Greetings from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Galveston County! All events are held at the Fellowship unless otherwise indicated. Have news? Ideas or suggestions? Prefer not to receive these announcements? Reply to this message and let us know.

The July newsletter is on the website, at <http://uugalveston.org/newsletters.htm>

This Sunday July 6                        

Installation/Recognition of new & outgoing Board Members
Elizabeth Anderson, “Patriotism Revisited”
Ever wonder about the word “patriotism”? Ever think, "That's not patriotism to me"? Does the Fourth of July, "Independence Day," sometimes make you wonder what we are really celebrating? Well, here's an opportunity to hear from a number of famous people about the concept of patriotism and to renew your own spirit of patriotism. Bets Anderson will facilitate this program originally conceptualized by Reid Swanson, a former member of UUFGC who now lives in California. 

Greeter: Sandra Sullivan      Board Member: Susan Persons     Music:  Margaret Canavan

Social Action Committee meeting Sunday July 6: Stay around after the service to meet with this important committee that focuses on our “deeds not creeds”.

Supper Circle Sunday July 6, 4pm: Sign up for Pete & Diane Olsen’s “Red, White and Blue” picnic.  Bring food that is red, white and/or blue!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

UUFGC MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY for 2009-2009 will be printed and distributed in July. Please check to be sure we have YOUR contact information correct.  You can look on the website (members have been given the password, ask for it if you’ve forgotten) and we’ll also be putting a note in each member’s name tag at church (check and return to the office).  Please be sure to review your information for accuracy, it’s how we stay in touch! Your contact information will be provided to members only. If your name is not on the list we do not have you recorded as a member, but we’d be happy to remedy that, just let Cheryl Henry know.

Microfinancing update:  Take a look at our current microfinance portfolio at <http://www.kiva.org/lender/unitarianuniversali3384>. It is also posted on the Fellowship bulletin board. Several of our borrowers have paid back, and we have again lent the funds.  So in total we have lent $1,025 to recipients in developing countries, and have donated $65 to support the activities of Kiva.  We will make more loans as we receive donations or loans are repaid. Anyone can help select loan recipients.

THIS WEEK AT THE FELLOWSHIP:

Adult Children of Alcoholics Tuesday at 6:30pm:  This open support group in a 12-step tradition is for persons who grew up in a family with an alcoholic parent or one with any kind of addiction. Information about ACA is available at <http://www.adultchildren.org/>.  For information about this group, contact Carolyn B. at (409) 939-3518.

Galveston Dance Club Dance Classes Tuesday, 7-9pm (no Thursday classes in July): Classes are free to members of the Dance Club. First lesson is free. UU members can enjoy a full year’s membership for half-price of $30 per person. Questions, call Betty at 281-337-0441. See <http://www.galvestondanceclub.com>. 

UU “Bowlers” Wednesday at 5:30pm:  Join in the fun of creating bowls for the Fall Jesse Tree fundraiser.  All are welcome and no experience is necessary.

A Course in Miracles, Thursday at 7pm. All are welcome to join this world-renowned course in Spirituality. The participants also meet for dinner before the group.  To join them, or for more information, contact Laura Murrell LauraMurrell@att.net <mailto:LauraMurrell@att.net>

Zen Meditation Sunday at 4pm.  The Zen Island Fellowship invites new members to attend. Visit their website at <http://www.galvestonzen.org/> for more information.

COMING SOON:

Spirit Circle Covenant Group Tuesday, July 8, 7-8:30pm:  The purpose of this group is to deepen our relationships to each other and our Unitarian Universalist faith through deep listening and sharing. See the descriptive article on page in the July newsletter, which explains this group in more detail.   Please contact Gerry Carr  at gcarr@tlc-galveston.org for more information or questions.

Board Meeting  Thursday, July 10, 5:45 pm:  All are welcome.

Provocative Film Friday July 11, 7pm: : The Cats of Mirikitani.  When film maker Linda Hattendorf stumbles upon Japanese-American artist Jimmy Mirikitani on the streets of Soho, he is huddled for warmth under the awning of a deli, drawing charming, joyful pictures of cats.  They get acquainted, & she starts to film.  She continues to unravel the stories of his life.  The film follows Jimmy as he reveals more of his past, & follows Hattendorf as she helps him put together a life off the streets.  This is a loving portrait, exquisitely filmed & told in a way that unfolds without pretense.

Have a great week!

July Book Club Cancelled: The group will meet on Wednesday, August 13 at  7pm to discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini.

Microfinancing update:  Take a look at our current microfinance portfolio at <http://www.kiva.org/lender/unitarianuniversali3384>. Some of our borrowers have paid back, and we’ve been able to reloan the funds.  We have lent a total of $800 to recipients in developing countries, and have donated $55 to support the activities of Kiva.  We will make more loans as we receive donations or loans are repaid. Anyone can help select loan recipients.

Have a great week!