Sunday, September 15, 2024 - 10 a.m.

"Inviting All that We Are"

This Sunday we will gather with all that we are... that is part of what I love about Unitarian Universalism. I can bring all that I am to our religious community. It is bigger than the individual; we invite the question, Who is the "we?" This Sunday we honor and celebrate the rich diversity, joy, and healing that can be ours when we invite all that we are in ever-expanding circles.

• Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister
• Jan Sprinkel, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician
• Judy Graham, Greeter
• Nancy Holland, Coffee Host
• Religious Education program available

Please CLICK HERE to join us via ZOOM.

This week's hymn numbers:

• "We are a Gentle Angry People" — # 170 (grey hymnal)
• "Answering the Call of Love" — # 1014 (teal hymnal)

September 22 | "The Hospitality of Listening" — In-person & Zoom

Join us this Sunday as we focus on the listening heart, which is always open to the joy and pain of others. Rev. Libby Smith returns to our pulpit with a sermon titled, "The Hospitality of Listening." She’ll draw on the 20^th-century Dutch theologian, writer, and priest Henri Nouwen, who describes listening as spiritual hospitality—a way of welcoming people into our very beings. Drawing on Nouwen’s wisdom, we will explore the art of listening as a form of hospitality that allows others to feel known, valued, and accepted.

• Rev. Libby Smith, Guest Speaker
• Annie Lavin, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician

September 29 | "Truth & Reconciliation in Ireland" —

In-person & Zoom

We just returned from two weeks in Ireland, and I was much impressed with several conversations I had with locals about "The Troubles" and the aftermath. I was struck by the similarity with the problems in post-apartheid South Africa. There, too, there is much to learn about living with the past and focusing into the future. 

• Rev. Greg Chute, Guest Speaker
• Nancy Holland, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician

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• This Week's Summer Discussion Service
• Upcoming Worship Services
• This Issue's Contents
• Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
• Minister's Column
• Social Justice Committee's Discussion and Luncheon
• Outreach Collection for September & October
• Mission Accomplished!
• Get-together to Write Postcards to Florida Voters
• UUCR Help Needed
• Mosaic National Fall Conference
• Build Trans Justice & Safety Webinar
• Reiki Share
• Birthdays

REMINDER: Rev. Kathryn will be in the office in Chestertown on Thursday, Sept 12^th from 2pm to 5pm to connect and collaborate with individuals. If you haven't already gotten a chance to meet her, or have something you'd like to discuss, please stop by.

This Sunday we will offer a hymn that is both well known and a little different. In our teal hymnal, it is #1014, "Standing on the Side of Love." There will be an insert in our order of service with the words that have been changed by the song's author to "Answering the Call of Love."

Today, I want to share why. Hear about the why in the song writer’s own words in a sermon at: https://fb.watch/untaQ5UWDZ/ (QR code below)—if only interested in the conclusion about the song, start at 25:05, although I enjoyed the 28 min. listen.

A brief summary is that during a General Assembly several years ago, one of my colleagues with cerebral palsy challenged the use of walking, standing, and running metaphors, culminating in simply holding up a sign that said, "Ouch." Yes, standing can be a metaphor for taking a stand. Yes, the author didn't intend to hurt anyone. And yes, the impact of song after song and sermon after sermon was a lot of "Ouch"—this is how culture welcomes and offers belonging... or not.

So, reflecting on the experience, the author chose to change the words, and I agree with the author who honestly likes them better. There are so many ways to Answer the Call of Love. It invites us to reflect on what the need is—what is called for by those who we wish to love. I feel that is an important reflection. I look forward to our time together on Sunday and the ministry we are building, Answering the Call of Love.

Beloveds,

Thank you for a beautiful ingathering. The words you offered in community created this:

In Love, joy, and gratitude,

Rev. Kathryn

This discussion will focus on two non-partisan topics and one opportunity that we hope will be of interest to our members and friends. First, we'll share information about the candidates for the Kent County Board of Education vacancies and why this election is so crucial to the future of Kent County Schools. Next, we'll talk about a very important referendum on reproductive rights that will be on the ballot in Maryland. Our last topic of discussion will be about an opportunity to write postcards to voters in Florida through the organization Reclaim Our Votes, which is partnering with UU the Vote.  

Please stay after the worship service on 9/15 for the luncheon provided by the SJ Committee and for this timely discussion.  

