Hello Pilgrim UCC family and friends!
It is hard to believe that August will soon be in our rearview mirrors
and the start of school and September will quickly be upon us!
We are grateful to everyone who supports Café Q, the LGBTQIA+
youth group (for youth in grades 6-12) that meets at Open Circle
Unitarian Church in Fond du Lac. Because youth lead the group’s
decision-making, Café Q has seen participation grow. Pilgrims’
support has made a real difference, including on Pride Picnic day, when Pilgrim members helped tear
down both of Café Q’s booth spaces. Café Q members shared many thanks for that help.
We sincerely thank Bobbi Flaherty and Sue Kaiser for purchasing the items needed and for prepping fruit
and cheese and sausage trays for Café Q’s August meeting night. Michelle Buck-Stark’s financial
contribution went a long way also! Thanks to all!! Anyone interested in helping to provide a meal can do
so here: (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AF2AA4F58-60367587-2026/182850317#/).
A BIG SHOUT OUT to Dixie Sullivan for her VERY generous donation of Scrip cards to Café Q.
We are grateful that our Open and Affirming group continues to grow. In addition to Chris Deaner-
Rogers and Sue Kaiser, we are now joined by Ceelie Williams, Michelle and Jeff Buck-Stark, and Andrea
and Trixie Yttri. This growth comes at an important time, as we are involved in several September
events. We hope you’ll add them to your calendar and join us.
 Sunday, September 6th – ONA is hosting coffee hour. Come and spend some time chatting with
us. We heard through the grapevine that there might be birthday cake!
 Friday, September 18th – ONA is helping with Intergenerational Night! We will be making tie-
dyed shirts, playing games and of course, eating! Come and join the fun.
 Sunday, September 27th – Adult Forum….. Continuing our education outreach to Pilgrim
members and to our community – come and learn and grow with us – as we discuss living as a
transgender person …. Please plan to attend our ONA sponsored education session on Sunday,
September 27th after our worship service.
This month’s educational resource is “How to Talk (and Listen) to Transgender People” with Jackson
Bird. Although gender should not define a person, transgender people are still often misunderstood.
Bird offers helpful guidance for those who may feel unsure about asking questions or anxious about
saying the wrong thing. With humor and honesty, he addresses common misconceptions about
pronouns, transitioning, bathrooms, and more. We invite you to watch, learn, and grow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbQZ7jAvgoI&t=106s
We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our sibling, the Rev. Derek
A. Terry. A fearless leader, Rev. Terry touched countless lives through
his ministry in the United Church of Christ and as Executive Director of
the Open and Affirming Coalition. Rev. Terry brought a powerful voice
to civil rights, racial and social justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, income
inequality, body positivity, and courageous living. His preaching and
teaching called people toward deeper compassion, creative resistance,
and a more inclusive church. His heart, spirit, and passion for justice will
be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him. Our sympathy
to his family and friends.
In closing we wanted to let you know that Chris and Sue presented a revised ONA covenant draft to Rev.
Jeffrey and the Council. They will now review and potentially wordsmith with Rev. Jeffrey’s input. We
are hopeful the draft will be in your possession by the end of September for your review and comments.
Feel free to go to any of our members with that commentary.
Your Pilgrim ONA Team