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This Sunday, April 2, 2023

"The Paths of Resistance"

with Rev. Karen Armina

What do napping, mindfulness, compassion, community-building, and speaking our truths have in common? This month, as we begin to journey the path of resistance, we’ll explore some of the many forms that path might take. Link to service webpage

Fist against sun resistance
RSVP to attend in person
Zoom Link

The Share-the-Plate recipient for April 2 and 9 is Urban Triage. With the help of member Ed Kuharski, they are transforming the Madison Youth Hostel into the Inspired House, which will provide housing for young adults, especially those with children, who are experiencing homelessness. 

Donate Here

Our April Theme: The Path of Resistance

Our April theme invites us to notice and act on the disparities between society’s messages and what we know to be true. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection on our monthly theme every week.


Check-in question:  In today’s world, what do you feel called to resist?


Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.

-- Audre Lorde

What's Happening in Our Congregation

rev karen image.jpg

Minister's Musings

What do you know to be true? How does what you know square with the daily messaging you consume?

These questions are what come to mind for me when I think about this month’s theme, “the path of resistance.” You see…

Read more here

Minister's Availability
Zoom Office Hours - Tuesday 5-6pm

Religious Education and Family Ministry


This week children and youth will have RE classes directly after the service. Children will meet in the multipurpose room and non-COA youth will meet with Rev. Karen. Youth participating in Coming of Age will meet with Genevieve in the library. Our busy hands activity for the next two weeks will involve the use of cardboard egg cartons, if you have any lying around, please bring them to the busy hands table this Sunday, April 1. Any adults are also welcome to stay and help us with our project. 


Easter is upon us! Look forward to an Easter Egg Hunt directly after the service on April 9th. Eggs will be hidden by our youth to be found by everyone. We are planning on filling the eggs with candy and small toys, please let me know of any food allergies or dietary restrictions, however anyone wishing to swap out found candy for toys will be able to do so.

Read more 

Music Ministry


The Sacred Breath Choir gathers on Thursday evenings. Please send an email to music@jruuc.org with any questions or thoughts you have about music ministry at JRUUC.


The song of the month for April is “The Tide Is Rising” by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman and Yotam Schachter. Check it out here and get ready to sing it on Sunday!


Shared music this week:

  • Hymn #116 “I’m On My Way” (watch for some changed lyrics for gender inclusivity)
  • Hymn #1015 “I Know I Can”
  • “The Tide is Rising” by Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman and Yotam Schachter
Read more

Small Group Ministries

Offering and Receiving Connection, Support, and Spiritual Practice

View Small Group Ministries Descriptions  

Meditation With Friends - Wednesdays at 6:30-7:00 pm (Beginners Welcome)

Sacred Breath Choir - Thursdays at 6:45 pm

Journaling Group next meets Monday April 10 at 7:00 pm - contact Jean Skinner

Building Our Racial Awareness Open Discussions - 4th Sundays at 4:00 pm, next meeting is April 23

Meditation Zoom Link (New) - Wednesday 6:30
Journaling Group Zoom Link - Monday 4/10 7:00

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Curious About Membership at Reeb? - April 1st Class is For You!

The Membership Team is having another Exploring Membership class! It will be held in the sanctuary on April 1, from 9:00-1:30. Inspired by each other, we will explore what we hold sacred, Unitarian Universalism, highlights of JRUUC and the expectations of membership. Participation in this class does not require that you join, just explore! If you are interested in attending this class, let Mary Wagner or fill out the simple form here.

Spring Cleaning? Reeb Rummage & Book Sale April 15th!

Were you inspired by Rev. Monica’s talk about The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning? If you are ready to part with some of your treasures now and let someone else enjoy them, you can donate them to Reeb’s upcoming sale! We’ll take (almost) anything but clothing. You can drop off donations any time the building is open and leave them in the front classroom. We need volunteers to help organize the treasures on Friday night and staff the sale on Saturday! Watch this space for information about signing up.

NEW Religious Education Offering for Adults: The Shared Pulpit

Erica Hewitt writes in her book The Shared Pulpit, “In our Unitarian Universalist tradition, we speak of shared ministry — the embodied belief that everyone, not just the ordained minister takes part in the ministry of the congregation.” Our tradition calls us to lift up all voices, and preaching, which Ralph Waldo Emerson described as “putting life through the fire of thought,” is a spiritual practice that is open to all.  


This spring, Rev. Karen will facilitate a program in which we’ll practice the art of writing and speaking authentically, using Erica Hewitt’s book as a guide. This isn’t just a course for people planning to preach – this program aims to deepen connection and trust among us. It contains advice, tools, and a process designed to equip you to be even more skilled, confident leaders (because anyone brave and curious enough to share their journey publicly with the congregation is, in fact, a leader). Along the way, you’ll discover your authentic voice by writing a sermon to deliver to the congregation.  


There will be eight 3-hour sessions, beginning in April. Please contact Rev. Karen if you’re interested - or just curious!

Play the Snow Lottery!

Sign up here - you win if it snows on your week! We still have slots open for Wisconsin's "Extended Winter Season" to clear our walkways

JRUUC is Hiring!

We’re in search for an Office Administrator and a Music Director. Applicants are asked to send a cover letter and resume to apply@jruuc.org

Please share the job descriptions with your networks!  

Office Administrator job description

Music Director job description

View JRUUC Events & Activities Calendar
More Ways to Be of Service Within Our Congregation

What's Happening in Our Community

Rally for Our Rights! Sunday, April 2 at 1–2:30 pm

Join members of First Unitarian Society to rally for our rights ahead of the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election! Come hear about what’s at stake this election and how you can make an impact. The UU group will meet at East Main and South Webster- look for the big yellow “Madison UUs Side With Love” banner. If you’d like to carpool, meet at 11:45 at First Unitarian Society to organize the cars. We should probably leave by 12:15 for the Capitol.

MOSES Update - April 27 Event at 9:00-3:00

Every spring, MOSES members, joined by many other affiliates of WISDOM from around the state, visit the Wisconsin legislature. We hear about the issues WISDOM and our associates are working on, have lunch, and visit our representatives at the Capital to ask for their support and hear their answers.

Register here ($25). Hear more about our plans at the April 2 meeting of MOSES (2:30-4:30, zoom only. Contact Mary Anglim for the link).


See our Justice and Community Update page for more information on these and other events

Building Our Racial Awareness Open Discussions 

Farmer's Market Outreach Table

UU The Vote - Postcards sent! What's Your Voting Plan for April 4th's Election? 

Share the Plate Nominations Needed!

What's Happening In Unitarian Universalism

General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. This is a great year to go, especially for first-timers! There will be exciting work done on the process of revising Article II of our Bylaws, worship is always wonderful, and it’s an amazing experience to be surrounded by thousands of UUs. Early bird registration ends on February 28, and there are many opportunities for financial support. Follow these links for general information, volunteer opportunities, other financial support, registration, and housing reservations.


The General Assembly and Conference Services Team leads the initiative to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are woven throughout, from planning to fruition. You’re invited to watch this video about historical trauma and transformative healing, which is informing our work.

More UUA Updates

Click the banner to learn what you can do to promote social justice along with our national organization.

2022 Actions of Immediate Witness

 Abortion, Anti-Racism, Reparations, Restorative Justice, Medicare

Click the banner to learn how you can get involved in getting out the vote. 


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