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March 20, 2020
Issue #536
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Rev. Marcus Hartlief
Rev. John Buehrens, our past UUA president who spoke with us in November, likes to say he is a Unitarian of the third part -- by which he means, of the trinitarian Father, Son and Holy Spirit, he'll take the Holy Spirit. Pneumatology is the branch of systematic theology concerned with how spirit moves in the world. In our ambivalence, both in our faith and our wider secular culture, about God language, how do we speak of the ephemeral and mysterious experiences of spirit?
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"Dear Ones,
I always get a warm feeling when someone says the part of our mission, "to share life's journey." It is reassuring to know we are not alone on the journey, that we travel with companions who share our values, people who will know and care about the shape of our lives. But, of course, sharing life's journey is not always warm and fuzzy. Right now, we are all sharing a journey that involves a great deal of uncertainty as we navigate how to respond to COVID-19 and the public health issue facing our community. While the uncertainties of the situation and the dangers of this virus can cause our monkey minds to swing wildly, I do find solace in remembering this is a journey we share not only with our community here, but with people all over the planet. We are not alone."
Online worship by Zoom continues this week!
(Note: This is a different link than last week's service, but the link will now remain the same for future services.)
Or call in by phone: 1-669-900-6833, then enter Meeting ID: 444 532 079
(One tap mobile: +16699006833,,444532079#)
Worship this week will look different than last as we have closed the building. The order of service will be posted in the Zoom chat, and the terrible clicking noise that plagued last week's service has been resolved.
We will continue to light candles for joys and sorrows, and have an opportunity for those who like to stick around for a virtual coffee hour at the end of the service.
If you are so moved, bring a candle to light so we can each have our own chalice burning as we worship together. Many folks found it meaningful to be able to see one another, we encourage you use video to be virtually present with one another again.
Our membership committee met this week and reflected that unusual as it is, this might be a good time to invite a friend to join us for worship. Many people are looking for ways to stay connected in these uncertain and challenging times, and it's never been easier to come to church in pajamas!
Rev. Marcus
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Many meetings and events have been cancelled or postponed.
P
lease contact the coordinator of your group for additional information.
Have something to share with the UU Marin church community? Send it to newsletter@uumarin.org, by
Tuesdays at 7 am for same week publications.
Order of Service announcements are due by Wednesday at 5 pm,
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This Week in Religious Education
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We are experiencing changes in our lives as events cancel and schools close. During this time we want to be available to families, so as we explore our congregational theme for March on how to be a people of wisdom, we will be providing videos and other materials for kids and youth that we hope will inspire them in ways of wisdom. We have stories, activities, and songs in a Google drive folder you can access by clicking on this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cR3CX03fQCh9kcSDYEvAsfinnihxQEbg?usp=sharing
This weekend is the Spring Equinox, a time to remember to bring balance into our lives. I invite you to see ways in which this sheltering in place creates opportunities for balance and reset in our lives. The ways in which stillness and being together can remind us of the wisdom we usually rush by. I am reminded of the reflection that after years of noise and polluted skies, one can hear the birds sing in Wuhan, and the skies are blue again. I hear stories of people in Italy and Spain
singing and playing music for each other keeping their windows open, so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them across the courtyard, or empty square.
Wading in this water of reflection, I share with you a excerpt from a poem by Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM
... All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love. ...
Open the windows of your soul,
And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
You can also check the website at uumarin.org or our Facebook page at fb.com/uuchurchmarin for updated information. And remember to join us online on Zoom for the next few Sunday mornings for stories, music, and time to nourish your soul.
For joy and justice in an imperfect world,
Rev. Lynne Scarpa
Director of Family Ministries
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Wednesday, March 25, virtual gathering via Zoom
Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are invited to join in ongoing efforts to create handmade items for children and adults facing challenging life circumstances. Our current effort is creating knitted or crocheted 10" squares to be assembled into blankets for Syrian refugees.
Patterns and guidance provided. Beginners welcome. The next monthly meeting will be held via video call on Wednesday, March 25 (fourth Wednesday), between 6:30 and 8:00 pm. For the Zoom link to join the call, or more information, including specifications for blanket squares, email: crafting@uumarin.org
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If you are not already receiving emails from the social justice committee and wish to receive them along with information about social justice actions/rallies in and around Marin, please send your email address to:
socialjustice@uumarin.org
Sunday, April 4, at the YWCA Marin, 30 North San Pedro Road at 1 pm-5 pm.
(Note that this event and all gatherings may be cancelled due to COVID19.)
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Do you want to make a difference in our county and the world? We focus on local issues which are relevant to all of us. Bring your ideas and concerns to the UUCM Social Justice Committee. We meet the third Sunday of each month at noon.
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
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Staff Links
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Office Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: mid-morning to late afternoon or into the evening.
Call, text or email to make an appointment.
415-578-9632 (direct), 510-213-0404 (cell)
Administrator:
Director of Family Ministries
Rev. Lynne Scarpa
Choir Director:
Amanda Nelson
Early Childhood Teacher: Glynda Christian
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Feedback about this weekly newsletter is appreciated. Please note change in email address:
eWeekly Deadline for Friday issue:
Tuesday by 7 am - activities and announcements, staff columns, committee reports
Weekly articles can contain:
- Notices of UUCM sponsored events, meetings, or other activities which involve the entire congregation.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) or Pacific Western Region announcements of interest to the entire congregation.
(Staff article length 250 words)
Proofreader: Victoria T. Holdridge
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415-479-4131
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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