by
Monday, January 23.
STAFF NOTES
What's Ahead: Rev. Ruth, Minute for Music, Thoughts From Our DRE, Worship Calendar
From Rev Ruth
Happy New Year!
I hope your holidays were sparkling and wonderful. We begin 2023 with high hopes and a renewed sense of purpose. At least I hope we do. January can be the most depressing month, lack of sun, cold wintry weather, and the holidays are over. Many people feel a great let down, and suffer from more depression and despair. This month, following the Touchstones theme, I will be exploring WINTERING and the gifts it can bring to us in this season. January is the perfect time to start over, reflect, and even hunker down and find some peace, and drink from the wintering well. Perhaps we can explore ways of caring for ourselves and each other to make this season meaningful, and the perfect starting place for a new year. I hope you will consider carving some “hunkering down” time for you and those closest to you – whether that is a book, old movies, staring off into space with your cat, revisiting your photo album, or sharing cheer with friends. This can be a beautiful quiet time for deep thinking about the year ahead, maybe not making resolutions, but setting intentions, and being grateful for another season.
Just like the green growing things are hunkered down for their winter’s rest, and other animals hibernate, we too, can learn from nature’s ways, follow her rhythm, trusting that the green will spring again.
I am very excited to begin these months with you and I hope you are excited as well. See you around the fellowship!
—Rev. Ruth Hopkins
A Minute for Music
Happy New Year!
I hope your holidays were sparkling and wonderful. We begin 2023 with high hopes and a renewed sense of purpose. At least I hope we do. January can be the most depressing month, lack of sun, cold wintry weather, and the holidays are over. Many people feel a great let down, and suffer from more depression and despair. This month, following the Touchstones theme, I will be exploring WINTERING and the gifts it can bring to us in this season. January is the perfect time to start over, reflect, and even hunker down and find some peace, and drink from the wintering well. Perhaps we can explore ways of caring for ourselves and each other to make this season meaningful, and the perfect starting place for a new year. I hope you will consider carving some “hunkering down” time for you and those closest to you – whether that is a book, old movies, staring off into space with your cat, revisiting your photo album, or sharing cheer with friends. This can be a beautiful quiet time for deep thinking about the year ahead, maybe not making resolutions, but setting intentions, and being grateful for another season.
Just like the green growing things are hunkered down for their winter’s rest, and other animals hibernate, we too, can learn from nature’s ways, follow her rhythm, trusting that the green will spring again.
I am very excited to begin these months with you and I hope you are excited as well. See you around the fellowship!
—Rev. Ruth Hopkins
Thoughts from Our DRE
The beginning of a new year marks something different to each of us. For some of us it’s a time of restart, of new beginnings. A time to start over and re-evaluate our goals and what are the important aspects of our lives. For others it is a time of reflection. It can be a time to look back on the past year and pat ourselves on the back for making it through.
As a parent I find myself doing a little of both. The beginning of a new year as a parent is a bittersweet feeling. You may remember how slowly time passed when we were younger…we would count our ages in years and months, and the new year was so exciting. We celebrated the year passing that seemed to take so long. For myself the older I got the faster the time went, then with having kids it was like pressing the triple fast forward button on life!
The year comes and goes so quickly now it can be hard to remember a time when one week didn’t feel like six months. I don’t believe in new years resolutions but this year I am asking myself to try to be more mindful of time. I am promising myself to try to slow down more often and see how slowly I can make time move.
—Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education
And: “Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.”
But also “Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation. Strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.”
—Sara Davis, Director of Music
Worship Calendar
JAN
8th (multi-platform)
Rev. Ruth Hopkins
Wintering Well
15th (multi-platform)
Bob Lewis
Social Justice
22nd (multi-platform)
Rev. Ruth
The Gifts of Hibernation
29th (multi-platform)
Catherine “CQ” Queener and Jerry Leggett
Peace Heroes 2023 Kick-Off
FEB
5th (multi-platform)
Rev. Ruth
Defining Resilience: What Is It?
