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Last week I hosted our second "check-in" session on dismantling racism. The goal is for these calls to be a source encouragement to one another.

We open with a chalice lighting to create quiet space for honest reflection and we close with a prayer to remind one another that change is possible and that our commitments matter.

We’re figuring out this work of encouragement together. During our sharing we hear of questions of discernment – “What might fit for me? What might I support? What do I need to learn?” And we hear of the challenges and feelings that are a part of working toward change.

Some of our commitments are explicit actions in the community directed toward specific goals. Other commitments are more tied to our roles as leaders or mentors. And some commitments are internally focused efforts to learn more about the entrenched patterns which need to change in order for systemic changes to be possible. 

These check-in calls are brief. They aren’t planning calls, or implementation sessions. We are trying to acknowledge the heart-work of dismantling racism; to encourage one another to stay the course.  

I know I need words of encouragement.

Change is often slow, coming in fits and starts. Real change inevitably meets resistance. We see that obstacles are often thrown on the path toward equity. And too, there are bright spots. It can help to process the details and bigger picture together.

Our next "check in" session (Zoom call) will be on Wednesday, September 2 at 7 pm -- see article below for some background. If you’d prefer to check-in by email on your discernment and commitments, please do. If you have ideas on other ways we might encourage one another on our commitments to anti-racism, please be in touch.

In gratitude for the many ways our efforts flow together, 

The American Chestnut Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. was one of the most valued and beloved eastern hardwood species due to its use as a timber tree, its abundant nut production, and its secondary wood products. American Chestnut grew straight and tall, reaching up to 15 feet in diameter (note correction in this measurement from previous descriptions in "Reflections") and 120 feet in height, and the species could live for several hundred years. It was one of the most versatile trees on the continent, historically used for construction lumber, shingles, fence posts and rails, poles, paneling, trim, furniture, firewood, and extracted tannins drove the leather tanning industry in the Northeastern United States (USDA FS. 2013. General Technical Report SRS-173).

The American Chestnut is gone from the forests, a victim of the chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) caused by an introduced fungus. This disease began in New York City in 1904, spread rapidly, and within 40 years had virtually wiped out this once abundant species. Fortunately, there is no threat of extinction; sprouts continue from roots until killed back by blight, and cultivated trees grow in western states and other areas where the fungus is absent. Currently extensive research is being conducted to produce blight resistant chestnuts using breeding techniques, biological control, and genetic engineering. There is great hope that someday the American Chestnut will be restored into the forests of eastern North America.

Help us promote our special UUCR “brand” and tout our services and community work by “liking" UUCR’s Facebook page. Not a UUCR Facebook page “follower" yet, or even a Facebook user? Click the Facebook icon in this article or at the bottom of this newsletter. We need as many “likers” and “followers” as possible as we navigate these strange on-line times! Jane Hardy

Rev. Sue Browning, and the Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien, Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley

or for more information, contact:

Jan Whitney (Office) p: 410-778-3440 | e: uuofchesterriver@gmail.com