April 19 - 25, 2018
The CommUUnicator
The Weekly Newsletter of
The Unitarian Society of Germantown
Building Beloved Community

THIS WEEKEND: On Saturday, we invest in both USG and a year's worth of personal fun and fellowship with an Auction of s UU per Events! On Sunday, we learn about Climate Change and attempts to ameliorate it at the Earth Day Fair.
USG Service Auction
Saturday, April 21, 2018
5:00pm
Be a sUUperhero :
support the
Annual Service Auction


  • General admission is $10 per Super Hero
  • First time attendees are FREE.
  • Enjoy appetizers and libations at 5:00pm.
  • Sign-up for interesting poster auctions.
  • Bid on wonderful silent auction items.
  • Live auction starts at 6:15pm. Bid early and often.
  • Fabulous desserts at end of the evening.
  • 50/50 raffle tickets.
  • Prizes for best costumes.
  • Childcare (and movie!) provided.
  • Credit card payment available.
  • Preview All Auction Items Here.
  • Designated Bidders available. Don't miss the 2018-19 fun. If you cannot attend the auction, we will bid for you!
WE PUT THE FUN IN FUNDRAISING!
In Worship , 10:30am
Our Transforming Climate
Rev. Alison Cornish
As the Earth’s climate continues to change in both subtle and dramatic ways, our species is being challenged to transform as well. 

Rev. Alison Cornish is the Executive Director of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, a state-wide affiliate of the national organization helping congregations and individuals of all faiths respond to climate change as an urgent moral issue. ( Learn more. )

Stay after the service for the Earth Day Fair in the Assembly Room. The Fair will include tables of materials, postcards, petitions, and a presentation by Rev. Cornish on Juliana vs. the U.S. , a lawsuit brought by children against the United States for endangering their futures.
In Child Spiritual Development
This Sunday morning, children and youth will be with their families in the Sanctuary until 10:45am, when they will be sung out to their classes.

Our High School program changes weekly. The High School OWL Group meets in the evening this Sunday, April 22 from 10:30am - 12:30pm in the Bristol Room.

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
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.
Coffee Hour
Opportunities
After the Worship Service
Enjoy refreshments, compliments of Village 4.

At 12:00pm, attend the monthly Humanists (PUSH) meeting in Sullivan 3.

Attend the Earth Day Fair in the Assembly Room!

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.
Sunday, April 29, 10:30pm
That’s What Friends Are For
Rev. Kent Matthies
We may enjoy our Facebook “friends.” However, we long for more than social media connections. One of the best reasons to come to church is to make spiritual friends. With flickers of hope for making a spiritual connection, we encounter others; over time we kindle long burning flames of lasting friendships, with accompanying well being, love and hope. Bring a friend of yours to this worship focusing on friendship.
Join us for the 15th annual Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation! The theme of this year’s walk is “Recognizing the One in All of Us.”

The walk will begin at 2:00 PM at the historic Arch Street Friends Meeting House at 320 Arch St., followed by stops at Society Hill Synagogue and the Al Aqsa Islamic Center Mosque, for food and celebration.

Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend the afternoon walking, talking, and engaging with friends and neighbors of all different faith traditions. (Buses will be available for those needing transport between the venues)

Visit interfaithpeacewalk.org/2018-peace-walk for updated information as it becomes available.
Beltane
Beltane Celebration
Sunday, April 29, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Join the Earth Honoring traditions group in the Grove to celebrate Beltane, the coming of summer and the brightest days of the year. It is a time of cleansing, of opening the windows and doors to the warmth of the sun, and of celebrating the earth's fertility.
Ordination for McKinley Sims
Saturday, May 19, 1:00pm
You are invited to the ordination of McKinley Sims, USG's former intern minister from 2014-2015. A reception will follow.

Clergy of all traditions, religious educators, and seminarians are invited to gather at 12:30 p.m. to robe and process.

All who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by May 13, 2018 to rsvpsimsordination@usguu.org .

If you are willing and able to make a financial gift, please write the check to USG and write “Sims Ordination” on the memo line. You may also donate online via the USG website at USGUU.ORG online payment center . Or you can donate via text. Send AMOUNT ORDINATION (any amount > $2, Ex. 25 ordination) to 215-607-6191.
SAVE THE DATES!
USG Annual Meeting - Sunday, May 20, 12:00pm
All-Church Retreat - Saturday, June 2 (details will be in the SPIRIT next week!)
Celebrating Connie Simon!
Ordination Celebration Dinner for Connie Simon - Saturday evening, June 9
Ordination for Connie Simon - Sunday, June 10, 4:00pm
Ordination and celebration details for our dearly loved current Intern Minister, Connie Simon, will be shared soon!

