USG Front The CommUUnicator 

W e e k l y   N e w s l e t t e r   o f   t h e

U n i t a r i a n   S o c i e t y   o f   G e r m a n t o w n

 
B u i l d i n g   B e l o v e d   C o m m u n i t y    
w i t h   C o m p a s s i o n ,  S e r v i c e   a n d   E m p o w e r m e n t
 
Week of April 10 - 16, 2014
In This Issue
Service Auction is Here!
Office Closed Mon 4/14 & Thur 4/17
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES & SUNDAY SCHOOL
Share the Plate-UUPLAN
USG Mojo Awards
This Week in Fellowship Hour
Seder Dinner - RSVP Deadline Sat 4/12
Circle Dinners
Family Movie Night
Annual Meeting
Save the Date
Message from Daniel: Sunday School Update
April is RE Teacher Recruitment Month
RE Pop-Up Choir Forming
UU101
Wheel of the Year
Reconciliation Cinema
Flower Communion on Easter Sunday
Annual Pledge Drive is Underway!
Second Service Congregational Survey
Fire Safety Drill
Joining Our Beloved Community
General Assembly: Are you going? Need Rideshare?
AmazonSmile Supports USG
Rebuilding Days a BIG Success!
Public Education News
White Allies Working for Racial Justice
Taking It Home
Wider UU: Looking for Host Families for Exchange Students
Join A Group!
Caring Community
Contact Us
Twitter Logo
FOLLOW Us on Twitter

@USGUU or follow conversation at #USGUU  

 

Follow Kent @KentUSGUU 

Follow Joan @JoanUSGUU

Follow Daniel @DanUSGUU

 

Find us on Facebook  

USG Events Calendar  Curious what's happening at USG this week? Need to find out when and where your committee or group is meeting?
Click here to view USG's calendar.
Calendar logo  

Unitarian Society of Germantown

 

Building the Beloved Community in the Spirit of Life through Compassion, Respect and Empowerment.

 

Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Support USG

 

There are many opportunities to support USG through the payment of your pledge online or the purchasing of goods and services. Click on the following links for more information.

 

Pay Pledge Online

Amazon.com  

 

Deadlines  

Weekly CommUUnicator deadline is Wednesdays at noon. Send your articles via the online Event & Announcement form at http://usguu.org/page/new-event-announcement. Please limit your announcements to 150 words.

 

This Week at USG    


WORLD WIDE WANDERERS

 We have reached our destination!

 

The USG Service Auction is this  

Saturday, April 12



Click here and get a sneak peek of the complete listing of all auction items. 
 

 

 Registration starts at 6:00 pm
 Come in costume, prizes awarded 

 Enjoy delectable appetizers  

 Check-out the poster auctions and silent auction items  

 Live auction begins at 7:15pm  

 Buy raffle tickets for the themed gift baskets and 50/50 drawing 

 Visit the bar for spirits and beverages

 Delicious desserts 

 Admission is $8 per person
 Childcare provided

 

        

NOTE: If you are traveling the world and will not be able to attend the auction, but would still like to bid on one or more items, you're in luck!   Carolyn Cotton will act as "Designated Bidder" for anyone who submits a request.  Please Click here to obtain the "Designated Bidder" form and return to Carolyn or the office prior to the Auction.

   

 

Office Hours During Vacations  

Due to upcoming staff vacations, the church office will have reduced hours from Monday, April 14 through Friday, April 18. Specifically, the office will be closed on Monday, April 14 and Thursday, April 17. Regular hours will resume on Monday, April 21. If you need to visit the church during this time, you may want to call first to make sure that the office is open.
Worship Services & Sunday School 

9:00am & 11:15am

Fellowship Hour 10:00am

Childcare this Sunday is available 8:45am to 12:45pm 

(and other times as scheduled)   

 

This Sunday, April 13
 
In Worship: 
Passover & Easter:
Guides for Healthy Self-Esteem
Reverend Stephen Shick
 
Dayenu ("it would have been enough") is a song that is part of the Jewish holiday of Passover.  Jesus Christ Has Risen Today is a Christian Easter hymn.  These songs and other element of these two powerful religious holidays can guide us to a healthy, balanced, and life giving self-esteem.  To sing "it would have been enough," for example, is to say we must live into the eternal now.  And, in like manner to proclaim that the spirit of love can arise from suffering and defeat, is to witness to the Easter message.  This Sunday we will explore and celebrate these seasonal lessons.

