Sunday, February 16, 2025 — 10 am

"Belong, Belief, Behave"

"Belonging Brings Hope" - Our Stewardship theme speaks to the power of belonging. Belonging invites an active hope, an active love, and creates a powerful community.

• Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister
• Jan Sprinkel, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician

Please CLICK HERE to join us via ZOOM.

Social Justice Outreach Collection for Sumner Hall this Sunday. Presentation and discussion following the service.

This week's hymn numbers:

• "We Would be One" # 318 (grey hymnal)
• "Touch the Earth, Reach the Sky" # 301 (grey hymnal)

FEB 23| "When is Black Future Month?" — In-person & Zoom

A celebration of Black History Month would be incomplete without examining the cultural touchstone of Afrofuturism, which posits the simple assertion that black people exist in the future. What can we learn from this movement and what is our role in imagining this future for all people?

• Rev. Kimberley Debus, Guest Speaker
• Kim Agee, Worship Leader
• Michael Casey, Musician

MAR 02| "Moving at the Speed of Trust" — In-person & Zoom

How do we move at the speed of trust? How do we build trust and be trustworthy in our conversations? In our relationships? In our communities? Join us for a conversation and reflection.

• 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
• Property Rights While Living Our Values
• Pledge Drive Campaign Update
• Membership Orientation Session — Feb 15
• UUCR Social Justice Team Honors Black History Month — Feb 16
• UUCR Annual Fundraiser Auction — Mar 1
• New Delmarva Pride Center Chapter in Kent County
• Birthdays

You may have noticed survey stakes near the edge of our property on our property line. Those were put there by a surveyor, to mark where UUCR's property line is located. Unfortunately, our neighbor to the north of UUCR has taken aggressive action by modifying and using our property. We want to live our values and will certainly continue to do so; however the board wants to take steps to stop our neighbors' encroachment onto our property. Please CLICK HERE to read a letter from the board. 

Any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to any member of the board. 

M.Q. Riding

We’re half way through our Pledge Drive. This week we hit 47% of our $74,000 goal with $35,000 committed. Congratulations. That’s the good news. But we need to remind you that reaching this original pledge goal will only get us part of the way to supporting this church. The Proposed Budget in your Pledge Package showed that we are tapping into our church savings Account and Legacy Fund by $35,000 to meet our expenses for this upcoming fiscal year.

Please consider what UUCR means to you. I asked earlier in the year for members’ feelings about our church. Another member shared their story of why they gives their time, talent, and resources to UUCR.

I come to UUCR to be with people that help me grow spiritually,

emotionally, and socially. It gives me the strength and courage to try to live out my values and those of being a UU. I enjoy services for the feeling of community, sharing, inspirations, beauty and being part of something larger than myself.  



Do you have similar feelings about what UUCR gives back to you? Please commit to help UUCR stay an active community by supporting us with your annual pledge. Leave your Pledge Form in the box in the foyer or mail it in the envelop in your pledge package.

The Membership Committee will host an information session about Unitarian Universalism and the Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River (UUCR) on Saturday, February 15, at 10 am. A light lunch will be provided. If you have been visiting for a while, have just dropped in, or want to learn about what being a member of a UU congregation is about, please plan to attend.

Diane Shields

This Sunday, February 16^th UUCR service will include our outreach offering and program to Sumner Hall in honor of Black History Month. We are hosting three leaders involved in current programs. They also may share some history of Sumner Hall. We want everyone to stay for the presentation! Instead of lunch, you will be encouraged to grab a cookie and coffee and join us immediately after the service. During the service, please give generously to Sumner Hall through our outreach collection or through the website, noting Sumner Hall as the recipient. Hope to see you there! 

Join us at 6 pm for hors d’oeuvres, mocktails, wine, and other beverages as you peruse our Silent Auction offerings, which include art by local artists, hand-knit items, David Winter collectible cottages, Cat’s Meow collectibles, many other items! A catalog will be posted soon.  Don’t forget to send descriptions of your donations for both auctions by contacting Jane Hardy or by email to UUCR at uuchesterriver.org. The submission deadline is Sunday, February 23 to allow time for the printing of catalogs and bid cards. 

Our Live Auction will begin at 7 pm, with a break for dessert mid-way through. Here are some more Live Auction Offerings! 

Cherry Pie, Home Made for You by the Newell Family!  Adrienne, August, Isaac, and Neenah Newell will pick the cherries, make a pie from scratch, and deliver it to you! (Note: Tart cherry harvest time on the Delmarva Peninsula is typically mid-June. The cherries freeze well, so your pie can be made and delivered any time after July 1st.) $20 minimum bid. The Newell family. 

 Learn to Play Rummikub. Rummikub is a tile game that is based on the card game "Gin Rummy.” Players take turns placing tiles into sets, with the goal of being the first to play all their tiles. It’s an easy game to learn and fun to play.  Afternoon to be determined, 2-4 PM at my home at Heron Point or at UUCR.  Beverages and snacks will be provided.  For up to four people. $10 minimum bid. Terry Goldzier

 Chili just the way you like it! Design your own Chili Dinner for up to 6 people — and have it delivered to your door!  I will start with a classic chili recipe and tailor-make it per your instructions! Meat or meatless? What kind of meat? Kidney beans or black beans? Mild, average, or majorly spicy seasoning? Which condiments — grated cheese, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, guacamole, sour cream or yogurt, lime slices and chips? All of these? Just say the word. Want corn bread with it, or tortillas? I will deliver this meal to your door on a date/time to be agreed upon mutually, and then collect pots, dishes, and containers from you the next day. $25 minimum bid for this catered dinner for six.  Jane Hardy

Bourbon Tasting Party. Captain Jean-Luc Picard says, “Seek out new spirits and taste the difference, recognizing the interdependence of all molecular activity." A bourbon tasting for up to 8 people, other beverages, snacks and nibbles included. Time and location to be determined. John Ramsey

A visit on a weekday in March to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, for up to three people. We'll walk among the "Spring Blooms" exhibits on the grounds and in the conservatory. Admission to the garden and lunch at the café is included in this offer. Minimum bid: $30. Amy Warner

Auction Addendum!

Noted local woodworker and UUCR friend Bob Fox has a storage locker full of tables, cutting boards, and other items that he has created — and he would like to sell as many of these as possible. Furthermore, he has generously directed that all proceeds will go to the 2025 UUCR Auction! Stay tuned to find out how to view and purchase these unique handcrafted works of art. Thank you, Bob!

The board of the Delmarva Pride Center has officially voted to accept Kent County, MD as a new chapter of the DPC! This wonderful news will give our county a strong regional network and umbrella organizational presence. We are already working with the local school system to protect the rights of ALL school students. More information to be shared soon! We are so proud of leaders Tina Jones and Francoise Sullivan for making this happen! You will remember Tina as one of our Social Justice speakers last year and Francoise as having served recently on the Kent County MD School Board. We will continue the work to honor our UU value of respecting all persons by actively working with them.

FEBRUARY

24 | Philip Dutton

25 | Les Palmer

We want to help celebrate your birthday!

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