May 17
NEWS & NOTES
A weekly newsletter to keep you informed.
 
What's in this week's news?
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Memorial Day Weekend Platform Schedule Changes
In just a few weeks Memorial Day weekend will be upon us. If you haven't registered for the camping trip, now is the time to do that. You can read all of the information on the WES website at http://ethicalsociety.org/connection/camping-trip/

Please note the unique platform schedule for Memorial Day weekend. The 9:30am platform will be at the campsite. 
"Into the Woods!" Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader, and friends. Join Amanda at the WES Camping Trip for a special platform around the picnic tables. The woods often call to us as a place of escape and mystery. What does it means to get lost in the woods? How do we embody the journey of the woods in our own lives?

The 11:30am platform will be at WES.
"Immigration: Embodying Our Values" Forum Theatre actors and WES Sanctuary Task Force members. Join us for this very special platform as actors from Silver Spring's Forum Theatre share scenes from their new play, "Building the Wall," join members of WES who have been working on issues around immigration and deportation. This will be a challenging and inspiring platform--one not to miss. Music from the WES Chorus led by Bailey Whiteman.
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Pop-Up Chorus Scheduled
The WES Chorus rehearses on Wednesday nights at WES from 7:15-9pm. However, for the May 17 and 24 rehearsals, the Music Director Bailey Whiteman ([email protected]) invites you to join them for a pop-up rehearsal. A pop-up chorus is a perfect chance for those that want to sing with WES Chorus but can't fit it in a regular weekly rehearsal into their schedule.

Join the Chorus for rehearsal May 17 and/or May 24, and then sing with them May 28 (there will even be a rehearsal May 28 at 10:15am, if you can't come on Wednesday nights.) Come sing!
For all the details, check out the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1919602198258507/.
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A New Way To Donate: Text Message
Do you think our Share the Plate organizations are a great cause? Do you often want to participate in collection but never carry cash? Look no further than WES's very own text message giving option!
To use, just follow these simple steps:
1) Text the amount you would like to donate and wording to let us know what it's for to
202-335-1885. We recommend saving the phone number as a contact in your phone. 
Example:  Text "$50 pledge" or "$50 share the plate" or just simply "$50" to donate to WES.
2) Follow the prompts to set up your account. (It will ask which  credit card you'd like to use, your email, your name, and billing information.)
3) You will receive a confirmation message.
That's it! So simple! And if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Robyn at [email protected].
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This Sunday's Platform
9:30 & 11:30am.

"Founder's Day: The Way We Were" Cayo Gamber, Sera Morgan, Perry Saidman, and Amanda Poppei. Ten years ago, WES was in the midst of transition--a capital campaign, a building renovation, a Leader search. This Founder's Day, we look back at this moment in time and celebrate the leap of faith it took for WES members to embody their values and embark on a new chapter in our community's life together. Music from Nicole Rumeau, Joshua Long, Jason Lange, and Tom Bishop.




Curious about this photo? Its from Rose Imhoff to give us a short preview of the work she will be discussing at the Sunday Book Club this week.
This Sunday at WES.

Tai Chi, 11am, front lawn. We invite you to join us out on the front lawn (or in the Main Hall if weather doesn't cooperate) for a 30-minute session of Tai Chi. No experience necessary and perfect for all ages and abilities.

Schmoozapalooza Lunch, 12:45pm, Social Hall. WES continues our lunch on every third Sunday for all who want to hang out after platform and gab with friends. Gather around tables in the Social Hall and keep on talking. Nosh on a great lunch, with vegetarian options always available. Requested donation $5. Schmoozing with your friends and licking your fingers--what better way to keep on talking, parse the platform, and catch up! (If you plan to attend the 9:30 platform, why not help out the Schmooze team and then join in the good food? Contact Julie Grimes at [email protected] to get involved).

Sunday Book Club, 1pm, Classroom 2. The Sunday Book Club will proudly present two of our own in artistic performance. Author Vickie Fang and artist Rose Imhoff will initiate a dialog on their thematically linked works. For more information, contact Rachel Hartig at [email protected].

Inclusivity in Groups: Mainstream/Margin, 1:15pm, Double Classroom. Have you ever felt as though you didn't belong or been frustrated that your ideas weren't heard? Feeling like an outsider is a common experience in groups, which is deepened by cultural differences, historical marginalization, and the often unaware advantages of some group members. This participatory workshop explores ways to bridge the gap between those who are in the mainstream of a group and those who are in the margins, in order to create more inclusive and rewarding group experiences.

Earth Ethics Team Meeting, 6pm. The WES Earth Ethics Team will meet in a member's home in Silver Spring, for a vegetarian potluck.  Topics include planning future activities with the WES Sunday School, how to talk about climate change across the political divide, and more.  All are welcome. For information/RSVP, contact Carol Rawie ( [email protected] ).  

