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Upcoming Worship Services
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May 24
Online Service:
Heroes, Monuments, and the Theology of Public Grief (
10:30 am)
As we honor Memorial Day this weekend, people across our country take time to engage in rituals of public grief and remembrance. As the national and global death toll of COVID-19 climbs, those who've lost loved ones yearn for public rituals to honor those dying today. What do our rituals of public grief tell us about the values in our culture concerning life and death? And as Unitarian Universalists, what is our moral vision for public memorial in this time?
Or call in by phone: 1-669-900-6833,
then enter
Meeting ID: 444 532 079
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After Service Discussion - This Sunday
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This year's Balazs Scholar, Rev. Elod Szabo, will conduct a Q&A after the service on May 24. This discussion will focus on his message "Preaching From The Housetops." In this message, he talks about how we, Unitarian Universalists, live our mission, especially given the multitude of issues that are considered when measuring the success of our religious communities.
Rev. Elod Szabo is a Unitarian minister in Urmos, Transylvania. Both his father and grandfather were Unitarian ministers. At Berkeley, he has been studying justice ministry, leadership, and philosophy. He is married and has two children aged seven and four.
There will be an opportunity to view the recording of his sermon prior to the Q&A or you can check them out now!
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Sunday Circle and New Saturday Circle
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Sunday Circle - 9:00 am
Since Social Distancing means we can't gather in our Fireside Room, we have evolved a Zooming Circle. See connection information below.
As we all adapt to current events we have departed from our previous schedule of topics and leaders and re-purposed our group to simply be a place where, each week, we can
Connect in Community
Share Humor and Hope
Support Creativity and Curiosity
A volunteer leader welcomes participants, lights a chalice, and offers a reading and topic for the day, often one that has evolved from the previous week's conversation. We will have a few minutes of silence for contemplation, and then take turns responding with thoughts or asking related questions. We also make time for shared joys and concerns.
Use the following link for Sunday Circle at 9:00 am:
Or call in by phone:
1-669-900-6833, then enter Meeting ID: 738 308 019
Saturday Circle NEW!
UUCM's Sunday Circle has become so popular that we are starting a Saturday Circle at 9:00 am as well. Chalice lighting, interesting conversations, Joys and Concerns, and a bit of silent contemplation all make for a meaningful social experience. Our first topic this week is "Who are your influencers?" Do you have a guru, favorite poet, or role model in your life? Let's share!
Or call in by phone:
1-669-900-6833, then enter Meeting ID: 738 308 019
Peace and strength,
Kim Holscher
kimholscher51@gmail.com
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Many meetings and events have been cancelled or postponed.
P
lease contact the coordinator of your group for additional information.
Have something to share with the UU Marin church community? Send it to newsletter@uumarin.org, by
Tuesdays at 7 am for same week publications.
Order of Service announcements are due by Wednesday at 5 pm,
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Annual Meeting - June 7, 12 PM
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Notice of Annual Meeting
June 7, 2020 at Noon
Zoom Info: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/444532079
Or call in by phone: 1-669-900-6833, then enter Meeting ID: 444 532 079
Please join us for our annual meeting where we will vote on the 2020-21 Budget, new Slates for our Board of Trustees and other elected positions, and much more! Online voting instructions will be sent out closer to the meeting date and there will be an opportunity to practice at the beginning of the meeting.
Links to important documents for your review are on our
web site.
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When shelter in place began, I had high hopes that we would be able to gather in person for Flower Communion. Our annual ritual of sharing flowers is a cornerstone of religious practice for me, one of the few rituals unique and indigenous to Unitarian Universalism, a ritual that I've found moving and meaningful every year of my life.
For a while I imagined we might hold off on Flower Communion instead of holding it on June 14th. Waiting for that moment just around the corner when we could worship all together again. While a great deal of uncertainty remains about when we will be able to resume in-person worship services, it is sadly clear that it will not be just around the corner. While we wait for guidance from Marin County Public Health, we assume that even when we can gather again, we will do so under very different conditions than when we were last together in March. This is sad, and very hard, and I know our online alternative is woefully inferior to being together in the flesh.
But I hope you will still help me to make Flower Communion a sacred ritual, a remembrance of the power and strength of community. Here's my request:
Send me a picture of a favorite flower, perhaps from your garden or neighborhood, with a short note about the flower - include its name and location - and a word or two about how you see the gifts you bring to community reflected in its beauty. Please send to r
evmarcus@uumarin.org by June 8th for use in our service on June 14th.
With you on the journey,
Rev. Marcus Hartlief
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This Week in Religious Exploration
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How lucky are we that there are cherries and stone fruits appearing in the markets now! Finding something fresh and sweet in this long journey can lift our spirits. Is it no wonder that today we are in the middle of Shavout, the Jewish holiday to celebrate the first fruits of the season. Shavout is more commonly known as a time to commemorate the Torah being given on Mt. Sinai. And for some this holiday is a time to eat blintzes or cheesecake. These sweet treats recall the journey into the promised land of milk and honey. And nowadays there are wonderful sweet and creamy vegan desserts that you can celebrate with as well. So take a moment to relish something enjoyable in this long journey. Chag Sameach - Happy Festival!