In the meantime, we warmly invite you to contribute your financial support to Connie's ordination and celebration. You can 1) write a check made out to USG and write "Simon's Ordination" in the memo line or 2) make a designated donation online at the payment center , or 3) text (AMOUNT ORDINATION).
Your Vote Counts
Special Membership Meeting
Proposed Bylaw Change & Elevator Update
Sunday, April 29, 11:30am
Following the Bylaws discussion and vote, the Capital Project Committee will give an update regarding the elevator addition and driveway projects.
STRONG ARMS NEEDED
SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 26, 9:00am - Noon  
The Archive Committee would like assistance to move 30 boxes from the second to the ground floor; to move and set up the shelving from the current closet to the new closet; and to place the boxes on the shelves in the new closet. We would very much appreciate your help. Contact Susan Bockius, 215-247-4249, sbockius43@gmail.com .
The USG Kitchen Needs Spoons
We need spoons --- stainless steel teaspoons, soup spoons, serving spoons --- to replenish our depleted supply. If you can provide some, please see Mike Rogers or contact the office.
Interested in joining USG?
The next New Member Signing is on Sunday, April 29 . Please visit the Membership page in the Home menu on our website,  usguu.org  or contact Treva Burger at  trevawb@gmail.com  for more information or if you are interested in joining.
THANK YOU to All who Have Pledged for 2018-2019
Have YOU sent YOUR Pledge in yet?
If you have not, please do so via mail, online at   usguu.org/page/pledge-form , or by putting the form in the box at the table in the dining room following Sunday services.
We are excited to announce our new Give+ Text option for making pledge and contribution payments to USG!
Please click here to learn how to use this convenient tool.
Thank You, Villagers!
Thank you so much to all who participate! 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 April.
  • April 22 - Village 4
  • April 29 - New Members
Looking For New Members
Do you have a passion for your congregation and UUism in general? The Central East Region (CER) Congregational Life Advisory Council uua.org/central-east/about/clac is looking for new members. Click here for details.
Co-operative Nursery School (CNS) at USG
50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, April 28, 3:00 - 5:00pm
The Cooperative Nursery School will celebrate its 50th anniversary during its annual Spring Fling on the grounds of USG and CNS. There will be food, music, games, and plenty of fun for the whole family. USG members and friends are invited to participate. We hope you can join the celebration!

CNS was founded in 1967; since then, many USG families have been active participants at the school. If you have any memorabilia you can share at the celebration, please contact Jen May at  cnsparentchair@gmail.com .
More Greater Philly UU Cluster Spring & Summer Events
GPC Meeting - Saturday, May 19, 9:00- 10:00am
New Hope Pride Parade - Saturday, May 19, Starting 11:00am
UUMAC Retreat - July 8 - 14
UU Community Weekend (Labor Day weekend) - Registration opens April 5
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, May 10, 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, April 20, 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, April 23, 7:00pm. At USG. Contact Nancy Anderson .

Caregiver Support Group - Second Friday, May 11, 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 - Cancelled for Tuesday, April 24. Will resume May 1. 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, May 6, 12:00 - 2:00pm. At USG. Contact Barbara Dowdall .

Exploring Elderhood - Second Friday gatherings, May 11, 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 is May 7 , 7:00pm. At USG. Contact Donya Coldwell at earth@usguu.org .

Humanists - PUSH - Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists , Fourth Sunday, April 22, 12:00pm. At USG. Contact Paul Teti .

Men's Group - Third Tuesday, May 15, 7:30pm. At USG. Contact Mark Tuveson .

Mindfulness Meditation with Rev. Kent - Every Thursday, 6:30 - 7:15pm. 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, May 2, 1:30 - 3:00pm, off-site. Contact Gale Gibbons .

Open Small Group Ministry - Second Sunday, May 13, 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 - Third Sunday, May 20, 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.

UUJPIP - UUs for Justice & Peace in Israel & Palestine.  Third Sunday. Next meeting May 20, 12:00 - 1:30pm. ( April meeting cancelled ). 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...
... Maggie Birge-Carracappa and Amy Birge. Maggie’s mother died suddenly at the age of 66. Cards and emails are welcome. Please see the dedicated email sent on April 7.

We will remember and honor...
...June Krebs , a long-time and beloved USG member, who died April 17. June was a social justice warrior and her presence in our community and her words of wisdom will be deeply missed. We will celebrate June's life at a memorial service at USG this Sunday, April 22 at 3:00pm , with a reception to follow. All are welcome. Our hearts go out to her daughter, Karen Share, and her stepson, Mark Armstrong, and her extended family and friends. Condolence cards may be sent to
Karen Share
1064 Woodville Hwy.
Crawfordville, FL 32327.

To continue June's legacy, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the Unitarian Society of Germantown or to WILPF-Women's International League for Peace and Freedom of Philadelphia:

Unitarian Society of Germantown
6511 Lincoln Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(please note "In memory of June Krebs" on the memo line of checks.)

Greater Philadelphia Branch of WILPF
c/o Marge Van Cleef
110 Cliff Terrace
Wyncote, PA 19095


...Irene Magaziner, a long-time member and former USG Board President, in a memorial service at USG on June 3 at 1:30pm.  Irene died on March 11. Her loving, humorous spirit lives on in surviving family, including her children Stephen, James, Sally and their families.

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- usgadmin@usguu.org
Carolyn Scott, Asst. Administrator- communications@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