UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays
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Volume III * Issue 49 * May 19, 2023 | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!
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This Sunday, May 21, 2023 | |
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Worship
In Person and on Zoom 10:00 am
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"Shockingly Normal"
Rev. Denis Paul
and Adria Evans
Two events were simultaneously making the news in the winter of 1963. They seemed to teach the same lesson about what is normal behavior among humans. Based on current events, we could either affirm the lesson, or rethink it completely.
Order of Service
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Religious Exploration
10:00 am - Noon
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This month's Soul Matter's theme is Creativity. The video above is some fantastic street art, transforming the world.
Last Sunday we planted tiny baby succulents into our cracked and glued together pots last week for Mother's Day. The mama plant is called "Mother of Thousands" and she makes tiny babies along all the edges of her leaves. We're so grateful for the mothers. Here's some beautiful mama art.
This week we will practice for an RE puppet show to be performed at our service on May 28th!
Save the Date for a Multigen Hike! June 3rd at 10am at Trustom Pond.
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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 Committtee
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May is a busy month at UUCSC. Annual reports are being written, the budget is being finalized and plans for summer services and Rev. Denis’s July break are being worked out. The Annual Meeting is fast approaching—June 11th. At the same time the world around us is greening up and nature is calling us to pay attention, pay attention. There is so much to see when we go “naturing” as my grandchildren call it. Naturing can be as simple as watching the bird feeder on your deck or taking a walk around the block intentionally looking for signs of the growth and change that is constantly happening all around us. Naturing can include hiking, journaling, sketching, and collecting… or just simple wonder.
And the garden, oh my, it is loudly calling for our attention in May. Perennial gardens are a great source of wonder also. They remind us so clearly of the cycles of life. Gardening, by definition, implies some control over the natural process. Perennials will only too gladly intermingle and take over the garden in ways that don’t always fit with the gardener’s vision. So not only go we weed and water, but we must also divide and cut back, sometimes dig up and move, keeping what works and maybe even ditching what doesn’t. Hopefully we can retain the sense of joy when a perennial returns for another year of growth and the spark of delight when a plant pops up in an unexpected and perhaps less than ideal spot. And hopefully we can hang on to the cherished memories we have of where a plant came from—perhaps a long-deceased ancestor or a dear neighbor that moved away. Ideally, we find a good balance between exerting control and letting nature have its way.
Gardening provides so many valuable lessons for living: keep your sense of wonder, marvel at each day, keep what works, let go of what doesn’t, remember and honor the past, gently guide your life’s path but be willing to sometimes accept the unexpected and even rejoice in it.
Peace in gardening,
Elizabeth
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Stay in the Loop at UUCSC | |
UUCSC Annual Business Meeting ** June 11, 2023 ** 11:30 AM ** Sanctuary | |
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Dining for Dollars PLUS is almost here!
Mark your calendars… the Dining for Dollars PLUS (D4$+) fundraising auction is coming soon! So many hosts have stepped up to put together a wonderful and wild cacophony of events to choose from this year. Kayaking to Tarot reading, simple foods to gourmet, Denmark to the French Riviera, murder mysteries to football, Vietnam to Italy, burgers to Bingo, donkeys to Ocean skills to papermaking… There is something for EVERYONE! And, once again we have a beautiful week’s stay at a cottage on Salt Pond (Thanks to Cindy and Jeff Berry!).
The auction takes place online, Sunday, May 28 through Sunday, June 4. We’ll also have tables set up both Sundays to share information and provide help for anyone who wants to take part but may not use the Internet… and telephone help during auctions week will be available too. Here’s the list of all D4$+ 2023 events. So, watch your email for more information to come, and get ready to bid on your favorites!!
Submitted by Betsy Dalton, Trish Hindley, and Nancy Richman, 2023 D4$+ Coordinators
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Treasurer
The Nominating Committee is still looking for someone to fill the position of Treasurer. Could you be that person? Contact a member of the NomCom.
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Sexual Identity Panel
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 12 PM
In person and on Zoom
Learn about the evolving understanding of sexual and gender identity from a diverse panel of community members, local experts and advocates. We’ll explore biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, gender roles, and sexual orientation - from a values and faith perspective. Presented in collaboration with the “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) adult sexuality curriculum and moderated by OWL facilitators. Beverages and snacks provided, bring a bagged lunch! Note: this replaces the workshop on gender identity that was previously announced for May 21.
Access a brief survey about future adult OWL programming here.
