[UUAA news] UUAA Weekly News | May 12 - 18 , 2022

[First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor]

All you need to know about UUAA this week.  This Week at UUAA May 12 - 18, 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 19 - May 25 is Tuesday, May 17 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 “Adapting Perspectives and Challenging Expectations” Sunday, May 15, 9:30am & 11:30am In-person and online at uuaa.org/service   This Sunday's service will be led by the high school YRUU group. Please join us for a service where you won’t know what to expect, filled with questions. We hope you come prepared to be challenged in many ways!   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 Procedures: 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. Upholding Our Values Capital Campaign Please consider supporting UUAA through the Capital Campaign, which will fund major changes, most importantly, paying off our mortgage and—but not limited to—working toward one of our Vision 20/50 Foundational Areas—Financial Stability. Find more information here.    Thank you to all who have made a three-year Capital Campaign commitment; our hurting world and UUAA needs all of us 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.  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.  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. Introduction to Islam for UUs Wednesdays, May 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.  UUAA Fiber Arts Group Wednesday, May 18, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, via Zoom  Saturday, June 4, 11:00am - 1:00pm, in person 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. Humanist Discussions Thursday, May 19, 2:00pm - 4:00pm  Monday, May 23, 7:00pm - 9:00pm   Topics for Thursday, May 19: “Abortion Battle Precursor to Larger Struggles,” by Fareed Zaharia; “How to Pray to a God You Don’t Believe In,” by Scott Hershovitz; “Why One Evangelical Pastor Left a Radicalized, Post-Jan. 6 America Behind,” by Patrick Smith; and “Good Thinking,” by Massimo Pigliucci   Topics for Monday, May 25: “Good Thinking,” by Massimo Pigliucci, and “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. 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. Kaleidoscope Trans Advocacy Organizing Meeting Thursday, May 26, 6:00pm, via Zoom   Trans and nonbinary people's rights—including access to healthcare, restrooms, and athletic opportunities—are under attack across the country and in Michigan. Join us to learn more about the current state of anti-trans legislation and to develop a strategy to advocate for trans rights.   We encourage you to watch the webinar held by UUA and The Trevor Project in advance, but please attend regardless!   Please sign up here so we can send the Zoom link closer to the event. Questions? Email KaleidoscopeInfo 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.  Final Bylaw Change to Be Voted On  Sunday, June 5   Information Sessions Result in Updates to Proposed Bylaws Change   Thank you to all who attended the information sessions on the proposed bylaws changes. The discussion was fruitful.     Based on discussion from the two sessions the language has been tweaked a bit and is available for final review (link below) before the June 5 meeting.     If approved, the bylaw would set the number of members at seven (instead of five), and increase the number of members elected by the congregation. It also removes the requirement of appointing one recent former Trustee to the committee.     Proposed Bylaw Change for 2022   Rationale for 2022 Bylaw Changes Congregation - Google Docs Introduction to Our Faith Wednesdays, June 22 & 29, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, via Zoom Register by Thursday, June 16   This two-session Zoom class launches you on your path toward membership in this congregation. We will share our spiritual journeys, cover the history of Unitarian Universalism and this congregation, explore your calling and how to get involved, and discuss the meaning and responsibilities of membership. This class is a prerequisite to official membership. Registration deadline is Thursday, June 16. Questions? Email Welcome Ministries Coordinator Hannah Hotchkiss at Hannah 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. Volunteers Needed for Magic Summer for K–6th Grade Sundays, June 19 - August 7, 10:15am - 11:45am   Our summer session begins on June 19. This year we will be using Soul Matters’ brand new eight-week curriculum, “Magic Summer.” Each Sunday, we will need one lead teacher and two or three assistants to help run this fun, simple, and engaging curriculum. You can help with the lesson or serve as a playground monitor.   The simple Sunday morning lessons are based on four magic "S's"... Service to Others Silence and Mindfulness Sunshine and Movement Silliness!   If you have been looking for an opportunity to give back, this might be the perfect opportunity! No need to commit to the entire summer; even if you can only help out on one Sunday, we would be so grateful!   If you are interested in signing up, please click on this link.    If you have questions about the program or want to learn more about each session, please email Stella Anderson at stella at uuaa.org.  Interpreters Needed for Resettlement Support   Additional Spanish speakers are needed to assist the Quiche family. We need both fluent speakers, who can translate legal and medical information on an as-needed basis, and casual speakers, who have some time for friendly conversation and accompaniment on outings, especially in the next couple months while the family is learning English. If you are willing to be on call for telephone translating or as conversation buddies, please email resettlement 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. 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. WomUUn’s Retreat—Seeking Workshop Presenters and Crafters Friday - Sunday, October 7 - 9   Present a Workshop: Would you like to teach a class at the 2022 WomUUn’s Retreat? Workshops should fit in the theme “Finding Joy!” and should be 60 - 90 minutes in length. Proposals will be reviewed by the committee and selections made to provide variety and depth in our weekend curriculum.  Display your “WomUUn’s Wares”: We encourage women crafters, artists, authors, musicians, etc. to bring items they have made to the retreat. Attendees will be able to view and purchase handicrafts, art, music, and books.    Contact WomUUnsRetreat at UUAA.org. WomUUn’s Retreat—Join the Committee!   We are seeking two co-chairs and many committee members to help plan our 2022 in-person WomUUn’s Retreat. Meetings are twice a month by Zoom for about an hour. Tasks relate to promoting the retreat, recruiting session leaders and planning sessions, talking with camp staff about meals, lodging, and session locations.  Save the Date for WomUUn’s Retreat! October 7 - 9, YMCA Camp Copneconic, Fenton, Michigan Sign up to help plan the retreat! Email WomUUnsRetreat at UUAA.org. Action Alert from UUs for Justice in the Middle East   From Americans for Justice in Palestine (AJP): In one of the biggest forced-expulsion rulings since Israel began occupying Palestinian territories in 1967, Israel's high court announced that over 1000 Palestinians can be forcibly displaced from Masafer Yatta, a city in the West Bank. Israel’s displacement of Palestinians and demolition of their homes and businesses constitutes a “grave breach” of international humanitarian law, specifically, the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits “extensive destruction and appropriation of property” and “unlawful deportation or transfer.”    Take Action: Contact Congress. AJP is affiliated with American Muslims for Palestine. Questions? Email uujme at uuaa.org. Equal Exchange Fair Trade Coffee Sales   Equal Exchange sales support UUAA, the UU Service Committee (UUSC), and small farmers.   This month, as a congregation, we honor UUSC with our donations. It is important to remember our sales benefit UUSC year round! Please come to the Equal Exchange Fair Trade UUSC Table in the Social Hall after both services every Sunday to shop for coffee, tea, chocolate, nuts, olive oil from Palestinians, and more. All of our sales benefit UUAA and the UUSC while helping small farmers around the world who have been hit hard by the pandemic. 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: Did You Know... Mile-for-mile, gas-powered lawn mowers produce about 11 times more pollution than a new car, per the EPA. One hour of gas-powered mowing is roughly equivalent to the carbon footprint of a 100-mile car trip. Electric tools are quieter, cleaner, and greener. Old-fashioned reel mowers work well and give you exercise, too!    This Spring, get rid of your noisy, gas-guzzling mower (and leaf blower) and go electric or non-motorized!   More information: Six Ways to Transform Your Lawn into an Eco-Friendly Oasis Links Request a Room, Request an Outdoor Space | 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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