Rev. Nancy's Sermon & Online Worship - March 29
Life Off Balance
Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Senior Minister
Zoom Watch Party, Sunday 10am; Will be available YouTube
In these anxious times, it can feel like the elusive promised land is something like “balance.” Balance between commitments. Balance upon the tightrope of life. Balance of mind, body and spirit. Yet even the most balanced among us are making constant adjustments to maintain that poise. Is there a time to embrace the fact that life is always a little out of balance?
All Congregation Zoom Watch Party! Online Sunday Service
Join in at 9:45am; Official start 10am
Join us to watch a video of the worship service on Zoom together in real time. Once the Watch Party is started, participants can watch the service video at the same time as other viewers. You can even write your messages in the chat box to share with others. (Please remember we are always in covenant with each other, even online.) Wherever you are, you can be part of the party! This is free for all users.

Break out rooms after the video: At the end of the worship service, you are welcome to remain on the Zoom call for smaller group breakout rooms to chat directly with other participants. Find directions here .

You'll also be able to find Rev. Nancy's pre-recorded sermon on our website and YouTube channel or her podcast once they're posted. Read more about our services here .
Together in Spirit! Stewardship Update
Our annual Stewardship Campaign is entering its final few days amid the disruption and anxiety caused by the coronavirus. Thank you to everyone who made the 174 pledges that have brought us $ 650,266 toward our goal of $990,000.

Now more than ever, we need one another and the trusted community that sustains us at River Road. While we recognize that this is a difficult time for many, please know that the programs and services River Road is able to provide in the future depend on your contributions. 

If you have not yet made a pledge, we ask you to consider contributing any amount that is right for you. 

If you have never pledged --and decide to take that step now--you will help us to secure a Challenge Pledge from an anonymous donor who will contribute $10,000 if 25 individuals or families who have never pledged before do so by March 30.

There are many ways make a pledge :
  • Online. Pledge and then arrange your payments on a schedule that is convenient for you, using a debit card, a credit card, or a bank electronic transfer. 
  • Mail. Send a check to RRUUC, 6301 River Road, Bethesda MD 20817 with 2020-2021 in the notation.
  • Call or email Ana Lim, or 301-229-0400, ext. 101.
Here's more info and here for pledge forms . Email us with your questions.
Coronavirus Updates
Scam Alert!
Well – people are complicated, and difficult times bring opportunistic jerks. Right now there are internet trolls posing as various clergy and staff members of congregations around the country, mostly asking for gift cards and online money transfers. Note that: none of your River Road staff or ministers will ever ask you for cash or gift cards via e-mail!  If a message seems strange, or has language that is out of the ordinary, be wary. 
 
Building and Program Closures
While our original building and program closures extended only until the first of April, the continued spread of COVID-19 requires us to remain closed for in-person activities throughout April, with online worship already being planned into the middle of May. Of course, we are carefully monitoring recommendations from local and state authorities and will adapt our plans accordingly, to preserve and protect everyone’s safety and well-being.
Online Ministry Offerings
Wanting Some Youth and Children's Religious Education?
  • Contact Gabrielle Farrell or Beth Irikura for online sign-in information.
  • 11 am - High School Youth 
  • 12 noon - Middle School 
  • 1:30 pm - OWL
  • Family @ Home RE - new @4:30pm (new time!)
Zoom Trainings for Meetings, Classes, & Discussions: Stay connected with RRUUC's online ministries
If you're comfortable working with Zoom and would like to help train folks who wish to participate in online ministries, please contact Gabrielle Farrell . Not comfortable with Zoom? Email Gabrielle for training.
Weekly Online Open Ministers Forum, Wednesdays, 4-5pm
Revs. Nancy or Amanda will open their online space, light a chalice, and check in during a group conversation. Deeper one-on-one personal pastoral visits can be scheduled with Rev. Nancy individually through her e-mail address. Drop in or out at any time to say hi and chat as you are able.
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Find yourself with extra time? Read American Dirt
The RRUUC Immigration Justice Committee encourages you to read the best-seller American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. We'll have an online book discussion (date TBD) on what it means to feel you have to flee your homeland.
From Rev. Amanda...Hello River Roaders!
As we build and create new ways of connecting, I'm inviting you to help build our virtual community! River Road's YouTube channel is just waiting for your content. Have a talent or skill? Perhaps you’d like to share a song or story, or give a cooking lesson? Record and share on our channel! Find details here . If you have any questions, please email me . I look forward to building this space with all of you!
GOVOTE2020: How to ##UUtheVote without leaving the house
To UU the Vote without leaving your house, check out these suggestions on our website .

Maryland Residents: Register to get your mail-in ballot in just 5 minutes at Vote.org. The new primary is on June 2 but mail-in ballots may need to be processed earlier.
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  • Hear the Sermon on the River Road UU Podcast
Go to: www.rruuc.org/worship/podcasts . Or, to find them on iTunes, put "River Road Unitarian" in the search box; click on our chalice logo. You also have the option to subscribe so you never miss a sermon.
River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation | 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 | 301-229-0400 | office@rruuc.org | www.rruuc.org