Rev. Stephen Shick is Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson where he served as Senior Minister.  As a parish minister he has also served our congregations in Haverhill, MA and Portland, ME. He is author of two Skinner House books, Be the Change and Consider the Lilies.  

 

9am Music - Tom Schoonmaker, soloist with Mark Daugherty 

11:15am Music - The fabulous USG Choir with Mark Daugherty 

 

 
In Sunday School:
This is our first Sunday exploring the theme of Self-Esteem in our RE Classes 

 

How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle?

 
For a detailed list of what's happening in each class this week in Sunday School, please click here.

 

Childcare for our littlest ones is available for both services, in the Committee Room.

 

To View the Schedule of Classes for Sunday School, Click Here.
 
share the plate Share the Plate--UUPLAN
The Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Advocacy Network - or UUPLAN -will be the recipient of our Share the Plate program on Sunday, April 13.  

UUPLAN brings together UUs from all over Pennsylvania to advocate for social policies and programs that move toward a more just community guided by our UU principles and stances taken by our denomination.  UUPLAN works through six "issue teams":  Anti-Mass Incarceration,  Economic Justice,  Environmental Justice,  Immigration Justice,  LGBT Justice and Reproductive Justice.  Volunteers meet with legislators,  make calls, write letters, and participate in rallies and hearings,most often in coalition with other faith-based and secular allies.  USG has played key leadership roles in UUPLAN since its inception in 2007.
I got my UU Mojo at USG
USG Mojo Awards
Recognizing USG Treasure

Check out "The Treasure" video for the reference
 

This week's MOJO award goes to the fabulous Bernice Webb.

This past year, Bernice joined Jan Eng as co-coordinator of Fellowship Hour and is often found in the kitchen helping the hosts get setup. She is also well-known for her incredible deviled eggs! Bernice, thank you for all you do for USG.We are all inspired by your dedication, energy and attention to detail! 

Thank you for helping USG to be a part of this important work in our community!
Fellowship Hour
Sunday Morning at USG 
 
Every Sunday morning we come together to worship, to greet fellow members and friends, to enjoy a refreshment, volunteer for social justice activities we care about, or attend a meeting or class that interests us. 

Fellowship Hour occurs each week at 10am (between services). Opportunities this week in Fellowship Hour include: 
  • Attend the PEI meeting at 9am (Public Education Initiative) 
  • Attend UU101 at 9:30am in the Daskam Room (see info below) 
  • Stop by the RE table and sign up to be a teacher or leader in the RE program
  • Stop by the Adult Spiritual Development Table and sign up for one of the ASD offerings
  • For information about pledging and to pick up a 2014-15 Pledge Form, see Bill Dowdall.  
  • Sign up to take your turn at being a Fellowship Hour host on a future Sunday (at Welcome Table OR follow link below for VolunteerSpot). It is requested that all USG members volunteer to host Fellowship Hour once each year.
  • Drop off Food Pantry Donations to the cart in the kitchen.

NOTE: Childcare is provided on Sunday mornings from 8:45am through the worship services. Please look for the childcare providers in the Committee Room. 

 

 

We're using VolunteerSpot (the leading online signup and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming activities. Click Here to go to our group page to signup online.

 

Upcoming Events

Seder

Annual Seder Dinner at USG

Saturday, April 19, 5:30-8:30pm

RSVP Deadline Saturday, April 12 

The Annual Seder dinner is one of the spiritual highlights of the year for many of us. An event for all ages, our Seder will celebrate the beginning of Passover and the liberation of Israelites/Jews from the slavery of ancient Egypt.

