MVUUF is moving toward fully meeting again in person!
Between July 11th and September 12th we are undertaking a phased approach, alternating Zoom only meeting Sundays with in-person get-togethers. Scroll down to below this Welcome section to see the details about our upcoming Sunday and the following weeks.
It is a special pleasure to welcome visitors! We invite you to join our services, whether online or in person, according to the week. Information about the next service is provided further down this page. We invite you to communicate with us and also find out about our monthly Welcome Session by completing our Visitor Form located here .
Please also note that you can stay current with us by subscribing to our monthly newsletter and weekly email notices via the tan button that reads, “Yes, keep me informed”. You will find it at the very bottom of each page.
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IMPORTANT UPDATE:
REOPENING THE MVUUF BUILDING
We have already had our first in-person gathering —
this photo is from our Open House on July 18th!
Our Reopening Plan
In June, a group of members met several times to ponder what it would look like to re-open safely. We listened to each other, asked questions, considered the people who were not in the meetings and ultimately made recommendations to the board for how to come together again in person for Sunday services and small groups. The board then considered the recommendations and decided on a path forward. We hope this plan provides a safe way for us to gather.
The Board will reevaluate the items in these re-opening decisions at the December 2021 Board meeting. If you have any questions or concerns before the December meeting, please contact a Board member (Rachel Feltner, Jim Poltrone, Jen Linck, Skylar Gladden, Tim Gemperline, or Garlene Hamilton).
General Guidelines
Masks covering nose and mouth are required inside for everyone. This is to protect our unvaccinated children (no vaccine is available for children under 12 years) and to protect us all from the Delta variant (fully vaccinated individuals are acquiring COVID than anticipated).
We will not have coffee service; you are invited to bring your own if you’d like.
Remember that everyone has different levels of comfort returning to large in-person gatherings. Please ask before initiating physical contact.
Worship
While we would love to immediately offer multi-platform worship services (both in-person and virtually at the same time), we realize we need more time for our AV and Zoom Production teams to make this happen. Instead of delaying in-person gathering, we will rotate between in-person and virtual Sunday worship this summer. Our goal is to offer our first multi-platform service for Water Communion on Sunday, September 12th, 11:00 AM (both in-person and Zoom).
Worship for the Weary will continue to be a Zoom only service (Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:00 PM).
Sunday Service Schedule
7/18—in-person only/Open House
7/25—Zoom only
8/1—in-person only
8/8—Zoom only
8/15—outside, in-person only, evening service (6pm)
8/22—Zoom only
8/29—in-person inside only
9/5—Zoom only
9/12—Water Communion: first multi-platform service
Small Groups
Please inform our Fellowship Administrator Jennie Freiberger when returning to the building so that she can ensure communications are updated, building access has been set up, and that there is enough Internet capacity (if offering multi-platform access).
Open all windows and doors in meeting space for ventilation, when possible.
Limit groups to half of the room occupancy, not including Gathering Space or Sanctuary.
Each group is encouraged to provide multi-platform access to meetings for people who cannot attend in person and should request Fellowship resources if needed.
Contact person for the group is responsible for clean-up and trash removal, until a cleaning service is in place.
Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
For summer programming, we will offer a minimum of one online Zoom per month in July and August.
CYRE will provide in-person activities for each of our in-person Sunday services (with the exception of the August 15 outdoor Worship for All Ages evening service). If weather does not allow an outdoor activity, we will go indoors (everyone will be required to wear masks indoors).
The DRE and CYRE committee will plan appropriately for September and beyond.
If you would like to join the fall planning and/or assist with the children and youth, please contact Somaya Bernard, re @ mvuuf.org.
Sunday Service, on Zoom only this week
July 25th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Earthseed: Octavia Butler’s Theology
with Rev. Kellie Kelly
Photo Credit: Miriam Berkley
Zoom meeting details:
If you are on a computer you may simply use the button at the top of this page. Otherwise, see below for a link or a phone number, depending on your device.
11:00 AM – Noon Worship Service
(Tech assistance available from 10:30 – 11 AM if needed)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 852 938 388
To join online (using a computer, tablet, or smart phone) click below:
uuma.zoom.us/j/852938388;;
No passcode required
To join on your cell phone or land line,
please call 1-929-205-6099
and make sure to enter the Meeting ID, 852 938 388, when prompted.
Please note the following:
- This service will be recorded and/or live-streamed to Facebook. If you do not want to be included in the recording, please turn off your camera, mute your microphone, and change your name to “MVUUF” (these are all Zoom options once you join the meeting).
- If you would like to submit a joy or sorrow for the service, please email Rev. Kellie by 10:00 PM on the prior Saturday evening (minister @ mvuuf.org).