upcomingweeks The Upcoming Weeks at WES
Wednesday, May 17
  • WES Chorus rehearsal, 7:15 to 9pm, Social or Main Hall. WES Chorus meets weekly to rehearse, under the direction of Bailey Whiteman, Music Director. All music abilities welcome! Pop-Up Choristers Needed: Wanting to sing with WES Chorus, but you can't fit it in your schedule regularly? Join us for rehearsal May 17 and/or May 24, and then sing with us May 28 (there will even be a rehearsal May 28 at 10:15am, if you can't come on Wednesday nights). Come sing!
Friday, May 19-21
Friday, May 19
  • Still Thirsty After All These Years, Scion Restaurant, 1200 East-West Highway. 5:30pm or whenever you arrive to 7:30.   This group is for WES adults beyond the demographics of the "Young and Thirsty" group, but still thirsty for connections, entertainment, and new experiences. We will meet for Happy Hour on the third Friday of every month. Contact Nancy McGuire ([email protected]) or Shan Evans ([email protected] for more details.
Saturday, May 20
Monday, May 22
  • Federal Employees Gathering: Support, Solidarity, and Strategy, 7pm, Adler Study. Join with other federal employees to support each other and share strategies. Friends are very welcome as long as they are introduced by a WES member.
  • Mindfulness Workshop, 7:15-9:15pm, Library.   This workshop will offer experiences of various ways of cultivating mindfulness. Mindfulness and "being present" are buzz words nowadays, but the practices are simple and at least as ancient as the Buddha. An understanding and practice of mindfulness can offer great benefits. These include greater awareness of the mind and inner self, more calm and less emotional reactivity, ability to let go of mental preoccupations and to relax body and mind, more compassion for self and others, and an understanding that our internal and external experience is in constant change. Intention and practice are key concepts at the heart of living mindfully. We will offer a few guided meditations of various types as well as some discussion of the underlying principles. Additionally, we will share about our practices and how they have affected our lives. We are very excited to share this time with you, and hope you will join us for an evening exploring these beautiful practices. Facilitators: Ann Baker, JT Halbert

Tuesday, May 23
  • Jam Session, 6pm, Library. At the WES Jam Sessions, interested musicians gather to practice music (possibly with the intention of playing during platform or other events) or just to develop musical skills in a group context. Attendees bring the music they want to play, and play what is brought. All instruments, musical genres, and skill levels welcome!  For more information, contact Tom Bishop ([email protected]).
Wednesday, May 24
  • WES Chorus rehearsal, 7:15 to 9pm, Social or Main Hall. Pop-Up Choristers Needed: Wanting to sing with WES Chorus, but you can't fit it in your schedule regularly? Join us for rehearsal  and then sing with us May 28 (there will even be a rehearsal May 28 at 10:15 am, if you can't come on Wednesday nights). Come sing! The WES Chorus meets weekly to rehearse, under the direction of Bailey Whiteman, Music Director . All music abilities welcome!
Sunday, May 28
  • 9:30am Platform Service. "Into the Woods!" Amanda Poppei, Senior Leader, and friends. Join Amanda at the WES Camping Trip for a special platform around the picnic tables. The woods often call to us as a place of escape and mystery. What does it mean to get lost in the woods? How do we embody the journey of the woods in our own lives?
  • WES Pop-Up Chorus Rehearsal, 10:15am, Main Hall. Join the regular WES Chorus to rehearse and then sing at 11:30am platform.
  • 11:30am Platform Service. "Immigration: Embodying Our Values" Forum Theatre actors and WES Sanctuary Task Force members. Join us for this very special platform as actors from Silver Spring's Forum Theatre share scenes from their new play, "Building the Wall," joining members of WES who have been working on issues around immigration and deportation. This will be a challenging and inspiring platform--one not to miss. Music from the WES Pop-Up Chorus led by Bailey Whiteman.
  • Ethical Living Laboratory, 11am, Social Hall.  Join the Community Relations Committee to explore the principles of ethical culture and how we live them in our daily lives. This will offer an opportunity to connect with others in a small group setting.
  • Working For Racial Equity, 1pm, Social Hall. Drop in to our WRE Talk & Teach Topics to learn with and from each other. The session will include a brief learning opportunity, video and/or exercise with facilitated discussion on the following topic: History of Racism in America:  How did we get this messed up?
  • Aging with Intention Discussion Group, 3pm, Campbells' home.  This month's discussion will focus on how our particular age cohort's challenges, views on aging and opportunities differ from our parents' and how recognizing and dealing with those differences can help us going forward. We will also have time to each share two resources on aging that we'd recommend to others.
Tuesday, May 30
  • Budget Forum, 7pm, Library. Join Amanda and Tom to talk through details of the budget(s) being proposed at this year's annual Spring Membership Meeting on Sunday, June 4.
You can see the full calendar here. ( http://ethicalsociety.org/blog/events/)
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SEEK Spotlight
Let's hang out at Shepherd Park!

After first and second platforms, we invite you to meet in front of WES to walk over to Shepherd Park. Groups will leave at 11am, 1pm, and 1:30pm. Bring a picnic lunch or take part in Schmoozapalooza before heading across the street. Beautiful weather (finger's crossed) means spending time outside! Shepherd's Park is on Jonquil Street, one block East of WES. The park has covered picnic benches and a fenced-in play area. It is loads of fun for the kids and a great way to spend time with other WES parents.
annoucementsAnnouncements
Tooth Paste Donations
The Global Connections organization sends a delegation, with many WES members, to El Rodeo, El Salvador every summer.  While there they run a fully operational Dental Clinic, including helping parents teach proper dental care to their children.  For this year's delegation we are asking the WES community to donate FULL SIZE TUBES OF TOOTHPASTE with fluoride for the trip in June.  The toothpaste donation box can be found in the lobby for all of May.

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Washington Interfaith Network 
City-wide Action Team Meeting

Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 7-9pm
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (206 New York Ave)

Want to get involved in community organizing in DC? This is a chance to engage! Please RSVP to Amanda Poppei at  [email protected]rg


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