THIS SUNDAY'S
WORSHIP SERVICE
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"Humanism Takes on Many Forms"
Rev. Sue Browning
Catherine Brooks, service leader
Nevin Dawson, musician
In-person & Zoom Worship Service
Sunday, March 20, 2022 | 10 am
UUs draw from many sources including "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit." What is your understanding of humanism? Has it shifted over time? At this service with Rev. Sue Browning we'll consider the ways humanist perspectives may guide our
values, actions, and inquiries in today's world.
So we can begin the worship service promptly at 10 am, please sign into Zoom ( click here) by no later than 9:50 am.
If not attending the service either in person, or by Zoom, please submit "Joys and Concerns" and "Announcements" in advance by emailing them to the UUCR office ( click here) by 9 pm Saturday. |
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Sunday, March 27 — In-person & Zoom
"The Wisdom of Broken Things"
Where do we find wisdom when times are hard, nerves are frayed, and conflict breaks our relationships? We will turn to wisdom, both ancient and new, as we ponder the lessons broken things can teach us.
- Rev. Kimberley Debus, guest speaker
- Nancy Holland, service leader
- Philip Dutton, musician
Sunday, April 3 — In-person & Zoom
"Busy and Tired ... Tired and Busy ... Busy and Tired"
Often we hear, "I'm so busy," and it's followed by a deep sigh. Do we at times overfill our days? Do we have a choice? Do we at times yearn to do more? At this service with Rev. Sue Browning we'll explore the opportunity to listen to our bodies closely when we find ourselves too busy, too tired, or both.
- Rev. Sue Browning
- Jan Sprinkel, service leader
- Al Martinez, musician
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This Week's
Worship Service
Previous Worship Service Recordings
UUCR
UUCR Office hours:
W - Sa, 8:30-10:30 am
Su, 8:30 am-noon
Closed, M & Tu
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MAR 19 | Precious Metals
Event (see details below)
MAR 20 | UUCR Worship
Service
In-person & Zoom
Rev. Sue Browning
Catherine Brooks, service leader
Nevin Dawson, musician
MAR | 20 Vernal Equinox -
Sock Burning Party (see details below)
MAR 27 | UUCR Worship
Service
In-person & Zoom
Rev. Kimberley Debus, guest speaker
Nancy Holland, service leader
Philip Dutton, musician
APR 3 | UUCR Worship
Service
In-person & Zoom
Rev. Sue Browning
Jan Sprinkel, service leader
Al Martinez, musician
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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!
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Re-opening Task Force Update & Updated Covid Guidelines |
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UUCR Re-opening Task Force Update
March 10, 2022
As of 3/10/2022, the Covid positivity rate in Kent County was between zero (Johns Hopkins) and 1.97% (CDC). State safety protocols and masking requirements have been significantly relaxed. The group discussed what actions the Task Force feels are reasonable to take to reduce restrictions while maintaining a safe environment for the congregation.
The following plan to gradually decrease distance, masking, and other restrictions during March was accepted:
- Beginning Sunday, March 13, seating in the sanctuary will be increased to 40 chairs. They will be arranged with a center aisle.
- Effective immediately, small guest groups or UUCR committees of less than 12 may decide if masking is mandatory or optional for their group.
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Effective immediately, food and beverages may be served at special events held outdoors (Vernal Equinox/sock burning, etc.)
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Beginning Sunday, March 20, masking both inside and outside the building will be optional. Please be respectful of each individual’s decision to mask or not mask.
- Beginning Sunday, March 27, coffee may again be served following the service.
<<<<<<<>>>>>>>
Guidelines for 2022 Sunday Services
Updated March 15, 2022
When Inside
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All persons must sign in by putting a check next to their name on the attendance sheet upon entering the church. This is important and there are no exceptions. This information will be used for Contact Tracing in the unlikely event that an attendee or someone close to the attendee is exposed to the virus.
- Face masks are optional as of March 20. Please be respectful of each individual’s decision to mask or not.
- Congregants may now sing and use the hymnals.
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The sound system will be used in such a manner as to allow for Joys and Concerns without touching the mic. Also, a brief discussion period, using the same mic, will follow the service. A stationary mic will be available near the piano to facilitate the foregoing.
- Live instrumental music may be played. Vocal musicians may sing with or without masks.
- Restrooms may be used. (Please clean up after use.)
- Beverages may be served in the building beginning March 27.
- Food and beverage may be served at special events held outdoors.
- Social distancing of three feet is required between chairs. Please do not group chairs together.
- There is no current limit on participation. The number of chairs available is now 40.
- The service will be Live Zoomed for those who cannot attend.
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Please DO NOT use the church if you are symptomatic for the Covid-19 virus or any other transmittable disease that could compromise the health of another congregant.
- UUCR expects all who attend in-person services to be fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. We understand that a few people may have a medical exception to being vaccinated, yet for the majority and to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, we ask others to be fully vaccinated and boosted.
- Please avoid using the office if at all possible.
- At the end of the service, please leave the building promptly. Socializing can be done outside on the porch or in the parking lot.
