UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays

Volume III * Issue 23 * November 11, 2022

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!

Reverend Denis Letourneau Paul, Minister

revdenispaul@gmail.com Minister's Calendar

This Sunday, November 13, 2022

In-Person and on Zoom 10:00 am

"Radical Rethink"

Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul

and Jeanne Arthur


"Many Theologians have labeled the prophet Jesus as queer. That doesn't mean he was gay in the 21st century sense of the word, but his way of living in the world was completely radical, and broke all the rules of manhood of the time. In tiny little gestures he questioned everything, and turned all the old laws and mores upside down."


Masks are required in the sanctuary.


Order of Service

Transformative Change


Barbara Pagh will join us this week to make beautiful homemade paper out of old paper scraps. This transformation is such a beautiful process: turning something old and used into a work of art. Let's think about all the ways we can do this in our world.


OWL Update

Thanks to the Hurdis fund, we had a successful training for Our Whole Lives facilitators last month. We have already started the 8th-9th grade class and plan for our 10th-12th grade class in the spring. Please read our full update here.

DONATE

Rev's Reflections

Stepping out of the house for our morning walk, we found a huge leaf sitting on the patio. 


Though I can’t tell you the species, it’s not an unusual leaf, to be sure. The thing that made it stand out for me is that the tree it came from is nowhere near our yard or patio. I looked everywhere within a radius of a few houses, but couldn’t find where it came from. The leaf seems like it came out of nowhere, or more likely was carried on the wind from a surprising distance.

Its heart shape, after this brutal election season, gave me a bit of hope, even before I had the chance to check the election returns from last night. 


It’s Wednesday morning as I write this, and election results are coming in. From all accounts, nothing has been terribly surprising on the national stage, except for the election of Seth Magaziner, our new US congressman from this district, but even that news isn’t a shock. Nearly all of the national legislative seats that were expected to be too close to call early are proving to be just that right now: too close to call. Georgia will be holding a run-off election next month.


But one thing is standing out to me. Now, I am no political guru, but it seems to me like the candidates who spent a lot of time espousing the lie that the last presidential election was “stolen” have largely been handed their hats and told to go away. Most of them did pretty poorly, and of course Fox “news” is claiming problems with electronic ballots and Tucker Carlson is whining about how they need to be gotten rid of, which to me feels like proof that they lost fairly.


Maybe things are changing. Maybe enough traditionally conservative voters are feeling fed up with the big lie perpetrated by the hate-mongering extremists who have tried so hard to take over their party. More likely, middle of the road voters are making it clear they they aren’t buying the big lie.


While the early returns don’t feel like a referendum on policy or even party, they feel to me like a referendum on attitude. Maybe enough of us are done listening to the lies and giving legitimate forums to Christian nationalists and white supremacists that we might actually see a change in rhetoric. And more accountability.


One can only hope. 


I know it’s silly, but my hope is that the big yellow heart-shaped leaf on the patio this morning is a metaphor for surprising and heart-filled change. We need it.


In Peace,

Rev Denis

Virtual Ushers Needed!



It’s a simple job, with no tech skills required. But your participation is essential, so we can continue to offer this vital lifeline to members and friends of our congregation who count on Zoom services to stay connected.


On Sunday morning, all you have to do it log in at 9:45, and by clicking “admit” welcome people into the Zoom room as they arrive, then click “record” at the beginning of the sermon.


That’s it! An easy job with huge rewards of gratitude. If we get 12 or more people to sign up for dates in advance, it’s a commitment of no more than four times per year.


Contact Rev Denis or Adria Evans for more information.

Chalica

Chalica is a new UU holiday, one that we can claim for ourselves as a celebration of our principles. It’s a week-long Festival of Lights that this year runs from December 5 to December 11. Chalica is a great opportunity for families to create new traditions that come from our own values, rather than the creeds of other religions. It's a way to live into our shared faith in a way that is fun, engaging and memorable for our children.


The name of the holiday derives from the word chalice and has as its core practices of lighting a chalice each day and reflecting on our principles. Families and congregations are creating their own rituals and traditions for celebrating together, and some are making their way into the UU lexicon.

Preparing for Chalica

* Send your sweet or savory bean recipes to Lee who will compile them to share


* Make simple, homemade gifts to share with family and friends.


* Nurture narcissus blooms in your home.


* Get a chalice or polish up the one you have. You could even make one!


* Make a seven-pointed star from sticks and stud it with twinkle lights.



* Invite a (non-UU, perhaps?) friend or family member to join you for dinner

Celebrating Together

Sunday, December 4

at 10AM: Worship will include a “procession of colors” with the children, unveiling our Chalica decor, and singing songs written for the holiday.


Wednesday, December 7 at 6PM: Chalica dinner (not a potluck!) with a traditional meal of beans, rice and sauces from different continents, followed by dessert. 

Suggested donation is $7 per person or $18 per family. Nobody turned away.



Sunday, December 11

at 10AM: Worship will include stories of Chalica, a gift exchange, and a “recession of colors.” Bring homemade gifts to share if you wish!

Stay in the Loop at UUCSC

Social Justice November Update



Read More About ...


