River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation
To grow and deepen in Fellowship, Spirit, and Service
eWeekly
May 2-9, 2019
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Sun., May 5, 9:15 & 11:15am
Believing and Beholding
Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Senior Minister
Is there a difference between belief and experience? Which is more important in our religious and spiritual lives, and what if what we believe and what we behold are different?
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Joining Ceremony, Sun., May 5, after both services, Sanctuary
Have you been participating with us for a while now? Have you considered becoming a member? This is a chance for you to do so. If you'd like to participate in the ceremony, please email
Naan Pocen
, our Membership Assistant. The Joining Ceremony
begins on the stage after both services. Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, a member from the Board of Trustees, and Naan Pocen will be there to welcome you to the fold.
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Contemporary Issues Forum (CC&C), 10:25am, Fireside Room
Opioids, Cannabis & Alcohol: Treatments for Our Brain’s Addictions
George Kolodner, M.D., Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers
Opioid addiction is one of our major health crises, and solutions are urgently needed. Medical marijuana is becoming more popular since legalization, but addiction remains a concern. And alcohol addiction is always with us. Dr. Kolodner, an addiction psychiatrist, designed and implemented the first Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program in the country in the early 70’s. He will share observations on all aspects of addiction, including the current “third wave” of the opioid epidemic; the neurologic cross-over between opioid and alcohol addiction; new discoveries about the endogenous cannabinoid system in the brain; and the genetics of addiction. Read more
here
.
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Spring Services Silent Auction
What are you donating?
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Sunday is the day! Last day to donate! Spring into Auction!
River Road’s Spring Services Silent Auction is our number one destination for newcomers and long-time RRUUCers alike to meet others while sharing something you enjoy. It’s also a chance to donate your time and talents to help benefit your congregation and its mission.
What should I donate?
Past items have included: music lessons, gardening, a stargazing party, a museum tour, baby sitting, kayaking lessons, tutoring, hiking & picnic, photography portrait, “theme” baskets filled with goodies, hosting a special dinner or dessert party in your home (wine tasting, Indian cuisine, vegetarian, chocolate tasting), time at a vacation property and handmade items, such as a blanket, knitted hat. Be creative; think of something NEW!
Donate Now! Last chance to make your donations:
- Online, fast and easy, at charityauction.bid/rruucauction.
- TODAY on the Bridge
Silent Auction Bidding begins next Sunday, May 12,
and ends Sunday, May 26 in the Fellowship Hall
Come each Sunday to make sure you are still the highest bidder on those items that you have to have!
Email
auction@rruuc.org
if you have any questions or want to be part of making this fun happen! Plenty of space for you to get involved!
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The Great RRUUC Bake Off!
Sun. June 9, after the service
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The Great RRUUC Bake Off!
Sun., June 9, after the service - Save the Date!
Complete with guest judges, entertainment, and cake-tasting, we’ll give awards for taste and presentation as we auction off our delectable delights. Watch this space to learn more about our chef-testants, what they’re baking, and how you can win a cake - even the cake that takes the first place prize!
And that's not all! During the Great RRUUC Bake Off, children and youth will have their very own cookie decorating contest
. Prizes for most artistic, most creative, and best use of flavors.
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Mindful Knitters, Sun., May 5, after services, Fellowship Hall
Regular Gathering, Tues., May 7, 7:30pm, Room 30
Don't forget to bring your knitting and join in the knitting table (with the yarn centerpiece) after the services. Please share any tales from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Yeah! it is that time of year again. Our next meeting is two days later, Tuesday May 7, 7:30pm, Room 30. New knitters are welcome at all gatherings.
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Pastel Paintings by Artist, Jean Hirons, show ends this Sunday, May 5, Fellowship Hall
Long-time RRUUC member Jean Hirons is exhibiting pastel paintings featuring scenes from New England and the Mid-Atlantic, with many from her hometown of Mattapoisett, MA. Jean is a teacher of pastel and also the author of a popular book on the medium. Jean began her artistic career at RRUUC and is excited about having her first show here in ten years. For more information, contact Jim Heaney,
jheaney@heaneycougar.com
.
Mothers’ Resonance Matters
, Free Concert, Sun., May 12, 6-7:30pm, Sanctuary
Join us for this free concert celebrating the resonance of mothers and their children, with music for voice, two guitars, cello, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and five crystal bowls. The music will include songs and pieces by, about, and for mothers and their children. Performers include singers and musicians from the RRUUC musical community and beyond.