- No collection plates will be passed among members. The collection plate will be located on the table in the reception area of the church for your convenience.
When Outside
- Socializing after the service must be done outside. You may bring your own coffee or other beverage. The church may supply coffee after the service as of March 27.
- While outside of the church a mask is optional. We, however, do encourage everyone to maintain social distancing. Many people have reasons for continuing to wear a mask even if vaccinated. If you prefer to wear a mask please do so, and if you see someone else with a mask on (they have their own reasons) please offer to wear yours.
If there are any questions regarding these guidelines, please feel free to contact a member of the Re-Opening Task Force:
Rev. Sue Browning, Nancy Holland (President), Gayle Folger, Jackie Mathwich, or Jim Lavin (Chair).
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This past week the Re-Opening Task Forces at UUCR and UUFE met and each decided that given the low Covid numbers, the congregations will move to "mask optional" starting this coming Sunday.
It’s not that your Re-Opening Task Force members see that Covid is over. Sadly, it’s not. They find greater flexibility in how we gather makes sense for now to take advantage of the notably lower risks of community transmission. My guess is many will still opt to mask. When some mask, and some don’t, we have a chance to respect one another’s needs and choices.
So much of the Covid experience has been about making personal decisions based on many factors (health profile, living circumstances, risk tolerance) and making (and living with) collective decisions that consider the community as a whole.
Two years ago we didn’t use the terms, "mask optional" or "hybrid services." We hadn’t considered "social distancing" or "K95s."
What is striking me this week is the many ways we learned together over these past two years. We found new vocabulary and new ways of gathering. We've made many decisions.
My shout out today is to the Re-Opening Task Forces at UUCR and UUFE. These teams have faithfully steered (and will continue to steer) our congregations through continually changing circumstances. Their work on Covid guidelines and the associated communications has been thoughtful and meticulous. They have considered our UU values at every step. It’s my privilege to be a part of both groups.
Please share your gratitude with each of these folks at every chance you get!
UUCR’s Re-Opening Task Force - Jim Lavin, Pat Bjorke, Nancy Holland, Gayle Folger, Jackie Mathwich, and Dave Biehler (past member of the task force).
UUFE’s Re-Opening Task Force - Tom Arnold, Emily Cranwell, Christina Drostin, Liz Hausburg, Bozena Lamparska, Leigh Marquess, and Peter Paul.
In gratitude,
Rev. Sue
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Holding Our Center in Trying Times |
It is not too late to send in your pledge and bring our Stewardship Campaign to a rousing close. If you can't locate your form, you can simply call in or email your pledge to the office (410-778-3440, uuofchessterriver@gmail.com) or ask for another form to be sent to you. UUCR depends on your continued support to keep our work thriving into 2023 and beyond. Thanks so much to everyone who has already responded!
If you want to know more about how our committees and the Board plan to use our shared resources, watch our own Jim Lavin's YouTube presentation, accessed through the link in the email sent out on February 20 from UUCR. If you need that link again, contact Darlene, our wonderful church administrator, using the phone and email listed above.
With gratitude from your Stewardship Committee,
Jackie Mathwich - Chair, Catherine Brooks,
Joy Kim, and Peggy McKee
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Greeters are needed for our in-person Sunday services. There is a signup sheet on the white board, or contact Diane Shields (dashdiane@gmail.com) for dates that you can be available, or for questions.
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We are looking for volunteers to help with cleanup of the
Memorial Woodlands
in preparation for the
Spring Equinox/Sock Burning Party on Sunday.
The clean up crew will be at UUCR on Friday, 3/18 at 2 pm.
Please bring rakes and whatever else
you think might be needed.
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Spring Equinox
Sock Burning Party
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Celebrate the
Spring Equinox:
Sunday, March 20, 5 pm
UUCR Memorial Woodlands
914 Gateway Dr., Chestertown, MD
It's time again to mark the Vernal Equinox with that uniquely Chesapeake Bay tradition of
"the burning of the old socks."
What’s our schedule?
- 5 - 5:15 pm — Arrive at UUCR, sample some libation and finger food
- 5:30 - 6 pm — Enjoy a short ceremony led by Kim Agee marking the change of season, followed by the burning of the old socks!
- 6 pm onward — Gather round the fire and visit with friends, old and new!
What should I bring?
- Finger food to share — we'll provide eating utensils, plates, cups, and napkins
- Wine, beer. or non-alcoholic beverages of choice — we'll supply box wine as well as some non-alcoholic options
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Socks that you don’t mind saying goodbye to — only natural materials (i.e., cotton, wool), no synthetics
- A portable chair if you’d like to sit.
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No need to RSVP
Masks are optional at this outdoor event. Please be respectful of each individual’s decision to mask or not mask. We encourage everyone to continue to
maintain social distancing.
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If you don't see "END of REFLECTIONS for March 17, 2022" at the very end of this email, you're not seeing the entire email. To view it to the end please Click here
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LAST CHANCE — Precious Metals Event
on Saturday, March 19, 10 am - 3 pm!
