Please send any newsletter submissions to news@jruuc.org by Tuesday at 5 p.m. | |
This Sunday, November 12, 2023
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“Living Justice at Reeb”
with Rev. Karen Armina and the Justice Leadership Team
Taking action to bring peace and justice in our world is one of the ways we give of ourselves. Our JRUUC Justice Leadership Team has been working to create areas of focus and opportunities to engage, and we’re ready to share these with our congregation! And you’ll have a chance to talk with members of the different focus teams after the service.
Photo credit: Renoir Gaither - George Floyd protest, Minneapolis, MN, June, 2020
Link to service webpage
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The Share the Plate for Sunday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 12 is Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket Drive. For decades the Goodman Community Center has been providing families with everything they need to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. They started by serving several hundred families. This year they will serve four thousand.
Please nominate a local organization for our Share the Plate Program!
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Our November Theme: The Gift of Generosity | |
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Our November theme reminds us of the spiritual practice of giving and receiving generously. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection every week.
Check-in question: What have you learned during your life about generosity?
If we are prepared to interrogate our privilege, we will conclude that philanthropy is not only about giving back, but it may be also giving up something, so that we can have an America where opportunity does exist for all.
-- Darren Walker
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What's Happening in Our Congregation | |
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Minister's Musings
Dear Ones,
Our November theme is the “gift of generosity,” and I feel like this should be an easy thing to reflect on. Generosity is about giving, right? So my first impulse is…(read more here)
November is also Native American Heritage Month. Please follow this link and this link to find public events you can attend to learn about local Native people and cultures. And I invite you to explore these gifts of generosity - relationship, transformation, and justice - as you offer your time, talent, and treasure to celebrate the gifts of our Native siblings. Here are some ways you can do that (thank you to the Wisconsin Council of Churches for this list from Kaitlin Curtice):
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Grab all the you’re on native land merch here, and make sure your favorite family members get something for the holidays!
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This website is an incredible resource for anyone who wants to know which children’s books are appropriate in representation of Indigenous peoples. Use it often and buy the books recommended by Dr. Debbie Reese, the website’s founder.
- Are you a fan of comics? Super Indian is a wonderful pick. Grab them here.
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Donate to The Kwek Society, an organization working to end period poverty for those in Indian Country.
- Subscribe to the Liminality Journal. Supporting this work allows me (Kaitlin Curtice) to write and share resources like these with you all on a regular basis. Consider joining the Liminality community!
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Buy medicine soaps and other products from Haipazaza, an Indigenous-run wellness brand. They make wonderful holiday gifts and the soaps are beautiful.
- And, of course, USE GOOGLE! There are so many incredible lists of companies and organizations out there. The tools are available if we are willing to find them.
I would love to meet with you! Please come by during office hours (click the button below to see those) or send me an email to set up an appointment for another time. And, as always, please call or text if you have a pastoral emergency.
I am out of town to attend Prairie Group on Monday, November 13 through Thursday, November 16. She is checking her email just once a day during this time, and there will be no office hours this week.
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Religious Education and Family Ministry
This week: This week will be a multigenerational service with everyone in the sanctuary followed by our collaborative Youth Group meeting at 12:30 at Reeb. Youth are encouraged to join Randy Coloni after the service for a workshop on putting together sanitary kits. Snacks will be provided.
Next week: Next week children and youth will have RE during the service followed by a community meal for everyone after the service.
Community Meals: Everyone is invited to join us after the service on third Sundays for a community meal in the sanctuary. If you would like to help by volunteering to bring a dish to share on third Sundays, sign up by adding your name and contact information to the sheet on the RE bulletin board or by emailing Genevieve at re@jruuc.org.
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Offerings for Adults with Rev. Karen
The next religious exploration offering for adults will be on
Sunday, Dec. 3
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In last week’s e-news, I shared the song “Ceasefire” by adrienne maree brown. If you appreciated this protest song, Rise Choir Collective now has the video up on YouTube, which is more widely accessible than an Instagram reel. They also have printable sheet music, which I am happy to share with anyone who is interested. It has been inspiring to watch this song spread across the world. Most recently, I saw a video of it being sung by a choir in Amsterdam. I love how music fosters connection with others - whether they are in our direct community or on the other side of the globe. I am grateful everyday for the opportunity to share the gift of music with JRUUC.
This Sunday’s shared music:
“When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place” #1008 (teal hymnal)
“Make Channels for the Streams of Love” #299 (gray hymnal) HOM
“The Fire of Commitment” #1028 (teal hymnal)
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Offering and Receiving Connection, Support, and Spiritual Practice | |
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Meditation With Friends - Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7 p.m. (Beginners Welcome)
Sacred Breath Choir - Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., contact Music Director Jennifer Hedstrom
Folk Music Gatherings - Saturdays at 2:00 (taking a break for November), contact Mike Stimson
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Announcements & Upcoming Events | |
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Online Bidding Has Begun For Reeb Rave 2023!
