“Courage” is our October theme
May my strength be not found as a hard shell of defense or a sharp weapon of attack. May my strength, instead, be found in an open stance of kindness and empathy, like a tree bending gracefully in the wind storm. May my strength be found in a willingness to join in the suffering of others, like a forest of trees together in a storm. May I choose to be receptive rather than protected, sharing rather than shielded…
In this way, may I face my own suffering and the suffering of others with a nimble capacity to respond with compassion. In this way, may my vulnerability be an invitation for others to meet me in the open field with a yearning for understanding and peace. I know this is a risk, I know I may be hurt, I know things may not go well…
I am still learning to be vulnerable. I seek the courage to be so vulnerable. May I have others who can help me to be so courageous. May my example serve others as well as myself. And may my strength be our strength in sharing this life openly with others.
–Excerpt from Meditation on courage and vulnerability by Rev. Douglas Taylor
Next Service
October 11 at 11:00 am
“Blessing of the Animals”
Led by: Rev. Dan Miyake
Our pets and animal friends play a huge role in our lives, and we are blessed to have them. Let’s return the favor by giving them a blessing! Everyone is invited to bring their furry, feathered, or scaly friends to receive a special blessing. Dogs must be leashed at all times. We will also take a moment to pay tribute to beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge during the past year. We will have a special altar set up where you can bring a photo or other trinket such as a favorite toy or collar and place it on the altar in remembrance.
Finally, it will also be Bring a Friend Sunday, so let’s see how many visitors we can welcome!
In person at UUCEL or live on Facebook.
Announcements
Lunch With the Minister: October’s Lunch with the Minister gathering is this Friday, October 9 at noon. Come and join Rev. Dan for good food and great conversation at Knight’s Steakhouse on Horton Road!
Blessings of the Animals & Bring a Friend to Church Day! This Sunday, October 11, Rev. Dan will be leading a Blessing of the Animals service. Everyone is encouraged to bring their furry, feathered, or scaly friends to receive a special blessing. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. There will also be a brief ritual of remembrance for beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the past year. You are welcome to bring a special token, such as a toy, a collar, or photo in remembrance of animal friend to honor them in the ritual.
Also, don’t forget that October 11 is also Bring a Friend to Church Day! Please invite a friend (or more!) to join us that Sunday. Let them see just how great this congregation is!
Books & Puzzles Sale: A special sale for books and puzzles will be held in the schoolhouse after service on Nov 8 & 15. Please bring your donations for the sale to the schoolhouse after service on October 18 or 25. See Elissa Alden & Debbie Hartsuff with any questions.
Fall Soup Dinner & Fundraiser: Come one, come all! Join in the fun and buy, buy, buy! On October 30 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, we are having a Fun Fall Soup Dinner & Fall Basket Auction Fundraiser featuring a bake sale. There will be a variety of soups and other treats to choose from along with coffee and bottled water. Donation of $10 is requested per person for the dinner. Feel free to come in costume – you just might win a “Best of” prize! Bidding on the baskets began on October 4th and lasts until the event.
What we need:
– Fall-themed cupcakes and/or cookies donated to be part of the meal
– Homemade treats for the Bake Sale (have them priced and ready to sell!)
Please contact Ferne Kerr-Arnold with questions and to let her know what you can donate! hootiekerr77@gmail.com or 517-795-6265
Love at the Center Book Group: Rev. Dan and Ann Green will be leading a congregational reading of the book “Love at the Center”, edited by UUA president Sofia Betancourt. This book is a collection of insightful, short essays by various UU ministers about the centrality of love in our UU values, faith, and identity. The way it works is that everyone will be encouraged to purchase the book, read selected essays, then come together to discuss the readings. The first meeting will be held on Zoom on Monday, October 19 at 6:30pm. The selected essays for the first meeting are chapters 3, 5, and 14. The book can be ordered here: https://uuabookstore.org/products/love-at-the-center Please contact Rev. Dan or Ann if you are interested or have questions.
