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The Northwest UU Board is closely monitoring guidelines from the CDC, state and local officials, and the Unitarian Universalist Association to inform our decisions regarding the building closure.
Currently, the Detroit Region (MERC Region 1) is in Phase 4 (Improving), as well as it being designated with High Risk (Level 2) for COVID-19 transmission. Our building remains closed and the church is not sponsoring any in-person events on or off our premises until the end of 2020. MI Safe Start Plan (PDF) Stay well, stay safe and stay connected!!! Linda Gobeski, Moderator |
Staying Connected with Us!
NWUU Friends Facebook Group →
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1788254494725186 NWUU YouTube Channel → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2DziSFzc0wjnBj8xPWdMAw/featured Office Email → office@northwestuu.org Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Updates |
Online Worship Services: Sundays @ 10:30 am
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The theme for this month is Renewal.
What does is mean if we are people of renewal? It can mean a renewal of our commitments to family and friends. It can mean finding a way to stay connected to our inner lives to bring us peace and depth of meaning. This is not necessarily a time of setting goals and finishing big projects. It can also be a time of daily tasks and simple survival. Some of us are thriving in this time of being indoors and working alone – others of us are pushing through hoping it will end soon. Wherever you are on the continuum know that renewal and refreshment are possible even at a small scale. Soul Matters - September 2020 Packet September Plate Collection
Half of the plate collections during the month of September will go towards the St. Leo's Soup Kitchen and the South Oakland Shelter. Text to 248-574-8034 with the amount + plate, ex. 10 plate. Click→ https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/give/online (Select Give to Plate Collection) |
Sunday, September 20
9:30 am Children's Chapel - Led by the Verriest Family On 9/20, we will have our first Children’s Chapel, designed for families with younger children, which will continue on Sundays from 9:30 am to 10:15 am, prior to the usual 10:30 am service. This will enable any parents and kids to still attend at 10:30, if they wish. You can also join wearing your jammies! 10:30 am Renew Our Relationships - Rev. Kimi Riegel In this odd time, we can get lost in the day to day. Last week we looked at our inner lives this week we look at our outer lives. What does it mean to be a family member? What does it mean to be a friend? Come let us renew our commitment to our relationships. |
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Youth Programs
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Northwest will be starting our Fall programming as of Sunday, September 20th. We will continue with some zoom groups prior to that. Also, we will have our annual Water Communion Service on Sunday, September 13th at 10:30 am. Families are encouraged to attend as well!
Drop-In Zoom Calls with Jan Parent Book Group 2nd and 4th Tuesdays @ 7:00 pm September 22 Raising White Kids: Bringing up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey. Parent Check-In 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 7:00 pm October 1 & 15 Readings & sharing of joys, sorrows, thoughts. Children's Chapel On 9/20, we will have our first Children’s Chapel, designed for families with younger children, which will continue on Sundays from 9:30 am to 9:45 am, prior to the usual 10:30 am service. This will enable any parents and kids to still attend at 10:30, if they wish. You can also join wearing your jammies! Every Sunday from 9:30 am to 9:45 am September 20 & 27 9/20: Verriest family will lead our session. 9/27: Love Family will lead this session. Youth Group Our Youth Group will still meet during the week, but times and days will alternate. One week youth will meet on Thursday at 4:00 pm and the next week Wednesday at 7:00 pm (this way if they can’t attend one week, hopefully they can the next). Thursdays every other week @ 4:00 pm September 24 Wednesdays alternating weeks @ 7:00 pm September 30 Jan's Zoom Room Link → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2485060377 Meeting ID: 248 506 0377 No password needed. |
Soul Matters
We will use Soul Matters resources for both the Children's Chapel and Youth Group. Soul Matters is designed as a companion to a congregation’s worship and religious education ministries, providing many resources. Monthly themes for Fall for both adults and youth groups will have the following themes: September: Renewal, October: Deep Listening, November: Healing, December: Stillness. Families and older youth as well as other adult volunteers are invited to plan sessions for Children’s Chapel, with these resources and Jan's support. Chalice Home There are home components for our programming. Links will be posted in the news and sent by e-mail each month. Chalice Home helps families stay connected to church and grounded in their faith during this time of Covid-19. Each monthly Chalice Home packet will be designed to be sent to your families and will include a family worship and family activity that is built around adding a new item/symbolic object to your family's home "altar" or as we refer to it, "Chalice Home." These activities and objects will connect to our monthly themes and lift up a different source of spiritual