Thursday, July 20, 2023
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THIS SUNDAY'S
DISCUSSION SERVICE
"Dealing with ANGER in these Times!"

Jane Hardy, Discussion Leader

Sunday, July 23, 2023 - 10 a.m.


You may or may not feel angry about the changes taking place in our country over the last few years, but if you do, how do you handle it? Should we repress such anger? Act on it? How can we best use strong emotion to our advantage?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas on July 23.

  • Jane Hardy, Discussion Leader
Upcoming Discussion Services
Sunday, July 30 — 5th Sunday Zoom-only service

"A Question Box Service ... Reflections on Pittsburgh and More!"

What questions do you have for Rev. Sue about Unitarian Universalism ... about social justice ... about our communities ... about ministry? At this "Question Box" service, Rev. Sue will share a few reflections on the recent Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in Pittsburgh and then open the service for questions on any (ok, about any) topic. Feel free to send questions in advance to Sue or to the office, or ask during the service. This is a 5th Sunday shared UUCR/UUFE service. 

  • Rev. Sue Browning, Discussion Leader


Sunday, Aug 6

"Who Are You, and How Did You Get Here?"

We look at personal journeys and how they led to this beloved community.

  • John Ramsey, Discussion Leader
Newsletter Index
So You Don't Miss Anything!
  • This Week's Discussion Service Information
  • Upcoming Discussion Services Information
  • Newsletter Index
  • Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
  • Rev. Sue on Vacation July 19 - 27
  • Monthly Potluck — July 21
  • "Voices on the Border" Meet & Greet — July 22
  • Discussion Service Leader Needed for August 20
  • Gratitude for Generosity to SJ Outreach Collections
  • Highlights from a Historic UU General Assembly
  • Pastoral Care and Connection Committee
  • Birthdays
  • UUCR Contact Information
  • End of Reflections Notice at the VERY END
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Helpful Links
Upcoming Events
UUCR



UUCR Summer Office Hours
W, Su — 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
M, Tu, Th, F, Sa — CLOSED
JUL 21 | Potluck at UUCR,
6 p.m., hosted by
Mary Pritchard & Margo Long

JUL 23 | Discussion Service
Jane Hardy, Discussion
Leader

JUL 30 | ZOOM ONLY
Service Rev, Sue Browning, Discussion Leader

AUG 6 | Discussion Service
John Ramsey, Discussion
Leader
If you know of another link or event that should be added, please contact
the UUCR office by email or phone 410-778-3440. Thanks!
Rev. Sue on Vacation July 19-27
Rev. Sue will be on vacation from Wed., July 19 through Thurs., July 27.

In her absence, if there are issues that need attention, please check with the appropriate team or committee lead, or leave a message in the office. In case of a pastoral emergency, Rev. Sue will be reachable by text or phone.
Monthly Potluck — July 21
Please bring a dish to share to UUCR on Friday, July 21, at 6 p.m., and enjoy a good meal and friendly people. If you can, come earlier to help Mary Pritchard and Margo Long set up tables, etc., in preparation for the potluck.

Also, consider signing up to host the August Third Friday Potluck (August 18), either at UUCR or at your home. There is a sheet for signing up on the White Board.

— Diane Shields
"Voices on the Border" Meet & Greet
John & Marcy Ramsey are hosting a "meet and greet" for the board of "Voices on the Border," https://www.votb.org, on Saturday, July 22 at 6 p.m. Come learn about how they operate in El Salvador's current political climate. Pupusas and refreshments will be provided. Location, 140 Bright Meadow Ln, Chestertown, MD 21620. Call 443-480-9460 or email  johnramsey1948@gmail.com for information.
Discussion Service Leader Needed
for August 20
The discussion leader slot for August 20 has reopened. Please consider signing up on the whiteboard at the church or by contacting Nancy Holland.
Gratitude for UUCR's Generosity to Social Justice Committee's
Outreach Collections
At its June 30th retreat, the Social Justice Committee took time to reflect upon its outreach collections for this past year. Once again, our members and friends gave generously to the organizations, both local and statewide, whose services are in alliance with the UU Seven Principles. Here are the organizations we donated to and the total funds collected: 

  • October -- Rebuilding Together — $524.72
  • November/December -- Holiday Giving (Departments of Social Services in Kent And QA Counties) — $478.95
  • January -- Baltimore Abortion Fund — $418.41
  • February -- Sumner Hall — $370.48
  • April -- Shore Rivers — $637.41
  • May -- Delmarva Pride — $388

That's a total of $2,817.97 that went to support people in need, the environment, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion. It's with deep appreciation that we acknowledge everyone's contributions this year. 

— Amy Warner for the Social Justice Committee
Direct Excerpts from the
UUA July Newsletter in Reference to the June, 2023 UU General Assembly
UU World reporters followed events throughout GA and captured highlights of the business, worship, and many other moments in their summary story, available online. The story includes a slideshow of images by UUA photographer, Nancy Pierce, who will be retiring from three decades of GA photography service after this year. GA Reporting in UU World

~~~~~

Unitarian Universalists elected Rev. Sofía Betancourt to be UUA President with 95.5% of delegates voting yes, in an election that began June 1 and ended during GA. Religion News Service (RNS) reported on this historic election with a profile of Rev. Betancourt that highlights her personal background as well as her top priorities as incoming President. RNF profile of Rev. Betancourt

~~~~~

Proposing changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws brought thousands of Unitarian Universalists into deep discussions about the theology and values at the heart of our tradition. At GA, delegates voted to continue this discussion for the next year and approved several amendments to the proposed new Article II language.

Engage your congregation or community in the ongoing Article II discussion with this new collection of congregational resources that includes worship, music, and religious education materials. Article II Proposal Package (pdf)

~~~~~

Holding GA as a multiplatform event has made this essential annual gathering more inclusive and accessible. One benefit is that video capture is more readily available for viewing after GA. You can review all of the GA business, with video highlights, online now. GA Business with video
You are encouraged to share your joys and sorrows with the UUCR Pastoral Associates (see below). This team is a mixed group — but all have had previous life experiences and a variety of professional training in counseling and philosophy. Please contact one, or several of us, if you “want to talk.”
Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien,
Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley
Birthdays
JULY

-3 - David Biehler
-3 - Mary Ford
16 - Gayle Folger
17 - Annie Lavin
28 - Waverly Ford
We want to help celebrate your birthday! If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email (click here).
Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River 914 Gateway Drive | Chestertown, MD | 21620
Phone: 410-778-3440
Summer Office hours: W, Su — 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Closed — M, Tu, Th, F, Sa
VERY END of REFLECTIONS for July 20, 2023