Please send any newsletter submissions to news@jruuc.org by Tuesday at 5 p.m. | |
This Sunday, November 5, 2023
| | | |
|
|
“Longing to Give”
with Rev. Karen Armina
Our theme for November is “the gift of generosity,” which implies that generosity isn’t just about giving but also about what we receive when we engage in giving. This morning, we’ll explore the transformative nature of generosity and the human desire to give.
| | |
|
Next week: “Living Justice at Reeb” with Rev. Karen Armina
and members of the JRUUC Justice Ministry Team
| |
|
The Share the Plate for Sunday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 12 is Goodman Community Center Thanksgiving Basket Drive. For decades the Goodman Community Center has been providing families with everything they need to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home. They started by serving several hundred families. This year they will serve four thousand.
Please nominate a local organization for our Share the Plate Program!
| |
Our November Theme: The Gift of Generosity | |
|
Our November theme reminds us of the spiritual practice of giving and receiving generously. In this space, you’ll find a new invitation into reflection every week.
Check-in question: What have you learned during your life about generosity?
I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
-- Maya Angelou
| |
What's Happening in Our Congregation | |
|
|
Minister's Musings
Dear Ones,
Our November theme is the “gift of generosity,” and I feel like this should be an easy thing to reflect on. Generosity is about giving, right? So my first impulse is…(read more here)
November is also Native American Heritage Month. Please follow this link and this link to find public events you can attend to learn about local Native people and cultures. And I invite you to explore these gifts of generosity - relationship, transformation, and justice - as you offer your time, talent, and treasure to celebrate the gifts of our Native siblings. Here are some ways you can do that (thank you to the Wisconsin Council of Churches for this list from Kaitlin Curtice):
-
Grab all the you’re on native land merch here, and make sure your favorite family members get something for the holidays!
-
This website is an incredible resource for anyone who wants to know which children’s books are appropriate in representation of Indigenous peoples. Use it often and buy the books recommended by Dr. Debbie Reese, the website’s founder.
- Are you a fan of comics? Super Indian is a wonderful pick. Grab them here.
-
Donate to The Kwek Society, an organization working to end period poverty for those in Indian Country.
- Subscribe to the Liminality Journal. Supporting this work allows me (Kaitlin Curtice) to write and share resources like these with you all on a regular basis. Consider joining the Liminality community!
-
Buy medicine soaps and other products from Haipazaza, an Indigenous-run wellness brand. They make wonderful holiday gifts and the soaps are beautiful.
- And, of course, USE GOOGLE! There are so many incredible lists of companies and organizations out there. The tools are available if we are willing to find them.
I would love to meet with you! Please come by during office hours (click the button below to see those) or send me an email to set up an appointment for another time.
And, as always, please call or text if you have a pastoral emergency.
| | | |
|
|
Religious Education and Family Ministry
This week: This week will be a multigenerational service with RE classes for EVERYONE after the service.
Elementary aged children: Front classroom
Middle and High School aged Youth: Meeting with Genevieve in the youth room
Adults: Shaping the Journey with Rev. Karen in the sanctuary
Next week will be a multigenerational service with everyone in the sanctuary followed by our collaborative Youth Group meeting at 12:30 at Reeb.
| |
Offerings for Adults with Rev. Karen
"Shaping the Journey” on Sunday, Nov. 5
| | | |
|
|
|
When the world feels heavy, music is my source of comfort and inspiration. The current atrocities being committed in Gaza - the thousands of lives lost, including nearly 3,000 children - are impossible to ignore. In this darkness, adrienne maree brown has offered a gift in the form of a song. Since she first shared the song, “Ceasefire,” on October 19, Rise Choir Collective has arranged her song and shared a video of them performing it at Philly’s Peoplehood Parade this past Saturday. Today they went one step further, by sharing this amazing resource for singers and songleaders who would like to learn the song themselves. I have found it grounding and rejuvenating to sing along with this video and I hope to sing the song in community with others soon. I hope it brings some of you the same sense of comfort, hope, unity, and motivation that it brought me. We need bits of fuel like this song to help us continue our fight for a more just and free world. I am grateful to adrienne maree brown for her gift. May the message of this song penetrate the hearts and minds of our leaders.
