This Sunday
Sun., Mar. 24, 9:15 & 11:15am
Can I Get a Witness?
Rev. Amanda Weatherspoon
Minister for Justice & Community Building
All around us we see life longing and yearning for expression. We see our stories reflected on the big and small screen, on the radio, and online — but do we recognize ourselves in one another? How can we create spaces where we can be brave enough to boldly share our fullness with one another? Spaces where we can set aside shame and embarrassment and say to one another "I see you, I hear you — I feel you.”
Contemporary Issues Forum (CC&C), 10:25am, Fireside Room
Insights into Local Central American Communities
Dennis Stinchcomb, AU Latin American/Latino Studies
Dennis Stinchcomb, Assistant Director for Research at American University’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies, will discuss his work on issues related to immigration and Central American gangs. With community and university partners, CLALS is undertaking research to better understand the conditions motivating the migration of Central American minors and their families, their safety and welfare during the journey, and their integration experiences in the U.S. Recent projects have analyzed how communities across the country are addressing the legal, education, health, and social service needs of newcomers. Read more here .

Artist Dave Montgomery’s Photo Abstraction, through Mar. 25, Fellowship Hall
This is the last weekend to enjoy the award-winning photographs of Dave Montgomery, a long-time member of RRUUC and former chair of the Fine Arts Committee. 20% of each purchase is donated to RRUUC. Please contact Linda Button .
March Designated Gift Organization: Shepherd’s Table.
For the last 31 years on the second Tuesday of each month, a team of 12 to 15 people from RRUUC has served dinner at Shepherd’s Table to between 125 and 200 hungry people. This is a way for our congregation to continue its long-standing commitment to Shepherd’s Table and to helping those less fortunate than we are. Please donate any time during March and throughout the year, using any of the following methods: 
  • Check to RRUUC with "Shepherd's Table" in the memo line
  • Online here
  • Text on your smartphone to 73256 with RRUUC in the message
We have not heard from 200 households who pledged last year.… We need YOU! ­­­­­­
About 155 Pledges, so far, have gotten us a little over halfway to our goal, the rest of you can ensure we make it the rest of the way.

We realize it takes time and consideration to make your pledging decision, but please pledge NOW by filling out a pledge form online , or simply fill out a paper form at the Stewardship table on the bridge, so that we can meet our goal by April 1.

You don’t need to have your checkbook or credit card with you; only your commitment of financial support for our community, as you are able. Remember, when we pledge, we pledge for us all and everything we love about RRUUC.

Please let our stewardship members know if you have any questions.

Thank you for your generosity.

Sinaly, Ronnen, and Naren Roy, Campaign Chairs, Stewardship@rruuc.org
Happenings
Register by Mar. 25 for the Group Discussion on Rev. Nancy’s Book, After the Good News , Sun., Mar. 31, 12:30-2:30pm
Gabrielle Farrell, Lead Religious Educator, will lead using a not-yet published study guide written by the author. When registration exceeds 10, additional groups of 10 will form to accommodate everyone. All groups will meet simultaneously with a designated facilitator. Participants are expected to have read the book prior to the discussion. Pre-registration by Mar. 25  is mandatory . Register here. Copies of the book are available in the RRUUC bookstore.

Annual West Virginia Mutligenerational Service Learning Trip, Aug. 3-9
Information Meeting, Sun., Mar. 24, 10:30am, Room 31
This trip to help the people of McDowell County, WV, through Big Creek People in Action , is for anyone, incoming-high-school-freshman and older. Yes, that includes all of the adults, too! We'll work during the days to make homes more warm, dry, and livable. In the evenings, we'll get to experience some of the rich culture of Appalachia. There is a mandatory prep workshop on Sun., Jun. 9, from 11-2:30. Come find out what an incredible experience this trip is at the March 24 Information Meeting! Questions, contact Beth Irikura . Register here by April 3 .
For New Congregants -
Coffee, Cake*, Campaign**, & Questions
(everything you wanted to know about stewardship but haven’t asked)
Sun., Mar. 31, 10:20-11:15am, Fiatfalva Room

You may have heard about RRUUC’s stewardship campaign over the last month. What does it mean to you as a new congregant? We’re here to take the mystery and potential anxiety out of the picture.

If you’re new or new-ish to the congregation, this gathering is for you. Please join Rev. Nancy and others on March 31, between services, for a conversation about your stewardship questions and concerns. Bring the family!

Please let us know you're coming by March 25 ( Sheri Blanchette .)

* Gluten-free options. ** Don’t worry - we won’t ask you for money at the meeting!
Social Justice at RRUUC
Shelter Week, Sun. March 24 – Friday, March 29
As Shelter Week kicks off this Sunday, 154 volunteers from our congregation are gearing up to buy groceries or supplies; cook; bake; make sandwiches; transport food; serve dinner…all to provide a week of meals for the Women’s Shelter in Rockville. Any last-minute questions, please stop by the Shelter Week table in the Fellowship Hall after services or contact Mary Beth Bowen & Judi Croft at ShelterWeek@rruuc.org .