 

 

Our Seder will consist of:

1. Meal- traditional Jewish food as well as American food (after ritual)

2. Reading from the Haggadah

3. Music, etc

 

Please bring a bottle of Kosher wine or apple cider to share. The cost for the dinner is $20 for adults and $10 for children. You will make payment on our website at usguu.org or when coming to the dinner that evening. To attend, click here to fill out the online RSVP form by Saturday, April 12. 

 

In addition, we are looking for volunteers to help with setup, serving and clean up for the dinner. When you RSVP, please let us know if you can serve in one of those capacities.

 

For more information, please contact Ilene Klein by email ileneklein1@verizon.net or Daniel Gregoire dfd@usguu.org.

 

We hope you will join us for this very special evening.

Celebrate Spring with Fellowship

Attend a Circle Dinner
Saturday, May 10
RSVP By Sunday, April 27  

 

Circle dinners are dinners held in the homes of church members and friends. These are small group potlucks where each guest brings food or drink to share. The host supplies a warm and inviting setting and organizes who brings what. You'll have an opportunity to meet new people and perhaps get to know better someone you've known for years.

Our third dinner for this church year will be held Saturday, May 10. Signups will be on April 20th and 27th during the fellowship hour after church at the Visitor Table. Also, you may email Margaret Kinnevy at kinnevy@gmail.com, call her at 215-848-8157 or talk to her at church. We will be taking reservations through April 27th.

**We are especially in need of hosts. If you are able to host, please let us know when you sign up**

 

Family Movie Night 

Friday, May 2, at 6:30 pm
Join us for a screening of The Secret World of Arrietty in the Assembly Room at USG.


Popcorn and drinks will be provided by the RE Committee. For more information, contact Jessica Slivak at (215) 460-0522 or at jmslivak@gmail.com

Annual Meeting Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 18 at 12:30 pm 

This year's annual meeting is set for Sunday, May 18 at 12:30pm.

In addition to congregational awards for the 2013-2014 church year and election of 2014-2015 Board members, there will be an update on the second service initiative, a vote on a change to the By-laws for the length of service of the Nominating Committee, and other church news.

 

It will help greatly with planning if you RSVP to the office at  admin@usguu.org or 215-844-1157.

 

A light lunch will be available for purchase prior to the meeting. Childcare will be provided and a bag lunch for small children will be available for purchase. If you will need childcare, please indicate that and indicate the number and ages of your children with your RSVP.

 

The new Board of Trustees Nominees for 2014-15 are: Linda Brunn, Scott Wolkenberg, and Judy Rodes. Click Here to read biographies for our Board Nominees. (The Nominating Committee nominees will be elected during the fall 2014 Annual Meeting.)

Save the Date

 

The All Church Retreat at Camp Innabah          May 31 and June 1
Faith Development
null A Message from Daniel Gregoire, DFD

 

Dear Parents,

 

This past Sunday, the children who participated in the Social Justice Sunday program planted a butterfly/pollinator garden demonstrating our belief in the 7th principle, respect for the interdependent web of life. Gail Mershon from the Green Sanctuary Committee was our guest and explained the importance of providing habitat for these insects. This project was intended to add to our efforts from last year certifying the USG grounds a National Wildlife Backyard Habitat. 

 

If you are interested in learning more and planting a small garden at your home, you can visit the following websites:

 

http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/ and http://www.pollinator.org

 

We planted milkweed and a mix of wildflowers that specifically attract pollinators.

 

Happy Spring!

April is RE Teacher Recruitment Month
Visit our Recruitment Table

Please join us on Sundays in April to explore the exciting opportunities in the Children's RE Program for the 2014-15 Church Year.

 

There will be a table set up during Fellowship Hour and after the 11:15am service with postings in our Pre-K through High School program. Volunteers teach no more than 2 Sundays a month starting in September, and are supported by the Director of Faith Development and Lead Teachers.

 

This is a fantastic way to grow your spiritual practice and share your gifts by helping our fantastic children learn the stories, principles, ethics and values that are the heart of our Unitarian Universalist tradition. (And, this is not limited to current parent/guardians, we encourage all to participate!)

