Weekly E-News

Wed. 3/1 - Tues. 3/7

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There’s a new email address for your submissions - please send them to [email protected] by Tuesday at 10:00 pm.

This Sunday, March 5, 2023

"All Kinds of Vulnerable"

with Rev. Karen Armina

This month’s theme is challenging on many levels, because there are many ways we are vulnerable.  For some, it’s about taking the risk to open our hearts to new possibilities; for others, it’s about choosing and enforcing boundaries for safety; for still others, it’s simply about survival.  This morning, we’ll explore some of the ways we might embark on a path of vulnerability with authenticity, intention, and care.

Link to service webpage

RSVP to attend in person
Zoom Link

Our Share the Plate recipient for March 5 and 12 is the White Helmets, a volunteer humanitarian group in Syria who are working to meet the needs of victims of the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.  While Turkey has received aid from the UN, Syria has not, and the White Helmets have stepped into the void to rescue people and to now help them heal and recover.

Donate Here

Our March Theme: The Path of Vulnerability

Our March theme invites us to think about vulnerability in many different ways, from how choosing personal vulnerability might be a path toward a more open heart, to how climate change and societal systems make humans and other beings vulnerable.  In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection on our monthly theme every week.


Check-in question: What has life taught you about leaps of faith and leaping into the unknown?


Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness

you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho

lies dead by the side of the road.

You must see how this could be you…

-- Naomi Shihab Nye

What's Happening in Our Congregation

rev karen image.jpg

Minister's Musings


Our March theme is “the path of vulnerability.”  I think this is one of the most challenging themes we’ve worked with, and I look forward to digging into it with you.  And.  Because this theme might bring up a lot for you, I’m here to be with you.  If you choose to engage with this theme, or just consider it, or if you’re unable to engage or even consider it, you are not alone…

Read more here

Minister's Availability

Religious Education and Family Ministry


This week will be a multigenerational service with everyone in the sanctuary, followed by classes after the service during coffee hour.   Our children’s class will be in the multipurpose room with Bryan Benwitz.  Our youth will meet with Rev Karen for a check in, and then move to the sanctuary to join the congregational listening session.  Youth participating in Coming of Age will meet with Genevieve in the Youth Room for our first meeting.



Please email Genevieve if you have questions about our program or are interested in volunteering.

Read more 

Music Ministry


The Sacred Breath Choir gathers on Thursday evenings. Please send an email to [email protected] with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.


Every month, we learn a new song together that reflects the theme for that month.  The song of the month for March is “Forget Your Perfect Offering,” based on the lyrics of “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen.  Check it out here and get ready to sing it on Sunday!


Shared music this week:

  • Hymn #360 “Here We Have Gathered”
  • Hymn #18 “What Wondrous Love”
  • Hymn #108 “My Life Flows On In Endless Song”
Read more

Small Group Ministries

Offering and Receiving Connection, Support, and Spiritual Practice

View Small Group Ministries Descriptions  
  • Octavia’s Parables Reflection Group Sundays at 1:00-2:00 pm
  • Me and White Supremacy Book Discussion Sundays through March 5 at 1:00 pm on Zoom
  • Journaling Group next meets Monday March 13 at 7:00 pm - contact Jean Skinner
  • Meditation With Friends Group Wednesdays at 6:30-7:00 pm (Beginners Welcome)
  • Sacred Breath Choir - Thursdays at 7:00 pm

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Board Listening Sessions TONIGHT and Sunday!


Virtual: TONIGHT Wednesday March 1 at 7:30 pm Zoom Link

In- person: Sunday March 5 after service, 11:30 am

Questions will include:

  • What helps you feel connected to the congregation?
  • What prevents you from feeling more connected to the congregation?
  • What would inspire you to be more involved in the congregation?

JRUUC Community Sharing Project in Sanctuary: For the Anxious and Hopeful


Inspired by the collective spirit of Tibetan prayer flags, artist Candy Chang and writer James A. Reeves created a participatory project at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City called “A Monument for the Anxious and Hopeful.”  You’re invited to co-create a similar project right here at JRUUC!  Starting this Sunday, March 5, there will be cards with the prompts “I’m hopeful because” and “I’m anxious because” for you to fill in, and spaces on the west wall of the sanctuary for you to hang them.  See our website for more information, including how to participate virtually!

Caring Tree Update


The Caring Tree would like to announce that Marla McFadden will join Jeanette Clawson as a Coordinator until the end of this fiscal year.  Karol Niemann is leaving after a year and a half of service.  Thank you Karol for all your hard work and welcome back to the Caring Tree, Marla!  We are looking for volunteers to serve as a Coordinator when Marla steps down on July 1.  Come and join the heart of our beloved community.

It's STILL Snow Lottery Season!


Here is the link to sign up for our “Snow Lottery” - Sign up for a week at a time and if it snows, clear our sidewalks. Many thanks to all who have shoveled so far!

View JRUUC Events & Activities Calendar
More Ways to Be of Service Within Our Congregation

What's Happening in Our Community

See our Justice and Community Update page for activities & events


MOSES is seeking an organizer and working on dyslexia education - Criminal Justice Reform


Healthcare is a Human Right Campaign


What's Happening In Unitarian Universalism

New Purposes and Principles Drafted!


The Article II Study Commission has completed its two year study, and created a new draft of our Purposes and Principles! The Report to the UUA Board of Trustees from the Article II Study Commission (PDF) summarizes the revision process and contains the Study Commission's recommended revisions to Article II. Read here to see what happens next!

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. This is a great year to go, especially for first-timers! There will be exciting work done on the process of revising Article II of our Bylaws, worship is always wonderful, and it’s an amazing experience to be surrounded by thousands of UUs. Early bird registration ends on February 28, and there are many opportunities for financial support. Follow these links for general information, volunteer opportunities, other financial support, registration, and housing reservations.


The General Assembly and Conference Services Team leads the initiative to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are woven throughout, from planning to fruition. You’re invited to watch this video about historical trauma and transformative healing, which is informing our work.

More UUA Updates

Click the banner to learn what you can do to promote social justice along with our national organization.

2022 Actions of Immediate Witness

 Abortion, Anti-Racism, Reparations, Restorative Justice, Medicare

Click the banner to learn how you can get involved in getting out the vote. 


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