We typically have our All Souls service at the beginning of November, but this year we’re celebrating it in the space between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays are a time when so many of us feel the absence of loved ones gone from this world. This year, as we enter the holiday season amidst a pandemic, we will also make space for recalling all the people with whom we wish we could celebrate in person.

To join online, go to zoom.us/j/89214621289

UUCSW is now pleased to offer closed captioning of our online Sunday services! To view the captions in Zoom, navigate to the bottom of your screen and click on "Closed Captions" and then "Show Subtitles." We would appreciate hearing your feedback on how well this new feature works for you. You may submit your comments to office@uucsw.org.

Dear Congregation:

We are doing the Giving Tree this year, but it will be different because of COVID. Instead of specific gifts, all children will receive $50 gift cards to either Walmart, Marshalls, Target or the Solomon Pond Mall. The children request one of these four types of gift cards. Please note these specific instructions on how to participate:

Thank you!! I hope we can do our share to help children in need this holiday season! If you have questions, please email me at the above address or call/text me at 856-669-9954. - Erin Boudreaux 

Join us December 9, from 4:00-5:30 pm, as we consider hallmark characteristics of white supremacy culture. You may be surprised by what you learn! What are they? Where do we see them in our personal lives? work lives? church lives? Curious but unable to join us? You can learn more here. If the meeting time does not work for you, please let Jane know of your interest; you can reach her at janenboro@aol.com or 508-393-9206. Otherwise, the meeting Zoom link is: zoom.us/j/84599163211.

We are continuing this fundraiser throughout the year. For every card purchased, the church receives 5% of the face value back. If you are interested in purchasing some cards to support the fundraiser, contact Lisa Shumway at treasurer@uucsw.org.

One of the blessings of being digital this year is that it gives us new opportunities to think about how we make UUCSW accessible. Our first principle calls us to affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people. To me, that means we want to make sure that anyone who wants to participate in church life can.

With Sunday services, we know that one very important piece is making sure everyone can hear. I had a great meeting with some of our Sunday tech hosts to work on adding closed captioning to our zoom services. I've also started wearing bright or dark lipstick when I'm preaching, because it helps everyone lip read more easily, which makes it easier to hear me. (Minister tips!)

What is your small act this week? How are you practicing radical hospitality and accessibility? - Rev. Laurel

(Henry approves of subtitles)