Beloved Community in an Age of Artificial Intelligence: The Wisdom of Martin Buber (Part One)

Rev. Lee Anne Washington

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our work, communication, and daily routines, it is reshaping not only what we do, but how—and with whom—we live our lives. This message will briefly define what AI is (and is not), explore its current and likely future roles, and consider how widespread automation may unintentionally deepen social isolation, echoing patterns many of us experienced during COVID. In a world where fewer interactions require other humans, the need for meaningful, embodied connection grows sharper. This reflection invites us to consider how intentional communities like UUCNH may become not relics of the past, but vital centers of belonging, purpose, and shared moral discernment in the years ahead.

This is the first of a four-part sermon series that will culminate in a Deep Dive Sunday on February 8th.

Soul Matters Monthly Theme

Practicing Resistance

For the soul matters small group materials click on the image.

The Loneliness Epidemic. When UUCNH members were recently polled about what they were looking for in a church, the most common answer was not spiritual enlightenment, but community.



Are we surprised? The WHO reports “social disconnection” as an increasingly serious threat to global public health, as the more time people spend online, the lonelier they seem to feel. Could our “legacy” brick-and-mortar churches have a role to play in stemming this tide? Are our social offerings a mere side benefit to our real mission… or could they become something more?

Let’s discuss! All are welcome to join Quest For Belief this Sunday, January 11^th, from 9:15-10:15am, upstairs in the Youth Room.

Please join us for Meditation group. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 7 to 8 pm. No experience required just a willingness to learn and breathe. Contact meditation@uucnh.org for any questions.

UUCNH is looking for Covenant group facilitators for weekday morning and/or afternoon sessions. These sessions can be in person or via Zoom.

If you may be interested in facilitating weekday morning or afternoon sessions, please contact Kip Ruefle at kipruefle@uucnh.org.

Navigating cross-cultural relationships can be difficult. We may offend without realizing it; we may feel shamed and blamed for our most well-intended actions. 

Shades of Kindness is a 2-session discussion class that approaches that challenge a bit differently from the norm. Exercising compassion in every direction, we will examine common scenarios of racial discord within UU spaces, familiarize ourselves with the current terminology and concepts, and then brainstorm our own ideas to help avoid unintentional misunderstandings and harm.

This two-part forum will be held on Saturdays mornings from 10:00am-noon, January 31th and February 7th (snow dates February 1st & 8th at 2pm ), upstairs in the Youth Room. To sign up or ask for more information, please email shades@uucnh.org.

First Sunday of January 18th, from noon to 1:15 PM on Zoom and at church (upstairs, left, then end of the hall). 

Miracles are a large part of the Jesus tradition: healings and even raisings from the dead. But what might really have happened? See Tony Palermo for details. 

January 11th - All classes resume -- Bluey and Neighboring Faiths (Intro to Judaism).

Youth Group Soup Sale

January 18th - Children's Chapel - Sign Language

Joys and Sorrows

A Sorrow from Dennis Doubleday

Mary Doubleday passed away in the early afternoon of Saturday Jan. 3, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was an organ donor and died one hour after life support was removed. Her heartbroken family was with her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her beloved UUCNH on Saturday the 24th, at 2 PM.

A Sorrow from Diana Hull

My son’s father-in-law died on December 31st. He was a loving father, a wonderful grandfather, and an important presence in their lives. His loss is deeply felt. Please hold their family in your prayers.

A Joy from Becca Hovermale

Thanks to all of you who sent cards and meals when my dad passed. A special shout out and thanks to Don Nelson, who shared his tech expertise with my father's minister, allowing my dad's service to be recorded on his church's very own, and newly set-up YouTube channel! My sisters and I were so moved by the gift of Don's time to make this happen! THANK YOU!

Note: When you want to share a joy or sorrow submit it electronically by clicking here by Saturday. Alternatively, you can fill out a card as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday.

Into Dungeons and Dragons? How about gaming with some of your UUCNH friends at our Friday game nights? Interested teens and adults, please let us know by emailing dragons@uucnh.org!

Our annual youth group soup sale will be taking place on January 11th after the service and before the mid-year meeting.

Cash and checks only! $3 for bowl for here, $5 for 16oz to go.

Please start bringing in your gently used books, CDs, and DVDs, this Sunday January 11th, as well as the following Sunday, January 18th. The UUCNH fundraising committee is preparing for our upcoming Book Sale event to take place on January 25 and February 1, 2026. Gather up the items you want to donate and look for a sign in the East Room at church that says “BOOK SALE” and leave your items there. There will also be a purple bin for leaving donations outside if dropping off during the week is more convenient.