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You may be wondering how you can help UUCR raise funds from sterling silver, gold, and coins that you are ready to part with. We have secured the services of Dominic Costantino of Greenwich Coins to appraise your items including sterling silver serving items, broken or incomplete jewelry sets, older coins (1964 or older), old watches and rings ... even gold or silver dental work. The church will receive cash for the full value of the appraised items. You will receive a receipt for tax deductible purposes. We
encourage you to bring items that may be questionable and any items that are not accepted will be returned to you.
If you want to donate any items prior to the event or have questions, please contact Gerry Edwards or Lynn Dolinger; we can arrange for pickup. You can also make an appointment or just bring them in anytime between 10 am and 3 pm on Saturday to have items evaluated and appraised. Thanks from the team!
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ONLINE AUCTION BEGINS MID-APRIL
& LIVE AUCTION NIGHT IS APRIL 30, 6 PM
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After a two-year break, we are back in the auction business! As plans stand now our auction will be in two parts — an online auction for items and a live auction for services, dinners and social gatherings, excursions, etc. We hope our online auction will be “open” by mid-April, so stay tuned!
Here’s a peak at a couple of our silent auction offerings:
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Five Nesting Baskets made in Kenya by Maasai tribe members, ranging in size from 10” down to 1 ¾”
Donated by Carl and Brenda Gallegos
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Hooked Wool Wall Hanging by Betty Kerr. 29” x 63”. Commissioned in 2016, this pattern is of Celtic Knots; colors reference the earth.
Donated by Carl and Brenda Gallegos
click on the word “News” and then on “Auction Items April 2022.”
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Be thinking about what you can donate this year! We will offer services, dinners, excursions and other social events, as well as objects — all are welcome. We hope our online auction will be “open” by mid-April, so the sooner you can let us know about a donation, the better. Have questions? Need someone to come and collect your donations? Please contact:
Jane Hardy
410-639-7811
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Leadership Development Committee |
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The Ask
The LDC is looking for individuals with a love of this community and who are inspired by our faith. Over the next few weeks, the LDC, namely Amy,
Diane, and MQ will be contacting people to see if they are willing to commit to serving in one capacity or another.
We’re looking for individuals who would like to contribute to the community in the roles of vice president, board members, and chairs of the Ministry and Building & Grounds Committees.
Unitarian Universalism is a faith of doers, people who find their own path, in concert with each other. Would you like to join the movement? Contact us, we’re here to help you find your path.
In faith, Amy, Diane, & M.Q.
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Social Concerns/Social Justice Committee |
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Ukrainian War Relief Opportunities |
The Social Concerns/Social Justice Committee is planning to dedicate its May outreach collection to support the Ukrainian refugee crisis. In particular, we are investigating how we can support the Unitarian churches in Hungary and Romania that are aiding refugees. In the meantime, as we are moved to donate to the suffering of the 2.5 million displaced Ukrainians, the committee is sharing these UU options on Ukraine giving.
1) Here is a link to the overall UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) fund. This is a general fund that will include relief for Ukraine (and is a broader fund). The red below is a link.
2. The UUSC notes it is also keeping track of the following groups as dependable partners. UUSC notes, "As the situation unfolds, the following organizations will be responding directly" (each red line is a link):
Thanks to Rev. Sue for providing this information.
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New Racial Justice Outreach Collection — As introduced at the church service on March 6.
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The James Taylor Justice Coalition of Sumner Hall and Minary’s Dream Alliance (MDA) are collaborating to sponsor a civil rights bus tour this summer. The trip will be a six day, five night journey to important civil rights locations in Alabama and Georgia, including: the Civil Rights Institute and 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham; the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma; the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery; and the King Center and MLK, Jr. tomb in Atlanta. Two 56-passenger buses have been reserved for this trip. The cost per passenger will be approximately $800, which includes transportation and lodging. We want to offer as many scholarships as possible to youth and families identified by MDA. As space permits, the public will be invited to attend. The money donated for this trip will be used to fund scholarships and to reduce the overall cost of the trip. In addition to the educational and cultural benefit of this trip, a soil sample collected at a May 14 Justice Day ceremony in memory of James Taylor, who was lynched in Chestertown in 1892, will be transported for permanent display at the Legacy Museum.
On behalf of the Social Concerns Social Justice Committee, we
hope that you will give generously to this Outreach Collection. Please send a check to the church office, made out to UUCR specifying "Sumner Hall Bus Trip" in the memo line, or you can donate online at the church website using the "Donate" button ( click here) and "Custom Amount," specifying "Sumner Hall Bus Trip Outreach Collection" in the comment section.
Please see Philip Dutton or Lynn Dolinger
for further information.
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Pastoral Care and Connection |
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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
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MARCH
14 - Neenah Newell
18 - Jackie Mathwich
30 - Jan Sprinkel
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We want to help celebrate your birthday! If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email (click here). |
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Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River 914 Gateway Drive | Chestertown, MD | 21620
Phone: 410-778-3440
Office hours: W - Sa, 8:30-10:30 am |
Su, 8:30 am-noon | Closed, M & Tu
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END of REFLECTIONS for March 17, 2022
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