On Thursday evenings
Worship for the Weary
A shorter, more reflective service, that is in addition to our Sunday services, still held on Zoom at this time.
Thursdays, from 6:30 – 7:00 pm
We offer this shorter, more reflective service as a way of providing a bit of peace and comfort during these trying times. We “gather” on Zoom for music, readings, and reflection.
We do hope you’ll join us the following weeks by using the link below:
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/95894282191
Meeting ID: 958 9428 2191 (no passcode needed)
To join on your cell phone or land line, please call 1-929-205-6099 and make sure to enter the Meeting ID when prompted.
What is the Miami Valley Peace Heroes Trail?
The Peace Heroes Trail is a family-friendly, educational series of signs on MVUUF’s campus that promote peace literacy through the inspiring stories of peace heroes and the exploration of the ideals that guide these individuals. Our 2020 campaign resulted in a welcome sign and 18 peace hero signs, and we had 20 peace heroes for 2021.
The peace heroes fundraiser supports the trail itself, as well as many MVUUF programs in social action, children and youth programs, adult religious education, and teaching conflict resolution. We will also be sharing our peace literacy education resources with local schools and peace partners.
See our list of peace heroes at https://ssl.charityweb.net/21cplf/miamivalleypeaceheroeswalk/
Click on a peace hero’s name to read about how that person has taken risks to make the world a better place.
We are grateful for a successful fundraising effort this year. Thank you to our team leaders, everyone who donated, and those who share the good news about peace heroes – our world needs peace literacy!
ADMINISTRATOR ON VACATION
Monday, July 19th —Friday, July 23rd
MVUUF’s Administrator, Jennie Freiberger, will be on vacation for the week of July 19th-23rd. She’ll be back to work answering emails/phone calls, paying bills, etc., on Monday, July 26th.
Other Events and Activities
Please note: We are in a period of transition, with some activities on Zoom and some in person. Please check with the leader of a group or activity if it does not say here whether the event is in person or on Zoom.
On Sundays, in addition to our service and youth religious education, we have Women’s Group at 9:30 AM and also a Scripture Study at 9:30 AM. These are both still on Zoom at this point.
We hold a virtual Coffee Hour after the Sunday service one week a month, at approximately 12:00 noon, the first Sunday of each month. This is on Zoom until we let you know we are meeting in person again.
MUSIC: Choir Rehearsal has been at 7:00 PM each Wednesday, online. However the choir is taking a break for the month of July. Our monthly Acoustic Jam is usually the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Our next acoustic folk jam, on Tuesday, July 20th at 7:00 PM, will be in person at the Fellowship, 8690 Yankee Street. We will share in some socially distanced music-making and camaraderie. Contact our Music Director, Sara Davis, at music @ mvuuf.org for more information about participating in music activities.
We have a Death Cafe, normally the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 PM, still on Zoom.
Other montly meetings include our Social Action Committee, the West Dayton Action Group, the Transgender Alliance Group, and the Chalice of the Willow (Covenant of UU Pagans). You will find more specifics about our programming around Anti-Racism toward the bottom of this page.
Our Facebook page is listed as “Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship”. You will find various announcements there.
For specific questions or to be put in touch with a group you may also send an email to info @ mvuuf.org.
Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE)
General Information about How it is Organized
For the past year we have been meeting on Zoom as we present our classes for children and youth. Currently our young children’s programming is combined, with PreK-1st grade and 2nd – 5th grade meeting together. These classes follow the Soul Matters curriculum which has been adapted specifically this year to teaching in the online learning environment. PreK-5th grade has rotated themes each Sunday of the month, rotating between art, games and Disney short videos. Our middle school youth are exploring different religions in the Neighboring Faiths curriculum and the high schoolers continue with their youth-led discussion group format.
All children and youth attending CYRE classes must register. Registration helps us learn names, track attendance, plan for activities, and accommodate any special needs. Please complete the registration form here.
We welcome adult volunteers to assist on our teaching teams. All classes are held on Sundays (PreK-1st and 2nd-5th grade from 1:00-2:00 PM, and MS/HS from 2:30-3:30 PM). PreK-5th grade were meeting weekly, but will meet once a month this summer. The middle school and high school classes meet alternate weeks. The High School RE Group will meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays at 2:30 PM, and the Middle School RE Group will meet on the 2nd & 4th Sundays, also at 2:30 PM. Both groups will be building more bonds and strengthening their connections.
A Letter with Updates from our Director of Religious Education, Somaya Bernard:
Hello everyone,
I cannot believe it’s already July. Time has felt like it’s simultaneously flown by and stood still this year. We are so thankful that you have chosen this community. I know that this year has been so hard; it has been hard to build community and to nourish the community that already exists. The work that we have all done this year to stay connected is amazing. You are amazing.