nourishment. Chalice Home is about making additional space for church connection while we are physically separated from our church. Chalice Home - September 2020 Packet Soulful Home Whereas, Soulful Home is designed to weave our faith into everyday family activities you are already doing. Families get a packet at the beginning of each month that is organized around eight distinct family "spaces" with ideas and resources to fill those spaces with UU theme-based exploration. It's about creating memorable and amazing moments, through a design that is manageable, faithful and fun! All packets will be designed with Covid-19 social distancing measures in mind. Soulful Home - September 2020 Packet Register for Religious Education Open enrollment is available for RE! If you have registered online previously, please update your information. Register Here → https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/form/2b564f Those who register SOON will receive a surprise family envelope in the mail. |
Adult Religious Education
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BIPOC Focused Humanism
Second Saturdays, October - February October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9, and February 13 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm This class consists of five independent sessions. In each session we will center a cultural expression of humanism by black, indigenous and people of color or the work of a single BIPOC humanist. Folks can join one, a few, or all the sessions as they choose or are able. Each class is independent, but please let us know if you cannot make a particular session so we can try to fill your spot. If you are not able to register now, please try again another month, as spots may open up. Examples of people we may center include humanists Bridgette Crutchfield, Sincere Kirabo, Ijeoma Oluo, Dr. Anthony Pinn, Mandisa Thomas, Candance Gorham, and Ashton Woods. We may also analyze the works and lives of BIPOC artists and intellectuals who don’t necessarily identify as humanist but express very humanist ideas. Some examples include Richard Wright, Nella Larsen, Alice Walker, Dr. Grace Lee Boggs, Angela Davis, Langston Hughes, Zora Neal Hurston, Lorraine Hansberry, and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Finally, we will examine alternative expressions of BIPOC focused humanism, possibly the blues or American Indian Movements that embrace a spirituality that promotes humanistic connections between peoples and people and their environment. Joshua Berg, Intern Minister joshua@michiganhumanist.com, 818-530-6001 |
Here is a sample of what we may read from Sikivu Hutchinson’s book Humanists in the Hood: Unapologetically Black, Feminist, and Heretical.
“We cannot call ourselves humanist without considering social and economic justice from a perspective of people of color, a womanist perspective. How are we not exploring the implications of a humanistic worldview in a nation where Black women’s bodies have never been considered human? Can we admit the ‘everyday humanist’ struggle that Black women and girls face in simply being self-determined in a world where white ‘humanity’ depends on their erasure? Humanism can’t simply dispense with gods, substitute reason and Western individualism for religion. Period. That is a Euro-centric, male focused humanism. We cannot overlook or ignore a black feminist humanism which seeks to center the lives of Black women and women of color in critiques of humanist ethics, morality, and justice.” Max # of Participants: 40 Additional Information: If you identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color), please indicate so in the comment section of the registration. Register → http://www.uuaa.org/index.php/component/eventbooking/adult-sgd/bipoc-focused-humanism In lieu of a class fee, please consider making a donation to cover the honorarium given to potential guest speakers. Honorarium → Donate and select the field: "Humanist Class Guest Speakers". |
Friday Night Social Events via Zoom
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Exchange Student Experiences with Ariana Abel
Friday, September 25 @ 7:00 pm Ariana was a foreign exchange student in Japan and will share her experiences. If you have had a similar experience or hosted a foreign exchange student, we would love to hear from you too! If this piques your interest, be sure to be there! Friday Night Social Event → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85171787833?pwd=QUh1TE9WT051MzFxVCt2UnNxMUJvZz09 Meeting ID: 851 7178 7833 Passcode: 588709 |
Detroit Art by Bike with Dave Young
Friday, October 2 @ 7:00 pm Dave Young has been riding throughout Detroit for the last 13+ years and taking pictures along the way of things that catches his eye. This will be the 3rd and final installment. Host a Zoom, Facebook Live, Netflix Party Event? Would you like to host a virtual event? Throw a cocktail party or lead a poetry writing class? Contact: Sheryl Goldberg Sgoldberg@mi-aimh.org, 517-902-5691 |
Small Groups via Zoom
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Mindfulness Meditation
