Finding Your Place in the Work of Justice

Robyn Travers

In Deepa Iyer's book Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection, she reminds us that each of us has unique gifts to offer in the work of creating a more just and compassionate world.

In this interactive service, Robyn will introduce the ten roles people often play in social change movements and invite us to reflect on where we naturally fit. Together, we'll explore how our gifts, lived experiences, and skills can help our congregation faithfully engage in the work of justice and make a meaningful difference in our community.

Connect. Listen. Reflect. Grow.

One of the greatest gifts of our congregation is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with one another. Covenant Groups provide a welcoming space where members and friends of UUCNH gather to share their experiences, explore life's deeper questions, and practice the art of deep listening in a spirit of trust, respect, and compassion.

Whether you're new to UUCNH or have been part of our community for many years, a Covenant Group offers an opportunity to strengthen connections, nurture your spiritual journey, and experience the richness of being in community.

We are excited to begin a new season of Covenant Groups this Fall! Because groups fill quickly, we encourage you to reserve your place as soon as possible.

➡ Fall 2026 Covenant Group Sign-Up Form

➡ Learn More About Covenant Groups

Interested in Becoming a Facilitator?

Our Covenant Groups thrive because members generously share their time and gifts. We are always looking for additional facilitators to help create welcoming spaces for conversation and connection. If you would like to learn more about facilitating—or simply explore whether it might be a good fit for you—please contact Kip Ruefle at kipruefle@uucnh.org. We'd be happy to answer your questions.

August 2nd - August 16th - Summer RE

August 23rd - Multigenerational Backpack Blessing

August 30th and September 6th - Summer RE

September 13th- Multigenerational Water Communion



Joys and Sorrows

A Joy from Kelly Sullivan: Please join us in celebrating 17 years and counting of loving Meredith. Happy Birthday Meredith.

A Joy from Michael Horwitz: We will be unable to be with you next week, as we will be in Chicago celebrating our 50th Anniversary next Saturday August 8th.  

Note: When you want to share a joy or sorrow submit it electronically by clicking here by Saturday. Alternatively, you can fill out a card as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday.

For joys or sorrows that you don't wish to share out loud, feel free to come up and place a stone in the sand prior to the service.

Flowers for Sunday Service

This Sunday's flowers are presented by Mike Horwitz in celebration of Ruth, and their fifty years together! They are currently celebrating their golden anniversary at Yellowstone National Park, where they honeymooned.



To honor a special someone or for a special occasion, sign up to bring in flowers on a scheduled Sunday. 

Contact Becca Hovermale.

Since November 2024, UUCNH has partnered with Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) to provide support for refugee families in Pittsburgh. Members and friends of UUCNH have donated goods as well as monetary funds which have allowed us to collect and deliver items on eleven different occasions. We have a small team of dedicated volunteers who have completed JFCS requirements to be eligible to deliver items and directly meet the families we support.

If you are interested in learning more about how to be involved as a volunteer, or would just like to know a little more about how the donations are set-up and organized, please join us on Sunday August 30th, 2026, at noon in the East Room. Contact Allyson Zadnik (allysonzadnik@uucnh.org) with questions.

Click on the image to read updates from the Central East Region of the UUA.

Click on the image to read the Pittsburgh Cluster Newsletter.

Zoom with UUCNH Friends

This drop-in connection will be held every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30pm and will be led by Michael Horwitz. Contact michaelhorwitz@uucnh.org for zoom details.

We are excited to be installing new carpet in the Sanctuary and Friendship Hall during the week of August 17.

Help is needed after the worship service on Sunday, August 16 to prepare the spaces. Volunteers are needed to help move chairs, tables, stage items, and other furnishings so the carpet can be installed.

Additional help is needed on Friday, August 21, at 3:00 p.m. to move everything back into place in time for Sunday services.

Please note that all church groups and activities are canceled August 18–21, including Yoga, the Craft Group, and any other previously scheduled activities.

If you have questions, please email jodyclark@UUCNH.org.

Thank you in advance for your help and support!

Please join us for Meditation group. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 7 to 8 pm. No experience required just a willingness to learn and breathe. Contact meditation@uucnh.org for any questions.

In August, Fruugal will only meet on 8/17, 6 PM (3rd Monday of every month online) for an hour to finish up the “Schwab Financial Fitness Tutorial”.

Other topics may include “Credit Cards 102”, being able to spend your money and not be "Poverty Drunk", comparing two very public financial consultants “Ramsey vs. Orban” and/or “How not to be too frugal”. In addition to the main topic, we usually also discuss specific questions from the participants.

Council of Three River American Indian Center

Our Share the Plate recipient for August will be the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center (COTRAIC). This non-profit organization promotes the socio-economic development of the Native American Community and others experiencing economic difficulties in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. The Center is open to Native and Non-Native people, with programs to serve all. . For more information on COTRAIC: www.cotraic.org

We are partnering again with JFCS (Jewish Family & Community Services) to assist with providing much needed items for a refugee family.

This specific collection is for an expectant mother who is anticipating the arrival of a baby girl. We are hoping to have all items collected by Sunday, August 16, so that we can deliver everything to the family the following week.

Please visit the SignUp Genius link below, and sign up if there is an item you can donate. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated as we use those funds to purchase larger items (such as a crib) to be delivered directly to the family. Please contact Allyson Zadnik with any questions (allysonzadnik@uucnh.org). Thank you! 

WelcomeHomeProgram: Continuing Support for the Infant of a Refugee Mother

UUJUSTICEPA invites anyone who cares about a thriving democracy to join our “UU the Vote” mailing list. Subscribers will receive timely information and concrete ways to get involved, such as:

• Calling voters from home: Using your computer help grassroots partners mobilize voters. Training, scripts, and support will be provided. 
• In‑person door‑knocking: Organized face‑to‑face outreach in select neighborhoods across the state.
• Postcarding: Sending encouraging notes to voters who need a little encouragement are less accustomed to the electoral process.

Click here to join the mailing list, and we can work to ensure every eligible voter is heard.

This event begins every Friday at 8:30 to 9:30 am at the Pittsburgh Ice Building, 3000 Sidney St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203. It is hosted by Sisters of St. Joseph, Pax Christi and Casa San Jose.

This is a peaceful event. You may carry a sign, but no shouting or bull horns.

Contact systemicchange@uucnh.org to carpool from UUCNH

Fair Trade Equal Exchange Coffee, Tea, and Chocolates are always available to purchase from their usual display in Friendship Hall.

Mother Earth and small-scale farmers benefit when you buy Fair Trade Equal Exchange products.  

UUCNH benefits when you buy Giant Eagle and/or Kuhn’s Gift Cards at no extra expense to you! Both stores donate $5 to UUCNH for every $100 of gift card value sold. Grocery cards are sold by the ushers in Friendship Hall after the Sunday service.

The Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network is a grassroots coalition of faith congregations, organizations, and individuals committed to building power for justice in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  

By building potent relationships, training leaders, negotiating successfully, and publicly demonstrating its power, PIIN influences policy and practice to create the conditions for flourishing, just communities.

View the PIIN monthly newsletter here.

UUCNH has a food pantry for donations to North Hills Community Outreach located in Friendship Hall. Please consider donating non-perishable food items, hygiene and cleaning supplies.

Did you forget your items? No problem... you can buy a grocery card and donate it.

Click here for NHCO volunteer Opportunities

"Human rights begin in small places, close to home"

-Eleanor Roosevelt

• Where does “world community” begin in my daily life?
• What small local action might serve a larger hope for the world?