February 22 - 28, 2018
The CommUUnicator
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Society of Germantown
Building Beloved Community

THIS WEEK: We highlight two special music programs this Sunday, as well as Saturday's Daring Democracy assembly and other social justice and just plain social events.
In Worship, 10:30am
A Choir Sunday:
Honoring Beverly Gross Spencer’s 30 years with USG
Music Director Mark Daugherty and the USG Choir, featuring (of course) Beverly
It hardly seems possible, but our wonderful alto soloist Beverly Gross Spencer has been a part of music at USG for thirty years. This Sunday we honor her musical presence with Robert Ray’s tuneful “Gospel Magnificat” as well as Duke Ellington’s soulful “Come Sunday.” This is music that speaks directly to the heart, something that Beverly always does with her singing. Come and be inspired.
In Child Spiritual Development
This Sunday morning, children and youth will be in the sanctuary with their families until 10:45am, when they will be sung out to their classes.

Our High School program changes weekly. The High School OWL Group meets this Sunday, February 25 in the Bristol Room from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

For a detailed schedule of Youth Group Activities for the program year, click here and locate the Youth Group column.

Please click here for details of the Child and Youth Spiritual Development programs.

Childcare for children 4-5 years old and younger is offered this Sunday and most Sundays from 9:00am - 12:00pm in the Committee Room.
Opportunities
Before the Worship Service
Meditate in the Meditation Room
On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays, the Meditation Room, Sullivan 3, is open to anyone who would like to quietly meditate from approximately 9:15 to 10:20am. For information on meditation, click here.
If you have questions, please contact Sharon Mafuru at smallaxetz@gmail.com .You can also click here for information.

Drop off nonperishable food items to the designated carts in the Kitchen for delivery to St. Vincent's Food Pantry.
Coffee Hour
Opportunities
After the Worship Service
Greet members of the USG Choir (they sing AND they cook!), who are hosting Fellowship Hour.

At 12:00pm, attend the monthly Humanist (PUSH) meeting in Sullivan Chapel.

SignUp is the reminder tool USG uses to organize volunteers for our upcoming activities. Click Here to go to our group page to sign up online.

Return at 4:00pm for the special Black History Month Concert:
I TOO SING AMERICA!
Details below under "Upcoming Events."
Sunday, March 4, 10:30am
Church Goers Live Longer and Better Lives
Rev. Kent Matthies & the USG Choir
You don’t have to believe me. I am a biased Minister. In 2016, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report based on over 74,000 women which documented life quantity and quality increase with regular religious community attendance. Unitarian Universalism and USG save lives and multiply blessings. Shouldn’t we be generously dedicated (including financially) to supporting USG? Come out to joyfully celebrate Pledge Sunday!

Then stay for the Stewardship All-Church Free Lunch ! See you there!
Daring Democracy
Saturday, February 24, 1:00 - 4:00pm, USG
This community event focuses on the need to undo gerrymandered electoral districts and to get money out of politics. It features co-author Adam Eichen and speakers from the March on Harrisburg Movement (MOH).  Click here to learn more. For more information and to offer help, contact Dennis Brunn ( dbrunn@verizon.net ). To donate to the March on Harrisburg via text, send a text to 215-607-6191 with the numerical amount space daring (00 daring).
Pickleball Pizza Party
Saturday, February 24, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Join Rick and Judy Rodes for this fun auction event at the Upper Dublin Sports Center. Spots still open!

Photo: Michael D. Martin, Grand Canyon 2014 Pickleball Tournament
Sunday, February 25, 4:00pm
Black History Month Concert at USG:
Performer Cookie Diorio  with pianist  Matt Brower , and special guest artists  Veronica Chapman-Smith  and Shahara Benson present a benefit concert to raise awareness and support for The Philadelphia Children's Foundation  (PCF). Click here for tickets. Don't miss it!

Sunday, March 4, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Edna Jones Assembly Room at USG
Join Kristin Shipler, Rev. Kent, and your best pals for great dance music, snacks, some instruction and loads of fun! An open auction event. Click here for details.


There IS such a thing as a free lunch! YOU’RE INVITED!
Sunday, March 4 (after the service)
In the Dining Room
USG STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
KICK-OFF LUNCH  
Nothing to bring except a good appetite!
Saturday, March 24, 2:00 - 4:30pm
Book Launch for Marietta Tanner’s new novel:
Edna Jones Assembly Room at USG
Book Description: While recovering from a breakup with the man she loves, a young African American woman decides to drive from New York City to Mexico with three female friends. In 1954, during the height of Jim Crow, the decision is both brave and potentially dangerous. For more information, contact Nancy Anderson at nbandter1833@gmail.com
Black UU History Presentation
Sunday, March 25, 12:00 - 2:00pm
USG's Sanctuary
The history of Black UUs is a rich one and very important in understanding where our faith movement is now. All are welcome to this presentation by Intern Minister Connie Simon. ( pictured here ).