***New Drum Circle Forming!*** Ben Brue and Rev. Dan will be starting up a new Drum Circle beginning on Wednesday, November 11 at 6:30 in the church social hall. If you’ve never experienced a drum circle before and have been curious, this is a great way to dip your toes in the water. Come and enjoy making music in this intimate environment. Extra drums are available if you need one. No drumming skill or experience is needed!
Still not sure about trying it? Read the FAQs below to learn more!
FAQs on the Benefits of Drumming Circles
1. What is a drum circle? A drum circle is a gathering of individuals who come together to play drums and other percussion instruments in a communal setting. The purpose can range from simple enjoyment and social connection to therapeutic and spiritual experiences.
2. How is a drumming circle different from other musical gatherings? Drumming circles focus on the rhythm and beat produced by drums and percussion, creating an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of musical ability, can participate. Unlike other musical sessions that may require specific skills or rehearsals, drum circles often encourage spontaneous and collective music-making.
3. Are drumming circles beneficial for mental health? Absolutely! Drumming circles have been shown to reduce stress, elevate mood, and even boost the immune system. The rhythmic patterns and communal participation can create a sense of belonging and emotional release.
4. How can I join the drumming circle? Just show up!
5. Do I need to be an experienced drummer to join a drumming circle? No. One of the beauties of drum circles is that they welcome individuals of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced drummer or a first-timer, drumming circles are designed to be inclusive and celebratory of all participants.
6. Can drumming circles be therapeutic? Yes, drumming circles have therapeutic benefits. They have been used as a form of group therapy to support emotional expression, improve motor skills, and enhance cognitive functions. The act of drumming can also serve as a meditative practice, grounding participants in the present moment.
7. Are there different types of drumming circles? Yes. While the basic concept remains consistent, drumming circles can differ based on their goals, such as healing drum circles, community celebration circles, or spiritual drum circles.
8. Why are drumming circles becoming increasingly popular? The universal language of rhythm resonates with many. Drumming circles provide a space where people can connect, express themselves, and experience the power of collective rhythm. In today’s digital age, such authentic, face-to-face interactions are even more important.
Reminders
Jackson County Immigrant Coalition: Many members of the congregation have expressed interest in joining the JCIC. Due to the nature of the coalition’s work with vulnerable people, the first step to getting involved is to fill out a secure vetting form. Please visit the JCIC linktree to access that form: https://linktr.ee/Jackson_County_For_Immigrants (the form is the second link from the top). Feel free to explore the other helpful links on the page.
Worship Committee seeks speakers: Do you have an idea for a service, or a willingness to take us on your spiritual journey? Or do you know someone in the community who would? Please contact Darrin Palmer or another member of the Worship Committee. They are happy to help create a Sunday Service!
Social Mission Designee:
The Social Mission Designee for our 2nd Quarter is Grow Jackson. Please give by using the donate button on our website or by contributing with a check with Grow Jackson in the memo line.
Minister’s Schedule:
- October 7 – UUA/UUMA Event
- October 8-9 – UUCEL
- October 10 – Off
- October 11-13 – UUCEL
- October 14 – Off
Rev. Dan is available for 1:1 emergency pastoral care regardless of his days off. If you are in need of immediate pastoral care, please contact him right away. Please refrain from texting Rev. Dan after normal work hours unless it is a critical issue that needs immediate attention; if not, email him the next workday. If you need an immediate response to an email on a day off, type “URGENT’ in the subject line.
Please submit items for this weekly email by Tuesday afternoon at WednesdayChimes@gmail.com. Please include the date(s) you would like the announcement published in the subject line of your email.
Sunday Announcements
Please submit items to be announced on Sunday to the Worship Committee at uuliberty@gmail.com
Joys and Sorrows
Please submit items for inclusion in our Sunday service to the Worship Committee at uuliberty@gmail.com