Nourishing Our Spirits

Sunday Service

September 21st, 2025

Autumn Equinox

Finding Equilibrium

Rev. Lee Anne Washington

The Autumn Equinox, also referred to as Mabon, marks when day and night are roughly equal in length. It is a time of reflection and preparation. Join us as Rev. Lee Anne explores some thoughts on how to periodically return to a personal place of equilibrium and peace.

Attention: Due to Repairs, the Stairs from the Lower parking lot will be closed for use until Saturday evening.

Soul Matters Monthly Theme

Building Belonging

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

Children's RE Schedule

09/21- 10/05 classes Pre-K-4th, 5th-8th

09/28- Youth Group meeting

Jesus Discussion Group This Sunday

3rd Sunday of September, the 21st, from noon to 1:15 PM on Zoom and at church (upstairs, left, then end of the hall). Scholar Stephen Mitchell, author of The Gospel According to Jesus, describes and critiques the teachings of Jesus, using both Eastern and Western sources as well as his own warm and empathetic reasoning. We’ll examine his book in this session.

Meditation Group This Monday

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.

Covenant Group Sign Ups

UUCNH Covenant Group Sign Up has opened.

Please click here to sign up.

If you would like more information about what’s involved, please reach out to Kip Ruefle at kipruefle@uucnh.org

Joys and Sorrows

A Sorrow shared by Robyn Travers:

I received a donation by mail for the memorial garden and with the check was a note. Former member Donald Courtsal died in Florida in June 2025 at the age of 95.

A Sorrow/Concern from Katie Smith: My mom, Marty Chapman, was diagnosed with lung cancer over the summer. Her surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, September 15th. We would appreciate everyone's thoughts as we hope for a successful surgery and good recovery

A Sorrow from Tatyana Nagorski

Her mom Virginia Nagorski passed away on September 11th at the age of 74. Family will welcome friends on Saturday, September 20 from 6-8pm at Schellhaas Funeral Home, Inc., where a service will be held following visitation at 8pm.

A Joy from Lee Cunningham: I am requesting PRAYERS for my dear friend, Deborah, who has been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 lung cancer.

Joy/Sorrow from Peggy Fallon: My sorrow is that I missed last week's water communion. My joy is that I spent a sublime and bittersweet week in and around Bryson City in NC Smokies. Bittersweet because it was my first time there after 20 plus years without my late partner, sublime because the beautiful place fed my spirit.

A Joy from Susan Powers: Thanks to John Ritzert for installing the railing by the stage/step.

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.

Celebrating Life

Family Game night and Potluck Tonight

Ukulele Group - This Monday

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

Cherishing the Connectedness of All Things

UUCNH Weekly Connection

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.

Transforming Ourselves

September 2025 Capital Campaign (CC)'22 Status Summary

The monthly CC Status Summary Spreadsheet shows the prioritized project list, our initial estimated cost of each

project, actual contractor quotes we have received for the work and much more.

Please click this link to review the latest CC Status Summary Spreadsheet update.

In the last few months we have continued to push for completion of the on-going projects. Several Projects were started and most were completed in the last month:

Project 7a: MTV Solar installed Marsha Albright’s gifted solar panels on 14 & 15Aug25.
Project 11: Pittsburgh Asphalt Company (PAC) paved the Entrance Driveway on 26 & 27Aug25. We had hoped to renew all of our paved surfaces but ultimately, with the AC cost still unknown, decided to do only the work promised in the Enhanced Plan
Project 10: Vento Landscaping completed the Celebration Garden (CG) Memorial Walls on 3Sept25.
On-going - Project 4c2: Celebration Garden (CG) Path stormwater runoff erosion: On 8Sept25 Vento Landscaping started the work to install swales and yard drains to control stormwater flow and protect the Celebration Garden paths and a new sidewalk that we hope to complete next spring. If the weather cooperates, this work should be complete within the next two weeks.