Every Tuesday @ 7:00 pm September 29 Carla Thomas will facilitate mindful meditation as practiced in the Plum Village tradition on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. Contact: Carla Thomas carlathomas304@gmail.com, 248-672-9549 Join Mindfulness Meditation → https://zoom.us/j/7145965100 Meeting ID: 714 596 5100 Silver Sisters 1st Sundays @ 2:00 pm October 4 3rd Saturdays @ 2:00 pm October 17 This group is for 55+ age women who are single or living alone. Contact: Ariana Abel magic.carpet@msn.com, 734-464-0880 Join Silver Sisters → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85219198123?pwd=aEs4VnZseWttemVHbVdKZk1lNG9Fdz09 Meeting ID: 852 1919 8123 Password: 946510 Red Tent 3rd Fridays @ 7:00 pm October 16 Welcome to the Red Tent. We are a spirited and curious group of self-identified women (ages 18+) who are manifesting an intentional co-experience of sisterhood. This is a sacred space to celebrate and honor the joy, laughter, pain, and struggle we each carry. Contact: Amanda Spurrell amandacorinne_xoxo@yahoo.com, 734-383-4197 Join Red Tent → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84860817382?pwd=dFpaODBERDVrMTNPTHVRN3A1a1hZUT09 Meeting ID: 848 6081 7382 Password: 532193 |
Circle of Life
1st Thursdays @ 3:00 pm October 1 The Circle of Life companions lovingly donate their time to be with the dying and their families in a non-medical capacity. To further our ability to be with the dying, we learn from comfort companions who have experienced and written about the dying process. We bring our experiences of being with the dying to the group. We gradually become less fearful of our own death, as well as the dying of those we comfort. Contact: Caroline Landrum caroline.landrum@gmail.com, 313-516-3872 Rita Rouseau, rlrousseau@aol.com, 248-354-2542 Join Circle of Life → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84693539517?pwd=RHk5UjRqSmJxd2R4b0NFUWVBNjVKUT09 Meeting ID: 846 9353 9517 Passcode: 981815 Book Club 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:00 pm October 21 The book for October is Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose. Arky Levin has reached a dead end. Unexpectedly separated from his wife, he suddenly has the space he needs to work composing film scores—but none of the peace of mind he needs to create. As he wanders the city, guilty and restless, it’s almost by chance that he stumbles upon an exhibition that will change his life. Contact: Sheryl Goldberg sgoldberg@mi-aimh.org, 517-902-5691 Join Book Group → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88214012338?pwd=alV5dG90ejhmdEhWdXNkenhOQm9nZz09 Meeting ID: 882 1401 2338 Password: 148160 |
Social Justice and Outreach
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Taking A Collective Breath: Deepening Our Alignment to the Movement for Black Lives
Join Side With Love and UUSC. Led by Black organizers, this series is meant to deepen support for the current uprisings in defense of Black lives. Register Here → Please register now for these inspiring sessions Tuesday, September 22 @ 7:00 pm Environmental Justice and Public Health Allocating New Money to Build Healthy, Sustainable & Equitable Communities for All People Environmental Justice Tuesday, October 13 @ 7:00 pm Holding Officials Accountable & Enhancing Self-Determination of Black Communities Doing My Part as an AntiRacism Ally Live Zoom coaching sessions on Thursdays October 1, October 15, and October 29 @ 8:00 pm This highly interactive online course focuses on helping anti-racist allies become more influential and persuasive in conversations with racism skeptics, turning anti-racist allyship into a more transformative force in our world. We will focus teaching our signature RACE Method that helps allies strengthen their persuasive skills on anti-racism, and even other topics. 20% off coupon code: ALLY2020. Register Here → https://www.whiteallytoolkit.com/workshops-videos-publications/doing-my-part-online-course-september-cohort Michigan Voting There have been changes to Michigan’s voting laws in order to make voting more accessible for Michigan voters. Michigan Voting is a non-partisan resource to help voters navigate Michigan’s new voting laws so that we can all successfully cast our ballots in 2020. https://www.michiganvoting.org/ |
UU the Vote
Grounded in UU values. From our work for marriage equality, women’s suffrage, the abolition of slavery, for civil and voting rights, to advocating for a path to citizenship for immigrants, to taking on the ‘New Jim Crow’ and white supremacy today. Unitarian Universalists have a legacy to carry onward. https://www.uuthevote.org/ Text "VoteLove" to 51555 for Updates - Gather the Spirit Wednesday, September 23 @ 7:30pm Join us for the last UU the Vote virtual mobilization before Election Day. At our Gather the Spirit event, we are unlocking the full power of our community and our values to go All In during the UU the Vote Fall push. Register Here → https://secure.everyaction.com/9x7rzlY1R0-IFNhzzJwwpw2?emci=f31c1a92-5cec-ea11-8b03-00155d0394bb&emdi=743d54b2-2cee-ea11-99c3-00155d039e74&ceid=5174915 UU Living Legacy Project As the 2020 election draws near, the Living Legacy Project is offering a monthly online series focused on voting rights. In these sessions, we'll be exploring what we can learn from the Voting Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s to apply to challenges we face today in these unprecedented times. http://www.uulivinglegacy.org/ Watch Previous Programs → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tbDcOtvjLTXDBK_FxS8QQ - Get Out the Vote for 2020! Tuesday, September 29 @ 7:30 pm In this program, we'll explore what's working in get out the vote efforts in 2020. Register Here → https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/xgQ00CyxdHmPmbbEKkfFhw |
Service Auction 2020
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NWUU Service Auction 2020 is happening!
