Sunday, October 19 — 10 am

In-person and Zoom

"The Wisdom of the Body"

Realizing that no matter what we do or have done, we have never been outside of our bodies, it isn't surprising that there is a body wisdom. Maybe your stomach turns at specific times. Where and what is happening when you feel your body tighten up or constrict? In these times of intentional harm and trauma, let's talk about what our bodies are holding and metabolize it with love at the center and our UU values.

• Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister
• Joy Kim & Eileen Kessler, Readers
• Michael Casey, Music
• Joy Kim, Greeter
• Amy Warner, Coffee Host
• Pat Bjorke, Religious Exploration

Please CLICK HERE to join us via Zoom.

This week's music:

• "Come, Come Whoever You Are" #188 (grey hymnal)
• "Let It Be a Dance" #311 (grey hymnal)

OCT 26 | "The Question That Remains: Jonah and the Patient Work of Healing," Rachel Evans, Guest Speaker — In-person & Zoom

What do we do with anger that comes from real trauma—personal or generational? This sermon explores the Book of Jonah as ancient wisdom literature that refuses to offer easy answers about forgiveness, instead inviting us into the slow, patient work of holding both justice and mercy. Through the story of a prophet confronting his oppressors' humanity, we discover that healing doesn't require us to choose between honoring our wounds and remaining open to transformation.

NOV 02 | "The Poetry of Joy," Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister

— In-person & Zoom

Inspired by the pragmatic and soul-grounding poetry of Ross Gay and the comforting poetry of John O'Donohue, let's bring and share our favorite poems of joy. Let us explore the joy that is our birthright as the days shorten in the cycle of life.

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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
• Al Mathwich's Passing
• October's Potluck — Oct 17
• We the People / No Kings Rally — Oct 18
• Social Justice Discussion & Luncheon — OCT 19
• A Chalice Circle Starts this Month — OCT 27
• Democracy Corner
• First Thursday Conversations Canceled for November
• Birthdays

UUCR Friends,

There is an opportunity to explore our Unitarian heritage on the 200^th anniversary of the founding of the American Unitarian Association with Dr. Dan McKanan, Ralph Waldo Emerson Unitarian Universalist Senior Lecturer at Harvard Divinity School. Dr. Dan McKanan is a fabulous scholar and editor of A Documentary History of Unitarian Universalism, which was one of our texts in theological school. This is a fabulous opportunity to hear his discussion on our Congregationalist (and Puritan) roots for free—with pre-registration at https://mailchi.mp/14beacon/aua-bicentennial?e=791168ad72—on Wednesday, October 21^st from 1-2 pm EDT. Congregationalism is one of our deep roots in Unitarianism.

This resonates with a key takeaway for me from the sermon on Sunday, 10/12, that "light helps the eye perceive the world, language helps the mind make sense of it." I think hearing the evolution of our faith tradition invites understanding. How did our ancestors transform? How did this go as expected? How were they surprised? Grounding in the language, the flow, and the evolution of our history can produce understanding and a deep sense of connection to the past, present, and future.

UUCR,

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Al Mathwich. A long time member of this congregation.  

The family is together and well supported. Ceremony information will follow when decided and available. Services may be later in the season.

Please reach out to Rev. Kathryn for any pastoral care needs as we grieve Al's passing and remember his life. — Rev. Kathryn

Potluck at Penny McCrea’s house at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 17. I have a circle driveway - please park in my front lawn. My house has a few steps and is not ADA. If weather permits, we might spill out to my back patio. — Penny McCrea

If you need directions please contact Penny or the UUCR office uuofchesterriver@gmail.com.

Everyone is invited to attend a Social Justice Committee event after our Sunday, Oct 19^th, 10 am service. Stay and enjoy a light lunch followed by a congregation-wide discussion focusing on both Eastern Shore immigration and your experiences from the No Kings Day events from the previous day. We will be sharing what we have learned about immigration topics in our community and want to hear your experiences as well. This discussion will be moderated and will conclude before 12:30 pm. There will not be a specific outreach collection beneficiary this month, but we will offer suggestions for your personal actions and involvement.

The survey sent out last week on times and dates to begin a Chalice Circle, here at UUCR, was successful. Monday, October 27^th at 10:00 am has enough participants to start a Circle! The Chalice Circle will meet at UUCR.

There is room for one or two more people, if that time can work for anyone else. Let either Michael Morris or M.Q. Riding know if you’d like to join.

Thanks to everyone for your interest and support in this endeavor.

Rev. Kathryn's office hours on the first Thursday will be canceled in November. Please call or text to set up an appointment as needed.

OCTOBER



11 | Cynthia Ramsey

17 | Catherine Brooks

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

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