Thursday, October 29, 2026 | | THIS WEEK'S WORSHIP SERVICE | | |
Sunday, November 1 — 10 am
In-person & ZOOM
"The Wonder of the Natural World — Interdependence"
As we start Indigenous Persons’ Month, we will celebrate the wonders of this beautiful planet with so many gifts to explore. The moral call of this time is for our society to learn how to live in harmony with the planet, to live as one species among many, and to honor our interdependence.
- Rev. Kathryn Adams, Minister
- Nancy Holland, Worship Leader
- Rev. Kathryn Adams, Production
- Michael Casey, Musician
- Margo Long, Greeter
- Elisabeth Tully, Coffee Host
This week's music:
- # 21 (grey hymnal & from Sing Out Love) - "For the Beauty of the Earth"
- (from Sing Out Love) - "How Vast the Web of Life"
Please CLICK HERE to join us via Zoom.
Order of Service available by noon on Friday CLICK HERE.
| | | UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES | | |
NOV 08 | "The Work of Hope in a World of Chaos," Rev. Rebekah Savage, Guest Speaker — In-person & Zoom
When the world feels increasingly fractured, uncertain, and overwhelmed by forces beyond our control, how do we remain grounded in what we know to be true? We'll explore how communities of courage, compassion, and connection can become powerful sources of transformation. Together, we'll consider how our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to create spaces where Love takes root, hope is an active practice, and another world continues to emerge.
NOV 15 | "Introduction to Judaism," Rabbi Peter Hyman, Guest Speaker — In-person & Zoom
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- This Week's Worship Service
- Upcoming Worship Services
- This Issue's Contents
- Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
- Minister's Column
- Daylight Saving Time Ends
- All Saints' Day/Remembrance Day Service — Sunday, November 1
- New Security System Installed
- UUCR's Halloween Book & Treat — THANK YOU!
- Soup Sampler Supper — Friday, December 11
- Democracy Corner
- Birthdays
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This week, I got to be present at the launch of the Repairer's of the Breach's Pledge for Moral Defiance of Authoritarianism. An interfaith group of leaders drafted "An American Encyclical On Our Authoritarian Crisis." I am proud that I was present at the launch of the Pledge of Moral Defiance and have the opportunity to participate in saying the pledge with my interfaith colleagues in front of the White House.
I am proud of our ministry in love that has rejected authoritarianism, learned about and repented silence and complicity, invited us to join in solidarity and support the democratic processes with our neighbors to defend freedom of conscience, ensured that all people remain free to practice—or not practice—faith in the United States. What I really appreciate is that this is grounded in love. Love of neighbor. Love of justice. Love of freedom. It felt particularly resonant to read the line from the pledge committing to defend our freedom of conscience.
As I write this, early voting continues. Vote; help those around you to vote. It is essential and part of living our values to insist on the democratic process. Before our next Reflections publishes, the midterm elections will have happened, and we will be deciding, "So what's next?"
However we answer that question, may we answer it with love, moral clarity, and our Unitarian Universalist values.
| | | NEW SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLED | | |
A new security system has been installed. Your old keycards will work with the reader at the ramp door. Please continue to make sure the front door is secure if you exit that way. It needs to be pushed from the outside, or pulled closed from the inside, as it doesn’t always latch if you just allow it to swing closed on its own.
| | UUCR's HALLOWEEN BOOK & TREAT | | Thank you all for making UUCR's Halloween Book and Treat at HH Garnet Elementary School's Trunk or Treat event such a success! We were a unique stopping point for several hundred little spooky monsters and glittering superheroes. Thank you to the members and friends of UUCR, residents of Heron Point, and the general community for donating an abundance of new and like-new books. Thank you to Connie for creating a poster, and Amy and Jackie for providing candy treats in addition to the books and bookmarks, and for their help guiding families in finding the just-right books for students and their younger siblings to enjoy. — Pat Bjorke | | | |
We will feature 10 different soups for sampling, a variety of breads, beverages, and a spread of desserts with coffee for $25 per person.
Tickets are on sale after our weekly Sunday worship services.
Please contact Jane Hardy if you are willing to make soup, and/or provide breads and desserts.
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CORRECTING LAST WEEK’S (WONKY) LINK
TO MARYLAND’S BALLOT QUESTION #2
Try this link for an accurate overview of the question and pros and cons: ballotpedia.org
Today, Thursday, October 29, is the last day for early voting in Maryland; Kent County residents may vote at the Kent County Public Library, 408 High Street, Chestertown, until 8 pm tonight.
Election Day is this coming Tuesday, November 3. If you haven’t voted already, you may vote on Tuesday at your regular polling place between the hours of 7 am and 8 pm.
"HOW SAFE IS THE VOTE?"
Here’s a link to a New York Times article, “How Safe Is the Vote?,” published on October 13. It features a panel of experts who share their views about the safety and integrity of our elections. CLICK HERE to read the entire article (no pay wall).
About this column – Non-partisan issues based on our UU values and principles, featuring summaries, links to organizations, and opportunities for engagement. Please contact me if you have ideas or feedback. — Jane Hardy
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OCTOBER
11 | Cynthia Ramsey
17 | Catherine Brooks
NOVEMBER
24 | Diane Shields
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We want to help celebrate your birthday!
If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email.
| | | VERY END of REFLECTIONS for October 29, 2026 | | | | |