Join Us In Person Or On Zoom Saturday Nov. 11
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Join us Saturday Nov. 11th 5:30-8:30 in person or on Zoom 6-8:30 p.m. for our annual fundraiser and celebration. Enjoy live entertainment and the auction in person or online. Suggested donation - $10 per person or $25 for a family.
- Click here for the auction site to register and bid, and also to register for dinner (taco bar)
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Please click on the "Dinner Registration" tab if you plan to join us so we have a good head count for preparing food.
- We invite you to come in your favorite disco or 70’s outfit for the "70s Dance Party" theme!
- We are also seeking volunteers to help with setup and cleanup, preparing dinner and helping with the auction. Contact Tom McClintock with your ideas or to volunteer.
- See our 2023 Reeb Rave Page for the latest information and links.
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Need Extra Hired Help Indoors or Outdoors?
From the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Team: Do you need top-notch house cleaners, leaf rakers, indoor painters, snow shovelers this winter, or highly responsible and caring childcare workers in your home? We have a married couple of asylum seekers in their early 40s who are looking for work. They both work hard and are highly responsible. They have English translation apps on their cell phones. They each charge $15-$20 per hour. Contact Leila Pine for more information.
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Seeking Members for Safety/Security Task Force
Your Board of Trustees is seeking two to four congregation members who would be interested in working on a task force to develop our new safety and security policy. If you are interested in helping, please email board@jruuc.org or contact Deb Myrbo or Rand Hill. We'll begin work on the priority sections of this policy--building security during Sunday worship, and natural disaster/medical emergency/fire protocols soon. Thanks!
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Help Beautify Our Grounds!
Our members & friends run community counts on people to sign up to mow grass and pick up litter around our building. Mower provided. Sign up here for a week or two.
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What's Happening in Our Community | |
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Collecting Items for Nehemiah Essentials Pantry - Now through Nov. 12th
Nehemiah (a black-led community development organization) is in need of numerous items in order to create toiletries kits and laundry kits which are then distributed to people in need along with food. The Racial Justice Focus Team is requesting that Reeb members consider bringing in the following items (a collection box is in the foyer).
The fact that there are people in our city without the means to purchase these things for their families is a stark reminder of the inequities that surround us, and providing these items is something we do right here and right now, while we work on the longer term goal of dismantling the systemic racism and income inequalities which underlie the situation.
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For the Toiletries Kits: Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Lotion, Body Wash / Soap, Feminine Hygiene Products
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For the Laundry Kits: Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Bleach, All Purpose Cleaner, Rolls of Quarters
Randy Coloni will then host a kit making event after service on Nov. 12, with the kits delivered to Nehemiah in time for the Nov. 16 distribution.
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Native American Heritage Month Events throughout November
If you attended the recent workshop on reparations with the Rev. Kerri Parker, you’ll remember that one of her suggestions was to educate ourselves about our Native siblings by attending public events. There are many events happening this month, including an introduction to the histories and traditions of Wisconsin’s Native Nations with Tom Jones, and activities throughout the month organized by the UW Indigenous Student Center Coalition.
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MOSES Transformation Celebration and Fundraising Gala
December 9, 5:30 - 9 pm at Brassworks at the Goodman Center
Join us to hear the inspiring stories of our three Honorees to celebrate their accomplishments and to learn more about the work of MOSES. Tickets $75, or $65 for two. See Mosesmadison.org for more information. JRUUC is a founding member of MOSES.
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Healing House Wish List
Just Dane's Healing House is a safe place for families experiencing homelessness to go when a member of the family needs to prepare for a medical procedure, or to recuperate after childbirth or hospitalization.
Guests at Healing House often come there with the bare minimum. Please help us provide some items to make them feel comfortable. The Program Coordinator has developed a wish list of items they need.
Please sign-up to donate and drop off the smaller items at the Healing House: 303 Lathrop St., Madison, WI 53726
View the wish list here
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Final Proposed Revision to Article II
The final version of the proposed revision to Article II of the UUA Bylaws is now available! The UUA Board will officially receive the revision at the next board meeting, November 13, 2023, but it is available to you now. The deadline for submitting an amendment is 11:59 p.m. ET on February 1, 2024.
All qualified amendments will be considered at 2024 General Assembly.
Read the Proposed Article II here
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General Assembly 2024 Theme Announcement:
Love Unites, Stories Ignite
The 63rd General Assembly will take place virtually
Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024.
Participants will receive:
- Memorable, high-impact content for faith formation, with an easy and accessible experience
- Sense of belonging in the online community, with flexible approaches for a variety of needs
- Renewed connection to the wider faith of Unitarian Universalism.
- Inspiration and support to carry forward to your local congregations and beyond
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Click the banner to learn what you can do to promote social justice along with our national organization. | | Abortion, Anti-Racism, Reparations, Restorative Justice, Medicare | |
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Click the banner to learn how you can get involved in getting out the vote.
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Do you have an announcement for our congregation?
Please send it to news@jruuc.org and submit by 5 p.m. on Tuesdays - earlier if possible!
Please specify where you would like it listed by writing
Sunday Announcement and/or Weekly and/or Website in the subject line of your email
Our office is the central point of contact for all Reeb communications.
Please send your questions to office@jruuc.org
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