 

Join the USG members who already volunteer in RE. Opportunities include: Teaching the younger children based on the theme of the month, Social Justice activities* and Children's Chapel*, Our Whole Lives, Coming of Age mentors* and Youth Advisers*


* areas of greatest need

RE Recognition Sunday:  

Pop-Up Choir Forming Soon...

The Children Religious Education Pop-Up Choir will be forming soon to sing at the 6/15 RE Recognition Sunday. Rehearsals will be led by our Music Director Mark Daugherty and Daniel Gregoire on 5/15, 5/22 and 6/8. If your child is interested in joining the Pop-Up Choir please contact Daniel Gregoire at dfd@usguu.org. Children can rehearse in person at USG or via recording online.
UU101 UU101 - Introduction to Unitarian Universalism

Sunday, April 13, 9:30 - 10:45am 

 

UU-101 is a one-hour introduction to Unitarian Universalism for visitors and new members. It is held on the second Sunday of each month in the Daskam Room (second floor), and childcare is provided. Attendees will receive a free copy of The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide. If you wish to attend, please RSVP by the Friday before. For more information or to RSVP, contact group leaders Howard Silver at (215-884-2734), or Linda Bernstein at (215-842-0560) or email uu101@usguu.org.


Imbolc Celebration

Wheel of the Year

Wednesdays: 4/23, 4/30, 5/7 and 5/14 7:30-9:00pm

Led by Dennis Strain

The darkness of winter, the promise of spring, the energy of summer and the changes of fall - all resonate within us as they have for thousands of years. We explore the seasons and the ancient celebrations that connect to their energies in a four session course - one for each season.

 

Registration and Contribution per course to participate:
$10 members
$15 friends and visitors

To Register, visit usguu.org/asd 

Movie Event

Reconciliation Cinema
Tuesday, May 13, 7 - 9:00 pm

Led by Carla Campbell, Marietta Tanner  

and Kay Weiser

The Ending Racism Committee will show the last in a series of films related to our American history of racial discrimination and injustice.  This will be followed by discussion of the material presented and how it relates to our UU principles as we promote an anti-racism and anti-oppression agenda.

 

Registration and Contribution per course to participate:
$10 members
$15 friends and visitors

To Register, visit usguu.org/asd 

News and Announcements
flower-bunch.jpg Flowers for Easter Worship Services

On Sunday, April 20, our Easter Service will see the return of a well-beloved tradition of Flower Communion developed by Unitarians in the Czech Republic. Please be sure to have each member of your family bring a flower of your choosing to participate in this multi-generational family celebration.

 

Members of the Middle School and High School Youth Groups are invited to share readings and participate in other parts of the worship service at both the 9:00 and 11:15am. Please see Daniel Gregoire for details. 

pastel lighted chalice 2014-15 Pledge Drive Update

Last week the first Stewardship Honor Roll was posted.Thank you to all of you!If you were not on that list, it is because YOU HAVE NOT MADE A PLEDGE YET!!So join that proud group that has proclaimed their financial support of USG for the fiscal year 2014-15.You can do this!! 

 

In gratitude,

Leni, Bill, Maura, Mark, and Paul

 

To pledge online, follow this link. You may also download a pledge form by

Second Service Horizontal Logo
Feedback on Second Service Wanted -Congregational Survey
 

Please click on this link Second Service Survey and fill out the Congregational Survey to share your experience with USG's additional Sunday service.

 

Initiated in September, 2013, our goals in moving to two services were to provide a continued excellent QUALITY of worship and more DIVERSE opportunities for worship.  We tried to keep in our minds not only who USG is today but who we hope to be tomorrow. The model we designed was one that was feasible financially and drew upon our own resources and talents to meet those two goals.

 

It is important we hear from as many people as possible to plan for the next few years. As mentioned above, you may click here to complete the survey. RE families are especially encouraged to give their feedback about the RE program.  