This Sunday, the Sacred Breath Choir will be sharing a beautiful setting of the Emily Dickinson poem, “If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking” as a welcome into this month’s theme of Generosity.
Did you know there are several different opportunities to make music at Reeb?
Sacred Breath Choir meets on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 pm. You can contact Jennifer for more details.
On Saturdays, you can join the Folk Music Gatherings. This is an informal gathering of Reebers who enjoy playing and singing folk songs together. Bring your voice and/or instrument. Contact Mike Stimson or check the Small Group Ministries section of the enews for exact dates and times.
Lastly, Jennifer is always looking for volunteers to provide special music at worship. If you sing or play an instrument and would like to share a solo with the congregation, contact Jennifer to get yourself on the schedule.
This Sunday’s shared music:
“Make Channels for the Streams of Love” #299 (gray hymnal) Hymn of the Month
“From You I Receive” #402 (gray hymnal)
“Wake, Now, My Senses” #298 (gray hymnal)
| | | |
Offering and Receiving Connection, Support, and Spiritual Practice | |
|
Meditation With Friends - Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7 p.m. (Beginners Welcome)
Sacred Breath Choir - Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., contact Music Director Jennifer Hedstrom
Folk Music Gatherings - Saturdays at 2:00 (taking a break for November), contact Mike Stimson
| |
Announcements & Upcoming Events | |
|
Exploring Membership Class - Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Anyone new to JRUUC, long term friend or even members wanting to know more about JRUUC and UU history are welcome to attend. To sign up or get more info, contact Mary Wagner or Kelly Kearns.
| |
Need a New Name Tag?
If you have lost your name tag, or never got a printed one, please let Tony know so he can print one up. Anyone who has joined since the start of 2020 will be getting a name tag. Tony is at office@JRUUC.org.
| |
Marjorie Lynn Matthews Memorial Service - Saturday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m.
Marjorie Lynn Matthews, (member Bryan Benwitz’s mother), passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. She was 72. You can read her obituary here. Her memorial service will take place at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave., in downtown Madison.
| |
|
"Wisconsin in Black & White" Screening - Tuesday, Nov. 7
Please join Jeanette and Mike Clawson in attending the screening of Our HIstory Matters: Wisconsin in Black & White on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Barrymore Theater. This PBS journalism project, created in partnership with the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership, explores the history of racism in the criminal justice and education systems, how these issues are locally unique, as well as efforts to right these wrongs. The first two episodes will be screened as a part of this event. Following the screening, Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, founder and president of Nehemiah, will host a dynamic conversation with key individuals who have shaped the need for an understanding of a shared history around racial inequalities in Wisconsin. Anyone interested in carpooling can contact Jeanette.
| |
|
Reeb Rave 2023 - Take a Chance on Reeb! - Saturday, Nov. 11
Join us Saturday Nov. 11th 5:30-8:30 in person (with dinner) or on Zoom 6 to 8:30 p.m. for our annual fundraiser and celebration. We invite you to come in your favorite disco or 70’s outfit! Enjoy live entertainment and the auction in person or online. Suggested donation - $10 per person or $25 for a family.
Use this online donation form to donate services or goods. Donation ideas can be found on the donation form. We especially encourage donations that create community and connection, such as gatherings or homemade items.
We are also seeking volunteers to help with the event, including providing entertainment, helping setup and cleanup, preparing dinner and helping with the auction. Contact Tom McClintock with your ideas or to volunteer.
See our 2023 Reeb Rave Page for the latest information and links to the donation form
| |
|
Reeb Book Discussion Forming - First Session Monday, Dec. 11
Waking Up White by Debby Irving
How do we as white people begin the process of facing our internal racism? Debby Irving, in a very personal account, describes her transition from "good white liberal" to someone who looks within as the first step of becoming an ally to Black and Brown people.
