Sunday, November 17, 2024 - 10 a.m.

"What Brings Us Back to Church

(or to Church for the First Time)?"

We all have our stories to tell, our needs to share, and our beliefs to explore. Churches and religious communities in general provide a safe place—at least, they should—to do these things. For some of us, a Unitarian Universalist religious community is the only one in which we would feel at home.

• Rev. David Hunter, Guest Speaker
• Jan Sprinkel, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician
• Judy Graham, Greeter
• Elisabeth Tully, Coffee Host
• Linda Dutton, RE

Please CLICK HERE to join us via ZOOM.

This week's hymn numbers:

• "Forward through the Ages" — # 114 (grey hymnal)
• "Bring, O Past, Your Honor" — # 290 (grey hymnal)

November 24 | "Living a Life of Gratitude as a Sanctuary People" — In-person & Zoom

Join us for our Thanksgiving service led by Rev. Kathryn. During the service, we’ll hear from fellow congregants their personal reflections on gratitude. With readings and songs, we’ll join together and be reminded that compassion is at the heart of gratitude. When we create a space for others, it becomes a welcoming space, a sacred space. Rev. Kathryn’s sermon is titled, “Gratitude in the Time that is Given to Us.” Plan to stay after service for fellowship and "seasonal nibbles."

• Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister
• Annie Lavin, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician

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• This Week's Worship Service
• Upcoming Worship Services
• This Issue's Contents
• Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
• Minister's Column
• Disappointment & Hope
• Potluck at Vida Morley & Bob Fox's home — Nov 15
• CPR/AED Training at UUCR Reminder — Nov 17
• Tickets on Sale for UUCR's Soup Sampler Supper — Dec 13
• CVMA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service — Nov 24
• African-American Debutante Exhibit Celebration — Nov 30
• Birthdays

Beloveds,

I am so grateful for the ways UUCR has been beloved community this past week. Now is the time to heal, to make meaning of the choices and realities of today. Now is a time to remember that we, as UUs, also know how to do this. We know how to protect those facing harm and prejudice. We did this in abolition. We did this in the McCarthy era. We did this in the civil rights movement. We can draw on our powerful ancestors (from Frances Ellen Watkins Harper to Fanny Lou Hammer; from William Ellery Channing to A. Powell Davies) to remind us that we have done hard things, and look to our hearts to know that we will again. As UUs, we align with our siblings who will be most harmed. This is a time for relationships and partnerships to live our values. We have the most power (remember "power to" and "power with") in our local community. 

The Chester Valley Minsters Association is a wonderful gathering of people representing social services, various congregations, and more. There is work in this larger gathering to functionally address the resources needed to support our siblings who need housing. I look forward to participating in the Thanksgiving Interfaith service on Nov 24th at 3 p.m. with light snacks afterward. I am grateful for this congregation and our community partners.

Excerpt from a November 7, 2024 article in The Atlantic by Arthur Brooks: “Hope involves a belief that even if a disappointing result to a situation occurs, you can do something to improve that outcome… Hope does not require that you make any prediction at all about what might happen. It simply asks that you believe that whatever happens, you will have the ability to make circumstances better and you can give some thought to what that action might be.”  

November's potluck will be on Friday, November 15 beginning at 6 PM at the home of Vida Morley and Bob Fox at 112 W River Shore, Chestertown.

Directions from Chestertown:

• Cross the Chester to Queen Anne’s Ct.
• Take first left after "Urgent Care" and “Bohemia" onto Anthony Road.
• Go two blocks and left again on River Shore Road.
• We are the third and last house on the right.
• Park wherever and join in!

REMINDER to those that signed up for the CPR/AED training — it's happening after the service this Sunday. You will be offered a complimentary lunch while we set up for the training. Thank you from your Social Justice Team.

Enjoy a Variety of Soups, Breads, Dessert, and Coffee

Our Soup Supper will be a filling meal before you attend the Chester River Chorale’s “Feast of Carols” that same evening at 7 pm at the Presbyterian Church, our neighbors on Gateway Drive. Bring your friends, make up a table!

Soup, Bread, and Dessert Makers Needed!

Please email Jane Hardy, janewhardy@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER

02 | Kathy Lee

18 | Jan Brandon

24 | Diane Shields

29 | Paula Hubbard

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email