Thursday, June 23, 2022
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THIS SUNDAY'S
SUMMER DISCUSSION
"Our Annual Poetry Reading Service"

Vida Morley, leader

In-person ONLY

Sunday, June 26, 2022 | 10 am


"Poetry can be powerful because it succinctly puts a voice to our innermost feelings. It is also the voice of the soul and helps provide a dialogue for our feelings, thoughts, and observations. People tend to turn to writing and reading poetry when they’re in the midst of powerful feelings or challenging times. Some of the best poems incorporate profound emotions and/or poignant images. Modern poetry, in particular, does just that. Using poetry as a way of healing and interconnecting us as humans helps us return to wholeness." — Diana Raab

Come join us by reading some of your own poems, share favorites written by others, or just come and enjoy listening to a service devoted to our connections through poetry.

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 3 — YouTube ONLY

"Meet the Moment: Reimagining Radical Faith Community"

Annually Unitarian Universalists from across the country gather at General Assembly for a time of celebration, reflection, and strategy. A highlight of the gathering is the Sunday worship service. For this week we’ll share in this worship, which will include a sermon preached by Rev. Gretchen Haley, the minister in Fort Collins, Colorado, and amazing music and stories from many participants. The link will be posted in next week's Reflections and on the UUCR website.


Sunday, July 10 — In-person ONLY

"Recovery"

  • Gayle, Folger, leader
Newsletter Index
So You Don't Miss Anything!
  • This Week's Worship Service Information
  • Upcoming Summer Session Discussions Information
  • Newsletter Index
  • Helpful Links, Office Hours, Upcoming Events Calendar
  • Minister's Column
  • Sad News
  • Thank You, More Worker Bees Needed
  • REMINDER — Service Auction Purchases & FY '22 Pledges
  • Summer Discussion Leader Still Needed — Sept 4
  • UUCR Pianist Sought
  • 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
JUN 26 | Summer
Discussion
In-person ONLY
Vida Morley, leader


JUL 3 | UUA General
Assembly Worship Service
YouTube ONLY


JUL 10 | Summer
Discussion
In-person ONLY
Gaye Folger, 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
Special Gratitude to Nancy

As we close out this year, I'd like to offer a special shout out to UUCR's outgoing Board President Nancy Holland. 

In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, the members of the congregation are entrusted with the care for the organization. The congregation "owns" the property, and tends to the running of the institution, including oversight of finances, programs, staff, and more. Leading the members in this work is the elected board president. The board president works with the other board members, lay leaders, the minister, and staff to keep the congregation moving in the same direction. 

What that has really meant for 2021-22 is that Nancy "picked up" a tired group, a second year into a pandemic. She said "yes" to being board president in the spring of 2021 when the need for loving leadership was evident. There were some gaps in the structure, and Nancy took the risk of saying "yes." 

Nancy has been a steady presence. From details on how to re-open the church, to leadership transitions, and to juggling the unexpected (and there have been some unexpected blips), Nancy has led with grace. She takes the time to ask questions, and find creative options. She has invited others to help with specific tasks and longer term roles. And when needed, Nancy has been decisive, always taking the time to communicate well. 

I know Nancy has offered me a smile or note of encouragement at just the right moments, often when I was a bit overwhelmed or frustrated. I'm guessing she offered that smile to many of us this past year. 

Nancy, for all you have done for UUCR in a challenging year, thank you. 

In partnership, 

Rev. Sue
Sad News
It is with heavy hearts we share that beloved UUCR member Bill Lindsay died on Sunday morning, June 19, after a period of declining health. 

Over the years Bill served UUCR as our President, a member of the Finance Committee, and memorably as our regular piano accompanist. Bill and his wife Alice (who passed away in 2020) regularly hosted UUCR potlucks, where all were warmly welcomed by family and dog. We'll miss Bill. 

We extend our condolences to Bill's son Tom. For those wanting to send a card, please check with the UUCR office for Tom's address (click here).

In care,

Nancy Holland, Board President; Lynn Geisert, Board President (Incoming); and Rev. Sue Browning, Minister
Thank You,
More Worker Bees Needed
Many thanks to all who came and helped take care of UUCR's
building, grounds and outbuildings
on Saturday, June 18, for our (late) Spring Cleanup! The weather was lovely, which made it a pleasure to spend time outdoors with our church community. Also thanks to those that could not attend, but worked on tasks on their own time. Our church home looks much more inviting!

There are still some tasks that need to "bee" completed, so please contact Jim Lavin or Diane Shields if you can help.
REMINDER
Service Auction Purchases
& FY '22 Pledges
There are only a few days remaining in UUCR's Fiscal Year '22, which ends on June 30. We still have a handful of people with outstanding balances for Service Auction purchases and FY '22 Pledges. We realize that we are all living during challenging times and one's financial situation may have changed over the course of the year. If you are able, please have payments to the UUCR Office as soon as possible. Thanks!
Summer Discussion Leader Still Needed
There is only one open spot that needs to be filled — September 4. Please consider leading this Summer Discussion and sign up on the sheet provided on the whiteboard. These are informal get-togethers and a great time to share and explore your interest in a topic with others.

Contact Nancy Holland (holland.nlh@gmail.com)
for questions or more details.
UUCR Pianist Sought
UUCR is seeking to fill the pianist position for Sunday worship services. This is a paid position that covers from the beginning of September through the end of May. If you know of someone that may be interested, please contact the UUCR office (click here).
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
JUNE

-6 - Rob Warner
-8 - Linda Dutton
-9 - Lynn Geisert
11 - Meghan Ferster
11 - Jan Whitney
15 - Jane Hardy
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 — 8:30-12:30 am
Closed — M through F
VERY END of REFLECTIONS for June 23, 2022