Thursday, June 17, 2021
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THIS SUNDAY'S
SUMMER DISCUSSION SERVICE
Join us on the road back …

UUCR Sunday Service and Discussion
"Under the Tent"
this Sunday on UUCR grounds
at 914 Gateway Drive
June 20, 2021, 10 AM
 
Join us as we meet in person
(after 15 months) to celebrate Father’s Day
and our faith community.
 
Bring a lawn chair
and other creature comforts. 🌞
(big hat, water, coffee)
 
Note: We are following UUA guidelines which are printed immediately below.
In case of rain, we’ll have the service on Zoom.
 
The Hopeful Worship Committee
UUCR is currently following these guidelines for summer services and other outdoor gatherings:
1. On Masks: For outdoor gatherings masks are optional. We encourage everyone to have a mask readily available. Many people have reasons for continuing to wear a mask even if vaccinated. If you prefer to wear a mask please do so. If you see someone else with a mask on (they have their own reasons), please offer to wear yours. 
 
2. On Distancing: We will not require 6 ft. distancing, but encourage an atmosphere of caution and culture of respect. If a person or family would like space, there will be room to place chairs apart. If during coffee hour, or another gathering, someone prefers distance, this will be respected. 
 
3. If Ill: If you have a fever, or are not well, please do not attend the service or gathering that week. 
 
4. On Sign-In List: If we unexpectedly end up with the situation that someone has Covid/tests positive after attending a service, or another gathering, we'd like to be able to contact all attendees. PLEASE SIGN IN WHEN YOU ARRIVE. 
Helpful Links
Upcoming Events
This Week's
Worship Service

Jun 20 - UUCR In Person Outdoor

Jun 20 - In case of rain, service will be on Zoom


Last Week's
Worship Service



UUCR

Jun 14 through Jun 19 -
PRIDE Week 🌈

Jun 19 - Juneteenth

Jun 20 - UUCR Summer Discussion Service -
In Person Outdoor (in case of rain, service will be on Zoom)

Jun 20 - UUCR Barbecue
(details below) 🔥

Jun 20 - Father's Day 🏆

Jun 20 - Summer Solstice 🌞

Jun 27 - UUA General Assembly YouTube Worship Service

Jul 4 - Independence Day 🎆

Jul 4 - No Service
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!
Minister's Column
UU General Assembly - A Chance to Grow
Unitarian Universalists gather each year at General Assembly ("GA"). GA is a conference where UUs learn through worship, workshops, and speakers, and where the Unitarian Universalist Association (our denomination) sets its direction for the future.

This year GA will be held from June 23 – 27. Again this year the conference will be 100% virtual, with many of the sessions available to watch on your own schedule ("on demand"). 

Whether or not you choose to "attend" (it is not too late to register!), my hope is you will take five minutes to check out the GA program book (see link below). 

In just a brief scan of the workshop titles and speakers, you'll sense the breadth of Unitarian Universalism and the ways our faith tradition is grappling with the big questions of our times. Among the many speakers at GA 2021, you’ll note that Stacey Abrams, in partnership with Desmond Meade, will give the Ware Lecture Saturday evening. 

As you review the program book, I encourage you to jot down areas of interest and to flag new or surprising information. Are there any themes or topics you would like to see the congregation explore more deeply this summer or fall? If so, please be in touch with me or Nancy Holland, your incoming Board president, and we’ll work to include your interests in our plans for UUCR for 2021-22.

This coming year it’s my hope UUCR will be excited to explore our faith with fresh perspectives and renewed energy. GA offers a start to do just that. 

(If you do decide to register for GA, please let me know. It’s interesting to stay in contact during GA and reflect as we are learning.)

In connection,
Rev. Sue

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UUCR Social Event
Local & Online Events
Chestertown's Juneteenth Celebration
June 14-19
Last year the Black Union of Kent County hosted Chestertown’s first ever Juneteenth celebration. This year, the Juneteenth celebration is bigger and better, offering a series of events from June 14 to June 19, 2021, to celebrate history, culture, and achievements. For a complete schedule of events please click here.
ShoreRivers Solstice Celebration June 20-26
Instead of one evening under the tent, this year we've spread the celebration across a whole week. Register now for small group expeditions, sneak a peek at our online auction, and save the date for an exclusive livestream concert with Philip Dutton and the Alligators.

Extraordinary experiences with local experts will give you a closer look at how science, advocacy, restoration, and education combine for cleaner water and a safer future for all.

Proceeds directly support ShoreRivers' work for healthy, accessible waterways.

For more information and registration, please click here.
The Interfaith Power & Light network has been offered a unique opportunity to be among the first to share the new short (30 min) film, Other Side of the Hill. The film will be available this summer through IPL for free congregational screenings and individual viewing at home between July 10-25.

Where can East & West, Republicans & Democrats, find the common ground needed to address climate change? How can industry and environmentalists work hand in hand? And how can local economies find opportunity in a lower-emissions future? No matter where you are located, this important story will inspire you to reach out and bridge the divide. We are more alike than we are different.

The film is a hopeful, inspiring look at local leaders on the ground in rural America who are leading climate action in their communities. But it is also about coming together, finding common ground and new climate frameworks, and shining a light on rural voices as we envision a path forward.

SAVE THE DATE. The film will be available for free online viewing July 10-25. Registration opens July 1.

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
JUNE BIRTHDAYS

6 - Rob Warner
8 - Linda Dutton
9 - Lynn Geisert
11 - Meghan Ferster
11 - Jan Whitney
15 - Jane Hardy
We want to help celebrate your birthday! If we didn't include your birthday, please contact Darlene at UUCR office email
Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River 914 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: (410) 778-3440
END of REFLECTIONS for June 17, 2021