12th (multi-platform)
Somaya Bernard, Director of Religious Education
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
CHILDREN & YOUTH RELIGIOUS ENRICHMENT
What's Ahead: CYRE Calendar, CYRE Committee, Juust Breathe Podcast, Family Area in the Sanctuary
CYRE Calendar
JANUARY
8th CYRE Classes; Nursery
15th CYRE Classes; Nursery
22nd CYRE Classes; Nursery
29th CYRE Classes; Nursery
FEBRUARY
5th CYRE Classes; Nursery
12th Worship For All Ages: Stuffed Animal Sleepover; Nursery
19th CYRE Classes; Nursery
26th CYRE Classes; Nursery
CYRE Committee
Our Children and Youth Religious Education Committee is open to all. Whether you have children in the CYRE program or not, the committee if always looking for people to teach classes and/or volunteer to help with family-friendly activities.
The committee is not currently meeting at a regular time but if you have any questions or would like to join the committee please contact our Director of Religious Education, Somaya Bernard, at 
Just Breathe Podcasts
Family Area in the Sanctuary
After service, please make sure to return the supplies so that we can continue to enjoy them during future services. And if you make any “creations” with the wiki stix, feel free to keep them, or leave them behind to inspire other artists!
ADULT RELIGIOUS ENRICHMENT
What's Ahead: Scripture Study, Daytime Book Club
Scripture Study
If you are interested in learning about different religions, and especially in the writings from those different religions, then you should consider attending our weekly Scripture Study. They meet every Sunday morning, beginning at 9:00 AM on Zoom; you can contact John Bierman if you have any questions at 
To join their Zoom meeting, use the information posted below:
To join the gathering online, click the link below—
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/424304843?pwd=RFcyeTlpR2J5bVRoZlk3TElEU3UzUT09
Passcode: 720015 Meeting ID: 424 304 843
Daytime Book Club
Our Daytime Book Club continues to meet monthly—on Zoom— to discuss a featured book; here’s what they’ll be discussing on Wednesday, January 18th, at 10:30 AM: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
What are they reading next month?
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver on
Wednesday, February 15th
If you’d like to join them online, please click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83229588801?pwd=RHlBM2Z4WnBXZzJyWnc3WmpRN3VuUT09
Meeting ID: 832 2958 8801 Passcode: 224361
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
What's Ahead: Touchstones, Women's Group
Touchstones
Our New Resource for Small Group Ministry
Women's Group
Sunday Mornings, 9:00 AM, on Zoom
This weekly group is open to all who identify as female, and they would love to have you join them for one of their interesting and thought-provoking discussions!
To join the gathering online, click the link below—
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/339923301?pwd%3DeFJVNWZaSTRPdHQ5NkM4REt2WTg3QT09
Passcode: 042027 Meeting ID: 339 923 301
AROUND THE FELLOWSHIP
What's Ahead: New Website, Coffee Volunteers, Pronoun Stickers, Community Discussion Group, Pictures for the New Web Site, Pastoral Care Associates, Board Meeting, Sewing Circus, January Congregational Meeting, Production Team
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS UP & RUNNING!
New Website
The new website went live Wednesday, December 28th, and is still in development. As wild as this sounds, Adam McGough, our talented website developer, and I have been working on this for over 3 years (off and on)!?! Adam generously offered to update, host, and maintain our website pro bono back in 2019 and has been incredibly patient with our questions and the many delays we’ve experienced.
Mary Ellen Beardmore was on this journey with us while she was Communications Rep. and deserves a BIG thank-you for all of her help transitioning the maintenance of our former website from Jay Snively (the site’s designer). Mary Ellen also brought a deep knowledge of MVUUF’s unwritten history and culture to our initial planning. Thank you, Mary Ellen!
While Jay’s site is no longer accessible to everyone, we have archived it and will bring information and design elements from it as we continue to develop the current site. Jay, thank you for giving us such a beautiful website to build upon.
Last but not least, Jeff Bohrer created/curated much of the initial content for the website when he developed a welcome booklet for our visitors. This booklet inspired me to get back to work on our website and launch a simple site that we could continue to develop. Thank you for developing a welcome booklet for us, Jeff!
As I have mentioned, our website is still in development. We plan to add sections for our Miami Valley Peace Heroes Trail, labyrinth, wetlands, building rentals, podcasts, worship service videos, Forum newsletter, volunteer form, and a minister blog. In general, we are trying to balance the needs of visitors and congregants by keeping information easy to find and easy to update (we do not want to have information in multiple locations).
We appreciate your patience during this process!
