River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation
To grow and deepen in Fellowship, Spirit, and Service
eWeekly
July 11-18, 2019
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This Sunday: One Service at 10am
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July 14, 10am, One Service
Creation Lives!
April 2020 will mark the 50th annual celebration of Earth Day in the United States. That means there are nearly two whole generations of earthlings incorporating this type of appreciation and learning into their lives. We have made great strides and also grave mistakes. How do we celebrate the Earth while facing the realities of its destruction? How do we cope with the losses and also make a positive impact? Join guest preacher,
Christin Green
, to explore life-giving responses to our planet.
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Extend the Offering, Sun., July 14
July’s Designated Gift Organization: Safe Streets
Join RRUUC’s Prevent Gun Violence Task Force (PGV) to help reduce the shooting in Baltimore.
Alex Long keeps people from killing one another in his Baltimore neighborhood. His sister died of gunshot wounds there just a few years ago. With the second highest murder rate in the nation, a resident of Baltimore is five times more likely to be killed with a gun there than in DC.
This Sunday, we have an opportunity to extend our offering to help Alex and his fellow violence interrupters at Safe Streets McElderry Park reduce gun violence by finding jobs for young people who want to stop selling drugs.
Guns have killed at least 119 people in Baltimore since January. The number of killings is rising, but Johns Hopkins research says it could be much lower with more funds from us.
Please attend next week’s service and give generously. If you’re unable to come, you can give anytime during July by:
- Check: made out to RRUUC with “SSMP” in the memo line.
- Online: Click here. Use Prevent Gun Violence fund. Type “SSMP” in the memo line.
- Phone: debit or credit card; please call the office, 301-229-0400.
- Text-to-Give: 73256 with the message RRUUC; select Prevent Gun Violence fund and enter your gift amount.
Visit the PGV table in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday to learn more.
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Are you thinking of becoming an
RRUUC Member
? Are you ready to become one?
Joining Ceremony, after the service (11am), Sanctuary
If you have been a participant with us for a while now, it is our hope that you have found your time here pleasant thus far. If you have considered becoming a
Member
then this is a chance for you to do so. You are invited to our next joining ceremony this Sunday. If you'd like to participate in the ceremony, please email
Naan Pocen
, our Membership Assistant, so that we can prepare for your welcome. Meet on the stage after the service. A member from the Board of Trustees and Naan will be there to welcome you to the fold!
Earth Ministry Meeting, 11:15am-12:30pm, Room 25
Everyone is invited to the meeting. Topics include: 1) the development of a Spirituality in Nature Group as part of the Earth Ministry, 2) our work on promoting clean energy for congregation members and plans for workshops on the many ways to draw down emissions, and 3) renewable issues at the RRUUC Bazaar.
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Tool Drive for WV Big Creek People in Action
Did you recently upgrade your DIY tools? Have some old drills or hammers gathering dust? Donate them to our partners in McDowell County, West Virginia,
Big Creek People in Action
. Our group will deliver (and likely use) them when they go there on their service learning trip in August.
Here's a
list of acceptable tools
that you may like to donate.
Drop them off outside of Room 32. Questions? Contact
Beth Irikura
, Religious Educator for Youth.
Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) and Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East's Petition
At the June Unitarian Universalist General Assembly, an AIW was passed by a vote of 600 to 3 calling on UUs and UU organizations to support our constitutionally protected right to boycott and oppose over 100 measures targeting the use of boycotts in support of Palestinian human rights. Sign the Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East's petition calling on Congress to oppose such measures
here
.
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The Ferguson 5th Year Commemoration
RRUUC is hosting a series of offerings related to the tragedy resulting in the “Ferguson Uprising”. Through films/discussions, a community-building vigil and a justice-focused sermon, we’ll pause, remember, reflect and re-commit to moving forward, stronger, together. Find more info
here
. The next event is:
Film:
Whose Streets?,
Sun., July 21,
11:30am-2pm, Room 30
Sponsored by Racial Justice Task Force (RJTF)
Educating4Change Pathway
Learn more about the Ferguson uprising that followed the killing of a young African American man by a white police officer in August 2014. Praised as a portrait of activism, this documentary film captures the challenges and frustrations of residents who struggle daily with racism yet find the courage to work together and fight back to effect social change. Following the film, we will discuss the powerful impact of this kind of direct storytelling. Free. A $5 donation will be appreciated. Please plan to bring a bag lunch. Register
here
.
