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Come join us for a time to see and talk to one another. It's the next best thing to being there!

Click on the Coffee Hour Zoom Link at

11:00 am this Sunday.

All members and friends should have received an email with instructions on giving us the latest picture to be included in the UUCR photo directory. You can send them either through the web site, www.uuchesterriver.org or by email at UUCRpictures@gmail.com. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and their family.

Tuesday evening (Oct. 6) I was one of eight ministers who spoke at a Talbot County event titled, "Living Our Faith Against Injustice." The gathering was part of the ongoing efforts to remove the Confederate monument (Talbot Boys statue) from the courthouse property.

While this event was in Easton, we need to address history, and the broader challenges of racism cross the Eastern Shore and beyond. In this spirit, I offer the words I shared Tuesday evening as my UUCR column this week. (Note: In the picture, clergy are standing on the steps; the monument is in the far left.)

In community,

"There are times in our lives when it is hard to figure out the right thing to do. Friends, this is NOT one of those times. Choosing to remove this Confederate monument from this spot is NOT one of those challenging ethical dilemmas.

The right thing to do is clear.

We know the history of this monument. We know this monument has stood in this spot for over 100 years as a reminder of the white entitlement. We know that in a world filled with stark and painful divisions, this monument reinforces hierarchy. We know this monument is a reminder of violence and to this day instills fear.

It is wrong that this monument stands on the courthouse lawn. Symbols in public spaces should provide messages of equity and inclusion. Symbols should inspire us to live into principles of justice. This monument does not pass this test at any level.

It is time for change. We owe this to one another. We owe this especially to the children, and teens and young adults in the community. We are all harmed when a symbol, and the associated narrative, perpetuate inequity and sustain a climate of fear.

The moral and ethical choice regarding this monument is clear.

Friends, I also want to remind us tonight that our faith traditions do more than help us discern right from wrong. Our traditions – each in their own way - call us to be open to change. We are called to imagine a world as seen through the eyes of the divine (however you imagine the sacred), and then to use our passion and energy to move toward this vision.

We need to keep a clear vision of equity before us as we work to dismantle racism. Together we need to work to change the many entrenched policies, practices, and patterns which hold racism in place.

Our faith traditions remind us to believe that change is not only possible, it is imperative. In knowing that change is possible, we find hope. We must keep our hearts and minds open to change; we must make room for others to change.

May the leaders in this community find an expedient path to remove this symbol of bigotry from this spot, and may we all commit to taking the needed steps to make room for all to flourish. And may grace guide us at each step."

What can white people do to eliminate racism and create a more equitable society for everyone? You can educate yourself by using the available systems and resources about how to stop racism. Here are "25 Challenges for White People" to become more aware of systemic racism in our country. The point is for you as a white person to choose a challenge that makes you step out of your comfort zone. Persons of color (POC) have to live in discomfort and endure the trauma of racism every day. White people must pick up the baton and learn to be uncomfortable as you move to eliminate racism. Saying you are not a racist does not mean you are an anti racist. Step out of your comfort zone: conquer new challenges on this list.

21. Seek out a diverse group of friends for your kids and for you. Practice real friendship and intimacy by listening when POC talk about their experiences and their perspectives. They’re speaking about their pain.

22. Admit out loud to yourself and your White family and friends that racism exists and challenge them to do something on this list to become more educated.

23. Directly support Black-owned businesses and Black-led organizations.

24. Be assertive about challenging racism in your community or workplace.

25. Get comfortable with discomfort, in yourself, your family, your community, and your workplace.

To launch our partnership with Kent Attainable Housing (KAH), we are looking for someone from our congregation to coordinate our efforts to help the first family move into their new home, tentatively by the end of November. We need a coordinator to seek contributions from our congregation that will help to furnish and provision this home in Chestertown for a family of five, two adults and three children, ranging in age from two to sixteen. We've prepared a detailed list of items requested from the family and now we need to reach out to our members and friends to solicit and gather the needed items.

This really sounds like a fun project! You will get lots of support from the SCSJ Committee and the KAH folks as well. You could even team up with another member on this project. Please let me know if you might be interested or have questions.

Lynn Dolinger, Co-Chair of the Social Concerns Social Justice Committee lynn.thirdwish@gmail.com

I hope that you all have had a chance to read and consider signing the White Allies Pledge as published in local media and our own Reflections last week. What you may not know is the level of UUCR leadership that has been working to bring this Pledge to the community. While this is a product of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice (SACRJ), our own Board and Social Concerns Committee is partnering with the SACRJ in support of our Strategic Plan's focus on racial equity. In addition, many of our members are actively working with the SACRJ to promote racial justice in our community, including Philip Dutton who is a member of the SACRJ Steering Committee. If you want to do more, please consider signing the Pledge and becoming a member of the SACRJ. There's a lot of information on their new website https://sacracialjustice.com.

When life seems noisy and chaotic, we often hear the advice to listen carefully to a still small voice or the wisdom of our hearts. It can be difficult to know what we are listening for. Join guest minister Christin Green to explore deep listening for the unknown.

Deep gratitude for Words and Music from Christin Green, Nancy Holland, Ellen Barry Grunden, Jim Richardson, Philip Dutton, Eamon Peach and UUFE Choir: Patty Rubin, Bozena Lamparska, Dave Moore, and Dick Doughty. Our grateful thanks as well to the Tech and Communications Team of Mark Peach (editor), Don Barker, Bozena Lamparska, Jan Whitney, Jane Hardy, John Ramsey, Jim Lavin, and David Biehler.

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