 CALLING ALL SUPER HEROES
AT USG
Annual Service Auction
Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 5:00pm
LOOKING FOR DONATIONS
LIVE AUCTION:
Plan a themed party, dinner or event.
Offer a service, yard work, babysitting, computer help.
Offer a weekend at a vacation home. Be Creative.
POSTER AUCTION:
Plan a fun event, museum visit, family fun events.
SILENT AUCTION:
Donate gift certificates.

ATTEND THE AUCTION
Bid early and often.
WE PUT THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING!
Job Posting:
Director of Spiritual Development at USG
You may have heard that we will be searching for a new DSD. Though Jason Bender is irreplaceable, we hope our next DSD will be equally so. If you or someone you know has a passion for guiding the hearts and minds of children, youth and adults, please check this post out .
We are excited to announce our new Give+ Text option for making pledge and contribution payments to USG!
To give via text, please do the following:
1.Send text to this 10-digit Give+ Text number: 215-607-6191
2.In the message field, put the amount and the fund you wish to donate to, either pledge or stp, example : 25 pledge ( not pledgeS ) ($25 would be donated to pledge payment) or 30 stp ($30 would be donated to MLK Day of Service).
3.Press send.
4.You will receive a registration link, click the link and enter your contact and payment information.
5.Tap “Process.”
6.After registration is complete, you will receive a verification text as well as a receipt via email.

For future giving, simply send a text with the amount and fund you wish to give, and it will process automatically.
Have YOU sent in YOUR photo yet?
Or shall we randomly assign photos to your profile?
#ChurchLadyGoneCrazy
Don't let this happen to you. Send in your family photo (whether a single member family or multiple) NOW to admin@usguu.org.?
Thank You, Villagers!
Thank you so much to all who participate in the Village Fellowship Hours! If you are willing to coordinate Fellowship Hour for your Village, please let Treva Burger, trevawb@gmail.com know. Below is the schedule for Fellowship Hour Hosting in February - March.
  • February 25 - The USG Choir
  • March 4 - Stewardship Committee Offers an All-Church Free Lunch!
  • March 11 - Village 1 (see Elaine Hills)
  • March 18 - Village 2 (see Betsy Gabriel)
  • March 25 - Village 3
Ending Racism
Greater Philly UU CLUSTER News
Jubilee Anti-Racism Training
March 2 -4, Mainline UC, 6:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jubilee Anti-Racism Training helps participants understand what is involved in nurturing a multicultural community and working against racism in all of its forms. The training includes presentations, discussions, videos, exercises, small group work, worship services, and shared meals. This workshop requires a weekend commitment; and it is worth every minute of that commitment.
WHEN: Friday, March 2 (6:00pm to 9:00pm); Saturday, March 3 (9:00am to 9:00pm); Sunday, March 4 (8:30am to 5:00pm)
WHERE:  Main Line Unitarian Church, 816 Valley Forge Rd, Devon, PA 19333
FEE: $155 per participant (includes cost for trainers, meals and materials). More info here.
Enrollment is limited to 40 participants, so sign up today!
Register online: tinyurl.com/cerjubilee18PA
Announcing...
...A Greater Philly Cluster (GPC) Choral Workshop to help plan the mass choir repertoire for a GPC music concert next church year.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA
12:30 – 5:00 PM
(12:30 – 1:30 Brown bag lunch; 1:30 – 5:00 workshop)
All ministers, music ministry teams, directors, choir members, and any member/friend (who’d like to sing in the mass choir) from the 14 GPC congregations are invited to the workshop. The goal of this workshop is to determine the repertoire for the mass choir in addition to forming a steering committee to help launch the first concert. Click here to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday afternoon, April 29
Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace & Reconciliation
Information at InterfaithPeaceWalk.org
Get Involved! Meet Fellow UUs!  
Follow links below to join and find out more information about the events and groups at USG that occur usually once a month. Questions? Click on the contact links.


20's & 30's SGM Group - Second Thursday, March 8, 6:30pm, Drop-in Young Adults Small Group Ministry group. For more information, please contact Stephanie Bonner at slbonner2@gmail.com or Carly Danielsen on Facebook where they maintain an active invite-only activities group.  

Book Group on Friday Morning - Third Friday, March 16, 10:30am, at Cathedral Village. If interested in joining the discussion, please contact Barbara Dowdall. The 2017-2018 Book List is posted on usguu.org> About> Affinity Groups> Book Group .

CAMI (Citizens Against Mass Incarceration) - Fourth Monday, February 26, 7:00pm. At USG. Contact Nancy Anderson .

Caregiver Support Group - Second Friday, March 9, 11:00am - 1:00pm. At USG. Contact Maura Gallagher .

Choir Rehearsal - (Almost) Every Thursday evening, 7:30 - 9:30pm. At USG. Newcomers welcome. Contact Linda Smith or Andrea Parry .

