June 5, 2025

THIS WEEK'S DISCUSSION SERVICE

Sunday, June 8 — 10 am

In-Person ONLY


"Anti-racism Activism"


Philip Dutton and Emma Buchman, Co-Discussion Leaders


Racism is not only alive in the U.S. today it is being encouraged by the government. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been wiped from government documents and web sites. Corporations and universities are being forced to change DEI policies or forfeit government contracts and grants. Black and brown people are being swept up my armed and masked agents and deported without due process. It is more important than ever for those who are anti-racist to take action. What does that mean? Let’s talk about it.


Emma Buchman has been very active with the MD Lynching Memorial Project (https://www.mdlynchingmemorial.org/). 

UPCOMING DISCUSSION SERVICES

JUN 15 | "Bridging the Partisan Divide" - Joan Caivano & Eileen Kessler, Discussion Leaders — In-person ONLY


We invite you to share your personal stories about how new government policies are affecting you and people you know. The goal is to encourage informed, respectful discussion, from diverse perspectives, to sharpen our understanding of the issues and identify common interests. We aim to expand this exercise to our larger community.



JUN 22 | Undetermined



JUN 29 | "Artificial Intelligence: Blessing or Curse" - Elisabeth Tully, Discussion Leader — In-person ONLY


Our conversation will consider some of the actual and potential benefits of AI and some of the disruptive and existential threats that the technology poses.


My prepared portion will include a definition, a brief history, and a summary of some of the positive and negative outcomes that we are already experiencing. I will encourage the participants to discuss the need for technological and ethical guidelines for AI. I’d also liked to consider the role that faith communities might play in developing these guidelines.

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THIS ISSUE'S CONTENTS

  • This Week's Worship Service
  • Upcoming Worship Services
  • This Issue's Contents
  • Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
  • First Thursday Conversations — June 5
  • Thank You for Your Help!
  • Summer Discussion Leaders Needed
  • Deadline for ALL FY '25 Pledge & Auction Payments, and Reimbursement & Payment Requests — June 15
  • National Music Festival UUCR Concert— June 12
  • Summer Solstice Gathering — June 21
  • Delmarva Pride Center: "A Night in New Orleans" — June 12
  • Birthdays


LINKS & CONTACT


~~~

UUCR Office Hours

Temporarily Unavailable

UPCOMING EVENTS AT UUCR

JUN 05 | First Thursday Conversations


JUN 08 | Summer Discussion Service


JUN 12 | NMF Concert at UUCR


JUN 15 | Summer Discussion Service


JUN 15 | Deadline for ALL FY '25

Financial Matters


JUN 18 - 22 | UU General Assembly


JUN 20 | Potluck at Lynn Geisert's


JUN 21 | Summer Solstice Gathering


JUN 22 | Summer Discussion Service


JUN 29 | Summer Discussion 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!

FIRST THURSDAY CONVERSATIONS — JUNE 5

Rev. Kathryn is continuing her appointments for in-person conversations on first Thursdays starting at noon. Reach out, and we can book a time to talk and get to know you in our ministry.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!


The Committee on Ministry thanks everyone who provided feedback as part of our Ministerial Review process. Your thoughtful comments and suggestions will help guide Rev. Kathryn's continued ministry at UUCR. 

SUMMER DISCUSSION LEADERS NEEDED

PLEASE HELP OUT!

There are numerous dates that need to be filled for our informal Summer Session Discussion Services. Please consider leading a Summer Discussion and sign up on the sheet provided on the whiteboard. These are informal get-togethers and a great time to share and explore your interest in a topic with others. If you have questions, please contact Nancy Holland.

JUNE 15 DEADLINE

FOR ALL FY '25 FINANCIAL MATTERS

The deadline for all Fiscal Year '25 pledge & auction payments and reimbursement & payment requests is June 15 to allow time for processing prior to the end of the fiscal year.

NATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

MIDDAY CONCERT— JUNE 12

The National Music Festival (NMF) has one more UUCR midday concert held at 12:30 on Thursday, June 12. There is also one more day of piano rehearsals on Saturday, June 7 from 2 to 5.


For more information about the NMF Festival CLICK HERE .

SUMMER SOLSTICE GATHERING — JUNE 21

Summer Solstice Gathering: Rooted in Light, Reaching Toward Change
Hosted by the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River
Date & Time: Saturday, June 21st at 7:00 PM
Location: Woodland Memorial Garden 914 Gateway Dr, Chestertown, MD 21620
Join us as we welcome the longest day of the year with joy, intention, and community. Our Summer Solstice Gathering is a chance to celebrate what has grown, reflect on what is ready to change, and root ourselves in collective resilience. Together, we’ll engage in rituals of connection—through music, meditation, intention planting, and shared celebration.
What to Bring:
  • A drum or percussion instrument (we also have some to share)
  • A small bouquet of flowers (for your crown or the altar)
  • A journal or notepad and something to write with
  • Champagne or a dessert to share
  • Your curiosity, warmth, and presence
  • Optional: Your own seeds or compostable pots (we’ll provide some too!)

DELMARVA PRIDE CENTER EVENT

"NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS" — JUNE 12

Kent County Delmarva Pride Center is hosting a "Night in New Orleans" event at the Garfield Theater in Chestertown on Thursday, June 12.  Please support our new local chapter (replacing our former PFLAG Chapter) at this important time for celebrating the diversity of our families and friends. The variety show will include a live band, dance lessons, a catered dinner, and a silent auction of amazing offerings! The Family Diversity Project of Authentic Selves portraits and stories will also be on display. Thanks in advance for your participation!  

BIRTHDAYS

JUNE


06 | Rob Warner

08 | Linda Dutton

09 | Lynn Geisert

11 | Jan Whitney

15 | Jane Hardy

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

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

Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River

914 Gateway Drive | Chestertown, MD | 21620

Website: www. uuchesterriver.org

Phone: 410-778-3440

Email: uuofchesterriver@gmail.com

Office Hours: W, Sa & Su — 8:30 am - 12:30 pm , Closed — M, T, Th, F

VERY END of REFLECTIONS for June 5, 2025