Kathy Lee and Amy Warner, coordinators

~~~



The Social Justice Committee's outreach collection for September and October is the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland (UULM-MD). This is a statewide action network of Unitarian Universalists who work to educate, engage, and mobilize UUs to advocate for specific issues before the Maryland General Assembly. 

Sunday's offertory collection (with the exception of pledges) will go to the UULM-MD. Please make out any checks to UUCR, and then write in the memo that it's for the outreach collection. You may also go to UUCR's website, click on the donate button, and make a contribution there. 

A dedicated crew showed up at UUCR Tuesday morning (not sure what time, because I arrived at 8:45 am with an advertised "start" time of 9 am), and the job was already 1/2 done!

Many thanks to Harry, Dave, and Brad Hart; Bob Coleman; Philip Dutton; Deb Reid; and John Ramsey! The playset has been "decommissioned," as it was considered compromised and unsafe for children to use. Philip will "repurpose" the slide, a swing, the tire swing, and possibly a few other items, for his grandchildren. He and Bob Coleman will take the remains to the Kent County dump tomorrow (because it's not open on Tuesday).

Wow — great teamwork!

Diane Shields

The Social Justice Committee has committed to writing 100 postcards to voters in Florida through "Reclaim Our Vote," an initiative by the Center for Common Ground, which is partnering with UU the Vote. The postcards are sent to people who have been inconsistent about their voting in the past and encourage them to use the power of their vote to make their voices heard. 

Amy Warner is hosting a postcard-writing get-together at her home at 127 Philosopher's Terrace on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7-9 pm. Our goal is to have ten people write ten postcards each. Please RSVP to Amy at amylydia10@yahoo.com if you're on board to help out. 

Please help support UUCR's mission "to inspire, inform, and support all who seek spiritual and personal growth and a more equal and just community" by volunteering for one (or more) of the following positions. If none of these are your cup-of-tea, please consider assisting another committee as they all can use your help. A list of the current committees and their members is posted on the whiteboard in the lobby.

Thanks!

Volunteers are needed as Coffee Hosts and Greeters. Signup sheets are on the whiteboard in the lobby. Training is available. If you have questions, please contact Diane Shields.

Potluck Hosts are needed for our monthly potlucks beginning in November. Potlucks can be held at UUCR, the host's home, or at the host's choice of site. A signup sheet is on the whiteboard in the lobby. If you have questions, please contact Diane Shields.

Exciting career opportunity. Help bring the UUCR Service to the wider world. There are positions available on the Tech Team. It would involve overseeing the Zoom Service recording once every 3 weeks, with flexible scheduling. You don't need to be a techie, and training is available. Contact John Ramsey or Dave Hart (johnramsey1948@gmail.com or 443-480-9460, davehart@gmail.com or 410-810-4702).

The Committee on Ministry (COM) is looking for a 3^rd member to join John Ramsey and Lynn Geisert. The overall objective of this committee is promoting congregational health, supporting our new minister, enhancing committee and congregational life, and strengthening how we live into our mission. We meet monthly. If you’re interested in learning more, ask John or Lynn (johnramsey1948@gmail.com, lngeisert@aol.com).

Mosaic is a hub of connection, resources, and support for Unitarian Universalists dismantling racism and oppression. This multigenerational National Fall Conference is a dynamic, multi-platform gathering for congregational teams and individuals engaged in the work of building multicultural communities.

The Transforming Hearts Collective has a set of webinars for UUs on trans justice and safety in this political moment.

The webinars will equip attendees to understand the attack that trans/nonbinary people are currently facing, gain tools to advocate for trans rights, and ensure

welcoming and safe congregational spaces for trans/nonbinary people and our families.

• Monday September 16, 8-9:30pm Eastern / 5-6:30pm Pacific: for UUs in legislatively hostile areas
• Tuesday October 1, 8-9:30pm Eastern / 5-6:30pm Pacific: for UUs in legislatively protective areas

People are welcome to attend either or both webinars. The main content of the webinars will be recorded and shared with registrants, so folks who are interested in receiving a recording are encouraged to register. 

Sign up now for one of these webinars or get more information at tinyurl.com/build-trans-justice. And please help us spread the word! 

Join us for a Reiki Share, a welcoming space where energy therapy practitioners come together to both give and receive healing energy. Whether you're trained in Reiki or any other form of energy therapy, you're invited to connect with our supportive community. We gather monthly here at UUCR, and we'd love for you to be part of it. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Deb Reid.

SEPTEMBER

04 | Rev. Kathryn Adams

08 | Linda Weimer

14 | Larry Schroth

16 | Mary Pritchard

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

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