If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, you can access it by going to https://mvuuf.org/
—Rev. Kellie
Coffee Volunteers Wanted!
Many of us enjoy a cup of coffee (or two!) after our weekly worship services. It’s a long-standing tradition among UU congregations to drink coffee and chat with friends and fellow congregants. And as we slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are showing up in person, and more people are drinking coffee.
There’s one small problem. Coffee making and cleanup is currently being handled only by three people and one group – Sara Davis, Bea Walther, the CUUPS group, and myself. Unfortunately, it’s not sustainable for us to do this task alone. I’d like to see everyone pitch in.
We typically require two volunteers every Sunday for in-person services — one to make the coffee, and one to clean up.
Coffee Makers: Show up between 10:30-10:45 AM to make a carafe of regular coffee, a carafe of decaf coffee, a kettle of hot water for tea, and to place supplies on the counter. If you’re not a coffee drinker, or don’t know how to make coffee, training will be provided. (Estimated time to perform tasks: 10 minutes.)
Coffee Cleanup: Stay after service to put away supplies, dispose (or save) leftover coffee, rinse both carafes, and place dirty cups in the dishwasher. (Estimated time to perform tasks: 15 minutes.)
A SignUpGenius page is available at the link below. I will do what I can to keep the page current.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d4eabaa2dabfd0-coffee1
—Jim Poltrone, MVUUF member
Pronoun Stickers Now Available!
Did you know we now have pronoun stickers available? We do, and you can find them on the Welcome Table in the Gathering Space. Feel free to stick one on your wooden name tag (members), plastic-coated name tag (friends), or your stick-on name tag from the Welcome Table.
Why is it important to know each others pronouns?
Click HERE to find out why it matters.
Community Discussion Group
Did you know that the Community Discussion Group has been meeting for the past two years, on Zoom, due to COVID?
NOW they are meeting, IN-PERSON, in the Founders’ Room! On the FIRST and THIRD Sundays of the month they will meet in the Founders’ Room at MVUUF; all other Sundays they will meet on Zoom.
They don’t have an agenda, or set topics, and they welcome ALL people who want to find a place to meet, talk, and find community.
Pictures for the New Website
We now have an online folder for collecting pictures of MVUUF and MVUUF activities to be used on our new website. Do you have any pictures you’d like to share? Of course you do!
Please make sure that when you save your pictures you save them with the highest resolution possible, as those are high quality photos needed for the website.
You should use the link below to upload your photos:
Pastoral Care Associates
The Pastoral Care Team at MVUUF is a group of lay leaders who volunteer their time to tend to the heart of our community. Led & guided by Rev. Kellie, this group reaches out to or works with individuals who reach out to the Team who are in need—for many different reasons. You can reach out to anyone on the Team at any time, and rest assured all info is kept confidential.
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Board Meeting
Sunday, January 15th, 2:00 PM, on Zoom
Our Board meetings are open to EVERYONE, and time is set aside at the beginning of the meeting to answer any questions our members and friends may have for Board members.
The next Board Meeting will take place a week earlier than usual, on Sunday, January 15th, at 2:00 PM; you can attend using the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81521323250?pwd=YWgxKzlWRnJXZDFiTG9pT1ZYbWIrdz09
Meeting ID: 815 2132 3250 Passcode: 003493
Sewing Circus
Saturday, January 21st, 2:00 PM, 758 Grants Trail, 45459
Our next meeting date for Sewing Circus “performers” is Saturday January 21st, from 2-400 PM. Wearing face masks is encouraged. We meet at 758 Grants Trail, 45459.
Looking ahead, let’s get together next month:
On Saturday February 18, we plan to meet from 2-4:00 PM at 758 Grants Trail 45459.
Sewing Circus:
Open to all who sew, knit, crochet, craft, color, etc. No skill level required. Join us! Bring your own materials and equipment for personal projects. Wearing face masks is always okay.
Our purpose:
Sewing Circus provides encouragement for all creators, and moral
support to makers of baby quilts for the Wesley Dayton baby shower.
“Performers” are welcome to help make bibs, stuffed animals, and the baby quilts.