The Ukulele group meets on the second and fourth Monday at 7 pm in the East Room. Beginners are always welcome. Contact ukegroup@uucnh.org with any questions.

Zoom with UUCNH Friends

This drop-in connection will be held every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30pm and will be led by Michael Horwitz. Contact michaelhorwitz@uucnh.org for zoom details.

The mid-year meeting will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the service. The Board will provide sandwich fixings, and the youth will host their famous soup sale—so come grab lunch and get fueled up for the meeting!

We have a full agenda, including updates from many of our committees. There are no votes scheduled for this meeting.

View the full agenda here.

The live stream link is available here.

See you then!

Join us for the next Leadership Council meeting on Saturday, Jan. 17th from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary/West Room. All are welcome to come and hear what our many committees and teams have been working on! 

This meeting will also feature a “Fireside Chat” with Rev. Lee Anne and Board President Jody Clark. They’ll discuss the upcoming budget cycle, the UUCNH organizational chart, and key responsibilities of the minister. Come be part of our team! For questions or to RSVP, please contact LDT@uucnh.org.

Have you ever wondered about what’s involved in serving as a member of the Board of Directors or the Leadership Development Team at UUCNH? If so, please join us for an information session about leadership opportunities at UUCNH on Sunday, January 25 in the Worth and Dignity Room immediately after the service.

Everyone is welcome. There is no obligation – it’s just a time for you to learn more. If you have any interest in leadership opportunities at our church, even if it is not this year, we encourage you to attend. To learn more click here.

If you have additional questions, please contact any member of the Leadership Development Team (Kathi Finch, Becca Hovermale, Nancy Kepner, Jesse Lehmier, Janet McCall).

Fair Districts PA

When legislative leaders manipulate district boundaries to keep themselves in office or to oust their opposition, we all lose. The decennial redistricting may seem a long way away. However, to have an independent citizens commission in time for the next redistricting, a PA constitutional amendment must pass in the 2025-6 and 2027-8 sessions and be voted on by the public. That is a lot to get done in the next 5 years.

Fair Districts PA is a nonpartisan, all-volunteer, statewide organization focusing on making state government work for you by codifying a fair redistricting process and rules that make your legislator effective. Donations cover expenses of the organization only; there are no salaried staff.

Gun violence is a public health crisis, taking nearly 2,000 lives each year in Pennsylvania alone.

As Unitarian Universalists, our values call us to move beyond concern into action.

Through UUJusticePA, our statewide UU justice ministry, we advocate for commonsense gun safety measures that protect lives and strengthen communities.

Click on the image to learn more and to donate to UUJusticePA.

DID YOU KNOW that a recent large national survey found a surprisingly large majority of Americans (82%) prefer their voting districts be drawn by an independent redistricting commission (IRC) than by the party in power?  

In PA, there are two bills, SB131 & HB 31 before the legislature to change the PA Constitution from majority legislators drawing state voting districts, to an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission drawing those maps. FDPA has asked us to contact our PA legislators, urging them to support the bills. 

You can identify your PA House Rep and Senator at Find My Legislator by entering your address; then call or write both of them. FDPA postcards are available upon request.. Next, ask your legislators for a meeting; assemble other constituents to join you.

Currently, we do have a group of UUCNH and friends to meet with Sen Devlin Robinson in the near future. 

For more information, please contact Cheryl Rampelt, crampelt@uucnh.org

Fair Trade Equal Exchange Coffee, Tea, and Chocolates are always available to purchase from their usual display in Friendship Hall.

Mother Earth and small-scale farmers benefit when you buy Fair Trade Equal Exchange products.  

UUCNH benefits when you buy Giant Eagle and/or Kuhn’s Gift Cards at no extra expense to you! Both stores donate $5 to UUCNH for every $100 of gift card value sold. Grocery cards are sold by the ushers in Friendship Hall after the Sunday service.

UUCNH has a food pantry for donations to North Hills Community Outreach located in Friendship Hall. Please consider donating non-perishable food items, hygiene and cleaning supplies.

Did you forget your items? No problem... you can buy a grocery card and donate it.

Click here for NHCO volunteer Opportunities

Why did the chicken only cross the road halfway?

She wanted to lay it on the line.