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Spring Music Service
Sun., May 19, 9:15 & 11:15am
Please join us for our annual Spring Music Service! We will present a program of choral works and readings that celebrate the sacredness of our planet,
Songs and Prayers of the Earth
. Hear the glorious sounds of our choir as they perform pieces by Haydn, Bobby McFerrin, Malcolm Dalglish, and several new works by Clif Hardin.
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RRUUC All-Congregation Retreat Announcement!
Save the Date: April 18-19, 2020
The Retreat Committee is excited to announce that, after considering River Roaders' ideas for a new retreat, we have found a beautiful site for our next all-congregation Retreat at the West River Retreat Center, near Annapolis. This Sunday, visit our Retreat table in the Fellowship Hall to see pictures of the beautiful Retreat Center and
sign up to attend the Retreat.
There is a lot to do in the coming year to make this happen! If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful, all-ages experience
, please email
retreat@rruuc.org.
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The Latest Stewardship Update
Thank you to all who have pledged!
Generous congregants have pledged a total of $922,618. We are creeping toward our goal of $1,000,000. If you haven't yet pledged, we welcome your
pledge form now.
Whether large or modest, your contribution matters! Our grand total will be announced at May 12 services. Please feel free to contact us at
Stewardship@rruuc.org
if you have questions or would like to talk about your pledge.
Thank you, friends, for your support,
Sinaly, Ronnen, and Naren Roy,
Campaign Chairs
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The Latin America Task Force Network Fiesta, Sat., May 4, 6-10pm, RRUUC
Buy Tickets
Online.
Don't miss out!
Bring the entire family! Break the Pinata is at 6:30pm. Have a delicious Latin meal by chef Mariano Ramos. Enjoy the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico.
This year's recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award is Cedar Lane UU Church for their physical Sanctuary Program.
Buy tickets or make a donation
online.
Tickets also at the door.
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How to Buy Green Electricity: An Earth Ministry Seminar
“Green” electricity is a great way to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. Maryland or DC residents can buy electricity from a certified “Green-e” company that makes electricity entirely from wind or solar energy. Your transmission company (Pepco, in most cases) will not change, and you’ll continue to receive a single monthly bill from Pepco. Learn more about “green” electricity at one of two free seminars: 1) Sun., May 5, 11:15am-12:15pm. Fiatfalva Room, or 2) Sun., May 12, 10:15am-11:15am, Room 30. For best results, bring a copy of your most recent Pepco bill. Contact:
Bruce Davis.
A Prayer for Compassion,
Animal Ministry Task Force Movie & Lunch, Sun., May 5
This new, feature-length documentary encourages people who are already on a spiritual path to expand their circle of compassion to embrace all life, regardless of species, and make choices in alignment with this value. The film is free. A light vegan lunch will be available for purchase ($10/adult, $5/child under 13) from 12:30 to 1pm, with the film to follow. Contact
Leigh Scott
to reserve a lunch.
Lutheran Social Services Breakfast, Thurs., May 23, 7:30-9am, Hyattsville
RRUUC partnered with LSS to sponsor an Afghan family in 2017. Some of us will be joining their annual breakfast. This is a free event, though opportunities to donate will happen. They will talk about all their programs.
Travel Opportunities to Visit RRUUC’s Partner Churches
If you have ever considered a trip to visit the Unitarian homeland in Transylvania, where our shared faith began 450 years ago, or the Khasi Hills in India, where a special branch of Unitarianism took root more than a century ago, take note of the special opportunities to travel for the last time to these places with the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council's long-time travel guides, John and Csilla Dale, who will retire after the upcoming travel season. The UUPCC is offering a trip to Transylvania in the fall (Sep. 21-Oct. 3) for the amazing price of only $1300 (excluding airfare, but including hotel and most meals). The trip to India will take place in March 2020. Each trip would include a visit to a congregation that is partnered with RRUUC. Want more information? Email
partnerchurch@rruuc.org
, visit
www.uupcc.org
, or ask any member of the Partner Church Committee for details.
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May's Designated Gift Organization: AIM (Action in Montgomery)
RRUUC has been a major funder for AIM since joining in 2013. AIM is a nonpartisan, interfaith community power organization of 25 churches, congregations, mosques, and PTAs. Through community actions and meetings with elected officials, AIM works to increase the county's affordable housing, expand after-school programs, and support justice for immigrant families. Please donate any time during May and throughout the year, using any of these methods:
- Check to RRUUC with "AIM" in the memo line.
