September 13 - 19, 2018
The CommUUnicator
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Society of Germantown
Building Beloved Community
THIS WEEK:
We honor the beginning of the High Holy Days, begin our Child Spiritual Development programs for the year, and welcome the NW Philly POWER organizer to our first 9:15am Social Justice Coffee Hour. WAIT! There's More!
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In Worship, 10:30am
Listening
for Hashem's Voice
Rev. Kent Matthies
The Jewish New Year is a time for finding meaning and getting right with God and conscience.
"Hashem" is a name for God, which simply means “the name.” Whatever your theology, you can listen for and live out the “voice” of Hashem. Theists, agnostics and atheists can all find great value in this time of atonement and renewal.
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We Share The Plate
this Sunday with two local elementary schools, Lingelbach and Henry. Please give generously.
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In Child Spiritual Development
This Sunday, September 16, we are excited to announce the beginning of many of this year's CSD programs. Below are classes & locations:
- PreK - K - Sullivan 1
- Grades 1 - 3 - Youth Lodge/Nursery School, 1st Fl.
- Grades 4 - 6 - Sullivan 2 & 3
- OWL, Grades 7 - 8 -Bristol Room
Still TBD:
- Morning Youth Group - Daskam (start date TBD - stay tuned)
- Sunday evening youth group - Bristol (start date TBD - stay tuned)
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.
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Opportunities
Before the Worship Service
The first Social Justice Coffee Hour!
Join us anytime between 9:15 and 10:15am.
Get up. Get coffee. Get involved. Our
guest will be
Jordan Ford
, the organizer from POWER, an interfaith justice movement. Y
ou can make a difference through POWER’s campaigns for economic justice, climate justice, criminal justice reform, health care, education and voter engagement.
Click here
and scroll down to see photos of what other faith groups in Germantown are doing in conjunction with POWER
.
Meditate in the Meditation Room
Meditation, reading, dharma and sharing are offered in Sullivan 3 on the
First and Second Sundays of the month between 9:15 and 10:20am. All are welcome to join in quietly.
On the other Sundays the space is open for those who choose to come and sit. For information on meditation,
click here.
Drop off nonperishable food items to the designated carts in the Kitchen for delivery to St. Vincent's Food Pantry.
Huge thanks for the recent abundance! Let's keep it up!
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Opportunities
After the Worship Service
Enjoy refreshments provided by Village 6.
Attend the CSD PARENT-TEACHER MEET & GREET upstairs in the Edna Jones Room.
Attend a sample
Drop-In Small Group Ministry to see if you would like it. 12:00 - 1:30pm in the Minister's Office.
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.
Then return Sunday evening.....
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....Return this Sunday evening at 5:00pm for 90 minutes of a
Mindfulness Meditation in Nuturing Kindness
, led by Deborah Cooper.
Click here
for details.
Look for signage on how to access the Sullivan Chapel.
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In Praise of Blurred Vision
Rev. Libby Smith
Sunday, September 23, 10:30am
It’s easy to assume that we’re better off when we see things clearly, and can work from an accurate analysis of ourselves and the world around us. But realism has its limits, and there may be a greater role for illusion than we generally acknowledge.
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Ending Racism Video of the Month
Friday, September 28, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The previously scheduled September ERC movie,
Black Panther
, has been postponed. ERC will instead screen
a talk
by Prof. Ibram Kendi, author of the book,
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
.
Click here
to read more.
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Panel Discussion on The Future of Philadelphia Public Schools -
New School Board -- New Day?
Sunday, September 30, 12:30 - 2:00pm, Edna Jones Assembly Room
Jessica Stanforth from the Cooperative Nursery School at USG will moderate a panel of local public school advocates, parents, and teachers. Each will express their views about our children's future. Join the Social Justice Council for light snacks before this lively event, its Q&A and networking afterwards.
Click here
for details and list of panel members.
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Still-Open Auction Events:
Classic Dealer's Choice Penny Ante Poker
Friday, September 21 at 7:00pm.
At Gerry and Eileen Whelan's home in Wyndmoor.
$15. There is space for 3 more. Interested? Contact
Kay Weiser
.
Press Club Dinner
October 5, 6:30 pm
.
Diane Fiske gives USG people an opportunity to come to the oldest private press club in the US. Guests can view media memorabilia dating back to the early 20th century, enjoy gourmet food, wine and beer. Adults: $15. The cost of the dinner and drinks will be each person's responsibility. Carpooling from USG. 9 spaces available. If interested, contact
Kay Weiser
, 215-527-3179.
Fall Dog Day Afternoon
Saturday, October 6 from 3:00 - 5:00pm
Join Bonnie McDairmant, Carolyn Scott, other USGers and their furry friends for a romp in the Wissahickon. Room for 2 more of any age. $15. Contact
Kay Weiser
.