The engineering design of the Air Conditioning (AC) project is nearing completion. The AC project is the largest cost project in the CC. The Project Task Force is currently reviewing the permit/bid drawings. We are hopeful that Pedicone Engineering, our mechanical engineer, will complete the drawings and help us with the permitting process. Hopefully we can obtain bids from contractors for the AC work this fall. As mentioned at the annual congregational meeting in June, we have been wary of moving forward with too many other projects until we have a

handle on the AC cost, hence there has been reduced spending of CC funds over the past year. Once we have actual bids from contactors and know the cost of the AC, we will see if we can afford all the remaining projects. At that time we can have an informed conversation with the congregation about how to allocate the remaining CC funds.

We are still working on projects other than the AC. In addition to the projects mentioned above, we have been discussing the Pavilion project with both a supplier and a contractor.

We are trying to self-perform as much of the work as possible. Anyone with a desire to lend a hand is welcome to contact Joe Meier (see below). People with electrical wiring or carpentry skills would be especially welcome. Any questions or offers of help can be sent to Joe Meier at capitalcampaign@uucnh.org.

Leadership Council Meeting - Tomorrow!

Join us for the first Leadership Council meeting of the year on September 20th, 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!

And what better way to kick off the year than with the topic of Trust and Team Building? Come be part of our team! For questions or to RSVP please contact LDT@uucnh.org.

Transforming Our World

Current Share the Plate Recipient

TransYOUniting

TransYOUniting is a mutual aid non-profit providing resources to Pittsburgh's Transgender, LGBTQIA+, and HIV+ Community. Established in 2015, TransYOUniting creates an environment where black transgender women and other transgender individuals can thrive. Our comprehensive approach includes initiatives such as housing, workforce development, advocacy, and mutual aid. TransYOUniting also organizes Pittsburgh Pride. https://www.transyounitingpgh.org/

Voter Registration on Sunday

Jim Highland, Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network Organizer, will be available after the worship service to assist you in checking your registration status and polling location. He will also be able to register new voters.

UUCNH VOTED TO END GERRYMANDERING AND CREATE FAIR VOTING DISTRICTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP!

No experience needed. Learn about FairDistrictsPA’s SOLUTION

to fair voting districts HERE.

NEXT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES to inform others & petition

for support of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC).

WHAT: Disability Pride Pittsburgh Celebration

WHERE: Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave. Pgh - LWV Table

WHEN: Sat, Sept. 20, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

WHAT: Coraopolis FALL FESTIVAL & Art Walk

WHERE: Downtown Coraopolis - 936 5th. Ave.

WHEN: Sat, Oct. 11, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

AND SUPER OPPORTUNITY FDPA is seeking volunteers for Polling Place Outreach. If you have a few hours to spare on Election Day, NOV 4, please consider volunteering to talk with voters as they leave the polls & gather names on the petition in support of the IRC. Learn more & sign up HERE

For any questions & further details, please contact Cheryl Rampelt at crampelt@uucnh.org.

Ever Considered Being a Poll Worker?

Poll workers are the heart and soul of our electoral process. Do you want to serve our community? Do you believe in free and fair elections? Do you think our democracy works best when ALL votes are counted?

Then, you may enjoy being a poll worker. The requirements for Allegheny County are simple. You must be 18 years old by election day and be registered to vote in Allegheny County. Your time and enthusiasm are the most important requirements.

For more information about serving as a poll worker click here.

Should you wish to talk to one of us who are poll workers at coffee hour or at another time, you may, we are several. Look for someone with a poll worker sticker on their name tag. Thank You for considering doing this community service.

Lou Bartolomucci

What You Can Do if You Witness an ICE detention:

Call the Casa San Jose hotline (412 736-7167) to document detentions and provide assistance to detainees and their families. Some of us put the number in our cell phones for rapid use.

You can also video record the entire event with your phone from a safe distance. You may also document details like location, agent badge numbers, and vehicle license plates without interfering.

You can also participate in interfaith prayer vigils, held each Friday in September from 8-10 a.m. in front of the ICE office at 3000 Sidney St., Pittsburgh 15203. For more info, contact Julie Kant, Lois Madden, Diana Hull, or Susan Minton. It’s quite musical and peaceful!

Support Fair Trade

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.

Buy a Grocery Card

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.

From Our Community Partners

Please Click on link to see upcoming events

North Hills Community Outreach

Food Pantry Donations

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.