UCC Women
MISSION:
"To Promote and Maintain the Christian Ideals of Love, Goodwill and Fellowship."
2009-2010 Officers
PRESIDENT
Marion Olsen |
VICE PRESIDENTS
Anne Campbell |
SECRETARY
Francie Horton |
TREASURER
Carolyn Furlong |
 Breakfast/ meetings are held on the third Sunday of the month at 8:45 am.
The meeting follows a delicious breakfast. Speakers on relevant and interesting topics are scheduled for most meetings.
President’s Message
 Final President’s Message
A few weeks ago I was asked to consider being certified to lead a Silver Sneakers class (seniors’ exercise). Working with individuals toward their health and fitness goals has interested me for quite a while, so I said “yes!”.
Off to class I went. My attitude, very unconsciously, was biased. I was going there to observe the instructor to see what the program was all about in order to make an informed decision regarding certification, not to be part of the class. At this stage of my acquaintance with Silver Sneakers, it was just a program, not people. Very soon that would change. Not due to anything that I did, but because a “community” opened its heart to me, a stranger. When I entered the room, I was immediately swept into the camaraderie of the group.
Elizabeth, unofficial greeter, took over. She showed me where to sit, what equipment was needed. She introduced me to other members. Since then, I’ve met Rita, Pauline, Valerie, Tom, Robert, LaNora (who uses a walker and never misses a class) and many others. As these energetic, vital folks exercise, laugh, tell jokes and help one another I am moved in my spirit.
Today, in looking around the room, I contemplated the incredible life experiences that abound within the group. Who are they? What has life taught? What can I learn? What I perceive from conversations is that I’m among some very confident individuals secure in the way they are maneuvering through life. Living life to the fullest.
Many speak openly of their faith and trust in God through whatever life brings. The instructor, Laurie, has a love for what she’s doing that draws you in and you cannot keep from wanting to be there. I went to the group with a very narrow perception of what to expect and just has happened many times in my life, God gave me a big surprise! I can say these same things about my experience with UCC Women and Miami Lakes Congregational Church.
I came a stranger, looking for a community, and this church said “come in, be one of us”. You have embraced me, encouraged me, given me the opportunity to serve. Though my perception of UCC Women was narrow when I began serving as President, thanks to each of you I have a broader vision of what this group is about, and of what has been accomplished and will be accomplished due to the incredible faithfulness of very strong, confident women.
I’m proud to be a part of such a group. As the newly-elected officers assume their positions, we can be assured that they will take us to new and more creative ways of reaching beyond ourselves to minister in the wider community. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
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UCC Women in attendance at the May meeting were jolted into reality, hearing the real life story of a child about whom we knew very little other than that she needed a heart transplant. Lory Sakay delivered a gripping account of the short life of Olivia Ruiz, born with a defective heart to a single mother who was Lory’s friend since third grade.
At first Olivia was a spirited little girl who made the best of her condition. Her mother had some support from her sister and friends like Lory, but nothing to speak of from Olivia’s dad. Over her nine years of life, Olivia has been treated at Jackson Memorial Hospital - University of Miami School of Medicine. She is now a patient at Shands in Gainesville, where according to Lory the staff is incredibly warm, efficient and knowledgeable in the field.
The National Transplant Assistance Fund was selected to raise funds for Olivia’s uninsured medical expenses associated with her heart transplant. Our UCC Women has recently sent its check for $200 to the NTAF. However, the desperately-needed heart has not become available. The disappointment has become very difficult for Olivia’s mother, family and friends, and Olivia herself is failing and losing strength.
Lory Sakay is a counselor at the Lawton Chiles Middle School, but may have missed her calling. Her 45-minute address, without notes or any pause, left her audience speechless and in tears. What a story of bravery, hope, friendship and prayers.
Other Special Events… We all took some valuable information home from the April meeting that featured Dr. Gail Ballweg speaking on Women’s Health. There were many other helpful health tips as well! How many knew we should avoid drinking that yucky water from plastic bottles?
Thank you, Gail; we are so lucky to have you, in fact, more than lucky. Truly blessed!
Another star in our midst is Thelma Campbell, who really knows how to put on a High Tea. The May 8th Hat -Tea-Tude was even better than last year’s, with over 90 in attendance. Thelma’s husband Alfred and son Corey, along with our own Marcio L a r s h a n d A l West, all four handsome and gracious, served the tea and other elegant refreshments. The fashion show featured models from age 8 to 82. The harpist added just the right touch, we had the best-hat award and a mother-daughter singing duo. Best of all, the Tea cleared $116!
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Some of this information was taken from the recent UCC Women's newsletter, edited by Carolyn
Editor’s e-mail address: CIFurlong@aol.com UCC Women of the Miami Lakes Congregational Church 6701 Miami Lakeway South Miami Lakes, FL 33014 UCC Women of MLCC
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MEET OUR PUBLISHED AUTHORS!
Carolyn Furlong
Carolyn is the author of two books. Her first book, The Daenzer Story was published in 2006. This biographical book about one of the insurance industry's giants is also a love story, a war story, a tale of rags to riches, an epic saga of monumental inventions in an industry on which every aspect of our economy depends, and ultimately a tale of greed and chicanery that shook the foundation of a three hundred year old institution.
Her second book, The Carpenter was published last year and depicts Carolyn's father amazing dedication in the building of their home.
