Nourishing Our Spirits

Sunday Service

September 28th, 2025

We Begin Again In Love

Rev. Lee Anne Washington

About this time every year, Jews gather to celebrate the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. It is a time for self-reflection, atonement, repentance, and forgiveness. Though Unitarian Universalists have not traditionally engaged in a similar annual practice, we do have hymns and liturgy that support us in doing so. Join us as Rev. Lee Anne shares her experience as a Modern Orthodox Jewish woman celebrating Yom Kippur in Washington, DC. and invites us into a similar, but uniquely UU practice.

Soul Matters Monthly Theme

Building Belonging

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

Children's RE Schedule

09/28- 10/05 classes Pre-K-4th, 5th-8th

09/28- Youth Group meeting

Our Gratitude Tree

Over the summer we were invited to share what we are grateful for by adding leaves and birds to our gratitude tree. Click on the image to see all of the gratitude we shared with one another at UUCNH.

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 Joy from Barb and Mark Draa:

Sunday was their 40th anniversary

A Joy from Isaac Elias: "This week the DA dropped all charges against me and the other protestor who was arrested July 31st. I did 25 hours of community services (to organizations I love) and will be making a large donation to Casa San Jose due to the generosity of good people around the country, like 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.

Celebrating Life

Movie Night Tonight!

Join us at church at 6pm - Movie to start at 6:30pm to enjoy the new movie K-pop Demon Hunters.

There will be a discussion following the film as we review the themes of shame, othering, and self acceptance that run though the movie.

Plus, there is some really great music.

There will be popcorn. Candy will be available for purchase.

Bellwood Fall KidStuff Sale

Open to the public:

Friday, October 3 from 9am-5pm

Saturday, October 4 from 9am-noon

(RED PENNED TAGS ARE 50% OFF ON SATURDAY)

Early bird shopping for UUCNH patrons! Thursday, October 2 from 2-7pm

Bellwood Preschool’s semi-annual consignment sale of gently-used, kid-related items including baby gear; maternity clothes; infant & children’s clothing; feeding; diapering; toys; books; furniture; and more! Major credit cards are accepted.

Sisters In Spirit New Member meeting

WHEN: Wednesday October 8th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Sisters in Spirit is a monthly, ongoing, self-guided discussion group open to all women (regardless of their sex assigned at birth), focusing on developing spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth and connection among members.

The group re-opens to new and continuing members each October and April. We ask that each member (to the best of their ability) commit to attending the group for 6 months, to foster the sense of trust and support that defines this group. We would love to welcome you to the group!

For more information or to express your interest in attending, please message sisters@uucnh.org.

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

Board Buzz!

The Board held its annual retreat August 27 -28.

During the retreat, we updated our board covenant and received training on board responsibilities, church finances, Bellwood’s mission and activities, and the current status and future of Religious Education (RE).

We discussed possible goals for the year and agreed on the following three priorities:

Complete a bylaws update.
Clarify our relationship with Bellwood by updating the 2013 Declaration of Understanding and revising the bylaws to reflect this relationship.
Revitalize Religious Education and strengthen our church community.

We also enjoyed shared meals and team-building activities throughout our time together. We’re looking forward to an exciting and productive year ahead.

Your Board:

Jody Clark, President

Lisa Robl, Vice President

Geoff Coleman, Past President

Lynn Richards

Chuck Berry

Marsha Pedone

Scott Gorham

Lindsay Scott, ex-officio treasurer

Rev. Lee Anne Washington, ex-officio member

The Righteous Mind Book Discussion Group

The importance – and difficulty – of communicating across political and cultural differences is

uppermost in many minds. The schisms in our society today were well underway in 2012 when

social psychologist Jonathan Haidt wrote “The Righteous Mind – why good people are divided

by politics and religion.”

As a founder of Moral Foundations Theory, Haidt suggests that humans, through our evolutional history, have come to possess innate psychological "foundations" for morality-- such as care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity/purity, which are shaped by culture, experience, and gut feeling. Different individuals and groups value some of those foundations more than others, making effective communication a challenge – we’re often talking past one another.

If you are interested in discussing this book – and its applicability to our 7 Principles – please click here to register and share your preferred date and time. I anticipate that the book will merit four sessions.

Best Regards

Dick Myers

Bellwood Fall Photo Session - Sign up now!

Bellwood has partnered again with Krystyn of Flash Studios to offer exclusive Fall Mini Sessions to our families and UUCNH members and friends! These 15-minute sessions are a fun way to capture your family (or you and your pet!) and the beauty of the season. Sessions are discounted, and half of the proceeds support our school. Reserve your spot here: Sign Up

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Where: Bellwood Preschool and UUCNH grounds

Cost: $150 ($75 deposit required within 24 hrs to secure your spot)

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/

Bellwood September Update

Bellwood began our 61st year by welcoming 64 three and four year olds (our maximum capacity!).

This month is all about settling in and getting used to the routine, while exploring the themes of colors, shapes, and apples.

The highlight of the month was Firetruck Day, when we welcomed the Franklin Park volunteer firefighters to our school. They brought there new firetruck that is a combination rescue/fire engine. The children had the pleasure of washing the firetruck and also received a fire safety demonstration from Captain Roger.

Here are some photos of the fun.

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 achieving fair voting districts HERE

NEXT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES to inform others & petition

in support of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC).

WHAT: Butler Fall Festival - Crafts, Food & Car Cruise

WHERE: 259 S Main St. Butler, PA

WHEN: Sat, Sept. 27, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

WHAT: Ben Avon Fall Festival

WHERE: Ben Avon Burrough along Church Ave.

WHEN: Sat, Sept 27, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

WHAT: Mars Apple Fest - Food, Grafts &Music

WHERE: MarsTown Square - 145 Grand Ave.

WHEN: Sat, Oct, 4, 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. 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 patriotic 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.