Sunday, April 28, 2024 - 10 a.m.

In-Person & ZOOM

“The Witness We Give:

An Appreciation of Small Congregations”

Maryland's small Unitarian Universalist congregations are generally located in religiously and socially conservative parts of the state. As such, they offer a refuge to their members and proclaim their values to the larger community.

Join us as we discuss this and the important role UUCR plays in bearing witness to our shared beliefs and values, both in this community and for our denomination.

• Dr. Michael Franch, Guest Speaker
• Annie Lavin, Service Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician
• M.Q. Riding, Youth & Teen Welcome
• Mark Handschuh, Greeter
• Linda Weimer, Coffee Host

Please CLICK HERE for the link to join us via Zoom.

Welcoming Families and Children on Sunday Mornings

Each Sunday, UUCR offers childcare and simple age-appropriate activities for children of all ages. If you have any questions about UUCR's programming for families and children, please be in touch with Rev. Sue.

So You Don't Miss Anything!

• This Week's Worship Service Information
• Upcoming Worship Services Information
• Newsletter Index
• Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
• Minister's Column
• Legacy Task Force Listening Sessions — April 28
• WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
• THANK YOU!
• Photos of Rev. Sue Needed
• From Your Social Justice Committee
• Article 2 Conversations — May 1 & 7
• Gratitude Celebration, Save the Date — June 11
• Primary Election Dates to Remember
• Pastoral Care and Connection Committee
• Birthdays
• UUCR Contact Information
• End of Reflections Notice at the VERY END

After Earth Day

As I thought about Earth Day in 2024 and what we might talk about, I kept coming back to the overwhelming feelings I'm witnessing all around me about climate change. It's hard not to understand the dire nature of climate change and rising temperatures, and the human factors driving the problems, and not sense the major crisis. Potential solutions are difficult and require immense cooperation. So much is overwhelming. 

This past Sunday, I partnered with UUCR member Kim Agee for the Earth Day service, and we each shared reflections on where we find hope in the midst of feeling overwhelmed by today’s climate challenges. Kim gave us reminders of significant environmental successes in the past — an incredible list. I offered thoughts on the ways we find hope when we consider the challenges in relational ways. 

What is becoming clearer to me is that our focus on the enormity of the crisis in threatening terms keeps us scared but often doesn't move us in helpful directions. 

It was interesting to see the headline in the NY Times, April 21, 2024, "Climate Doom is Out. Apocalyptic Optimism Is In." It seems we may be hearing more about mindset. 

Part of moving in the right direction is to keep an "earned hope" in the center as we work together. 

How we might do this feels like an important conversation to continue together. 

(Special shout out of gratitude to Kim!)

In connection, 

Rev. Sue 

PS: A version of what I shared in a bit longer format is available here https://uufeaston.org/services/a-link-in-the-chain/

If you missed the first session, please join the Legacy Task Force members, MQ Riding, Bob Bjork, and Amy Warner, after the worship service on April 28 for a discussion about the progress of our weekly meetings concerning the Dorris Scott legacy and other future legacy gifts. 

We will discuss this year’s intentions for using the funds and the pros and cons of shortening the lifespan of the Scott fund from 20 to 15 years. We have also been investigating how other churches set up and use legacy funds, with the intention of setting up policy and procedures that will go into UUCR's Manual of Operations. 

We want to keep members and friends informed about the emerging plans for this $400,000 gift to our congregation, and we want to hear your input about our decisions and proposals. 

The session will be no longer than one hour. Please make an effort to be there, to listen, and to share your ideas. 

Pictured (L to R): New members Gerry Edwards, Deb Reid, and Bob Coleman, Diane Shields (Membership Cmte. Chair), Dave Hart (new member), and Nancy Holland (Worship Service Leader). Missing from the photo is new member Guy Edwards. We welcome them all to their church home at UUCR!

Many thanks to Bradley and Harry Hart for their help last week with the planting of three Northern Bayberry bushes in the gap in our hedgerow along the north edge of our parking lot. It was tough going digging the holes due to construction debris.

Do you have any photos on your phone?

We are specifically looking for photos of Reverend Sue and happenings around UUCR.

The committee that is pulling together the Gratitude Celebration for Reverend Sue is looking for photos that members and friends might have taken of different celebrations and Sundays during Sue’s time with us.

Please take a moment and look through the photos on your phone for any gatherings of UUCR-ers. If you have something, let David Biehler and M.Q. Riding know via email.

Thanks!

In May, we will be focusing on LGBTQI justice and education. Our beneficiary will be the Delmarva Pride Center, the same organization as presented last year by the wonderful Tina Jones. Plan now to join us on Sunday May 5 for our lunch and discussion of the book Tomorrow will be Different 

by Sarah McBride. Paperback copies are circulating among the congregation, and we are sure you will be impressed by this Delaware State Senator who is now running for the U. S. House. Here are some questions to consider for the discussion:

• What was your experience reading the book? What, if anything, surprised you? What parts of the book did you find most compelling, and why?  

• What parts of the book left you with more questions? What were they? 

• The book ends just as Trump is elected president. In your view, what are the challenges right now in the area of LGBTQI justice? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brLZvqiGHMs  (2016 Democratic National Convention)

https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/jHcvQVOF4tkZ89R0Dh4UI44yC91J2AJ7/ (CBS Sunday Morning 2021 interview)

From Kathy Lee, a member of the Social Justice Committee: I had students in my Women in American Politics class read this book. For many, this was the first book they had ever read by a trans person. We had the opportunity to skype with Sarah just before she announced her candidacy in 2019. She inspired many students. 

We would love to hear from you about other topics of interest for summer discussions or next fall's 1st Sunday Social Justice lunch and discussion series. Just reach out to Marilee, Amy, or Linda with a personal message or through the church office. We will be planning next year soon and our committee is YOUR UUCR resource to help us all learn to be better local stewards for justice in our world.

Review and Reflection on UUA's "Article 2" Changes



Wed., May 1 & Tues., May 7 from 7 - 8 p.m. on Zoom

Over the last year, Rev. Sue and others have shared updates on the proposed changes to the UUA bylaws (aka "Article 2"), including the new values statements. She last preached on the proposal in her sermon "A 'Reboot' of Our Faith" on March 3 at UUCR and on March 10 at UUFE. (Sermon Here) As part of our ongoing education on these changes, Rev. Sue will host sessions for conversation on Wed., May 1 and Tues., May 7 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Each session will begin with the same material and include time for comment and reflection. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Sue.

Join Zoom Meeting (May 1) 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88261558869?pwd=cqtoJNOFvsrsYD9ZqrNERBLyuKyK2U.1

Join Zoom Meeting (May 7) 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85628595339?pwd=5oiu5R9VZ152uOQ5lRkfZhFhmRXYwx.1

Maryland Primary Election Dates to Remember

Early Voting is from May 2 to May 9, 7 am - 8 pm, at the Kent County Public Library, 408 High St., Chestertown

Tuesday, May 14 (7 am - 8 pm) is Primary Election Day in Maryland

For more information about registering to vote, locating your polling place, etc., contact the Kent County Board of Elections at 410-778-0038. Or, visit their webpage: https://www.kentcountyelections.org/