- Online from a bank account or credit card using this link.
- Text on your smartphone to 73256 with RRUUC in the message line.
- Phone: Give with a debit or credit card by calling Diana Chimes, 301-229-0400 x114.
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Looking to Connect, Grow, Learn?
Please consider volunteering with our RE program for a wonderful opportunity to connect with the RRUUC community, learn UU values with our youth, and have fun! Visit the RE table in the Lounge this Sunday after services or contact
REinfo@rruuc.org
.
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Wellspring Sources
: Introduction Class, Beginning September
"What will you do with this one wild and precious life?”
asks the poet Mary Oliver.
Wellspring
is a 10-month program of distinctly Unitarian Universalist spiritual development designed to help participants answer this provocative question. It offers an opportunity for spiritual deepening that leads to more joyful living, increased congregational leadership or participation, and faithful justice-making in
a
person's life and community
.
Components include: 1) Small group meeting 2x/mos; 2) daily individual spiritual practices; 3) meeting with a spiritual director; and 4) gaining a deeper knowledge of the history and theology of Unitarian Universalism. Class meets two Tuesdays/month at 7pm and is led by congregant and graduate, David Banks. Talk to any of the 19 people who took it last year (many of whom are signing up for the 2
nd
session led by Beth Irikura) who will highly recommend it.
You must be able to attend the September 7 retreat.
Register
here
soon!
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What are you doing Sundays?
Do you have 30 minutes to spare before or after a service on any given Sunday? Would you consider being a greeter at the entrance before the service or after the service at the Fellowship Hall during coffee hour? If so, contact the Membership Assistant,
Naan Pocen
,
to find out what it entails. Youth volunteers strongly encouraged.
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Seeking a Half-time Director of Music, Unitarian Universalist Church (UUCR), Reston, VA. Position Available August 1, 2019
Join this rapidly growing congregation as a senior staff member beginning in August 2019. UUCR has grown more than forty percent in the past two years and was just selected as a 2019 UUA Breakthrough Congregation for creating the first ever Reston Pride festival.
Click here for a job description
for this newly expanded position. Cover letter and resumes should be sent to
info@uureston.org
by May 10, 2019. Only candidates with a minimum of three to five years’ experience directing choirs and instrumental groups will be considered.
UU Summer Camp in Frederick, Jun. 24-28, from 9am-4pm, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Frederick
The Unitarian Universalist Congregations of Frederick and Rockville, MD, are partnering to offer a camp for rising 1st-6th graders and for 7th-8th graders as "Counselors in Training." High schoolers interested in working as camp counselors should email the Directors. The goal of UU Summer Camp is for campers to experience connection, beloved community, practicing peace, respect for the earth, and joyful living! Cost: $125 for 1 child and $106 for each additional child. Email the Directors for scholarship information at
dreuufrederick@gmail.com
or
cmiller@uucr.org.
Register at
frederickuu.org/camp.
Voices from the Holy Land Film Festival continues May 11, 2:30pm, Washington National Cathedral
A coalition of over eighty interfaith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, Quaker) and interdenominational organizations in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region, including RRUUC, supports this film festival. It features films that provide riveting and moving personal recollections of both Palestinians and Israelis. Attend the full series or only those you wish to see. Screenings will be followed by audience discussions. Free, no tickets or reservations required. For more information on the films, go to
voicesfromtheholyland.org
and
facebook.com/VoicesHolyLand.
Allyship Workshop, May 7 and 14, 7-10pm, UU Church of Arlington
Service Never Sleeps
(SNS), a local non-profit organization that empowers communities through service and allyship, is offering its Allyship training for the community. Hosted at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington (UUCA), this workshop will teach you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities, and how to actively influence and educate others. This is not just “another racial justice workshop.” Most people walk out of this workshop saying it was the most impactful racial justice workshop they’ve ever taken in terms of how it helps them reflect on their own implicit bias while also providing actionable steps for how to act with friends, family, or strangers when they witness racism. This workshop is split between two nights and participants are required to attend both nights. Sign up
here
. Contact
Alex Ziehm
if you have questions.
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Deadline is Tuesday, midnight, for that week.
News is edited for clarity, brevity, and style.
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River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation | 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 | 301-229-0400 | office@rruuc.org | www.rruuc.org
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