Thursday, July 7, 2022
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THIS SUNDAY'S
DISCUSSION
"Recovery"

Gayle Folger, Leader

In Person ONLY

Sunday, July 10, 2022


The decision that changed the path of my life.

So we can begin the discussion promptly at 10 am,
please arrive by no later than 9:50 am.
Upcoming
Summer Session Discussions

Sunday, July 17 — In Person ONLY

"Forest Bathing"

The Japanese phrase “Shinrin-Yoku” translates roughly to “forest bathing” or absorbing the forest atmosphere. Many studies show the physical and mental health benefits of this practice. There will be a short discussion of the concept, followed by practicing it in our Memorial Woodland Garden, weather permitting. Some may consider this a spiritual practice to better experience the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, and an expression of our 7th UU principle.

  • Diane Shields, Leader


Sunday, July 24 — In Person ONLY

"Coping with Today's Supreme Court"

Recent Supreme Court decisions have changed foundational precedents. More significant decisions are expected to come. At this summer conversation with Rev. Sue Browning, together we'll reflect on the ways our UU values guide us in challenging times, and in particular consider, "What questions are we now asking (and why)?"

  • Rev. Sue Browning, Leader
Newsletter Index
So You Don't Miss Anything!
  • This Week's Discussion Information
  • Upcoming Summer Session Discussions Information
  • Newsletter Index
  • Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
  • Minister's Column
  • UUCR COM — Evaluation of Ministries
  • Broadening Our Horizons — Preaching Along the Potomac
  • Pastoral Care and Connection Committee
  • Birthdays
  • UUCR Contact Information
  • End of Reflections Notice at the VERY END
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Helpful Links
Upcoming Events
UUCR

YouTube channel (previous Worship Service recordings)


UUCR Summer
Office Hours:
Sa, Su — 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
M through F — CLOSED
JUL 10 | Summer Discussion
In Person ONLY
Gaye Folger, leader


JUL 17 | Summer Discussion
In Person ONLY
Diane Shields, leader


JUL 24 | Summer Discussion
In Person ONLY
Rev. Sue Browning, leader
If you know of another link or event that should be added, please contact
the UUCR office by email or phone 410-778-3440. Thanks!
Minister's Column
UUs Learning to Be Anti-Racist
Anti-racism/anti-oppression work has become central to all aspects of Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) gatherings over the last five years. 

The UUA's General Assembly (GA) last month was no exception. The intentional efforts to dismantle systems of racism and oppression, both internally and externally, were evident in new ways the UUA does business (e.g., at GA using alternatives to Robert's Rules and a "Progressive Stack" to center first the voices of those historically marginalized during discussion) and in the strategic direction of the denomination.
 
One speaker at GA this year was Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of bestsellers Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America (2016), How to Be an Antiracist (2019) and the just-released, How to Raise an Antiracist (2022). He offered the Ware Lecture, a central lecture at GA. I know many at UUCR have read his work. Dr. Kendi makes a core claim that there is no such thing as being "not racist." He finds that even inaction (simply being "not racist") in the face of racism is, in fact, a form of racism. He is passionate about the need for everyone to understand the history of racist ideas as a foundation for making and sustaining the needed changes. 
 
While there is some controversy around the UUA's focus on anti-racism and anti-oppression, mostly there is excitement and determination to stay the course toward making long-term and meaningful changes. There is a recognition that to do otherwise is accepting the status quo.  

The programming at GA included many references to the 8th Principle, which is a grassroots effort to help congregations reflect on ways they can make changes to dismantle systems of racism and oppression, both internally and externally. Might UUCR have the energy to study and adopt the 8th Principle in the coming year? A good question as we begin our planning for 2022-23. 

If you have questions about the UUA's work around anti-racism and anti-oppression, and the 8th Principle, please be in touch. 

In connection, 

Rev. Sue
UUCR Committee on Ministry Evaluation of Ministries
The Committee on Ministry (COM) looks at how well the congregation is ministering to its members, and periodically reviews the effectiveness of all the congregation’s ministries. In the spring of 2022, COM evaluated six broad areas: Sunday experience (including worship, music, and ministry to children and families); support of visitors and members; the Board, governance, and leadership; financial well-being; operations and infrastructure; and outreach.

COM members Lynn Geisert, Annie Lavin, John Ramsey, and Rev. Sue Browning met to discuss our assessments of the areas and reached out to several key congregants, primarily committee chairs, to obtain additional information.

Overall, the ministries of UUCR remain strong. This year continued to be one of challenge and adaptation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. UUCR created a Reopening Task Force, which has guided our gradual reopening beginning in September and established and updated procedures for in-person gatherings. UUCR has provided Sunday services each week throughout the year, either in person, via Zoom, prerecorded YouTube, or a hybrid. The board and committees have been actively engaged in activities within and outside of UUCR. Members and friends have stayed connected to UUCR and to each other. We had a successful stewardship campaign, welcomed 11 new members, hosted several gatherings (including solstice services), and held a live/online auction. The Annual Congregational Meeting in May presented a full slate of candidates to the Board and elected positions, and the FY 2023 Budget was approved by the congregation. As a matter of “health of the ministry” UUCR does not currently have a program to welcome children or families. The board is aware of this gap and plans to make re-imagining religious education a priority for UUCR in the coming year.

A copy of the full Evaluation of UUCR’s Ministries is available to anyone interested. Please contact the UUCR office.
Broadening Our Horizons —
The "Preaching Along the Potomac" Services this July
UUCR and UUFE each have services or discussions planned for each Sunday morning at 10 am this summer.

I also wanted to share that a group of the larger congregations in the DC area have created a series of services to be offered this July called "Preaching Along the Potomac." I checked with my colleagues leading these services and they welcome our congregants to attend. For each service the access process (Zoom, YouTube streaming, etc.) varies based on the congregation leading the service. (A recording of each service will likely be available after the fact, but we still need to verify that. Stay tuned!) 

Details about the overall program are included on the UU Church of Arlington website.
July 10: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax. “One Nation Under God…” – Rev. David Miller
July 17: River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, “Be Not Afraid” – Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd.
July 24: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington. “But…Is It Fun?!” – Rev. Amanda Poppei
July 31: Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. “When Grace Strikes” – Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
If you have questions, please check with me.

Rev. Sue
Pastoral Care and Connection
You are encouraged to share your joys and sorrows with the UUCR Pastoral Associates (see below). This team is a mixed group — but all have had previous life experiences and a variety of professional training in counseling and philosophy. Please contact one, or several of us, if you “want to talk.”
Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien,
Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley
Birthdays
JULY

-3 - David Biehler
-3 - Mary Ford
16 - Gayle Folger
17 - Annie Lavin
26 - Nancy Hart
28 - Waverly Ford
We want to help celebrate your birthday! If we didn't include your birthday, please contact the UUCR office by email (click here).
Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River 914 Gateway Drive | Chestertown, MD | 21620
Phone: 410-778-3440
Summer Office hours: Sa, Sun — 8:30 am-12:30 pm
Closed — M through F
VERY END of REFLECTIONS for July 7, 2022