Schedule:
Sewing Circus meets monthly, in person when possible–usually the third Saturday of the month from 2-4:00 PM, but it varies–so be alert. Contact 
January Congressional Meeting
Sunday, January 22nd, 2:00 PM, on Zoom
Please mark your calendars for our annual January Congregational meeting, which will be held on Sunday, January 22nd, beginning at 2:00 PM on Zoom; you’ll find the link to join the meeting at the end of this article.
Please remember that attendance at Congregational Meetings is a privilege for and a commitment of our Voting Members, and all are strongly encouraged to attend. Additionally, the meeting is open to ALL, even those who are not Voting Members.
Join us with the link below:
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/95381147453?pwd=Wng5YXFTUnJ0NU44aHhySUxCQjBrUT09
Via Phone Dial-in
Call 312-626-6799 or 646-876-9923; at the prompt, please enter Meeting ID: 953 8114 7453 and Passcode: 869000
Production Team
Tuesday, January 24th, 7:00 PM, on Zoom
The Production team typically meets on the 4th Tuesday each month at 7:00 PM on Zoom. This team includes Zoom host and co-host roles as well as in-person AV Booth and Mevo roles. Those interested in learning more about what we do and potentially volunteering on this team are invited to join us.
You can do so by using the Zoom link below:
https://uuma.zoom.us/j/95267921276?pwd=NDlsaG10ZE1uZzRXekpVeU9KZlRkQT09
Meeting ID: 952 6792 1276 Passcode: 381047
PAGAN EVENTS
What's Ahead: Chalice of the Willow Discussion Group, CUUPS January Events
Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS) Discussion Group
Second Sunday Each Month Sunday, January 8th, 12:30 PM, in the Founders' Room
Our pagan group, Chalice of the Willow (CUUPS) has a discussion group on the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 12:30 PM. It’s a great way to find out a little bit more about pagan beliefs & traditions, and to converse with others in a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere.
This group will be meeting (in-person only) at MVUUF; meeting dates can be found on the MVUUF calendar. You can find out more by contacting Tina Porter at 
CUUPS January Event
Sunday, JAN 8th
Full Moon Ritual
6:30 PM at MVUUF
Sunday, JAN 8th
Discussion Group
12:30 PM at MVUUF
IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES
What's Ahead: Choir Rehearsal, Welcome Session, Acoustic Folk Jam
Worship Choir Rehearsal
Every Wednesday Evening Each Month, In the Sanctuary
Our worship Choir is back, meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary!
If you are seeking a fun and supportive way to connect through music, you are invited to give the Choir a try! We would love to have more voices join us as we look forward to singing in service two Sundays every month.
Contact Sara Davis, our Director of Music, if you want to know more at 
Welcome Session
Sunday, January 15th, 12:15 PM, in the Library following the Worship Service
Are you new to MVUUF? Would you like to know more about the Fellowship and what we have to offer?
We offer a Welcome Session monthly where you’ll have the opportunity to find out more about our Fellowship and meet Rev. Kellie and other members of MVUUF.
We hope to see you there!
Acoustic Folk Jam Session
Third Tuesday Each Month Tuesday, January 17th, 7:00 PM, in the Sanctuary
We will gather on Tuesday, December 20th, starting at 7:00 PM at the Fellowship. Please feel free to bring any music/lead sheets or just lyrics you’d like to share. Instrumentalists, singers and just “listeners” are all welcome!
No need to RSVP but text or email me if you have questions or concerns. The more the merrier! Hope to see you there.
–Sara Davis,
SHOWING UP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
What's Ahead: Guest At Your Table, Taproot, The Castle, Social Justice Committee, UUA Transgender/Non-Binary Monthly Gathering, Immigration Learning
UU International Community-Led Human Rights
Donations in by Monday, January 9th
MVUUF Guest At Your Table boxes and checks should be turned in by the second week of January. Guest At Your Table is an annual program of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC). Boxes, brochures and envelopes are available in the Gathering Space. You may also donate directly to UUSC. Online: use uusc.org/givetoguest To donate by mail, make checks out to “UUSC” with “Guest” or “GAYT” in the memo field, and send to: UUS, PO Box 808, Newark, NJ 07101-0808. Be sure to include your congregation as Miami Valley UU Fellowship!
Taproot: A National BIPOC Space
Second Thursday Each Month Thursday, January 12th, 9:00 PM
The work of spiritual community is complicated in the 21st century. The need for faithful leadership that is grounded and resilient is imperative. This is all the more true for leaders within our communities and congregations who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC).