But it’s going to be different. Because that’s just how 2020 rolls…. We are working with MAXGiving which hosts online events for nonprofits. EVERYTHING WILL BE VIRTUAL. We will have Silent Bid, Tin Can, and Board Items and you will be able to bid online starting November 8 through November 14. We will have a “Live Auction” which will be held on Saturday, November 14 via some type of social media. |
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Operation and Program Updates
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2020-2021 Pledge Payments
You can still mail your checks to the church. Mail is picked up once a week. You can now add the option cover the transaction fees, which also counts towards your total tax-deductible giving. Credit/Debit Cards 2.9% + $0.30/transaction Bank Transfer (ACH) 1% + $0.25/transaction Click to Pledge → https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/give/online
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Northwest UU Board Meeting
2nd Thursdays @ 7:00 pm October 8 Join Board Meeting → https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83760514431?pwd=R2xNUHBZaThMaUkrNjJkL1RoSHdjQT09 Meeting ID: 837 6051 4431 Password: 595370 Banter with the Board Sunday, October 11 after the service Operations and Programs Staff Contacts:
Kimi Riegel: revkimiriegel@gmail.com, 248-730-5464 Ben Gabel: ben.gabel@northwestuu.org, 248-622-7848 |
Northwest Community Care
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Minister's Discretionary Fund
Thank you for your generous donations to the Minister's Discretionary Fund. This fund is availabe to Northwest members and friends in cases of financial hardship particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic. All requests will be kept confidential. Contact: Kimi Riegel revkimiriegel@gmail.com, 248-730-5464 Donate → https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/give/online Join the NWUU Facebook Friends Page If you are already recieving this newsletter, one of our group admins will accept you into the group! Share what you are up to and to check in with each other. Click to join → https://www.facebook.com/groups/1788254494725186/ Breeze CHMS Church Directory Create Your Own Breeze Account Go to: https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/login/create Enter your email to access your personal profile in Breeze. Download Phone App Download Breeze CHMS App via your app store. Enter church ID: northwestuu |
Community Care Team
We have a team of volunteers who are making regular phone calls to help us stay connected with one another duirng this health pandemic. If you become ill and would like support with meals delivered to your home, contact Kimi, Joshua, or Ben. Please fill out the NWUU Community Care Form if you need additional assistance. → https://northwestuu.breezechms.com/form/bff834 Podcasts
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Worship Services: are 10:30 a.m. on Zoom (see link top of this page)
Welcome to Northwest!
Northwest UU Congregation is a growing, multi-generational, multi-cultural congregation grounded in the history and heritage of liberal religion. We are young and old, straight and gay, disabled and not, diverse in color, ethnicity, and class. We walk varied paths (spiritual, religious, atheistic, and agnostic) to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and we are united in our belief in the worth and dignity of all people, and the obligation to express our faith through acts of justice and compassion. We come together in friendship and caring to support one another through the many changes of our lives, to give and receive both love and hope. We hope you'll join us as we create a diverse, spirit-growing, justice-seeking community that is true to the ideals of each of us.
Services begin 10:30 a.m.
Northwest UU Congregation is a growing, multi-generational, multi-cultural congregation grounded in the history and heritage of liberal religion. We are young and old, straight and gay, disabled and not, diverse in color, ethnicity, and class. We walk varied paths (spiritual, religious, atheistic, and agnostic) to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and we are united in our belief in the worth and dignity of all people, and the obligation to express our faith through acts of justice and compassion. We come together in friendship and caring to support one another through the many changes of our lives, to give and receive both love and hope. We hope you'll join us as we create a diverse, spirit-growing, justice-seeking community that is true to the ideals of each of us.
Services begin 10:30 a.m.
Contact Us
The Staff: Minister Kimi Riegel, Director of Religious Education Jan Price, and Church Administrator Ben Gabel can be reached at 248-354-4488
