UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays
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Volume III * Issue 39* March 10, 2023 | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!
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Daylight Savings Time
Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night, March 11.
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This Sunday, March 12, 2023 | |
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Worship
In Person and on Zoom 10:00 am
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"Lift Every Voice"
Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul and Barbara Nowicki
Sharing opinions about meaningful topics. Adults call it the “democratic process.” Children say that “everyone deserves to be heard.” But, as Harry Nilsson put it, when “everybody’s talkin’ at me, I can’t hear a word they’re saying.” Is there a happy medium?
Order of Service
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Religious Exploration
In Person 10am-noon
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Above is the story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah who was born in Ghana, West Africa. He was born with a deformed leg, but grew to show the world that "disability is not inability". His is a powerful story of hope and the vulnerability necessary to take a risk and trust.
Here's another one called Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, read by the author about how a vision can become reality when we have the vulnerability to ask for help.
We will play with these ideas this Sunday as we talk about what isn't fair in our world and make some art to imagine how it could be better.
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Newcomers Lunch after the service today! Kids welcome! | |
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Pledge Campaign Update
BEES POLLINATE the spring flowers, bringing beauty and fruitfulness to the world, just like your pledge makes the work of this congregation possible. If you want to review the letter sent for the pledge campaign, or print out a new pledge form, check out those documents on the UUCSC website. 63 pledges totaling $149,905.00 means we have reached 75% of $200,000 goal for 2023/24. If you have not yet made a pledge please help us reach 100%. Please BEE INVESTED!
Submitted by Mary Fulton, Stewardship Chair
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It’s so weird that it’s now been three full years since that first stay at home order, when the whole world shut down. Even though so much of life has gone back to something that feels more normal, nothing is exactly the same. Not even congregational life.
For a while UU congregations gathered only online, then for a long time, we encouraged everyone to leave immediately after the service or meeting ended. It didn’t exactly encourage community building or new memberships.
Now that we are about to go mask-optional-and-strongly-suggested, and are consistently welcoming 80+ people on Sundays, we’re realizing that we have a lot of newcomers. We’re also noticing that a whole bunch of people joined as members in the last three years without ever having been ceremonially welcomed, and charged by the congregation.
Over the next two months, the Membership Committee and I are planning three important events:
On March 12, this Sunday, a luncheon at 11:45 for all newcomers…meaning anyone who is new in the last three years or so! This is a chance to meet each other, if you haven’t already, and form something of a “cohort.”
On April 2, also at 11:45, we’ll have another luncheon and a “New to UU” class where we’ll discuss theology, liturgy and governance, with insights from some of our brilliant lay leaders.
On May 2, during the regular service, the congregation will welcome new members who have joined since March of 2020 in a ceremony that is powerful, and long overdue.
Whether you are new to the congregation, new to Unitarian Universalism, or even hoping to connect with new folks, please let us know. You can contact me revdenispaul@gmail.com or Val Follett valeriefollett@gmail.com to let us know if you’ll be coming.
Children are welcome to the March 12 event. Since the April 2 event is a class, we’re happy to provide lunch and childcare for your little ones.
Thanks for joining us on this fun adventure!
In Peace,
Rev Denis
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I'm feeling a spring in my step as we spring forward to Daylight Savings Time tomorrow night. Meteorological Spring has already arrived and the Astronomical Spring isn't far behind. Here's hoping it doesn't snow in April.
A couple of reminders:
GA Delegates
If you are interested in being a delegate at this year's General Assembly please let me or Rev Denis know by April 8 so it can be determined who will be representing UUCSC in person or via Zoom.
Masks Optional
The Board has determined that we will no longer be requiring masks beginning April 1. If you would like to be seated in a "Masks Required" area of the sanctuary, or if you would like any other accommodations please let me know ASAP. We need to determine how large an area we may need to section off.
Please be in touch with me or any Board member if you have any questions.
Elizabeth
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Stay in the Loop at UUCSC | |
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New to UU or UUCSC?
If you have started attending — or even joined — sometime since the beginning of the pandemic, we have three upcoming events to which you are specifically invited.
March 12, after the service: Newcomers Lunch, kids welcome.
April 2, after the service: New to UU class, with lunch and a brief overview of theology, polity and liturgy, childcare available
May 7, during the service: New Member recognition ceremony followed by cake and coffee on the patio
All events are open to everyone. Contact Rev Denis or Val Follett if you’d like to attend.
