July 2025

July 6

Screening of "My Father's Name"

Rev. Jane Page

"My Father's Name" is a 20-minute documentary that tells the story of one woman's attempt to uncover her father's participation in a lynching, hold her family accountable, and reckon with what she inherited. Thanks to a private funder, the film's producers have offered limited-use access to the film at no cost to churches. Rev. Jane has previewed this excellent film and is excited to present it and facilitate a discussion with UUCG members and friends.

July 13

"The Devil's Advocate"

Clint Tawes

We’ve been taught that faith means certainty, but what if the holiest thing we can do is ask tough questions? In this sermon, we’ll explore why challenging what we’ve been told—especially about God—might be one of the most faithful things we can do.

July 20

"A Writing Class"

Dale Tushman

In lieu of a formal service today, Dale Tushman is offering a writing class! Please bring writing pads and pens. (We will have some paper and pens for those who do not get this message.) Dale will provide her expertise in creative writing as well as some writing prompts and more. What an opportunity for all of us to enhance our skills and enjoy the work of others.

July 25

"The Poetry of Music"

Randy Blasch

Randy has had artists who have impacted his life and how he looks at the world. He will share their poetic lyrics and maybe sing a song or two.

WE ARE STREAMING

If you would like to join us live via Zoom, go to this link on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.: uuma.zoom.us/j/479-325-3254

This link is also used by the Sisterhood 3 group for their meetings.

By Rev. Jane Page

The theme of General Assembly 2025 that I attended recently was “Meet the Moment.” And this theme was indeed relevant as the moments we’ve been called on to meet this year have come fast and furious. In addition to all of the concerns and moments we’ve been trying to address this year through service, protests, and more, we woke up Sunday morning to the news of the United States bombing Iran. We had to “meet that moment” in real time. The Sunday worship service which is available at THIS LINK.

It was a dramatic display of action and love. A highlight for me, though, was what is known as “The Ware Lecture.” Sadly, you have to be registered at General Assembly to access this lecture. I am providing this summary from a UU World article that became available shortly before I began writing this newsletter article:

“Saturday night’s Ware Lecture, with award-winning journalist and trans rights activist Imara Jones, drew numerous standing ovations. Emphasizing that Christian nationalists have “captured a major political party,” Jones said the attack on trans rights is a deeply researched and heavily funded effort to “undermine democracy” and warned UUs to “take it deadly seriously.” She added, “One of the ways to counter the role that anti-trans politics is playing in the undermining of democracy is to actually care about trans people.” She urged UUs to take action, including calling their state legislators to oppose anti-trans legislation and challenging people who make anti-trans comments.”

UU delegates conduct the business of the association at this meeting, of course. This year we elected Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson and Bill Young as UUA co-moderators to serve a six-year term. I was pleased that my friend Paula Cole Jones (who provides leadership for the 8th Principle Initiative) received the Award for Distinguished Service to the Cause of Unitarian Universalism. This is the highest award provided by our association.

While in Baltimore, we tried to see a little of the city. Greg saw more of it since he got up very early (before the extreme heat) and went on long walks. But I was pleased to at least share a 45-minute tour of the historic inner harbor.

And now – after a vacation to Scotland and this General Assembly, I am glad to be home. I look forward to seeing many of you when I lead our service on July 6!

Jane

A letter from President

Sharon Ehle

Highlights from the June 2025 meeting

The Board of Trustees met on June 22, 2025. On the agenda: presentation of Financial Reports, Discussion about childcare with Shaneka Brunson from Children’s RE Program; Social Justice: next Manna House Volunteer Day June 25.

Brian Merck attended a second meeting of the Glynn-Brunswick Disaster Faith Network. As they continue to develop plans to deal with disaster mitigation and recovery, Brian submitted UUCG’s assessment of our ability to provide assistance. They are actively recruiting volunteers, and Brian plans to attend additional training. If you have any relevant training, including first aid and CPR, and are willing to volunteer, contact Brian.

We discussed some policies and procedures and identified team member updates needed as well as leadership positions that are vacant. We are looking for church members to serve on the Nominating Committee.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for July 19 at Sharon’s house. A mini retreat is planned – a time for us to connect and plan.

STAY COOL!

