UUCSC News and Updates
Weekly on Fridays
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Volume III * Issue 48 * May 12, 2023 | |
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, RI
All are welcome!
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This Sunday, May 14, 2023 | |
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Worship
In Person and on Zoom 10:00 am
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"Being More Human"
Rev. Denis Paul
and Elizabeth Donovan
Whether we have ever given birth or not, we are all profoundly affected by the people we call mothers. They teach us, intentionally or not, how to be human, in all our glorious frailty.
Order of Service
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Religious Exploration
10:00 am - Noon
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Here's a little Kid President to brighten your day, with his tribute to moms. I hope you'll join us on Sunday to celebrate the moms in our lives and our community. In RE we will be making gifts and sharing what we love about our mamas.
We are excited to announce that we have launched our Sidekicks Program: Spiritual Partners Helping U Be U! Thank you to the 10 families and 10 adults who have volunteered to be matched to get to know each other a little better. Read more here. We will be expanding this program in the fall!
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After services on Sunday, May 14, Mary Alice Kimball will be hosting short overview of the 2023-2024 proposed budget. Please join us to rejoice in our accomplishments and ask any questions you may have. | |
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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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Early this morning I was out paddling on Lake Sabbatia in Taunton, MA, not too far from my home. It’s one of my favorite places to “put in,” as they say. The boat ramp is not too steep or rough, and there’s plenty of free parking and no requirement for a seasonal permit. More importantly, it’s a good sized lake with a couple of islands, the snake river flows to the north and the mill river to the south. I could paddle there all day if I had the time.
This morning was one of those perfect moments on the lake. The temperature was a bit nippy at first, but warmed up quickly in the rising sun, accompanied by the gentlest breeze. The water lilies are barely starting to open on the surface of the water. In another month, much of the lake and the entirety of the Snake River will looked like a lawn, and will be as impossible to paddle through.
People were out in their boats paddling or fishing, just enough to make it convivial without feeling crowded. We could wave from a distance, express our camaraderie, without having to change our routines. The temporary communities that come to exist on the water are satisfying in a way that few other things are. I always know that if I need somebody, all I have to do is shout. Even if we come from very different places, with very different beliefs, we can count on each other on the water. I never doubt that. Even when the trucks in the parking lot of bumper stickers that make me cringe if I look too closely.
As I was approaching the ramp to leave, a huge pickup truck started backing a boat and trailer down it. The driver saw me, stopped, waved, and waited patiently for me to do my thing. As I hoisted the kayak onto my shoulder, a car pulled up alongside the truck, then the driver got out, and walked toward the truck saying “can I help?”
I heard the whole conversation as I passed by.
The two men didn’t know each other, but the guy in the car was passing by on the road and saw that the guy in the truck was alone, and might need help putting in.
For a moment, I was as shocked about the offer as the guy who received it. But on further reflection, I realized it wasn’t so surprising, really. In my experience, most people are looking for ways to be helpful. Most people would rather help than fight. It’s nice to be reminded of that, especially when the reminder comes from complete strangers.
Sometimes on the lake, the people are way more interesting than the wildlife.
In Peace,
Rev Denis
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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 coming soon...
Our annual D4$+ auction is coming at the end of May, and we want you to see all of the great meals and activities that this year's wonderful hosts are offering for you to bid on - all in support of the important work of our UUCSC community. The auction will take place online, Sunday through Sunday, May 28 - June 4. Check out this list of events to find your favorites, or to consider something new and different! Watch for more information coming in upcoming newsletters.
Submitted by Betsy Dalton, Trish Hindley, and Nancy Richman, 2023 D4$+ Coordinators
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UUCSC welcomed 9 new members Sunday, May 7, 2023.
Read about why they joined us HERE!
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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
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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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 21 Shockingly Normal Rev. Denis and Adria Evans
May 28 RE Sunday Lee Cowan
June 4 Flower Communion Nancy Richman and Lee Cowan
June 11 Music Service Mike Galib and the choir
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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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Blood Drive
St. Peter's by-the-Sea
Parish Hall
Monday, May 15, 2023
3 to 7 PM
The congregations of St. Peter's by-the-Sea and Beth David invite us to participate in a Blood Drive, 72 Central Street in Narragansett. Make an appointment here.
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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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Let's Talk About Race
May 17, 24, 31, 2023
5:30-7:30 PM
Attend one or all!
A series of talks presented by TANK--Towards An Anti-Racist North Kingstown. Sessions will be held at Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich, registration is required. Dates and more info HERE.
Submitted by Johnnie Rodriguez
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Music Immersion
May 19-21, 2023
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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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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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
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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