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Dining 4 Dollars PLUS 2023
CALL FOR HOSTS!
It’s spring, and the world is finally starting to open up. So are things here at UUCSC – and we are busy getting ready for our wonderful annual fundraising auction to start things off right! Again this year we’re planning Dining 4 Dollars PLUS – a unique mix of events involving gathering and eating together in different ways (which we all LOVE), and other events and activities of various sorts – maybe a guided hike, a game night, painting parties, teaching something you love, a trip to someplace interesting nearby, different events for children and families, and really anything else that you might want to plan and offer for folks to bid on and enjoy. Once again, we need YOUR help to make this auction fun, interesting, and delicious for all! So… put on your thinking caps, maybe partner up with a friend, and when you have your idea just clink on this link to submit the event you’d like to host.
Deadline for D4$ Plus events to be submitted is April 15. The Auction will happen later in the spring, both online and in-person. Join the fun and host an event! Thanks for your support.
Trish Hindley, Betsy Dalton, and Nancy Richman, your D4$ Plus 2023 Coordinators
PS: We are happy to answer any questions. Just give any of us a call, or talk with us after services.
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UUCSC Anti-racism Group
Monday, March 13, 2023,
7:00-8:15 PM
This is an open group; drop-ins are always welcome to join in the work of undoing racism with the mission to LEARN, EDUCATE, ADVOCATE. We continue this journey, energized to make a difference! We will continue to discuss the current UU proposal to change Article II of the UUA Bylaws.
The Zoom link to the meeting is always on the church calendar. We meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Please join us!
Notes from last meeting.
Submitted by Nancy Richman
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Spring is coming and it is time to clean up our act! In the first session of the Climate…Changed! series, we will learn about climate legislative action that is in process during this session of the General Assembly, followed by three updates from the RI Resource Recovery Center, a session on Green Burials, and finally how to get prepared for an emergency or an unpredictable climate disaster. Time for Q & A will follow each session.
· Wed. March 22, 2023 7-8 PM Environmental Policy in Rhode Island
· Tues. March 28, 2023 7-8 PM Recycling Right
· Tues. April 4, 2023 7-8 PM Reducing Food Waste
· Tues. April 11, 2023 7-8 PM Composting Part 1 (Introduction)
· Tues. April 18, 2023 7-8 PM Composting Part 2 (Green Burials)
· Tues. April 25, 2023 7-8 PM Climate Emergency Preparedness
Submitted by Cathy Solomon, Social Justice Chair
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Upcoming Sunday Services
Mar. 19 How Grace Can Heal Tammy Brown
Mar. 26 Why Does Courage Matter Right Now? Pam Steager
April 2 Isn't This The Time? Rev. Denis and Sky Kimball
April 9 Easter Rev. Denis
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UUA General Assembly 2023 | |
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Rethinking Our Unitarian Universalist Principles...
Read more about the process of change HERE, including the January 2023 Article II Report to the UUA Board.
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Current Community Connections | |
Raising Anti-Racist Children: Author Talk with Britt Hawthorne
May 3rd at 1:00 PM EDT
Are you committed to building an antiracist family environment for your children? Raising antiracist children is a noble goal for any parent, caregiver, or educator, but it can be hard to know where to start. Let Britt Hawthorne—a nationally recognized teacher and advocate—be your guide. Raising Antiracist Children acts as an interactive guide for strategically incorporating the tools of inclusivity into everyday life and parenting. Register here
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Free Trees for Kids
From Neighborhood Forest
For the second year, the Library is participating in the Neighborhood Forest program. Sign up here by searching for Cross' Mills Public Library and registering to receive one free tree per child. Trees will be delivered to the Library and you will be contacted when they are ready to be picked up and planted.
Registration deadline is March 17th.
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Manton Avenue Project
Double Feature
March 17-18 7PM
The New Normal Musicals: Original musicals by 5th graders that explore our new normal after three years of tumult, change, and resilience.
And The Celebration Plays by 4th graders: plays that celebrate all the different ways we celebrate!
Directed by MAP teens and performed by local actors alongside the youth.