  • Expanding Antiracism focus to include Antisemitism.
  • Being a Better Neighbor - RICan in the Spotlight.
  • Using our new "Call to Action" email list.
  • Anticipating action in the upcoming January General Assembly

Submitted by Cathy Solomon, Chair

Social Justice image

UUCSC Anti-racism Group

Monday, November 14, 2022

7:00 PM on Zoom

This is an open group; drop-ins are always welcome to join us in the work of undoing racism with the mission to LEARN, EDUCATE, ADVOCATE. Join us as we continue this journey, energized to make a difference!  


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!  AGENDA

Holiday Fair

White Elephant Sale


Donate clean and desirable items for this favorite fundraiser. Everything should be in good condition and working order.

Accessories such as hats, scarves, purses, mittens, etc. are welcome, but no other clothing. Deliveries can be made to UUCSC between Nov. 10 and Nov. 30, but no later. If you can deliver things in boxes rather than bags it will be easier for volunteers to handle. Contact Mary Fulton with any questions.


Your former treasures can become someone else’s treasure! Help us facilitate this exchange and make monetary change for UUCSC!

Volunteers Wanted

Help gather greens, make wreaths and design bows for the Holiday Fair! On November 30 a group of us will gather greens. On December 1 we will gather in the Oneto Room ( bring your own clippers and wire cutters) from 10-1pm to create festive holiday decorations to sell at the December 3rd fair. Many hands make light work and beautiful creations! Contact Mary Finnegan if you are interested in participating in any part of the process!

Jewelry Table at the Holiday Fair



Jean Bowen and Cindy Berry would like your previously cherished jewelry to sell at the Winter Boutique Holiday Fair on Dec 3rd.


This popular table features your costume, silver jewelry and even those tiny gold chains in the corner of your jewelry boxes. Kindly give us a call or email to arrange delivery or pick up. We welcome your donations before November 28th.



Jean: jeannbowen@gmail.com (401)788-3158

Cindy: jberrycberry@verizon.net (401) 782-8278

Submitted by Jean Bowen

Current Community Connections

Trans Day of Joy

Saturday, November 12, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm

Rain Date*: Sun., Nov. 13, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm


Location

Contemporary Theater Amphitheater

327 Main St, South Kingstown, RI Parking on Main St.


This is an outdoor event for community members, families, and allies to gather around resilience, love, and acceptance. This will feature speakers, local organizations and resources, and opportunities for further advocacy and action.

Sponsoring Organizations


LGBTQ Action RI, The Womxn Project HQ, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders - GLAD, Haus of Codec, TGI Network, URI Gender & Sexuality Center, South County Pride, PFLAG Greater Providence, RI, RI Queer PAC, Sojourner House, Thunderrmist Health Center, The Contemporary Theater Company, UUCSC, SAGE/Rhode Island, RI Democratic Women's Caucus, Towards An Anti-Racist North Kingstown - TANK, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change: An Intern. Community of Lesbian Elders, Beyond the Stacks, and others.


Submitted by Cathy Solomon

Thank a Veteran today!

Learn. Discover. Enjoy.


Picking Up Stones:

Grappling with the Moral Dilemma

of Israel and Palestine


A 50-Minute, One-Woman Monologue

Performed and Written

by Sandra Laub


Thursday, November 17, 2022

3:30-4:30 PM


Online Webinar

Registration and description HERE.

REMINDERS...

Multi-congregation Discussion:

Revising the 7 Principles?

Tuesday * November 15 , 2022

6:30 – 8:00 on Zoom

Facilitated by Revs Darcey Laine, Douglas Taylor, and Jo VonRue.


Our Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles are under consideration for significant revision. This discussion has been underway in the UU world, and now it’s our turn to engage with the draft statements and focused discussion questions... DIG DEEPER 


Register in advance for this meeting here to receive Zoom link

Submitted by Mary Fulton

Beneath The Polar Sun

Film Screening and Discussion

First Baptist Church, North Kingstown

Sunday, Nov. 13, 7 PM


This film is the work of Stephen Smith and Diana Kushner. Several years ago Steve’s movie “Vanishing Point” was shown at UUCSC.

Submitted by Linda Whyte Burrell

URI 59th Annual Honors Colloquium

Focus...  Just Good Food:

Creating Equitable, Sustainable, and

Resilient Food Systems


Tuesdays in the Fall  7:00 PM

Edwards Auditorium or online.

This war rages on...
The UUCSC Share the Plate committee recommends one of these four organizations that are providing support to Ukrainians in crisis.
Bethany Sorrentino, Helping Hands Coordinator
bethanysorrentino@uri.edu or 401-451-4104. 
Don't be afraid to ask for help - helping hands are here! 
Helping hand volunteers are also needed.

UUCSC Committees always need help and new ideas.

Please contact President Elizabeth Donovan at elizdn342@gmail.com.

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.
Important Links

Our Stories


COVID Myths


Black Lives Matter Resource Page

Includes lists of Black-Owned Businesses


UU Book and Gift Shop

Your search for truth and meaning begins here.


Tech Tips Especially for UUCSC


UUCSC Office Hours


All Board Minutes and Reports


Newsletter Archive

How to Submit Info to This Newsletter

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.