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Actions to protest ICE raids
and cruel treatment of children in detention
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Lights for Liberty Vigil to End Human Detention Centers, Fri., July 12, 7-10pm, White House
(Lafayette Square)
Lights For Liberty is a nationwide vigil to End Human Detention Camps. Attend the vigil/rally at the White House to demand action from Congress to end human detention and impeach the President. More info and rsvp for this
nationwide effort here
. Please bring a battery-operated candle available at dollar stores 2/$1. Some will be available at the event for purchase. UUs will be gathering at the General Thaddeus Statue. UU Facebook info
here
.
Accompaniment Training, Wed., July 17, 6:30-8:30pm, Christ Congregational Church, 9525 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20901
Sanctuary DMV is hosting training for volunteers interested in accompanying migrants to ICE check-ins or immigration court appointments. Please
register here
if you would like to attend.
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Donate
to these or any of the many organizations trying to provide legal aid to immigrants and children in detention at the border:
“Know Your Rights” awareness campaigns
are being planned. These are for those who have the language proficiency to go to vulnerable communities and remind them that they do not have to open the door, sign anything or give any information. They can remain silent; they have a right to a lawyer. We will be sharing further details next week.
Read Unitarian Universalist Association President Susan Frederick-Gray's call to action
here.
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Shout-outs & Announcements
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Stopping the the Alt-right
River Roaders joined allies and partners from around the region in response to alt-right and white nationalist groups who gathered in Washington DC on Saturday, July 6. Pictured are David Ward, Barb Nooter, and Rob Nooter, who represented RRUUC at the rally.
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Thank you to Joe Saliunas
A big thank you to Joe Saliunas for all the hard work on the grounds uncovering the water drainage system and taming the entire grounds.
Joe is the chair of the Grounds Committee and a member of the Building Committee and the Earth Ministry (and he has a super green thumb!).
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Congratulations to Charlotte Jones Carroll!
At the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ)'s Annual Meeting on June 15 the Board approved Charlotte Jones Carroll as Board Secretary. Charlotte is a long-time RRUUC Member and ardent social justice advocate. In addition to her UUSJ work, Charlotte is involved many of our social justice groups and is the chair of the Immigration and Refugee Justice Team.
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The Few
, Unexpected Stage, July 11-August 4, Fireside Room
The Helen Hayes-nominated professional theater, Unexpected Stage Company, returns to present
The Few
,
by MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Samuel Hunter. It is a "compassionate, gentle-hued drama about lonely lives. RRUUCers get discounted tickets ($15)! Buy tickets
here.
New Unitarian Universalist Association Catalog
What does the UUA do for our congregation? Check out this handy new catalog highlighting the various services and programs offered by the Association. You can find and download it here:
www.uua.org/amplifyuu
. It’s pretty and descriptive; happy reading!
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Members and Friends Art Show, Fellowship Hall, through Labor Day
Enjoy art created by our talented members and friends.
Bazaar 2019 and Summertime Travels
If you are visiting family and friends this summer, ask them if they have special items to donate to RRUUC’s Bazaar (11/2/19). One great way you can support the Bazaar is to find some treasures for our Silent Auction. Bestsellers include: better jewelry, sterling silver, framed/higher quality original art, musical instruments, Roseville or Rookwood pottery vases, high quality crystal and glassware, Oriental rugs, handmade quilts, designer purses, newer gaming systems, American Girl dolls, vintage toys, and unusual, unique items. Contact
bazaar2019@rruuc.org
with questions or suggestions.
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 participants an opportunity for spiritual deepening that leads to more joyful living, increased congregational leadership or participation, and faithful justice-making in their lives and communities. Components include: 1) small group meeting twice a month, 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. Meets two Tuesdays a month at 7pm and is led by congregant and graduate David Banks. Talk to any of the 19 people who took it last year who will highly recommend it.
You must be able to attend the September 7 retreat. Register
here
!
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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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