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
• Ministerial Search Team Assembled
• Potluck Dinner — Friday, January 19
• UU Legislative Ministry of MD Kick Off — January 20
• Pledge Drive for Fiscal Year 2025 — Kick Off February 4
• Social Justice Committee's January Outreach
• Annual UUCR Auction Fundraiser — March 2
• Pastoral Care and Connection Committee
• Birthdays
• UUCR Contact Information
• End of Reflections Notice at the VERY END

Something Unique About Church Friends

Recently, Bill and I went out to dinner with a couple we first met in our home congregation almost 20 years ago. They are what I think of as "church friends."

If you had listened to our conversation in the restaurant that evening, the "church friend" part of our relationship wouldn’t have been obvious. We checked in on our families, health adventures, their planned move to a retirement community, native plants, holiday plans, and the food we’d ordered. There were a few updates on our current UU involvement and those who we know in common. A lovely catch-up dinner.

What grounds this particular friendship is our shared church experience. We likely never would have met had it not been for church. Our ages are a bit different, our work and other community connections were different, and we lived in different neighborhoods. We found each other through active engagement at church. While we had different areas of involvement in the congregation, over the years, our paths crossed in natural ways. We were part of planning teams, participated in marches in DC, and attended General Assembly in locations across the country together. In time, we knew many people in common—also "church friends." We’ve walked through community joys, losses, conflicts, and projects together. They’ve visited us on the Eastern Shore and attended UUFE. We are comfortable with UU ritual and language. Church friends.

After the restaurant, we went to their home for dessert, and the conversation flowed to faith, our perspectives on the country, and more.

Maybe you find yourself prefacing some conversations with, "[XXX], who I know from church..." It offers a context that matters. I find that with church friends, conversations can easily shift to deeper topics, even in the aisles of the grocery store. We share being a part of communities that ask big questions together, who readily check in on the wellbeing of one another, and who are curious and frustrated together.

Consider those who may fit as "church friends" for you. What is unique about that experience? What helps us develop and tend to our "church friend" relationships? Interesting questions for reflection as we begin 2024.

In gratitude for the many ways we build meaningful connections,

Rev. Sue

The Ministerial Search Team met on Sunday to begin the process of pulling together a plan of action for the search for our new minister. Reverend Sue will be leaving us at the end of this church year (June 30, 2024), and we are all thankful for her guidance and grace during her years with us.

However, we need to look to the future and work on the packet of information to present UUCR to possible candidates. In this hiring scenario, both the employer and the employee consider each other to find the best fit.

Fortunately, we have a stellar team to pull this all together. The members of the Ministerial Search Team are John Ramsey, representing Technology and PROC; Jan Sprinkel, representing Worship; Diane Shields, from B&G and Membership; Joy Kim, representing the Board; and Pat Bjorke, our historian. I’m playing a liaison role with the UUA.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear more about the activities of the Team, and if you have any suggestions or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the committee members; we’d like to know what you are thinking.

Onward!

MQ

Get On The Bus Documentary Red Carpet Premiere

Saturday, January 20, 2024

3:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Washington College Decker Auditorium

Daniel Z. Gibson Center for the Arts Decker Theatre

CLICK HERE for the link to the Starr Center's promo

which includes a link to Minary's Dream Alliance's

premiere announcement with a film clip.

UUCR’s Pledge Drive Kick Off Sunday, February 4^th

Pledge packets distributed during coffee hour, including the budget for FY 25. You will have a week to look them over, and THEN…

Sunday, February 11^th

Luncheon at coffee hour provided by your pledge committee,

followed by a budget question and answer session.

Your chance to support the work of our UUCR community!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Your Stewardship Committee,

Jackie Mathwich, Catherine Brooks, Joy Kim, and Peggy McKee

Social Justice Committee's January Outreach

for the Baltimore Abortion Fund

On Sunday, January 7^th, the SJ Committee launched its outreach for the Baltimore Abortion Fund with an informative discussion after the service on women's reproductive health issues led by Lauren Harton, CNM, clinician at the Easton Health Center/

Planned Parenthood. 

Speaking from her own experience, she told the group about how the Baltimore Abortion Fund (BAF) is a dependable, constant source of funds for women who go to the Easton Health Center and need money to access their and other organizations' services. Visit the Baltimore Abortion Fund website to learn more about their mission and activities.

Her testimony about the value of BAF strengthens the committee's resolve to make a generous donation from UUCR at the end of the month. Although yesterday's plate collection went to the fund, there are still ways that you can make a donation until the end of the month. Use the donation link on UUCR's website and designate it for "BAF" or "January Outreach Collection," or put a check in the collection plate with a note that indicates it's for BAF. 

We appreciate your donation this month and to all of the other causes that align with our UU values throughout the year.

Amy Warner and Vida Morley

AUCTION TIME!

Save the Date: Saturday, March 2, 6 pm

Come to UUCR to bid on services, meals, excursions, etc., offered by our members and friends.

And to bid silently on a selection of fine objects

Are you downsizing? Moving? As you sort through what “stays” and what "must go,” don’t forget about the UUCR auction as a landing spot for those items that are too special to go to charities but may no longer “fit” in your surroundings.

Please email Jane Hardy at janewhardy@gmail.com if you would like to make a donation or have questions. Thanks!