This Week in Religious Exploration
Here is the information to connect to Sunday Zoom programs for kids:
For preschool to 1st grade:
Sunday Morning Program with Glynda Christian
Sundays at 9:30 am
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on
If you have Zoom set up you can enter
Meeting ID: 908 019 359 and enter
Password: 228152
For grades 6th to 8th grade:
UUCM Middle School Gathering with Phoebe Eckart
Sundays at 1:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on
If you have Zoom set up you can enter
Meeting ID: 440 666 082 and enter
Password: 698232
For 9th to 12th grade - YRUU
(UUCM High School) Gathering with Phoebe Eckart
Sundays at 2:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking on
If you have Zoom set up you can enter
Meeting ID: 135 477 548 and enter
Password: 487578
So until next week, be safe, stay healthy and sleep well.
For joy and justice in an imperfect world,
Rev. Lynne Scarpa
Director of Family Ministries
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Wednesday, May 27, virtual gathering via Zoom
Knitters, crocheters and mask sewers are invited to join in ongoing efforts to create needed items for children and adults. Our current efforts include knitted or crocheted 10" squares to be assembled into blankets for Syrian refugees. Wool hats and scarves also welcome. Several sewers are also making protective masks to donate to various recipients/groups.
Patterns and guidance provided. The current sheltering has prompted us to schedule two meetings per month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. The next video session will be held on Wednesday, May 27 between 6:30 and 8:00 pm.
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Calling All Hobbyists, Artists & Crafters!
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What will the next year of FUNdRAISING look like for us? It seems clear that in the next fiscal year we will need to supplement anticipated income with activities to raise money. How they will develop and how they will look will take some imagination and creativity.
The Fundraising/Celebrating Team is thinking about an Art and Craft Fair as a FUNdRAISER for some time in November (or a date to be determined when we can fit all the moving parts into place). It might be in person. It might be online. It might be both. It might be in some other format. But, so that we can be ready, we need to be planning now.
If you are interested in painting, glass blowing, metal work, jewelry, weaving, beading, pottery, quilting, bookmaking, gardening, or another creative art, please let us know. We need your thoughts and ideas.
Are you interested in raising money? Please join the committee. Plans are in the beginning stages and your input is invaluable.
Come plan with us. You can give Joan a call at 518-588-0822 or drop her a line at joanesq93@gmail.com
The Committee
Joan Smith, Karen Auroy,
Kat Braeman,
Lisa Cohen, Margaret Johnson,
Lynne Scarpa and Sally Schroeder
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Virtual General Assembly (VGA) 2020 offers Unitarian Universalists an opportunity to gather and deepen our connections with each other and our faith. In addition to the General Sessions, Synergy, Service of the Living Tradition and Sunday worship, registered attendees can also enjoy daily morning worship, Welcoming celebrations, live workshops, an on-demand library of programming, presentations by featured speakers and special events such as coffee hours, worship reflection time, and evening entertainment.
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The UU Marin book club is meeting via Zoom on Memorial Day, May 25, at 3:00 pm to discuss "The Unvanquished" by William Faulkner.
Email
kimholscher51@gmail.com
to join the conversation.
Peace and strength, Kim Holscher
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Pastoral Care Committee Cares!
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The Coronavirus pandemic continues to plague our lives in the month of May. The Pastoral Care Committee remains ready to respond to congregants' requests for services, be it a kind ear, a grocery delivery, or a weekly check-in phone call. Our assistance phone line through August 1st is 415/459-7024.
Your call will be answered within one day. Stay safe!
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Get involved in the UUJMCA (UU Justice Ministry of CA). Many virtual actions are planned over the next few months including:
- A group of women in Marin have started a new organization called Dine11Marin/Canal. As part of the work of that org, they are partnering with Canal organizations to provide food from local restaurants to immigrant residents. If interested in supporting this cause, contact lauriepdubin@gmail.com
- For information on Environmental Issues and elders, see www.eldersaction.org or contact Katherine DaSilva Jain.
- Contact Sarah Tiederman sarahtpolitics@gmail.com for getting involved with writing postcards to encourage voting in disenfranchised communities.
- Please remember to complete your Census form and encourage friends and family. Our count is critical for our State and County. For further info or flyers, contact Anne Spatola amspatola@comcast.net
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Do you want to make a difference in our county and the world? We focus on local issues which are relevant to all of us. Bring your ideas and concerns to the UUCM Social Justice Committee. We meet the third Sunday of each month at noon.
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Continue your commitment to environmental and economic justice by shopping at
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Staff Links
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Office Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: mid-morning to late afternoon or into the evening.
Call, text or email to make an appointment.
415-578-9632 (direct), 510-213-0404 (cell)
Administrator:
Director of Family Ministries:
Rev. Lynne Scarpa
Choir Director:
Amanda Nelson
Early Childhood Teacher: Glynda Christian
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Feedback about this weekly newsletter is appreciated. Please note change in email address:
eWeekly Deadline for Friday issue:
Tuesday by 7 am - activities and announcements, staff columns, committee reports
Weekly articles can contain:
- Notices of UUCM sponsored events, meetings, or other activities which involve the entire congregation.
- Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) or Pacific Western Region announcements of interest to the entire congregation.
(Staff article length 250 words)
Proofreader: Victoria T. Holdridge
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin
415-479-4131
240 Channing Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
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