Current Events
Adopt a Garden Plot — First impressions are vital when people visit our congregation, and well-kept grounds provide a welcoming environment for our members during services and events. To support the Building & Grounds team, we are looking for volunteers to adopt small sections of the gardens. This commitment involves approximately two hours of hand-tool weeding every two weeks, which can be done at your convenience. Jim and Danny will provide an initial walkthrough to show you exactly what needs to be done. If interested and able, please contact Jim R. or Danny S. They can be found in the directory.
Sisters Over Sixty-Five — We meet the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Meetinghouse in the choir room, from 10:30 to Noon. All are welcome. Our next meeting is June 11.
qUUeer — This LGBTQIA+ group invites their allies to join them at 12:15 on the 2nd Sunday of the month in the library of the Meetinghouse. Their next meeting is June 14. This open meeting is for the purpose of planning future outreach events and volunteer opportunities.
HUUmanists in Action — This group meets after the service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month to explore the history of Humanism and its application to contemporary social and community issues. Their next meeting is June 14. Everyone is welcome to join in the discussion.
Sisters in Good Company Book Group — At the Meetinghouse June 14 at 6pm we will meet to discuss the book Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Bring a snack to share.
General Assembly Watch Party — We will be joining together to view the UUA’s annual GA, in the choir room. Drop in anytime. We will be streaming the following presentations:
Monday, June 15 3:30 – 4:45 pm Workshop: Imagining Abolition
From the founding of this country, coercion and punishment have been used as a way to enforce compliance. This can be seen from parenting, schooling and the way business is conducted. Our faith calls us to critique the theology of punishment that has become so prominent. This begins when we start to imagine other ways to live that are, perhaps, idealistic, but that hold the seeds of how we move into a loving, healing, holistic practice of living in the world.
Tuesday, June 16 3:30 – 4:45 pm Workshop: Abolition in Practice
This workshop will include a panel of leaders who practice abolition in its many variations. Panelists will discuss abolition as a spiritual practice, abolition as seen in Minneapolis, abolition in police and prison settings, and how abolition intersects with the way we approach environmental justice.
Wednesday, June 17 7:00 – 8:30 pm Documentary Screening: If I Could Stay
This intimate PBS documentary, filmed over eight years, follows two undocumented mothers who seek sanctuary in local churches rather than face deportation and separation from their families. The documentary shares the stories of Jeanette Vizguerra and Ingrid Encalada Latorre as they navigate fear, resilience, faith, and community organizing while living in sanctuary. The film also explores how Unitarian Universalist and other faith communities wrestle with what it means to put their values into action in support of immigrant justice. The film includes bilingual English and Spanish captions.
Saturday, June 20 8:00 – 9:00 pm Ware Lecture: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Not able to be streamed at the Meetinghouse. Stay tuned for the location.
This year’s Ware Lecturer, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, will challenge and inspire us to live more fully into our values, open ourselves to transformation, and take bold action for justice and liberation. Mariann serves as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, and is a passionate advocate for spiritual growth, justice, and mercy, believing that all people are called to strive for peace and to respect the dignity of every human being.
Northeast Indiana Ethical Humanists — Assemblies are held the fourth Saturday of each month at the Meetinghouse. Their next gathering is on June 27.
qUUeer — This LGBTQIA+ group usually meets socially at 12:15 on the 4th Sunday of the month in the library of the Meetinghouse. Their next meeting is June 28. This meeting is a safe space for members of the queer community to discuss issues, seek and give comfort and understanding, and work together toward shared goals within our UU framework. While we appreciate our many allies, this particular setting is open only to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ For more information, please send an email to quueer@uufortwayne.org or contact the minister.
Potluck Celebration! — Sunday, July 5 after service there will be a staff recognition and end-of-term potluck celebration. This will be Rev. Mandy’s last Sunday in the pulpit and we can come together after service to celebrate our year of building relationships, expanding our way of doing church and learning from each other. Bring a favorite dish or two to share. Cake, fruit salad and drinks will be provided.
Sisters in Good Company Retreat at Round Lake — August 1 10am to 6pm. Come early and participate in Dance, guided meditation, and make coded political bracelets and bags. There will be time to fish, kayak, swim and just be with friends. Bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner. Contact Kathy or Cathie with questions!
ArtVenture Bus Trip – Meijer Gardens and ArtPrize — Two experiences, one incredible trip!
UU Congregation ArtVenture is going to the Chihuly exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park plus to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids September 30. Chihuly’s organically colorful shaped glass floats, curls and glows across 158 acres. Plus, view Chihuly: Radiant Form Indoor Exhibition. After spending time with Chihuly the bus will head to ArtPrize in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held annually. Each year, thousands of artists from across the globe show their sculptures, installations, paintings and more as you wander through streets, parks, galleries, and restaurants.
September 30, the bus will start loading at Meijer parking lot on Lima Rd at 7:30am and leave by 8am. We will return by 9pm. The cost for the day is $74 if paid before August 23. After this date, if seats are still available the cost will be $84. We are running this trip close to cost so we will be unable to refund your money unless we are able to fill your seat with someone else from the waitlist. You can also give your ticket to someone else but please let us know about the change. Admission to Meijer Gardens is not included. The fee for adults is $25; seniors (65+) is $20. If you have a membership to the Foellinger Botanical Conservatory you get in free. The extra timed admission ticket to the Chihuly indoor exhibit is included in the price. Please note that our trips involve some walking. There will be a tram at Meijer Gardens to help you get around the garden if you choose to hire this service. We hope you will join us on our adventure this fall. Click here to register.
Dungeons and Dragons — Two D & D groups are now meeting at UUCFW. One group meets on the second Saturday of every month in the MS/HS Room at 1-4pm. The second group meets virtually on the first and third Thursday at 6:30pm. If you are interested in playing, please join the D&D group in Church Center or contact Austin or Emery – they can be found in the directory.
Opportunities for Stewardship —
You can raise funds for the church during your normal shopping! What better way to grow our resources than by making money on the things we already do and buy.
First, the Raise Right program (formerly known as Scrip). For those wanting to enroll in scrip the church code is: 77DDL4CC29923 Click here to enroll or download the RaiseRight app.
There are multiple options when ordering cards. You can buy eGift cards that can be printed at home or saved electronically on your phone. Or you can order physical gift cards and have them shipped to you. Click here for a list of Ship-to-Home Eligible Brands. If you have any questions, please contact our Scrip Coordinator, Kathi.
Second, you can link our congregation to your Kroger shopping! It’s easy to sign up for their Community Rewards program with our number: EM779. Then when you shop at Kroger, you will see our name at the bottom of the receipt. Learn how by clicking here.
Thank you – these small things really do make a difference!