 

Second Service Task Force: Linda Brunn, Alan Windle, Susan Smith, Daniel Gregoire, Kent Matthies

Fire Safety Drill
Scheduled for Sunday, April 27

Yes, we will be having our yearly fire drill. The date is 4/27. The drill will be conducted at the end of each service, and instructions will be given immediately before the alarm is sounded. Thank you for your cooperation. 

signing bookJoining Our Beloved Community

Are you a visitor to USG who is ready to take the next step?  Our next Membership signing is May 11 and we'd love to have you join our Beloved Community. There are two classes to take before signing the book - please stop by the Welcome Table or email Jenn Leiby, welcome@usguu.org, to let us know you're ready to join and find out what the next steps are.


Planning to attend General Assembly? 
This year, the UUA General Assembly is scheduled for June 25-29 in Providence, Rhode Island. (more information available at http://uua.org/ga/

We are gathering names of folks who are planning to attend so that the group can arrange carpooling and meet-up options. To add your name to the list of GA attendees, please send a note to Gloria or Lida in the office at admin@usguu.org or call 215-844-1157. Please include your name and contact information for before and during the conference, i.e. email, cellphone, text, etc., the dates you plan to attend, and if you are looking to rideshare.

The Ware Lecture on Saturday evening is a highlight. This year the Ware Lecturer will be Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK and well-known for the recent "Nuns on the Bus" tour across the United States. Sister Simone is not to be missed!

 
Shop at AmazonSmile. Support USG!
Click Here to Begin
  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Unitarian Society Of Germantown whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com. 

 

Social Justice

USG Rebuilding Days a Big Success

Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help a homeowner in Mantua the last two Saturdays.We made a big difference to our homeowner, Sean Petree, and to the whole neighborhood (great cleaning out of a vacant lot next door!)Highlight of the effort was installing a tongue and groove floor on the entire first floor.

 

Pictured here are Barbara Dowdall, Sarah Frazier, Judy Rodes, Jill Murray, Daniel Gregoire, Evan Gzesh, Gerry Whelan, Richard Bernat, Scott Murray, Van Cherington, Victor Ginsburg and Jim Salom.Not pictured are volunteers Charles Gabriel, Mark Thompson, Walt Ceglowski, Ken Eng, Alan Windle and Gale Gibbons.Thanks to Linda Bernstein and Eli Scearce for doing the leg work on the home this year, and organizing the volunteers.

 

And thanks to the wonderful response to the share the plate appeal - $1700 was donated to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia!  What a generous congregation!

books
Public Education Initiative News 

The Philadelphia public school crisis continues! Many are looking for opportunities to be informed, offer help and advocate for change. See below! There are lots of ways to get involved. Our next PEI meeting will be at 9am on April 13th. 
 

  • Lingelbach Home & School Association Boxtops Submission Deadline
  • PEI magazine collection for schools without libraries: Every Sunday in Fellowship Hour 

White Allies Working For Racial Justice

Friday May 30, 2014 at 6:00pm to Saturday May 31, 2014 at 5:00pm

UU Church of the Restoration

6900 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150

Come join us for a weekend workshop on whiteness.Participants will deepen their understanding of whiteness and the forces that have shaped our own personal racial identities.We will explore the dynamics of white identity and privilege in the age of President Obama and the changing demographics of our country.We will discuss ways to be allies to People of Color, to end racism in white controlled institutions, and to shape anti-racist identity and practice within ourselves and the people in our lives.

 

For more information and to register, click here.

For additional opportunities to work on issues regarding white privilege, please contact Gail Mershon (609-488-0546,
gailmershon@gmail.com) and Kay Weiser (215-725-5918, kweiser7825@verizon.net).
Taking It Home
 Reflection - Action - Resources
 
 
 
 


April's Worship and Small Group Ministry theme is Self-Esteem          
                     
A link may also be found on the usguu.org home page in the
Taking It Home box. Click the SGM page for more info and past topics. 
Coming up in May, the theme is Civility.
    
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
To view videos of past sermons, go to the video section on our website (usguu.org/video) or go to our YouTube page at  www.youtube.com/user/usguutv
Listen to Podcasts of Sunday Sermons at USG Podcasts, or go to our homepage at usguu.org and click on Podcasts in the right hand column. 