Prayer for Compassion, Movie Field Trip with The Animal Ministry, Sun., Mar. 24, Car pool from RRUUC, 10:30am; New Deal Cafe, Greenbelt, MD. Film starts at noon
Join the Animal Ministry for a showing of  A Prayer for Compassion  in Greenbelt, MD . The movie is a new feature-length documentary that strives to encourage those 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. We will carpool from RRUUC or you can meet us at the venue, leaving after the first service ends at about 10:30am. The event includes Q&A with the film's director and is expected to last until 3pm.

The Earth Ministry Meeting, Sun., Mar. 24, 11:30am-12:30pm, Fiatfalva Room
Join us to learn more about our upcoming Earth Month plans. And save the date, April 14: As part of Earth month events, there will be a CC&C presentation April 14 by Robin Lewis on the impact of environmental issues on the community of color and other marginalized communities in Maryland. The Earth Ministry will meet afterward to discuss Robin’s presentation.

Rally to End Gerrymandering , Tues., Mar. 26, 10am-12pm, Supreme Court Sponsored by the League of Women Voters & co-sponsored by Common Cause
The Supreme Court will hear the LWV redistricting case,  Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina .  Their case is being heard with two other partisan redistricting cases: another from North Carolina and a separate case from our home state of Maryland. It is important that the Court is hearing these cases together, because both Democrats and Republicans in these state legislatures are guilty of drawing election maps that benefit their party. I t is critical that the League turn out support for fair redistricting in these cases. The next round of redistricting starts in 2021, after next year’s census. A decision in these cases will impact how maps are drawn around the country. Sign up here . Click here for more information. Or contact Vonna Heaton or Christine Ladd , RRUUC Actions4Justice co-leads. Join us for the rally!
Announcements
RRUUC's 60th Anniversary: Want to know about the early years!
Curious to learn about RRUUC’s history? R ead about RRUUC’s first 50 years in histories written by Joan Zenzen, RRUUC Member and historian! Find out more about our first 40 years and the 50th anniversary update years.

Annual Meeting, June 2, 2019, 11:15am - Member Voting Requirements
RRUUC bylaws provide that you must qualify as a "voting" member at least 60 days prior to the planned annual meeting, or April 2, 2019. This means that to be a member in good standing and eligible to vote, you must have:
  1. Signed the membership book by April 2, 2019; and
  2. Made a contribution of record to the operating fund within the previous 12 months (June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2019).
If you are a member, or a non-voting member, and haven't yet made a contribution of record in the last 12 months, please send your contribution to our Bookkeeper, Diana Chimes . If you are placing cash in the offering basket, please use an envelope with your name so that you can be properly credited. If you have been considering membership and would like to become a member prior to April 2 or have questions about your membership, please contact Membership Assistant, Naan Pocen , or 301-229-0400 x 118.

Unitarian Universalist Association Annual General Assembly (GA), June 19-23, Spokane, WA
GA is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Register here . Lower early registration fees last until April 30. Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the association through the democratic process. Both of our ministers are scheduled to facilitate workshops!
Opportunities
Know Someone Looking for Childcare Work?
We have a temporary opening this summer in July and August due to vacations. If you know of a college student home for the summer or someone looking for short-term extra work AND who has childcare or babysitting experience....please have them email Gabrielle Farrel l, Lifespan Religious Educator or call 301-229-0400 x 104 by April 1.  Market rates are paid. Extra work may be available as well. Contact Gabrielle for job description and application and you can pass it on. 
Bring people and books together, and meet new people!
Looking for a meaningful volunteer position at RRUUC that requires only about 90 minutes a month? Join us in selling books at the Congregation’s Bookstore in the Fellowship Hall after either the first or second service one Sunday each month. Besides bringing people and books together, you’ll meet new people.  For more information or a copy of bookseller guidelines, email Sheri Blanchette .
In the Community
The Reproductive Justice Initiative, Sun., Mar. 24, All Souls Church, Unitarian, Washington, DC, 9:30 & 11:15am
All Souls is hosting Dr. Willie Parker at two services. Dr. Parker, the author of “Life’s Work: A Moral Argument for Choice,” believes that “[t]alking openly about abortion should be something that happens in church, and not suppressed by religious authorities in the interest of preserving their own power. Women should find healing and understanding in church, not stigma and shame.” Dr. Parker makes a powerful, faithful case for reproductive justice.

Capitol Hill Days 2019, Advocacy Weekend, March 29
Please check out the materials for Capitol Hill Days 2019 advocacy weekend, March 29-April 1, in Washington, D.C. The weekend includes informational sessions on international reproductive health issues and an interactive advocacy training, which will prepare participants for a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill Days is open to anyone, and there is no registration fee. Students are eligible to apply for a travel and housing stipend to cover their costs for the weekend. You can find more information and the registration/application form here .

Bystander Intervention Training, March 30, 2:30pm-4:30 pm, Rachel Carson Elementary School 100 Tschiffely Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Most of us have heard of situations where a person gets harassed for the way they look, often for skin color or religious dress. Have you wondered what you would do if you were present when this happened? This FREE Bystander Intervention Training will teach us how to react in an effective way without escalating tension and with respect to the wishes of the person who is being targeted. More info and tickets by Eventbrite. Co-sponsored by District 17 Democratic Club and DoTheMostGood MoCo.
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