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Anti Racism Committee
Monday, May 22, 2023, 7:00 PM
On Zoom - Link is also on calendar.
Any member or friend of the congregation is welcome and invited to attend as we work to undo racism in ourselves, our families, schools, communities, and government. Notes of May 8, 2023 Meeting.
Submitted by Nancy Richman
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United Against Hate Workshop – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Co-sponsored by UUCSC Social Justice Team
Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Prout School Auditorium in Wakefield
What is a hate crime? How and where do I report it? Co-sponsored by the UUCSC. Register for this informative and important workshop here. Click here for more details and the flyer.
Submitted by Nancy Richman
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Quarterly UUCSC Community Celebration Dinner
Friday, June 9, 2023
In advance of our Annual Meeting, we will celebrate the end of a great year of welcoming, loving, growing spiritually and seeking justice!
No speeches! No fundraising! Just a delicious Mediterranean buffet and dessert.
$8/person or $20/family
Doors open at 5:30, Dinner served at 6:00
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Upcoming Services
May 28 RE Sunday Lee Cowan
June 4 Flower Communion Nancy Richman and Lee Cowan
June 11 Music Committee Service
June 18 Father's Day Rev. Denis
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UUA General Assembly 2023 | | |
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CLICK HERE
for the latest announcements...
What to do in Pittsburgh
Article II Discussion Workshops
Delegate Credentialing
Tickets for Pirates vs. Cubs Baseball Game
Registration and Housing Info
Accessibility Equipment
It's not too late to register!
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Current Community Connections | |
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SAVE THE DATE!
June 17, 2023
UUCSC is registered to participate!
A great opportunity to increase our visibility and to celebrate our local community.
We have 22 ready-made signs to carry, a beautiful banner, and our new Tee shirts.
Plan to join us! Details to come.
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Letter Writing Campaign to Push Gun Sense Bills From the UU Legislative Ministry of RI
Even though a majority of our elected representatives support both the assault weapons ban and the secure storage requirement, powerful forces are trying to keep them in perpetual "study." Let's do our best to see that they don't do it again this year. Here are three letters to some of those key leaders for you to edit as you wish or turn into Letters to the editor.
rep-casimiro@rilegislature.gov
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Rep. Marvin Abney asking him, as a member of House leadership, to work with colleagues to bring these bills up for a vote in the House.
rep-abney@rilegislature.go
Submitted by Cathy Solomon, Social Justice Chair
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If you were enChanted by our friends from Ananda RI at our April 30th service, you might want to attend some of the workshops or performances during their Ananda Music Immersion: Awakening Higher Consciousness through Music & Vibration. Click here for info and registration.
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AAPI Heritage Month Celebration – Third Saturday
Washington Park Library, 1316 Broad St, Providence
CELEBRATION The third and final installment of the Cultural Society of East Bay’s AAPI Heritage Month Celebration will feature Tai Chi and Chinese calligraphy demonstrations; an art exhibit of Ruth Flanigan illustrations and the sharing of her adoption story; food and drink; and a free copy of The ABCs of Asian American History for pre-registered guests (while supplies last). Free and open to the public. Registration recommended.
Submitted by Johnnie Rodriguez
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Also in honor of AAPI Heritage month, check out these American Masters films that are streaming now.
Submitted by Johnnie Rodriguez
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Fundraiser & Networking Night for The Womxn Project
May 21st from 6pm to 7:30 pm, in the backyard at UUCSC
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Come hear about TWP’s 5-year vision to amplify, build and catalyze change for all RI womxn and non-binary people from Executive Director Jocelyn Foye and other board members.
Contact April Ruedaflores for more information about the event or the organization.
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Kundalini Yoga Series: 5 Thursdays in June
5-6:30 PM in the Oneto Room at UUCSC
Taught by Jessica Gloor
Classes will contain breathwork, movement, mantra and meditation. Reconnect with the flow of your inner being, or just come & decompress from the daily routines of life and enjoy a yoga class. No experience necessary.
$60 for all five classes. Drop-ins for $15.
Bring your own mats, blankets, cushions and water bottles.
Email jessiegloor3@gmail.com for more info or to sign up. Cash, check or Venmo accepted for payment.
Kundalini Yoga is a yoga of movement, music, chanting, and breathwork. Definitely worth checking out. You can contact Jessie directly, or talk to me, Adria <adria@uri.edu>.
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You may cut culinary herbs mint, sage, parsley, thyme, basil and oregano from the front garden at UUCSC. If you'd like to help occasionally with watering or weeding please email Barb Nowicki.
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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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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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