Our Wider UU Community

Exchange Student Programs Looking for Local Hosts

 

Two programs that serve our local community and neighborhoods are looking for hosts for international students.

 

International Education Opportunities (IEO) in Jenkintown, PA provides carefully selected middle and high-school age international students the opportunity to study at US private schools and to experience American culture through living with individuals and families. (some of the students attend local schools such as Germantown Friends School). Placements range from a few weeks to one year. Compensation is provided. Click here to view a flyer on the program and for contact information. Reena Sharp reena@ieopps.com or 215-517-6000. www.internationaleducationopportunities.com 

 

Compass USA is looking for volunteers to host international students. Any family that hosts with Compass USA is eligible for a FULL scholarship for their child(ren) to travel abroad. For more information, click here. Click Here to see an informational video about hosting (7 minutes). Contact Keisha Whatley, Program Coordinator, keisha.whatley@gmail.com or call 267-625-0572 www.compass-usa.net

Join A Group 

Get Involved! Meet Fellow UU'S! 

 

Follow links below to join and find out more information about the events and groups at USG that occur at least once a month. 

 

 

Drumming CircleDrumming Circle - Sunday, April 13, 7:00pm   

 

Ending RacismEnding Racism Meeting - Sunday, May 4, 9:00am                                                      

Bookgroup Friday Morning Book Group - April 18, 10:30am   Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garc�a M�rquez. F. 348 pgs. DL: Sarah West. (For more information about this month's book, click here)
 

 Men's RetreatMen's Group - Tuesday, April 15, 7:30pm 

 

Needle ExchangeNeedle Exchange  - Monday, May 12, 7:30pm  

  

 

Young Adults

Contact, Cat Johnson, therineca@yahoo.com or Sarah Napolitan hbsm@iup.edu

 

Our Caring Community

caring squareWe Celebrate and Share our Joy with....

 

 

...Rev. Mara Dowdall and her parents, Bill Dowdall and Barbara McDowell Dowdall as Mara was installed as the first female "settled" minister at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington, a 204-year old congregation. To read an article about Mara's installation this Sunday, click here. 


 

Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With . . .   

 

...Kathy Sheeder Bonanno has stepped down from her teaching position at Musehouse for the time being while she is undergoing treatment, but is staying involved as Board President and hopes to resume her duties in the future. Kathy extends her apologies for being hard to reach to her USG friends. She hopes folks will understand her lack of availability right now. She again expressed her appreciation for the many kindnesses shown by the USG community since her cancer diagnosis in November. If you are interested in being alerted when the family has a need to fill, please register at the Lotsahelpinghands link here for the Kathy Sheeder Bonanno and Family Circle of Support:  https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/711730/ 


...Monae Klein-Scearce
, an active member of our High School Youth group and periodic childcare worker, is resting well at home following Cochlear implant surgery. Monae is in the care of her parents Ilene and Eli and brother Tahmeer. She is well down the road to recovery following the planned medical procedure to improve her hearing.

 

...Bill Hoyt and Beth York and their family
. Bill returned home last week after a few weeks of recovery following surgery for a vascular disorder. He is doing well. Cards, calls and emails are welcome.

 

 

If you are aware of any joys or concerns that should be part of our caring system, please let us know. You can contact Rev. Kent Matthies, Sarah West or Linda Bernstein.  

Contact Us

Reverend Kent Matthies, Minister - kmatthies@usguu.org
Gloria Guldager Smith, Church Administrator & Lida Holota, Asst. Administrator - admin@usguu.org 
Daniel Gregoire, Director of Faith Development - dfd@usguu.org
Joan Javier-Duval, Consulting Minister - consultingminister@usguu.org
Mark Daugherty, Music Director - musicdirector@usguu.org
Carolyn Cotton, Rental Coordinator - rental@usguu.org 
Mike Rogers, Sunday Morning and Special Events Sexton - sexton@usguu.org  
 
6511 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119-3625
Telephone: 215-844-1157 ~ Website: www.usguu.org