WEDNESDAY, September 23, 2020 |
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THIS SUNDAY'S VIRTUAL SERVICE |
Sunday, September 26,
UUA President Susan Frederick-Grey
"The 2020 Elections:
A National UU Worship Service"
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In these midst of global pandemic, rising authoritarianism, and uprising, lives hang in the balance and the future of democracy is on the line. In response, Unitarian Universalists are answering the call of our faith, building powerful partnerships to mobilize our communities to #VoteLove and #DefeatHate in the 2020 elections. Join UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray, the UU the Vote team, and a lineup of powerful, prophetic UU voices as we explore the intersections of faith, justice, and democracy in this collective virtual service.
To view this service, click here to go to the UUCR's Youtube channel. You may also go to the church's webpage, uuofchesterriver.org, and find the service by clicking on the tab at the bottom of the "Keeping In Touch" column on the left side of the page.
If you have a Joy or Sorrow, please consider joining us for Coffee Hour Zoom at 11 am and share with us.
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Join Us for Coffee Hour on Sunday! |
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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!
11:00 am this Sunday.
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Jan Ross, Sept 7
Scott Ross, Sept 7
Linda Weimer, Sept 8
Mary Pritchard, Sept 16
Nathan Ferster, Sept 24
Lisa Kennedy, Sept 26
We want to help celebrate your birthday! If we didn't include your September birthday, please contact Jan Whitney at UUCR email
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UPCOMING VIRTUAL SERVICES
Sunday, October 4,
Christen Green, Virtual Service, "Listening for the Unknown"
Sunday, October 11,
Rev. Sue Browning, Virtual Service, "What Has Surprised You of Late?"
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The Loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg |
It has not even been a week since Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died. She is already a legend, and we mourn her loss.
The news coverage has been intense. Many stories recap her life. Many more (it seems) offer speculation on her successor, and when and how to proceed with this decision, and how her death may impact the upcoming elections.
Justice Ginsburg's death is affecting us deeply. Many have shared with me they are overwhelmed by her death. Some are afraid for our country, our rights, and our democracy. Others are angry at the rush to approve the next justice. Virtually everyone I’ve talked with has shared of their admiration and respect for Justice Ginsberg.
Earlier today (Wednesday), Justice Ginsburg’s casket was carried up the Supreme Court’s steps. Describing the crowd gathered at the Supreme Court, the Washington Post reports,
“They watched as a black hearse arrived at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, and from it emerged Ginsburg’s casket draped in an American flag. It was carried slowly up the steps, between dozens of the justice’s former law clerks, and inside the court for a private ceremony.”
I sense we need this physical scene of reverence as a reminder to pause. We need this image as a reminder to express our condolences to those experiencing personal loss in the justice's death. We need this image as a reminder to actually make space to feel our gratitude for this amazing woman who lived her values with grace, humility, and confidence.
In the rituals of mourning, may we open our hearts to hear Justice Ginsburg’s voice reassuring us, and inspiring us. Yes, she's calling us to action. And yes, we need to take time to say good- bye.
An 87 year old legend has died. May her memory be a blessing.
In thanks,
Rev. Sue
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Please share your photos! |
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.
David Biehler
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From UUCR's Building and Grounds Committee |
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Just a reminder. the church is now available for limited use --see last week's Reflections for more details about this change. Procedures for the building's use and for cleaning are posted in hallway entrance adjacent to the office. Please follow them closely.
Also, please remember that everyone must sign in upon entering the building.
Thank you,
B&G
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From UUCR's Social Concerns/Social Justice Committee |
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25 Challenges for White People -
11 through 15 of 25
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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.
11. Post the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice Pledge (SACRJ) on your social media page to show your White family and friends that you stand for racial justice here.
12. Do the work of self-education to become actively anti-racist. Don’t treat people of color as your anti-racism educators.
13. Read at least 1 book on the impact of racism. Start a book club with a mixed group to allow for more conversation and a better understanding.
14. Watch at least 5 videos or podcasts that address racism.
15. Watch at least 2 movies that address racism.
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Reeb Project for Voting Rights |
We need you – the hundreds of members and friends of All Souls, who have powered us over the past seven years – to mobilize and equip voters with the information they need to ensure their votes count and their voices are heard.
Join us as we work in solidarity with other UU congregations and progressive partner organizations that center the leadership of people of color, work in communities with historically low voter participation, and advocate for changes to oppressive voting laws.
There are many regional and local organizations taking action to encourage voter participation in the upcoming Elections.
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Our local Indivisible Group for Kent and Queen Anne's Counties offers many opportunities as well!
Sign up for more info on actions....or donate to please help keep our letter campaign on track!
Dear Indivisibles,
So far, we've been able to prepare almost 4,000 letters to swing voters in PA and MI. But we have a long way to go to our goal of reaching 10,000 voters--and we're out of funds to pay for expenses. Can you help us reach our goal with a donation?
How will your donation help?
$8 pays for 500 mailing labels
$30 pays for a pack of 500 envelopes
$55 pays for stamps for 100 letters
We also take donations of stamps and envelopes directly.
