Weekly E-News

Wed. 10/25 - Tues. 10/31

Please send any newsletter submissions to news@jruuc.org by Tuesday at 5 p.m.

This Sunday, October 29, 2023

Wisdom of (All) Ages

with Rev. Karen, Genevieve McPherson-Shambarger, and Jennifer Hedstrom


On this morning, as we approach the time the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is said to be thinnest, we’ll honor our ancestors - be they familial, cultural, or chosen - in ritual.  And it’s the fifth Sunday of the month, which means we’ll also join in activities for all ages in a “multigenerational fair” format.


Please bring a memento to place on an ancestor altar.

Link to service webpage

Zoom Link for Worship

Next week: “Longing To Give” with Rev. Karen,

followed by religious exploration for everyone

The Share-the-Plate for October 22 and 29 will be Milestone Democratic School in Madison. They are a not-for-profit, tuition-free public charter school designed for students who are disengaged from school. Staff are committed to anti-racism, justice, equity, and trauma-informed care. Students are engaged in their own learning design, everyone has a voice, and all voices are heard. 


Please nominate a local organization for our Share the Plate Program!

Our October Theme: The Gift of Heritage

Our October theme reminds us that we’re part of a sacred chain, always in contact with something larger than ourselves- our history. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection every week.



Check-in question: What story told by (or about) your ancestors has shaped you the most?


We are a collage—a remix—of our ancestors. We have spiritual DNA, as well as physical, and our lot in life is to answer the questions posed by the people who came before us.

-- Austin Kleon

What's Happening in Our Congregation

Minister's Musings

Dear Ones, it seems that autumn has finally (and suddenly) arrived! I’m watching the leaves begin to show the colors that have been hidden behind their green, and I’m enjoying the crispness of fresh apples and fall air. Seasonal transition is really apparent in this place at this time, and my Pagan heart knows this season as a sacred opportunity to reflect on the transitions in my own life...(read more)


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.


Rev. Karen is away from the office on study leave until Friday, Oct. 27, and there will be no office hours this week. She is not reading email- please call or text her if you have a pastoral emergency.

Rev. Karen's Office Hours
No Zoom virtual office hours this week

Religious Education and Family Ministry

This weekThis week we have a special interactive and participatory service with multigenerational activities throughout the building centering on heritage. We ask everyone to bring a photo or memento of an ancestor, biological or chosen family, to be placed on an altar.


Next week: Next week will be a multigenerational service with everyone in the sanctuary followed by RE classes for all ages, children, youth and adults, after the service.

Offerings for Adults with Rev. Karen

"Shaping the Journey” on Sunday, Nov. 5

Read more 

Music Ministry

This Sunday’s service will feature two extra special musical selections. The Sacred Breath Choir will be singing “Breaths” by Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock (words by Senegalese poet, Birago Diop). And a small group of choristers will be singing “Gathering of Spirits” by singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer, featuring Mike Stimson on guitar. Come enjoy the harmonies of your fellow Reebers as we honor our given and chosen ancestors.


The Sacred Breath Choir is trying to track down all of our choir folders. Do you have a choir folder at home and no plans to return to choir in the near future? Please bring it to Reeb and leave it on the table in the staff office. If you have a folder at home but plan to come to choir eventually, please email Jennifer to notify them of your folder number! Thank you!


Are you good at organizing and/or data entry? If you would like to support the music ministry, but are not able to commit to weekly choir rehearsal, contact Jennifer at music@jruuc.org about ways you can assist with filing and updating the Choir Inventory doc.


This Sunday’s shared music:

“Come, Children of Tomorrow” #110 (gray hymnal)

“We Are” #1051 (teal hymnal)

Read more

Small Group Ministries

Offering and Receiving Connection, Support, and Spiritual Practice

View Small Group Ministries Descriptions  

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 at music@jruuc.org

Meditation Zoom Link - Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

View JRUUC Events & Activities Calendar

Upcoming Folk Music Gatherings!

Hello, what a great time the Sunday revival service was! Let's keep the energy moving and get together for more folk singing in October!

Folk singing at Reeb: Oct. 28, all at 2 p.m.

I hope to see you then! - Michael Stimson

Exploring Membership Class, Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Anyone new to JRUUC, long term friend or even members wanting to know more about JRUUC and UU history are welcome to attend. To sign up or get more info, contact Mary Wagner or Kelly Kearns.

"Wisconsin in Black & White" Screening - Nov. 7

Please join Jeanette and Mike Clawson in attending the screening of Our HIstory Matters: Wisconsin in Black & White on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Barrymore Theater. This PBS journalism project, created in partnership with the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership, explores the history of racism in the criminal justice and education systems, how these issues are locally unique, as well as efforts to right these wrongs. The first two episodes will be screened as a part of this event. Following the screening, Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, founder and president of Nehemiah, will host a dynamic conversation with key individuals who have shaped the need for an understanding of a shared history around racial inequalities in Wisconsin. Anyone interested in carpooling can contact Jeanette.

disco ball

Reeb Rave 2023 - Take a Chance on Reeb! Nov. 11

Join us Saturday Nov. 11 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in person (with dinner) or on Zoom 6 to 8:30 p.m. for our annual fundraiser and celebration. The theme will be “Take a Chance on Reeb” and we invite you to come in your favorite disco or 70’s outfit. Enjoy live entertainment and the auction in person or online. Suggested donation - $10 per person or $25 for a family. 

This year's catalog of auction items is ready for viewing. You can also register for bidding and dinner.

Donations Needed!

Use this online donation form to donate services or goods. Donation ideas can be found on the donation form. We especially encourage donations that create community and connection, such as gatherings or homemade items.

We are also seeking volunteers to help with the event, including providing entertainment, helping 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 to the donation form

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.

Website Tip of the Week - Building Rental Questions?

On our rental page you can find our rental policies and rates for all of the available rooms in our building for long-term or short-term rentals. You can also check our building use calendar to see if a room is free on a particular date. Contact our office administrator Tony at office@jruuc.org to arrange a rental or for more information. You can get to our rental page from the Contact Us tab or menu option or here

Seeking Folks with a Welcoming Attitude

Do you have a winning smile? Are you up to the job of making newcomers and old-timers feel they belong? If so, consider being a greeter on Sunday mornings. The membership Team is looking for people to help greet, especially on the first or second Sundays of the month. If you are interested, please contact Elaine Morrison. She will make sure you get the instruction you need.

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.

More Ways to Be of Service Within Our Congregation

What's Happening in Our Community

See our Justice and Community Update page for activities & events

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

What's Happening In Unitarian Universalism

A Message from UUA President: “Welcome, in this Season of Return”

The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, elected UUA President at General Assembly in June 2023, offers a message of welcome at the start of a new congregational year for Unitarian Universalists. Rev. Dr. Betancourt also invites all UUs into a shared ministry together to reimagine the workings and expressions of Unitarian Universalist faith, while holding onto the traditions, theology, and commitments that have made us who we are.

Watch the video message here

More UUA Updates

Click the banner to learn what you can do to promote social justice along with our national organization.

Actions of Immediate Witness

 Abortion, Anti-Racism, Reparations, Restorative Justice, Medicare

Click the banner to learn how you can get involved in getting out the vote. 


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