UUCR Reflections - July 29, 2021

Thursday, July 29, 2021

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THIS SUNDAY'S

WORSHIP SERVICE

"Summer Reading"

Amy Warner

In Person, In Sanctuary

Summer Service and Discussion

August 1, 2021

10 am

Have you read a book in the last year that has changed you, or made you think, or learn something new, or maybe just entertained you? This is your opportunity to do a short three to four minute book talk on that favorite book. Prepare a short summary to share with the group. You may want to read a short passage. Bringing a copy of the book isn’t necessary, but please bring the title and author, as we’ll be making a list of the recommended books to share in Reflections.

Helpful Links

Upcoming Events

UUCR

Office email

Facebook (public)

Facebook Forum (private)

Website

Website donate button

YouTube channel

Aug 8 - Vida Morley

In Person, In Sanctuary

Aug 15 - John Ramsey

In Person, In Sanctuary

Aug 22 - Joy Kim

In Person, In Sanctuary

Aug 26 - A Chance to Learn: About Unitarian Universalism

(see details below)

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!

Upcoming In Person, In Sanctuary -

Summer Discussion Services

Sunday, August 8

"Procrastination"

In Person, In Sanctuary - Summer Service and Discussion
Vida Morley

Sunday, August 15

"Looking for God in All the Wrong Places"

In Person, In Sanctuary - Summer Service and Discussion
John Ramsey

Partial List of Current Guidelines for

Sunday Summer Services

A face mask must be worn at all times while indoors. Outdoors a face mask is optional.

Everyone must check in on the preprinted sheets on the foyer table (for Contact Tracing if necessary).

Social distancing of three feet (one chair) is required with an exception for families or pods.

Only use the church if you are non-symptomatic for the Covid-19 virus or any other transmittable disease that could compromise the health of another congregant.

For the complete Guidelines List and Reopening Letter

from July 1 please click here.

The Reopening Taskforce will continue to monitor Covid conditions

and may modify UUCR guidelines accordingly.

Reverend Sue's First Service in Our Sanctuary in Over 15 Months — July 25, 2021

Minister's Column

Still Called to Witness:

Remembering January 6

It’s summer. The Olympics are in full swing, there are so many compelling excuses for ice cream, and for many of us, schedules are just a bit lighter.

Yet this week I’ve been reflecting on the insurrection at the Capitol back in January, anything but a light memory.

At a meeting on Monday I asked a member, “What makes a Sunday service meaningful to you?” In her response she recalled our Sunday service on January 10, 2021 (via Zoom, service video available on our Youtube channel here, or sermon text document available here), and how much it mattered to be together that morning to grapple with the attack on January 6. I thought back and remembered that week of disbelief, anger, and sadness.

This Tuesday I happened to have the car radio on as the House hearings on January 6 began. One officer after another recounted the experiences of that day. Riveting reports. I found myself still listening in the car well after I was at my destination. In a summary report, NPR noted,

“The panel's first hearing on Tuesday was emotional as four law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol that day gave firsthand accounts of being overrun, assaulted, and harangued by rioters as 'traitors.' All described lingering physical and emotional trauma. Some rioters hurled racial epithets at African American officers."

At our service back on January 10, I noted we had been thrust into the role of witness and said, “Please don’t dismiss where you are today. We are called to pay attention in this moment.” At the time I thought that the facts of the day would be beyond dispute (we’d watched the attack), and that the pressure to hold those who entered the capitol accountable for their actions would be close to universal. I was wrong.

While these hearings on the insurrection are a stark contrast to the gentle rhythms of summer, it feels important to continue to press for a factual narrative to prevail.

Rev. Sue

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Congregational Concerns

Healing Wishes for Carl Gallegos:

Let all of us at UUCR send our good wishes for a speedy recovery to Carl as he deals with some neurological issues. As of Wednesday we heard Carl was doing well. Our thoughts are with Carl and Brenda. If you would like to let Carl know you are thinking of him, feel free to send a card to his home.

Our church mourns the sudden passing of Ed Minch, who was one of the three co-founders of Kent Attainable Housing which our congregation has supported during the last several years.

His tireless work designing, and building homes for the working poor, has been an inspiration to all that knew him. We are keeping the Minch family in our hearts.

A Chance to Learn:

About Unitarian Universalism

Thursday, August 26 at 6:30 pm at UUCR

What is Unitarian Universalism? What are the core values of the UU faith tradition? What are common UU spiritual practices? Are all UUs engaged with social justice? How do UUs approach Religious Education? On Thursday, August 26 at 6:30 pm, UUCR will offer an "About Unitarian Universalism" session to answer these and any other questions you may have about our faith. We invite all who are curious to join us for an evening with Rev. Sue Browning and several leaders of the congregation. We'll begin with a brief presentation, will have time for questions, and will end with informal social time. Visitors, friends, and members welcome!

Guidelines: We do plan to meet in the sanctuary. Masks will be required for all. See detailed Covid protocols here.

From the UUCR Office

Since the UUCR building is beginning to be used for more meetings by individuals, groups, and committees (and cleaning services), please remember to notify the office of the date and time so that it can be blocked off on the UUCR calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Thanks, Darlene

Pastoral Care and Connection

We are here for you! We will focus on staying directly connected with our members and friends, especially those who may need assistance or support. The caring teams from our congregation is staying in touch, but if you need to reach out, please be in touch with any of the contacts below to stay connected (and see additional contacts below for RE families).

Please know your congregation is here. We can help you find connections. Please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know what is helpful for you in this time.

Rev. Sue Browning, and the Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien,

Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley

or for more information, contact:

UUCR office - phone: 410-778-3440 | email:uuofchesterriver@gmail.com