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Visitor and New Member Breakfast
Sunday, October 7, 9-10:15am
All Visitors and New Members are invited to breakfast with the Minister. Please let the Welcoming chairs, Treva Burger and Lisa know if you are able to come by
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What a Wonderful In Gathering Last Sunday!
We dedicated the beautiful new banners that proclaim our eight guiding Principles and which now hang from the pillars in the Sanctuary. Thank you to the creative team behind them, headed by Kay Weiser, Treva Burger, and Carolyn Cotton. It was wonderful to see everyone, to enjoy an uplifting service and the fabulous spread of food afterward! Thank you to everyone who brought and shared and made the morning such a lovely one.
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Construction is Ongoing - Several Reminders
The area in the grove that's now fenced in is a hard hat area and access is limited to the construction workers. Parents, we know big holes are fascinating, but please prevent children from getting too close.
Please look for
signage
about how to access the Sullivan Chapel.The stairway to the Sullivan wing is no longer accessible; the only access to the Sullivan Chapel wing will be through the side door off the courtyard.
Courtyard parking is limited to only those needing an accessible entrance
. The courtyard is now our
only
accessible entrance, as the ramp into the Edna Jones Room is now closed. In addition, we have less room in that area because of the construction pod. Please be mindful of those with greater needs.
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Second Workday for the Woods Project
Sunday, September 30, from 12:00 to 4:00pm
The rain date is the following Sunday, October 7, also 12:00 to 4:00pm. We will be installing benches and laying gravel. If you will be available to help, please RSVP to Roderick Ahrens (
roryjahrens@gmail.com
, 267/994/5679)
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Come Join the Choir!
The illustrious USG choir is looking for some additional singers! All that is necessary is the ability to match pitch and a desire to be a part of a venerable USG tradition that regularly rehearses (on Thursday evenings and on Sunday mornings) and sings at most Sunday services from September through the end of May. You don’t have to sound like Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, or even Justin Bieber or Timberlake (although if you can move like him, that could be an asset). Please see
Mark Daugherty
, our music man.
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USG Video Team
Would you like to get more involved at USG? Do you have experience working with video or images or want to become more experienced in this area? Rev. Kent is looking for several people to assist him with video production for a series of videos he would like to create to complement our spiritual development programs.
In addition, the Worship Arts team is looking for individuals who can work with Rev. Kent and the various guest speakers and worship associates on
Sunday worship slides creation
. If you would like to be a part of these creative teams or if you would like more information, please contact Kent at
kmatthies@usguu.org
or send a note to
worshiparts@usguu.org
.
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We will be following a new curriculum, Soul Matters Sharing Circle, for SGM this year.
Signups for Open SGMs continue this Sunday.
Several groups have openings for new members.
Follow this link
for availability (towards the bottom of the page) or visit the SGM table at fellowship hour to signup. You may also contact the group leader or Treva Burger, at
sgm@usguu.org
or 215-277-5752, for more information or to sign up.
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Are you skilled in reupholstery?
Needed: someone to help us improve these fine wood chairs that function as our waiting area for Reverend Kent Matthies’ office. The chairs could use a new seat covering. If you would be able to work on this for the church, please send a note to Gloria at
usgadmin@usguu.org
.
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We are excited to announce our new Give+ Text option for making pledge and contribution payments to USG!
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Please
click here
to learn how to use this convenient tool.
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A New Form for Your Questions & Comments
Are you ever perplexed about what to do with your question, suggestion, comment, request or new contact information at USG? The Welcoming team has created a new form just for you. It will be available at the Welcome table on Sundays and also in the foyer where the name tags are.
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Thank You, Villagers!
Thank you to all who participate in hosting Fellowship Hour! If you are willing to coordinate for your Village, please let Treva Burger,
trevawb@gmail.com
know. Below is the schedule for
Fellowship Hour Hosting in September.
- September 23 - Village 7
- September 30 - Village 8
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Come early this Sunday, September 16
for USG's
First Social Justice Coffee Hour.
Held every month in a corner of the Dining Room on the third Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15am, the SJ Coffee Hour will provide a chance to share your social justice passions and learn from others. This Sunday we will be joined by a POWER leader, Jordan Ford.
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Action Alerts for Sunday Sept 16 and Monday Sept 17
Sunday: Tashlich Protest Ritual at ICE @ 2 pm
Regional ICE Headquarters
220 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Monday: Join other UUs at the National Constitution Center at 1:30pm to support changes to the 13th Amendment
. Meet near the Information Desk there and bring your own signs. And enjoy free admission to the Constitution Center! This event is supported by CAMI (Citizens Against Mass Incarceration).
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Rebuilding Together Philadelphia---
USG's Major Hands-on Service Project
Friday - Saturday, October 19 and 20
Get involved! Help rehab a home!