Dialogue - Will resume 2.27 . Every Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:30pm. This group uses dialogue as a means for self-exploration. At USG. Contact Jason Bender, dsd@usguu.org. Also check out meetup.com/Dialogues-on-Consciousness

ERC (Ending Racism Committee) - First Sunday, March 4, 12:00 - 2:00pm. At USG. Contact Barbara Dowdall .

Exploring Elderhood - Second Friday gatherings, March 9, 2:00pm. At USG. Contact Gerry Whelan , ASD Chair.

Finding Our Roots - Earth Honoring Traditions . First Monday, except for holiday weekends: (September 10). Next meeting March 5, 7:30pm. At USG. Goodbye, Hello! We soon say a reluctant Goodbye to consummately dedicated outgoing EARTH chair Dennis Strain and Hello to gracious new chair Donya Coldwell. Contact Donya at earth@usguu.org .

NEW: Flute Circle for All Ages - Every other Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:00pm, until April 11. Next circle February 28. At USG. Please bring your instrument, although some will be available. Contact Jason Bender.

Humanists - PUSH - Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists , Fourth Sunday, February 25, 12:00pm. At USG. Contact Paul Teti .

Men's Group - Third Tuesday, March 20, 7:30pm. At USG. Contact Mark Tuveson .

Mindfulness Meditation with Rev. Kent - Every Thursday, 5:30 - 6:15pm. At USG. Contact Rev. Kent Matthies .

Nature Walking at Valley Green - Every Monday and Thursday at 10:00am, you can meet others - whoever shows up- at Valley Green in Chestnut Hill for a morning walk. Contact Tim Beckham, who is usually there.

Needle Exchange, a Handwork Group - First Wednesday, March 7, 1:30 - 3:00pm, off-site. Contact Gale Gibbons .

Open Small Group Ministry - Second Sunday, March 11, 12:00pm, Daskam Room at USG. This group is available to people who want to try out Small Group Ministry or attend occasionally. For more information, contact Mark B, mark.bangela@gmail.com , or just show up.

UU-101 - Please note changes in day and time: Third Sunday , March 18, 12:00 - 1:20pm . UU-101 is an Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, held at USG in the Daskam Room, and childcare is provided. To RSVP or get more information, click here or email uu101@usguu.org . Starting in May and June, we welcome new leaders Charles Gabriel and Eric Foster, and we warmly thank outgoing leaders Andi Bernstein and Gale Gibbons.

UUJPIP - UUs for Justice & Peace in Israel & Palestine.  Third Sunday, March 18, 12:00 - 1:30pm. At USG. Contact Walt Ceglowski .
facebook
Join A USG Facebook Group!   
You can join a USG Facebook group as well as meet in person!
To find out about special events, post photos, and stay in touch, here are some of USG's groups and their Facebook links:

ASD (Adult Spiritual Development) facebook
 
CSD (Child Spiritual Development)
 
YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) A Closed Group great to know about and if desired, ask to join.
 
YA - Young Adults
 
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE:
UU Greater Philly Social Justice is changing its name to
"Greater Philly UUs" as this FB will now include other items as well as Social Justice

P.U.S.H. Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists

Exploring Elderhood
caring square
Our thoughts and prayers are with...
... Rev. Kent Matthies and his family . Kent's father, Richard Matthies, is now in a residential memory care unit. Kent's mother, Mary Ellen Matthies, is now in a rehabilitation facility receiving care for serious heart problems. Cards may be sent to her at 7030 Springside Ave., Downers Grove, IL, 60516. Kent is very, very grateful and touched by the outpouring of love and support from the USG community.
caring square

Our Caring Team
Linda Bernstein (chair), 
Bonnie McDairmant, Sarah West,
Rev. Kent Matthies & Intern Minister Connie Simon

If you are aware of any joys or concerns that should be part of our caring system, please let us know. You can email caring@usguu.org
If you call a caring team member and do not speak directly, leave a voice mail and your call will be returned ASAP.
Rev. Kent Matthies, Minister - kmatthies@usguu.org
Constance Simon, Intern Minister - internminister@usguu.org
Jason Bender, Director of Spiritual Development - dsd@usguu.org
Mark Daugherty, Music Director - musicdirector@usguu.org
Gloria Guldager, Church Administrator- admin@usguu.org
Carolyn Scott, Asst. Administrator- asstadmin@usguu.org
Carolyn Cotton, Rental Coordinator - rental@usguu.org
Mike Rogers, Sunday Morning and Special Events Sexton - sexton@usguu.org  
Tuesday's SPIRIT (not every Tuesday in the Summer) - Friday by 3:00pm
Thursday's Weekly eCommUUnicator - Wednesday by noon
Sunday's Announcements - Thursday by noon

The Unitarian Society of Germantown | 215-844-1157 | 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19119