Tickets here
Submitted by Johnette Rodriguez
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Walk in Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge
Saturday March 18, 10 am -noon
Rhode Island Interfaith Power and Light, a group that advocates for action taken to mitigate the impact of climate change, invites you to
Walk to Connect: A contemplative and educational walk through Trustom Pond Wildlife Refuge. For more information contact nmacleod03@gmail.com
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Legislative Leaders Forum
Wednesday, March 22, 9:45 to 11:15 AM
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Warwick
Sponsored by The Senior Agenda Coalition
RI Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi will be the featured guests. The format will be a “town hall meeting” that will make the case for major investments in providing better care for seniors. Some participants will share their stories about what’s needed and questions from the audience will be encouraged.
Admission is free, register here. For more information contact Bill Flynn at 952-6525.
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Author Mari Nardolillo-Dias at Kingston Free Library
Wednesday, March 22 at 6 PM
Mari is a RI author and has written two volumes of short essays on the
subject of grief, both death-related and non-death related, called GriefSpeak- Stories of Loss Vol 1 and 2. She is a grief therapist and a death doula, dedicating most of her life to working with loss. She’s a nationally board-certified counselor, holds a Fellow in Thanatology and is
certified in both grief counselling and complicated grief. Additionally, Mari is a Professor of Clinical Mental Health at Johnson & Wales University and the director of GracePoint Grief Center in North Kingstown. To register, please contact Britta at bobertello@skpl.org or 783-8254 ext. 4303.
Submitted by Mary Fulton
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Girls Night Out!!
Sunday, March 26th, at 4 pm
Girls Night Out is a Live In-Person Storytelling Concert held at the Southside Cultural Center, Providence RI, a celebration of women in story and song.
Featuring Joan Bailey, Rachel Briggs Peg Donovan, Anne-Marie Forer, Cindy Killavey, Ginay Lopes, Valerie Tutson & Clare Vadeboncoeur. More Information here
Submitted by Johnette Rodriguez
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Courageous Rhode Island:
Reducing Hate by Finding Common Ground
Courageous RI, with support from the Dept. of Homeland Security, works to prevent rising violence and extremism with open and respectful conversation. Twice a month, join us for Courageous Conversations, a lively, facilitated online discussion program designed to increase tolerance, problem solving, and appreciation of other points of view. Join a Courageous Conversation March 21 and April 4 at lunch time (12:00-1:00pm) or in the early evening (7:00-8:00pm). For more information, and to register for the conversations, go to Courageous RI. Stay curious, not furious!
Submitted by Nancy Richman
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School Committee Controversy in Chariho
The Rhode Island Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments soon in a case that could influence the direction of the Chariho Regional School District. At issue is the contested appointment of a far right activist to the school committee that underscores the continued influence of conservative politics in some school districts. Read more here
Submitted by Johnette Rodriguez
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UUCSC Annual Business Meeting Coming Up
** June 11, 2023 ** 11:30 AM ** Sanctuary **
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Board of Directors 2023-24 Election at Annual Meeting
Two positions are open for the upcoming year which starts on July 1 --President and Treasurer. If you are interested, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee. Serving on the Board is a truly meaningful way to contribute to this community.
BOARD MINUTES - FEBRUARY
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"Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America"
Free Screening and Discussion, Sunday March 12.
movie 4-6pm, food and discussion: 6-7:30pm
Register through eventbrite . Read more about the film and the Who We Are Project here. See the poster for more information.
Submitted by Johnette Rodriguez
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Ferry Beach offers summer camp for grown ups!
Save the Date: August 27-30 The Ferry Beach Getaway is perfect for those who long ago aged out of summer camp but still yearn for the camaraderie and activities of camp. You’re a grown up now so you can do as much – or as little – as you wish. More information here.
submitted by Heidi Hertel-Therrien and Louise Marcoux, co-coordinators of The Beach Getaway
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This war rages on...
The UUCSC Share the Plate committee recommends one of these four organizations that are providing support to Ukrainians in crisis.
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Bethany Sorrentino, Helping Hands Coordinator
Don't be afraid to ask for help - helping hands are here!
Helping hand volunteers are also needed.
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List of Black owned businesses from RI Monthly magazine. Patronize these businesses all year long. This small effort can help undo racism. Please send pics and reviews to Etta for sharing here and on website.
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How to Submit Info to This Newsletter | |
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Send announcements and news with Newsletter Item in the subject line to Sara Kaplow, Congregational Administrator, at uucscri@gmail.com and Etta Zasloff, Editor, at zasloff.etta@gmail.com by Tuesday Noon
to assure publication by Friday of that week.
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