In our last Worship for All Ages, we talked a little about how we are going to keep going. We will keep learning, changing, and growing. This summer we have to do a lot of all three. As we look to re-open, the CYRE committee and re-opening task force have a lot to cover. We will be working to find the best possible course for CYRE and the entire congregation. Due to this we are going to reduce our preK-5th grade class to one class a month for June, July and August. As for now we will plan to meet on the fourth Sunday of the month in June and July on zoom at 1:00 PM. We will have a check-in and play some games. This will give the CYRE committee time and energy to put into re-opening. The high school and middle school group will continue to meet as usual until further notice.
We are always still looking for new members for the CYRE committee. The committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month. All that are interested are welcome! We are also looking for parents that would be willing to be part of a re-opening discussion. We are trying to be as inclusive as possible with our re-opening decisions. We would love to hear thoughts and opinions from families in the congregation on re-opening.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at re @ mvuuf.org.
Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education
YOUNG ADULTS GROUP Now Forming
Connect and build bonds with other UU young adults at MVUUF (ages 18-35). If you are interested in participating, please contact Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education, at re @ mvuuf.org to let her know what meeting dates/times work best for you.
Public Statement, and Programming Around Anti-Racism
In light of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police on May 25, Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is issuing a public statement to the community, and we offer resources to assist us in the processes of mourning, learning, and action.
As Unitarian Universalists, we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. We believe that we are all connected to one another: what affects one of us, affects all of us. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to commit our time, resources, and hearts to the important work of ending police violence and all other parts of our country’s systemic anti-Blackness. Our faith calls us to do this today—not tomorrow or some distant someday.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
- As people of faith, Unitarian Universalists affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all persons and work for social justice to embody that dignity.
- We condemn racist police practices that deny Black people in this country human rights and, in the case of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and so many before them, the very breath of life.
- It has gone on far too long.
- We side with the families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in love and we side with all impacted by murder and other violence as a tool of oppression by people of power.
- We urge the greater Dayton community to reflect deeply on our criminal justice system and how to transform it into one of restorative justice that is safer for everyone.
- This is the time to join with others to raise our voices and stop this oppression by police and by white vigilantes.
- Holding police accountable is an essential step.
- Recognizing that racist police practices are a symptom of pervasive and systemic racism in our national culture and institutions, we re-commit ourselves to anti-racism work.
Miami Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Rachel Feltner, Board President
Rev. Kellie C. Kelly, Called Minister
Alice Diebel, Affiliated Community Minister
LONG STRANGE TRIP:
UU HISTORY REDUX
2nd Saturdays,10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January through September
Note: This Saturday, June 12th, 10:00 AM on Zoom has Been POSTPONED
Are you a history geek? Maybe you’re a story lover? Maybe you just want to learn the history of Unitarian Universalism (UU)? Or maybe you want to revisit the UU history you learned through an anti-racism and anti-oppression lens?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, please join Rev. Kellie and Lifespan Religious Education Rep., René Hick, as they share Ron Cordes’ 6-part UU history film series, Long Strange Trip. Sessions will be monthly on the second Saturday, January through September. We will watch each film together for the first half of the 2-hour session (each film is approximately 60 minutes). During the second half, Rev. Kellie will start our group discussion by providing an anti-oppression perspective, adding context and additional histories. No prep work or homework will be assigned (Rev. Kellie’s favorite type of class). While we would love for you to be able to attend all 6 monthly classes, there also is no attendance policy (attend as often as you like/can).
To join us on Zoom please use the info below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88004868864?pwd=SWZQUTUxVytjNHhicnQ1NTVCaE1KQT09
Meeting ID: 880 0486 8864
Passcode: 977790
Anti-Racism Ally Group
No meeting in July; film Thursday, August 26th at 7:00 pm
Are you a white person with questions, ideas, concerns or just want a place to have discussions about what is going on? Then please join our Anti-Racism Ally group, newly revamped. Each meeting will allow for learning, actively practicing being allies, open discussion, and creating actions we can take to follow and support Black, Indigenous and all People of Color (BIPOC) in our congregation as well as residents in the larger community.
This group typically meets on the 4th Thursday evening of the month (except when there is a holiday). The meeting this June is a “Bring Your Own Topic” meeting, so bring something you would like to share and/or discuss. Our tentative plans are to have no meeting in July. Then in August, instead of our usual meeting on August 26th, we are hoping to screen a relevant film and then have a discussion afterward. In September we would return to our usual meeting structure.
If you have questions, would like meeting access information, or would like to provide input before a meeting, you are welcome to contact the group Co-Leaders, Kristen at KristenBeireis @ gmail.com or Bill at rossviva @ hotmail.com
