UUCG NEWS
For January 2021
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Embracing a free and responsible search for truth and meaning while demonstrating our strong belief in the interdependent web of all existence.
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Folks, we are going to make it to 2021! We still will have some dark times and will need to stay vigilant in controlling this horrible Coronavirus. But we have a new administration coming in THIS month – and that gives many of us great hope. I try not to be political from the pulpit or in the newsletter but whether we identify as Republican, Democrat, Independent, or something else, I think most of us realize that the end of the reign of #45 is a good, good, thing for us all. So, I have renewed hope for us as we enter this new year.
And this month, even as we remain necessarily apart, we will have good opportunities for connection through our worship services, our outdoor lawn chair gatherings, and our RE classes offered via Zoom. You can find out more about these in this newsletter.
In January, after a special New Year's sermon on the first Sunday, I’ll be beginning a series using songs from Singing the Journey (the teal hymnal) as my sacred text. We will also have a guest minister on the fourth Sunday, Rev. M’Ellen Kennedy, who will share what she loves about Islam with us. Many of you asked for sermons about the world religions, and I hope to provide that opportunity by finding guests who are more familiar with these religions than I am.
The Statesboro and Brunswick congregations will meet jointly from January through May on 1st, 2nd, 4th, and the occasional 5th Sunday. I will be the worship leader for most of these. As we did in the fall, the congregations will meet separately on third Sundays. Perhaps by the end of May, we will all be vaccinated and can return to some face-to-face worship. But that’s an unknown at this point. I am so proud that we’ve found ways to connect and be together. If you have not been involved with our Zoom services, maybe you should make that a 2021 resolution – to try and reconnect with us. You will be welcomed with our open arms and air hugs via Zoom.
Wishing you all a brighter New Year!
Peace, Love, and Joy!
Jane
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Join a UUCG online service or meeting on your computer or smart device. (You will be asked to download ZOOM software if you haven't before. It's safe!)
Enter this MEETING ID when asked: 479 325 3254
Even when Jane is not conducting our online services we use this Zoom link & ID.
NOTE: Be sure to log into the special Zoom room on November 29th. (See below)
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In our efforts to provide access to all who want to participate in our joint services, we have recently added the option for closed captioning of what is being said.
You do not have to have the captions on – and for those who are hearing fine through their computers or headphones, it may even be distracting. But it IS available. There is also the possibility of making the font size larger. We want to be as welcoming as we can be for all folks during these difficult times. And we are glad to be able to provide this service.
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January 3
Worship Leader, Rev. Jane Page
“What Time Is It? 2021 version”
Rev. Jane begins the new year with an updated version of her classic sermon based on the third chapter of Ecclesiastes. This is the chapter with familiar words heard at funerals and in Pete Seeger’s song, popularized by
The Byrds' song, "Turn. Turn, Turn."
January 10
Worship Leader, Rev. Jane Page
"Breaths (1001) – Ancestors"
Rev. Jane begins a series of sermons using songs from Singing the Journey (teal hymnal) as her sacred text. The words from this Ysaye Barnwell song were adapted from a poem by Birago Diop (1906-1989) and focuses on ancestors.
January 17
Worship Leader, Beth Sutton
Exploring Water: Essential Source | Essential Symbol, “Wade in the Water”, Our Call to Trouble the Waters.
January 24
Worship Leader, Rev. Jane
Guest Minister, Mellon Kennedy shares “What I Love about Islam.”
Rev. Jane’s fellow seminarian and friend Rev. M’ellen Kennedy will visit with us from Vermont via Zoom. She shares a sermon designed to give non-Muslims a brief exposure to what is intriguing about this religion that so many of us do not understand well.
January 31
Worship Leader, Rev. Jane Page
"There’s a River (1007) – Self Worth"
This is the second message in Rev. Jane’s series using songs from Singing the Journey as her scared text. This hymn with a “slow gospel feel” focuses on self-worth and inspires a message to uplift us.
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We all can certainly agree that 2020 has been a challenging year. Rev. Jane has done so much to keep our church family together even through her own personal challenges this year. And, just coordinating all of our Zoom services was a huge job.
We love and appreciate you, Rev. Jane!
Thank you for all your work for good, for us all.
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Jane fighting for the right things.
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Jane leading us into 2021... |
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LAWN CHAIR GATHERING
We will have our monthly lawn chair gathering in our church parking lot on Saturday, January 2 at 3 p.m. if the weather allows. This will be a "wear your mask and socially distance" gathering for those who want to have some conversation and see one another in three dimensions. Parents are welcome to bring their children and let them enjoy the playground. Bring your own water if you need some.
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Breaking the Cycles of Human Trafficking, One Survivor at a Time
The Sixth Annual Savannah Traffick Jam will be held online on three successive Saturday mornings, January 16, 23, and 30, 2021, from 8 AM to 12 Noon. Last year’s conference was well worth the early morning drive to Savannah to attend the all-day free event. This time anyone interested in attending can do so in comfort at home. And, of course, it’s still free. Your awareness of human trafficking issues in our own state can have an impact on this crime. Register to attend the online conference at www.thesidc.org.
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Adult RE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Sunday, January 17 at 9:30 a.m.
The reading for discussion on January 17 will be How to Make a Slave and Other Essays by Jerald Walker, finalist for the 2020 National Book Award in Nonfiction.