How to give:
- By mail: Kent and Queen Anne's Indivisible, 104 Spring Ave. #781, Chestertown, 21620
Many thanks in advance for your help. The KQAI Admin Team
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White Allies Pledge Campaign by Kent County's Social Action Committee for Racial Justice |
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.
Lynn Dolinger,
Co-Chair of the UUCR Social Concerns Committee
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Our Special "Possessions" |
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MORE ABOUT OUR "PRIZED POSSESSIONS"
Thanks to those of you who responded to our note in last week’s Reflections! We now know that:
- Our chalice lamp was given to us by Susan and John LaFerla.
- Our stained glass window was created by glass artist Robin Abel. Robin died a few years after the installation. She had a series of her pieces on display in the church at one point, so (hopefully) we have photos and descriptions in the artwork book.
- Our chalice quilt was designed, pieced and assembled by Sue Thompson; it was most likely quilted professionally. Pat Bjorke created one of the blocks.
Let us know if you also created a quilt block, or if you have special knowledge about any of our other treasures.
Thanks,
Jane Hardy
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LAST SUNDAY'S VIRTUAL SERVICE |
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From Sunday, September 13, Rev. Sue Browning
"Artists for Justice: Learning the Stories"
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In May, local artist Nancy Tankersley felt called to a more active role to help end racism. She saw her gifts as an artist and her connections to other artists as a starting point and within weeks the exhibit "Portraits of Black Lives Lost" by Artists for Justice emerged. In Kent County the Tapestry for Change and BLM mural projects are opening conversations on equity across the community. Join Rev. Sue Browning, Nancy Tankersley, John Schratwieser, Maria Wood and others at this service exploring the arts and justice, and the ways we are each called to use our gifts to bring about change.
Deep gratitude for Words and Music from Sue Browning, Nancy Tankersley, Sara Poly, Lori Yates, John Schratwieser, Maria Wood, Eamon Peach, Philip Dutton and family, Ellen Barry Grunden, Terron Quailes, Merideth Buxton, Mary Ford and the many artists from Artists for Justice, Tapestry for Change, and the BLM Mural projects. Our grateful thanks as well to the Tech and Communications Team of Elizabeth Hausburg (editor), David Biehler, John Ramsey, Mark Peach, Don Barker, Bozena Lamparska, Jan Whitney, and Jane Hardy.
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IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW ...
Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River now has two Facebook pages. Our original UUCR Facebook Page now has a new look. This is thanks to Kate Livie, of Alosa Communications. (Click the image below to go to our original UUCR Facebook Page.)
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- Frequent posts are desirable not only because they keep our page updated with fresh content, this new content is carried forward into our followers’ newsfeeds. That’s an example of the interconnectedness of all things. We want our page to reflect a balance of news and information, not skewed too much in one direction. So far the bulk of our content is about upcoming services, ideas for family activities, and our work on racial justice. It would be helpful if we could expand our postings into other areas.
- Pat Bjorke has been posting from UU World about Unitarian Universalism so that folks not familiar with us will get some idea what we're about.
- Pat has also been posting her “BITES” on this Facebook page, as well as putting them in Reflections newsletter.
- PLEASE visit ... maybe once a week to see what's new even if you're not going to post.
- As well as our Website, our Facebook page is our public face in the now mostly virtual world. Do not post personal information about yourself or anybody else.
- If a Facebook page isn’t seen in the virtual universe, does it exist?
Our UUCR Facebook Forum is the new more personal space. Again, created by Kate Livie. (Click the image below to go to our UUCR Facebook Forum.)
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- This is a private Facebook page/group for UUCR congregants and friends only.
- One has to be admitted by someone already in the group.
- The intention is to give us a means of sharing experiences and possibly connecting in this time of distancing.
- Content posted to the private UUCR Facebook Forum group offers greater latitude than on the public Facebook page, and can include thought-provoking discussion topics, fun asides, and current local topics of interest. It is highly advisable to keep a definite boundary between the two Facebook pages.
- DICK HAWKINS MEMORIAL SERVICE -- A picture of the service has been posted on the Facebook Forum. This is your chance to join the group, if you have not already done so. Add your own pictures and remembrances. Feel free to start your own post.
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Check in Every First Wednesday at
7 pm for Support and Feedback on Our Individual Efforts to Make a Difference
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Dear UUCR Members and Friends,
During my sermon on Sunday, June 21, I encouraged each congregant to make one specific commitment to support ending racism. As I explained, I will host a Zoom call on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, where we will be able check in with one another on our progress. The call will be brief, and will focus on encouragement and learning. Rev. Sue Browning
If you have questions, please be in touch with Rev. Sue at email. |
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Pastoral Care & Connection |
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We are here for you! We will focus on staying directly connected with our members and friends, especially those who may need assistance or support. The caring teams from our congregation is staying in touch, but if you need to reach out, please be in touch with any of the contacts below to stay connected (and see additional contacts below for RE families).
Please know your congregation is here. We can help you find connections. Please don't hesitate to reach out and let us know what is helpful for you in this time.
Rev. Sue Browning, and the Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien, Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley
or for more information, contact:
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Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River 914 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, MD 21620
Phone: (410) 778-3440
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