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Dr. Paul Veliyathil, author of
"God is Plural: Sermons for an Emerging Church"
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This book is the result of a deep conviction that to be effective in the 21st century, a preacher must focus one eye on the Bible and the other on the mass media. This collection of 52 sermons invites the reader to awaken to a new level of consciousness about his innate identity as a spiritual being and to affi rm the divinity in others.
The author beautifully blends his personal stories with the stories of God and challenges you to look beyond what you see, to experience God with your sixth sense, treat every place as holy ground and to love your neighbor as an extension of your own self. Thought provoking and non traditional, these sermons are relevant beyond the walls of churches and chapels.
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Sen. Bob Graham author
“America, The Owner’s Manual”
"Bob Graham provides a roadmap-a how-to guide-to help each of us do a better job of making our democracy work for all people."
-Richard W. Riley, Former U. S. Secretary of Education and Former Governor of South Carolina
"If you want to be a part of the political action instead of sitting in the grandstands, then Bob Graham's America, The Owner's Manual is for you."
-Senator Lamar Alexander, Former U.S. Education Secretary and Former Governor of Tennessee |
The web site of the Florida UCC Women www.UCCWomen.org is
packed with information (note dot.org, not dot.com). It is sponsored by our own Dade-Monroe L-O-V-E Region and the
webmaster is First Vice President Bunny Gruntler’s son-in-law. You can find the 2009 Reading for Renewal book list and lots of other current and historical information about the Florida UCC Women, the Florida Conference and local news. In addition, it does a good job of defining our purpose as a women’s ministry.
The Reading for Renewal book list on the UCC Women website click on ..WWW.UCCWOMEN.ORG
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Time to Start Thinking of Changing the Guard… Bylaws of the UCC Women of MLCC limit its officers’ terms to two years. Thus, our president Marion Olsen will be stepping down in a few short months. Hers will be very big shoes to fill (figuratively speaking, of course!). Marion is an accomplished presider and has instituted several procedures to make our activities more professional and interesting. She is a true inspiration.
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UCC Women’s Southern Regional Conference
The next Florida conference will be at the Quality Inn Conference Center in Sebring in June 2010, and we hope that Marion will be able to represent us at that meeting.
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UCC WOMEN LIBRARY
Several books were purchased two years ago as a start for a library. Most members were not aware that these books are on hand and are available for borrowing. Ruby Holihan and Deborah Robinson were appointed to devise a mechanism for checking out the books. This could be a small start toward helping us compete in the in the Reading for Renewal program of the Florida UCC Women.
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Installation Luncheon
Congratulations to our new president Ruby Holihan and to Jan Pye and Jeanette Eggleston Co-Vice Presidents. Francie Horton and Carolyn Furlong will continue in the offices of Secretary and Treasurer.
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Spring Tea a big success
Thank You Thelma for a great job! 87 happy women sported great "hat- tea- tude" Thanks to our male servers. They were superb!
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Reflections on the
2009-2010 Year
by Editor Carolyn Furlong
Two successful garage sales enabled us to fund our theme “Let’s Make a Difference in Our Church, in Our Community and in Our World”.
Ruby was very grateful for this year’s number of helpers and donated goods for sale, which resulted in $1,915 at the October sale and nearly $1,500 this March.
A Community Care Fund was established to provide financial assistance for members and neighbors who need a temporary helping hand. To maintain confidentiality, Jeffrey is the sole decision-maker in approving the contributions.
Bo Hall led off the year’s programs with a good clear picture of the work of the Miami Rescue Mission. We in turn sent a check for $300 as a gesture of support. Several of our members assisted serving Easter dinner at their facility for the homeless and got to say hello again to Mr. Hall.
Andrea Ivory, a Miami Lakes resident, was the October speaker on the Florida Breast Health Initiative that she founded. She was one of the ten CNN “Heroes of the Year”.
Christina DeProspero introduced us to the South Florida SPCA at our November meeting. The fate of disabled race horses turned our stomachs, and we again reached for our checkbook to assist the SPCA in its rescue efforts.
The Christmas luncheon hosted by Yvette Frantz was a treat for the eyes as well as the appetites. Her beautiful decorations and the opportunity to see her art on display made the holiday season. We passed the hat and came up with $240 that went to the Voices for Children Foundation’s annual toy drive for foster children.
Senator Bob Graham was the guest speaker at the January 2010 at the annual joint meeting with the men of the church. We are always so honored that this statesman and published author is a member of our church.
Bob spoke on his most recent book “America, the Owner’s Manual— Making Government Work for You”.
Another author and friend of the church, Dr. Paul Veliyathil, spoke at the February meeting We will be seeing and hearing a lot more from Paul over the next four months as he takes Jeffrey’s place in the pulpit.
It may sound odd but it is true, his book “God is Plural” containing 52 of his sermons is actually fun reading!
On February 6, I attended the annual meeting of the Dade-Monroe Region of Florida UCC Women. I’m proud to say I have not missed one of these uplifting meetings for eleven straight years.
UCC Women of MLCC continues to provide to the extent that its finances permit for needs of the church. We purchased nice ivory-colored table cloths for Fellowship Hall and Marion has just ordered three serving tables on wheels. We continue to monitor what is needed in the way of audio-visual equipment.
Our members serve on every Board and Committee of the church and our past president Nancy Stander is now the #1 in leadership, the MLCC Moderator. We take the lead in hospitality and at times of bereavement. Opportunities for service and fellowship are ongoing.
We have certainly lived up to our UCC Women's MISSION:
To Promote and Maintain the Christian Ideals of Love, Goodwill and Fellowship
Editor’s e-mail address: CIFurlong@aol.com
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