Sharon Ehle, President

UUCG Board of Trustees

sgehle@comcast.net

HOSTING CLINT TAWES

We do so enjoy our visits with Clint Tawes on second Sundays. Clint travels from South Carolina to be with us and we try to provide home hospitality for him on the Saturday night preceding second Sundays. If you are willing to host Clint for one of these nights, please sign up on the sign up sheet at this link; https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACAE28A1F85-55584547-hosting

This is a great opportunity to get to know Clint better. Thanks!

With Love at the Center!

Jane

Membership is looking for some friendly, new greeters! Would you like to greet and welcome new visitors? It's a simple way to pitch in and to meet people. Contact Beth Stevenson at echstevenson@gmail.com and she will pass on the information to our Greeter Coordinator, Mason Parker.

If you wish to become a member of UUCG...Contact Membership Team Leader Beth Stevenson or Rev. Jane.

And, if you are interested in helping in any way with the Membership Team, please contact Beth at echstevenson@gmail.com OR text 404-824-5562

Our Children’s Summer Program is ongoing each Sunday.

We will have organized play and fun for ages up to age 11.

For questions about out summer program,

contact Beth Stevenson at echstevenson@gmail.com

UUCG's Manna House team served lunch to 350 people on May 25th. About 50 of those were provided by our school system for children in the downtown area. Manna House is one of several pickup locations for student lunches during summer vacation. Our team of 11 also served sacked lunches with BBQ sandwiches and LOTS of iced tea to help fight the summer heat.

The next Manna House workday will be

July 23rd (4th Wednesday of each month)

from 9am - 1pm.

Please text or email Kim Merck if you'd like to be on the Manna House email list: (912) 580-7029 or kimym31525@gmail.com

Let's Side With Love together at Manna House!

Faithworks Collections

Sparrow's Nest Food Pantry needs: Rice, snacks for kids, toilet paper, and paper towels are recent needs from The Brunswick News. Please place donations in the designated basket in UUCG entry.

The Well: Needs men's and women's underwear (in all sizes) and travel wipes in individual packets. Please place donations in the designated basket in UUCG entry.

Coffee Collection: We also donate coffee supplies to The Well. Please place coffee, creamer packets, and sugar donations in labeled UUCG kitchen cabinet.

UUCG's Adult Forum is designed to encourage discussion by sharing our stories and wisdom so we may “learn more about being human.”

We meet to reinforce the “warmth or community” that calls us to attend church.

Meetings are on the FIRST SUNDAY of the month from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Ruth Trudeau

(214) 675-7331

Sunday, July 6, 2025; 9:00 – 10:15 AM

UUCG Bill Phillips Forum Room

Discussion leader: Ruth Trudeau

Topic: Words of Wisdom & Life Lessons

"Many times, I’ve thought of words my dad said to my younger self when I needed to hear them. His advice became my affirmation. “Go expose yourself” certainly has double meanings, but he said it to encourage me to explore the world, to open myself to people and ideas. A wonderful life lesson!

What Words of Wisdom have been meaningful to you? Will you share your Life Lessons with us?

You’re invited to the Adult Forum on Sunday, July 6 for an open discussion."

Ruth

SISTERHOOD GROUP 3

The Sisterhood 3 group meets on the first Sunday of each month after church. We still have room for more women to join us. We will meet in the Bill Phillips room at the end of coffee time after church (about 11:50). Come connect with other UU Women. We need one another!

If you have questions about the group, please email Rev. Jane at revjanepage@gmail.com.

Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

(The special Adult RE Zoom Room information is below.)

Join an intellectually challenging and fun conversation with a

group of ardent readers.

Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church

by Kevin Sack

A sweeping history of one of the nation’s most important African American churches and a profound story of courage and grace amid the fight for racial justice—from Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Kevin Sack.

DISCUSSION GROUP LEADER: Dorin Schumacher

912.266.6558 or drdorin@earthlink.net

This is the ZOOM ROOM set-up specifically for the ADULT RE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP.

Join at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83199891898?pwd=RXRUNk92L1Z2ZHBCek9XTkt0RTFEdz09

Meeting ID: 831 9989 1898

Passcode: 950120 (Passcode must be used.)

CrossWord Puzzles

Looking for a crossword puzzle that is more interesting than the Brunswick News’? John Cowlishaw is creating many puzzles and posting them online at: https://tinyurl.com/47bxef38