CARING & CONNECTED
To sustain our community during uncertain times, let's share ways to
stay connected &
show compassion to others
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THANKS FROM PATTI HANKS & THE CARING COMMITTEE
People are making and delivering meals, sewing masks, buying and delivering fresh vegetables, writing postcards to get out the vote and, most importantly, calling and checking on one another. Many are making cash donations to make these things possible. Plus our Friday Night Picnic to feed those who need it is still going strong. Thank you – it makes me so proud of our congregation.
HELPING CONGOLESE FAMILIES LIVING AT
JAMES PARK
For the past 6-7 years, Ellen Hays has been part of the UUSP Immigrant Families Social Justice Committee, as well as serving as a volunteer tutor and aide at North Shore Elementary School.
When UUSP began to support several Congolese refugee families, Ellen realized that 13 Congolese refugee children attended North Shore and were disengaged from the school community. Ellen made it her mission to reach out to the Congolese parents, school community, social workers and Sew Much Hope to form a coalition to foster closer ties between the refugee families and the school.
During school closures, these strengthened relationships mean that the school has not forgotten the unique needs of these families. Ellen, the school counselor and a first grade teacher (and last week our own Sue Price) have started delivering food that's ordinarily provided via the school's free lunch and breakfast program. In addition, Peggy Flatley, Karen Bedigian and Sue Price donated massive amounts of food, art supplies and household items which were delivered to appreciative students and parents.
And finally - Ellen is thrilled to announce that the North Shore PTA, with overwhelming support from North Shore families, has begun an Adopt-a-Family effort to help these seven families.
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HOW CAN I STAY CONNECTED?
ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
For the latest, check out
our webpage
UUSP MOVIE NIGHT:
THE TWO POPES, Tues. 7pm
Watch the movie in advance on Netflix, make your popcorn and join our next Movie Night discussion, hosted by Paul Burnore.
The Two Popes has earned considerable acclaim. Besides the brilliance of the two leads, Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, the film editing and color to B/W shifts are excellent. Click
here
to read more about the story. Join the Zoom meeting at
NEWS ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
Much-loved member of our congregation,
Tom Bray
, passed away last Wednesday. He'll be particularly missed by his close church friends Liz Lawrence, Kevin Wamboldt and members of the Buildings & Grounds committee. A virtual memorial service was held on May 3rd.
Doug Walther,
Lise Beane
's finance, hospitalized last month for COVID 19, is back in good health; both he and Lise tested negative and will soon head to MA for the summer. They'll be back in November and will marry!
ZOOMING
To stay connected, covenant groups, Pastor Jack's discussion groups and committees are meeting virtually using our new UUSP Zoom license.
There's a wealth of opportunity in hosting or participating in other events.
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Musing over Music
Jon & James recommend a wonderful
tribute to Stephen Sondheim
which included every Broadway star you've ever heard of singing from their homes.
Sharon recommends Bela Fleck & the Flecktones instrumental
"Sinister Minister"
playing at the 2011 Mountain Jam... it'll have you bouncing and smiling... Bela on banjo and the amazing Victor Wooten on electric bass. I've heard Victor speak about his music but was blown away by his so-relevant-for-today 2016
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HOW ARE...
Cynthia Patterson and Gabe Oberholzer?
Cynthia writes...
Gabe and I continue to work full-time, with Gabe visiting patients in his role as a Spiritual Care Coordinator for Empath Suncoast Hospice. Since my courses for USF were already hybrid - meeting one session face-to-face and the other online - I actually enjoy avoiding the two-hour round-trip commute to Tampa. We’re biking outdoors regularly, and I’ve set up an indoor gym. Our yard – with 27 trees, many oaks – is our “Garden of Eden”: our bird feeder attracts cardinals, blue jays, etc., and the yard is surrounded by a 300-foot long trellis of jasmine. We miss our kids and grandkids but are grateful that all remain healthy. I’m enjoying UUSP’s virtual services, and meeting with my women’s discussion group on Sundays. Life is good!
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HOW IS...
Greg Davidson?
Greg writes...
I miss meeting with UUSPers, in person. I've been updating my legal papers, applying for SBA contract work, walking the neighborhood and participating in some church Zoom groups, hoping we do more.
Friday afternoons since March, I've spent a few hours making 25 sandwiches for our Friday Night Picnic. I'm still mystified as to why it takes so long, but all for a good cause. Seeing the need and politeness of our guests....has really made me appreciative for ALL I, and many I know, are blessed with.
One Friday night, during a heavy rain, under a tent, I had a brief conversation with a talkative guest. He was so appreciative yet said he can "no longer go out to dinner.." It puzzled me so I asked. He pointed to the picnic tables and said "when we used to eat at those tables." Makes me ponder how sad am I that I can't go out to eat.
I wish, pray, everyone stays well, HELPFUL, and hopeful !
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Compassion is an action word with no boundaries.
- Prince
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Email
your announcements, photos and ideas on
"how I can help" and "how I can stay connected" to
Sharon Winters, editor & Communications Team lead
by NOON on Sundays
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