All too aware of this need, Congregational Life is excited to explore and co-create a network with congregational leaders that support them in this time in emergent ways through Taproot: A National BIPOC Space. BIPoC Leaders rooted in the Unitarian Universalist congregations are invited to take part in this monthly, virtual gathering.
To register online, please visit:
An Invitation to the Castle
Third Monday Each Month Monday, January 16th, 11:30 AM
In November, the Fellowship shared our offering with The Castle, an organization that provides a safe haven in Centerville for adults with mental disorders. It offers breakfast and lunch as well as daily activities that include creative writing, art projects, and movie days. Some transportation and field trips are also offered.
The Social Justice Committee is now inviting YOU to join other members who are sharing their time and talents with The Castle!
The Fellowship began working with The Castle in 2009. One Fellowship member, Mike Fanelli, takes Castle members on very appreciated camping trips. Another team provides lunch once a month. Their leader, Mary Lou Heitkamp, as well as core members Nick and Shirley Gezinski, have now been doing this for 13 years. However, without the participation of Mary’s Lou’s sister Dottee Spotz, her niece Susie Waggoner, and her niece’s friend Cindy, it would be impossible to continue providing this service.
The lunch team needs more volunteers. Each month, it designs a new menu and prepares a meal for the third Monday, dropping items off at The Castle by 11:30 AM. Lunch is then served by the staff. If you would like to join the team, please call Mary Lou Heitkamp at 937-291-1831 (home) or 937-657-2873 (mobile) early in the month. She will then call you when they have set the menu, to determine which item you can provide for 15-35 people. Try it for a month; hopefully, some of you will decide to make a regular habit of it!
Social Justice Committee
Third Monday Each Month Monday, January 16th, 6:30 PM
Our Social Justice Committee offers many different ways for you to “be the change” you’d like to see in the world: immigration action, improving conditions in west Dayton, literacy & tutoring projects, and the list goes on.
Feel free to join their next meeting by using the info below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85022429356?pwd=dmhiKzIzZzhvTTdwbTBpQ1JzWVlpdz09
Passcode: 613674 Meeting ID: 850 2242 9356
UUA Transgender/Non-Binary Monthly Gathering
Fourth Tuesday Each Month Tuesday, January 24th 8-9:30 PM, online
Join the UPLIFT monthly gatherings focused on trans, nonbinary, and other not (completely or at all) cis UUs. Join us to connect with other trans/nonbinary UUs and co-create support and community across our faith. All you need to bring is yourself (and other trans/nonbinary friends, if you’d like)!
These gatherings focus on getting to know each other and on sharing our collective dreams, ideas, and talents for this space. Expansive definitions of trans, nonbinary, and UU all apply. If you are interested in this space, and you aren’t cisgender, it’s a space for you.
NOTE: This space is intentionally multi-generational. It is open to and welcoming of trans/nonbinary elders as well as children, youth, and young adults. Standard UUA online safety measures apply to ensure all people under 18 are able to attend. We’re glad to have you here!
To join them online, use the link below:
Save the Date for Immigration Learning
Third Monday Each Month Monday, January 16th, 11:30 AM
The Miami Valley Immigration Coalition (MVIC) invites EVERYONE on Sunday, February 5th, 2:00 PM to Grace United Methodist Church, 1001 Harvard Blvd., (with one parking lot on Salem Avenue), Dayton.
Learn about the difficult paths to legal status for immigrants and the reasons people leave their home countries, including the contribution of the U.S. to home country conditions. MVUUF is a partner of MVIC.
SAVE THE DATES - FEBRUARY
What's Ahead: Guest At Your Table, Taproot, The Castle, Social Justice Committee, UUA Transgender/Non-Binary Monthly Gathering, Immigration Learning
Worship for All Ages: Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Sunday, February 12th
UUA Transgender/Non-Binary Monthly Gathering
Tuesday, February 28th
For more details about these events, please check out
our MVUUF Calendar by clicking HERE
DONATE TO MVUUF AS YOU SHOP...IT'S EASY!
Did you know you can donate to MVUUF at no cost to you every time you shop at Kroger, Dorothy Lane Market, and Amazon?
By using the affiliate groups at these companies,