"The essays in this collection are restless, brilliant and short. The brevity suits not just Walker's style but his worldview, too. Keeping things quick gives him the freedom to move; he can alight on a truth without pinning it into place."
-Jennifer Szalai, the New York Times
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IMPORTANT
There is a SPECIAL ZOOM ROOM set-up for the ADULT RE BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP.
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Being mindful of air flow/quality may help minimize your chances of being infected with COVID-19.
BIDEN PICKS THAT GIVE ME HOPE
(Below information from People Magazine)
Energy Secretary: Jennifer Granholm
"As the former governor of Michigan, 61-year-old Granholm is experienced in dealing with the national auto industry and has been a vocal proponent of zero-emissions vehicles. That experience could prove integral in helping the incoming administration fulfill its goal of investing in clean energy and moving away from fossil fuels."
Interior Secretary: Deb Haaland
"The New Mexico representative, 60, noted the significance of her nomination in a tweet sent following Biden's announcement: 'A voice like mine has never been a Cabinet secretary or at the head of the Department of Interior. Growing up in my mother's Pueblo household made me fierce. I'll be fierce for all of us, our planet, and all of our protected land. I am honored and ready to serve'."
EPA Administrator: Michael Regan
"An environmental regulator from North Carolina, Regan would be the first Black male chief of the Environmental Protection Agency. He has held positions at both the Environmental Defense Fund and the EPA.In a tweet, Regan, 44, said his primary area of focus would be climate change, which he called "the most significant challenge humanity faces."'We'll make meaningful progress together by listening to every voice-from our youth & front-line communities to scientists & our workforce,' Regan added on Twitter. " I will be honored to be part of that work as EPA Administrator."The incoming administration has made combating climate change a top priority, unveiling an ambitious plan that aims for clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050."
REMINDER: After 12/31/2020, glass may no longer be placed in your blue recycle bins, but it needs to be separated and dropped off either at 550 Young Lane in Brunswick or 100 Recycle Way on St. Simons.
All the best wishes for 2021!
Sharon Ehle
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Please remember those in need... |
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If you are able, please take some items to Sparrow's Nest Food Bank.
Especially during these difficult times there are many families in need. They can use canned fruits, meats, pasta and sauces, beans, rice, cereal, diapers, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc.
Cash or checks payable to FAITHWORKS are also always welcome.
Sparrow's Nest is located at:
2911 Altama Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520
PHONE: 912-261-8512 x110
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You see men and women in our community carrying their life's belongings in shopping bags and back packs walking to get out of the elements or looking for a place to sleep. Doorways, under bridges, abandoned houses or cars become their homes, or for a lucky few the couch of a friend or relative.
The Well is a hospitality center for people who are homeless , providing resources such as a shower, laundry room, phone, internet access, and address for correspondence. By providing this venue, FaithWorks helps those who are homeless with opportunities to reconnect with family members, access important services to help them leave the streets, and recover from sickness and disease. Our guests often regain employment and restore hope in their lives.
Guests at The Well are always in need of towels and toiletries.
Please drop them off at The Well . It is located at
1101 Gloucester Street - Brunswick
HOURS: 7 Days/Week from 7 AM- 5PM
PHONE: 912-261-8512 x 119
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The Robert S. Abbott Race Unity Institute envisions a community where healing and reconciliation are commonplace amongst
people of all identities, social justice is upheld and honored, and people honestly engage in history in order to live more truthfully
in the present. Ultimately, we strive to influence thought, which leads to changed hearts, which leads to changed behavior.
The Abbott Institute is a 501 (c) (3) organization established in 2007.
Mail: P.O. Box 1834 | Brunswick, GA 31521
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Our UUCG CARING FUND was established for the benefit of UUCG affiliated folks. The Fund is intended for members and friends of our congregation who are undergoing hard times, such as extensive medical bills, loss of home, etc. There are times throughout the year when we specify that a certain amount of our offerings will go to this fund.
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Just click on the image to
view (or print) a copy of these community directories.
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Diane Knight
UUCG Social Justice Coordinator
Home Phone: 912- 634-1367
Cell: 912-577-8168 (call or text)
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The Virtual Choir of Statesboro and Coastal Georgia is composed of a dozen singers whose individual recordings are combined to form our Sunday anthems.
Recent recordings can be viewed on YouTube at:
Just click on that link, and then on the orange musical note of any of the songs that pop up.
John Cowlishaw, Music Director
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Rev. Jane Page, Minister
(912) 682-3566
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Interested in joining UUCG?
Contact...
Rev. Jane Page
OR
Sally Revoile
Membership Team Leader
(912) 634-3868
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Rev. Bill Phillips, Pastor Emeritus
Phone: 912.635.3512 (home) or 912.434.4140 (cell)
John Cowlishaw, Music Director
248.891.4498
Elaine Deaver
Newsletter Editor/Part-time Administrator
912.230.2675
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President: Beth Stevenson
Vice President: Judith Longfield
Treasurer: Ted Davis
Secretary: Erin Lee
Trustee: Lollie Bohannon
Trustee: Kim Merck
Trustee: Heather Turner
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Our location is 1710 Gloucester Street - Brunswick, Georgia
PLEASE SEND MAIL TO: UUCG, P.O. Box 1056, Brunswick, GA 31521
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