTANO (Supportive Parents of Trans and/or Nonbinary Offspring.) Not a therapy group, we are parents who share similar life experiences and want to do well by our kids, no matter what age they are. Join us to tell your story and hear others! Community Gardening at UUAA   Are you interested in growing some of your own food (organically), but have no space at home to do so? Consider using a plot in the Good Food Garden at First UU.   The sooner we know how many interested gardeners there are, the sooner we can assign plots and start planting!   For more information or to request space, please contact Cathy at mysarina at aol.com. Petitions for Justice and Democracy   Deadlines are fast approaching for important ballot proposals, and, without enough signatures, many are at risk of not appearing on the November ballot. Please visit the “Petition Table” in the Social Hall after Sunday Services to learn more about these important proposals:   Promote the Vote 2022 Reproductive Freedom for All Michigan United (aka Good Time) Raise the Wage   UUCivs, Kaleidoscope, and Restorative Justice are working together to support these initiatives that lift up our UU values of justice and democracy!    Not attending UUAA in person? Email uucivs at uuaa.org—we’ll help you sign! Green Corner: What to Do for Mother’s Day What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by honoring Mother Earth?    Beyond flowers or a fancy brunch, how about doing something good for the environment with your loved ones? Take a family nature walk and pull invasive garlic mustard along the way. Grab a bag and pick up roadside trash.    Can’t be with your mother? Take pictures of yourself caring for Mother Earth and send them to her. Post them on social media to start a Mother’s Day trend. #honoringMotherEarth   Controlling Invasive Garlic Mustard Invasive Species Spotlight: Garlic Mustard Interpreters Needed for Resettlement Support   Hi Friends! UUAA Family Resettlement is looking for Spanish language interpreters to help support the Quiche family. Please email resettlement at uuaa.org if you are willing and able to help out! 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