UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays
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Volume IV * Issue 12 * September 1, 2023 | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!
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This Sunday, September 3, 2023 | |
Worship In Person and Online at 10:00 am |
"Blessing the
Tools of Work"
Rev. Denis and Lee Cowan
Blessing the things we use to carry the tools of our work in the world. This Sunday, bring your bags, packs, purses, tool kits and hands for our annual blessing ritual.
Order of Service
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This first month of our congregational year, the theme is "Welcome". We welcome each other back to this space, this community, this home. And we welcome in new people and set our intention to be a welcoming place for all.
From the read aloud above, where the author reads her own book:
"There will be times when the whole world feels like a place that you're standing all the way outside of. And all that stands beside you is your own brave self. Steady as steel and ready. Even though you don't yet know what you're ready for."
May you be ready to step into the arms of community. May you know that you are already here, already loved, already perfect just as you are.
Here is a guided meditation to remind us
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Share the Plate Sunday
Half of the plate and designated collections received by check or online
the first week of each month are shared with a worthy local non profit. August, September and October's 2023 recipient is Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, RI Chapter. Read more.
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This has been the coolest summer I can remember in my whole life. Last week, I was actually *cold* a few times, and sought out a sweater or blanket. The air conditioning has hardly been on at all. And here we are ending the summer that never really started, and returning to a new congregational year together.
We’ll begin with a Labor Day weekend blessing of the tools we use to do our work in the world: our backpacks, book bags, briefcases, purses, lunch boxes and even our hands themselves. Make sure you bring your bag.
On the following Sunday, we’ll officially kick off the new congregational year with the traditional in gathering service, featuring our annual water communion. Make sure you bring a little container of water — from any source, because all water is sacred. We’ll be focusing on how we move with the world (flow, like water, actually) and what we want to focus on together in the coming year.
I don’t know about you, but if there’s one thing the weather has gotten me thinking about it's how weird it is that globally this has been the hottest summer in recorded history, especially in most of the United States, and we’ve been chilly here in New England. Climate change is real, and even the traditional deniers are finally having to admit it.
In some ways, it almost feels too late to do anything about it. Then again, it seems like climate change is causing a scenario that has been repeated throughout human history: the people with the least resources are getting hit the hardest by “unavoidable” changes.
This year, as we have serious conversations about the UUA’s proposed changes to Article II of our bylaws (“the seven words”) and do our best to engage meaningfully in our community, maybe this is a place for us to give our energy: equality and justice in the face of climate change.
Something to think about.
In Peace,
Rev Denis
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Stay in the Loop at UUCSC | |
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Circle Dinners Return!
Circle Dinners most often occur in homes of Members and Friends of UUCSC. Circle Dinners will be Friday, Saturday or Sunday September 15th, 16th or 17th. If someone would like to host, and lives in a space too small to accommodate six or more, it is possible to host a gathering at UUCSC.
Diners will be grouped and re-grouped month to month so that there will be opportunities to socialize with varied people each month.
While the name is Circle Dinners, gatherings can in fact be any time from brunch to dinner, according to the choice of the host. This could allow those who avoid driving at night chances to participate.
Interested? Please look for the sign-up sheet in the Oneto Room. Questions? Contact Linda Whyte-Burrell
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Swim Picnic Meet-up
Tuesday, Sept. 5th at 3:30
URI's Bay Campus
All ages are welcome! Bring some snacks, a picnic blanket or chairs and swim suits and we'll celebrate the end of summer together.
Contact Lee Cowan for more details
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Paddling on Tucker Pond
A periodic gathering of kayak enthusiasts gather informally to paddle together as we chat and explore local spots. This fall, we’re focusing on Tucker Pond, departing from the boat launch on Tuckertown Road near White Pond Road.
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Thursday, September 14 at 9AM
Tuesday, September 26 at 4PM
Tuesday, October 10 at 3PM
Contact Rev Denis for more details.
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Summer Office Hours End
Regular office hours resume Tuesday, September 5. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 to 2:30, Friday 8:30 to 11:30.
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Upcoming Services
September 10 Water Communion Rev. Denis and Lee Cowan
September 17 A Life in Letters Johnette Rodriguez
September 24 Why Anti-Racism? Barbara Holtzman and Betty Kornitzer
October 1 Families of Choice Rev. Denis
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An interesting article about recent racially motivated attacks on United Church of Christ Congregations.
Submitted by Johnette Rodriguez
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The Art of Bob Dilworth is on exhibit at the Newport Art Museum thru December. Meet at the UUCSC parking lot on Tuesday the 19th of September at 9:30 am to carpool with a group going to view the show. Maybe a stop for lunch afterward? Questions? Contact Linda Whyte Burrell.
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Mixed Magic Theatre Presents
Daybreak: The Greatness of Gospel XVI
Sept. 1, 7 pm, Sept. 2 & 3, 6 pm
A blend of gospel classics and contemporary favorites presented by the acclaimed Mixed Magic Theatre Exult Choir. For tickets and more information see the website or call 401-587-1400
401-Mixed Magic Theatre is at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket, RI
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Together Women Rise Potluck
Tuesday, September 5, 6 PM
Peacedale Congregational Church
261 Columbia St. in Peacedale
We will watch the video of our Sept. grantee from Kenya, www.lastmile4d.org. They will be receiving $48,000 working towards educating rural girls, women & their communities about FGM or female genital mutilation, their health, safety & to gain freedom from gender based violence.
Submitted by Gail Burchard
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Our Whole Lives: Lifespan Sexuality Education for Older Adults
Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30 PM
Starting September 29, 2023
UUCSC and Westminster UU
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Honest, accurate information about how sexuality changes lives. OWL dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to co-sponsor this 14 week program with Westminster. Click HERE for dates and locations.
Submitted by Mary Fulton
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This exhibition is made possible
by the Carolyn Steere Hurdis Fund for Social Justice at UUCSC.
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Hera Gallery Presents
"There Are No Strangers"
July 29- September 2, 2023
Curated by John Kotula
and Barbara Pagh
Closing Reception and Panel Discussion: Saturday September 2, from 3-4pm. Read more here.
Submitted by Barbara Pagh
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Louise McLeod is back in Roberts Health Centre, Room 35, 25 Roberts Way, North Kingstown, RI 02852. She is expected to be there for some time, and would love calls and visitors, and cards are always welcome. (401-578-7150 is her cell phone).
Judi Marcy and Suzanne Marcy are going through a hard time and would appreciate cards and good wishes. Their address in last week's newsletter was incorrect. Please use 45 Beach Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.
Submitted by Val Follett
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Don't become victim to a SCAM!
Review Understanding Phishing!
If you receive a suspicious email, drag it into your Spam folder, which will automatically block the scammer from using your email again as bait. Stay vigilant!
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In addition to your pledge, if you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you may donate up to $100,000.00 each year to UUCSC or other charities from your IRA account. Such a donation does not count as taxable income to you if made directly from your IRA account to the charity. Read more here.
Submitted by the Finance Committee
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Michael Bilecki will recycle your batteries.
Deposit them in the container in the Oneto Room!
Read more here.
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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
uuhelpinghands@gmail.com or 401-451-4104.
Don't be afraid to ask for help - helping hands are here!
Helping hand volunteers are also needed.
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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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