Join USG and RTP staff members in Philadelphia’s Kensington section. On Friday and/or Saturday, October 19-20, you can complete project tasks for one day or for both days. Whether you’re skilled or not, you will improve the neighborhood. Up to 20 other organizations will renovate homes within a few blocks of each other. While we work with the homeowners, we will hear their stories and learn of their challenges and resilience. You can be a part of this amazing effort too.
For more information about volunteering for this event, talk to USG's new RTP leaders
Barbara Ginn
and/or
George Buckmann
during Fellowship Hour.
If you’re 14 years old or older,
volunteer for either one or both days
by sending an email to Barbara Ginn at
bsginn56@gmail.com
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The Cooperative Nursery School is now accepting applications for the 2019-20 school year.
It’s a great little nursery school for three- to five-year-olds. School hours are 8:15am through 3pm. Preference is given wherever possible for contributing USG members. Submit your application online at
www.cooperativenurseryschool.org
.
Open house is Wednesday, October 10 at 7:00pm in the school house; no RSVP necessary. Come learn about the school’s education philosophies and cooperative community.
Jess Stanforth
CNS | Administrative Coordinator
admin@cooperativenurseryschool.org
215.844.5770
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Greater Philly UU Cluster Events
September 22, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, DE
GPC Meeting
September 29, 9:30 - 11:30 am (9:00 meet and greet)
UC of West Chester, 501 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19382
- we'll debrief the UU Community Weekend, discuss upcoming Legislative Advocacy training, and more. All are welcome!
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FUMCOG Welcomes Two Sanctuary Families
We applaud and support the First United Methodist Church of Germantown as they welcome two families into sanctuary. Please stay tuned for how USG and you might further aid the families.
Read more here.
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Get Involved! Meet Fellow UUs!
Follow links below to find out more information about the events and groups at USG that occur usually once a month.
Please note that some groups are now on summer hiatus and thus not listed below. Check back in September to see what's new!
20's & 30's SGM Group
- Second Thursday, September 13, 6:30pm, Drop-in Young Adults Small Group Ministry group. For more information, please contact Stephanie Bonner at
slbonner2@gmail.com
or on Facebook where they maintain an active invite-only activities group.
(A big shout-out to this group, who has come forward with many volunteers to host PIHN families!)
CAMI (Citizens Against Mass Incarceration)
- Fourth Monday, September 24, 7:00pm. At USG. Contact
Nancy Anderson
.
Caregiver Support Group
- Second Friday, September 14, 11:00am - 1:00pm. At USG. Contact
Maura Gallagher
.
EarthSpirit Circle
. First Monday, except for holiday weekends. Next meeting October 1, 7:00pm. At USG. Contact Donya at
earth@usguu.org.
ERC (Ending Racism Committee)
- First Sunday, October 7, 12:00 - 1:30pm. At USG. Contact
Barbara Dowdall
.
Humanists - PUSH
-
Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists
, Fourth Sunday, September 23, 12:00pm. At USG. Contact
Paul Teti
.
Nature Walking at Valley Green - Every Monday and Thursday at
9:00am, you can meet others - whoever shows up- at Valley Green in Chestnut Hill for a morning walk.
Point Person is
Steve Conrad, who is usually there.
Needle Exchange, a Handwork Group
-
Next meeting will be October 3,
1:30 - 3:00pm, off-site.
(Usually
First Wednesday). Contact
Margaret Thompson
.
Open Small Group Ministry
- Usually Second Sunday but this September we are offering instead two
Drop-In SGMs,
so that those new to SGMs can get a "sample" before making a commitment. They will be held Sunday Sept. 16 at 12:00pm in the Daskam Room, Sunday, Sept. 30 at 12:15pm in the Minister's Office. For more information, contact Treva at
trevawb@gmail.com
.
UU-101
-
Usually third Sunday but next session will be
September 23
, 12:00-1:00pm.
UU-101
is an Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, held at USG, and childcare is provided. Please let a leader, Charles Gabriel or Eric Foster, know that you plan to attend by emailing to
uu101@usguu.org. If unable to email, you can call Eric at 484-347-8998.
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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
Greater Philly UUs - Social Justice & Other Greater Philly UU News
P.U.S.H. Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists
Exploring Elderhood
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Our thoughts and prayers are with...
...The family of Dallis and Berne Graham
. Dallis’ brother, Peter Graham, died on September 3 from complications of diabetes.
Congratulations and best wishes to..
.
...
The Klein-Scearce family
, which has a new configuration these days.
Ilene Klein
has accepted a job in a deaf/hard of hearing classroom with the Indian River School District, allowing her to reside during the week at their beloved beach place in Rehobeth Beach.
Monae Klein-Scearce
has embarked on her freshman year at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem PA.
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Caring Team
Linda Bernstein (chair), Sarah West, Rev. Kent Matthies
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.
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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
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The Unitarian Society of Germantown
| 215-844-1157 | 6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19119
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