You are invited to be part of a Reeb book discussion group of Waking Up White, that will have its organizational meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11. This will be an ongoing discussion, taking sections of the book at a time. The Dec. 11 meeting, besides the scheduling work needed, will review the book's Introduction.
This group is being led by the JRUUC Racial Justice Focus Team. Please email Ron Malzer for more information or to sign up. You don't need to attend the first meeting to be part of the group, but you do need to sign up.
| |
|
Need Extra Hired Help Indoors or Outdoors?
From the Immigrant and Refugee Rights Team: Do you need top-notch house cleaners, leaf rakers, indoor painters, snow shovelers this winter, or highly responsible and caring childcare workers in your home? We have a married couple of asylum seekers in their early 40s who are looking for work. They both work hard and are highly responsible. They have English translation apps on their cell phones. They each charge $15-$20 per hour. Contact Leila Pine for more information.
| |
|
Seeking Members for Safety/Security Task Force?
Your Board of Trustees is seeking two to four congregation members who would be interested in working on a task force to develop our new safety and security policy. If you are interested in helping, please email board@jruuc.org or contact Deb Myrbo or Rand Hill. We'll begin work on the priority sections of this policy--building security during Sunday worship, and natural disaster/medical emergency/fire protocols soon. Thanks!
| |
|
Help Beautify Our Grounds!
Our members & friends run community counts on people to sign up to mow grass and pick up litter around our building. Mower provided. Sign up here for a week or two.
| |
What's Happening in Our Community | |
|
Information About MOSES, Saturday, Nov. 4
Want to learn more about MOSES? Join us to learn about the history of MOSES, opportunities to participate, the network of which MOSES is a part and more. Zoom link may be obtained by writing Karen Julesberg.
| |
|
Collecting Items for Nehemiah Essentials Pantry - Nov. 16 to Dec. 5
Nehemiah (a black-led community development organization) is in need of numerous items in order to create "toiletries" and "laundry" kits which are then distributed to people in need along with food. The Racial Justice Focus Team is requesting that Reeb members consider bringing in the following items (a collection box will be set up in the foyer).
The fact that there are people in our city without the means to purchase these things for their families is a stark reminder of the inequities that surround us, and providing these items is something we do right here and right now, while we work on the longer term goal of dismantling the systemic racism and income inequalities which underlie the situation.
For the toiletries Kits:
Deodorant, Toothpaste, Shampoo & Conditioner, Lotion, Body Wash / Soap, Feminine Hygiene Products
For the Laundry Kits:
Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Bleach, All Purpose Cleaner, Rolls of Quarters
Randy Coloni will then host a kit making event after service on Nov. 12, with the kits delivered to Nehemiah in time for the Nov. 16 distribution.
| |
|
Healing House Wish List
Just Dane's Healing House is a safe place for families experiencing homelessness to go when a member of the family needs to prepare for a medical procedure, or to recuperate after childbirth or hospitalization.
Guests at Healing House often come there with the bare minimum. Please help us provide some items to make them feel comfortable. The Program Coordinator has developed a wish list of items they need.
Please sign-up to donate and drop off the smaller items at the Healing House: 303 Lathrop St., Madison, WI 53726
View the wish list here
| |
|
A Message from UUA President: “Welcome, in this Season of Return”
The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, elected UUA President at General Assembly in June 2023, offers a message of welcome at the start of a new congregational year for Unitarian Universalists. Rev. Dr. Betancourt also invites all UUs into a shared ministry together to reimagine the workings and expressions of Unitarian Universalist faith, while holding onto the traditions, theology, and commitments that have made us who we are.
Watch the video message here
| |
Click the banner to learn what you can do to promote social justice along with our national organization. | | Abortion, Anti-Racism, Reparations, Restorative Justice, Medicare | |
|
Click the banner to learn how you can get involved in getting out the vote.
| |
|
Do you have an announcement for our congregation?
Please send it to news@jruuc.org and submit by 5 p.m. on Tuesdays - earlier if possible!
Please specify where you would like it listed by writing
Sunday Announcement and/or Weekly and/or Website in the subject line of your email
Our office is the central point of contact for all Reeb communications.
Please send your questions to office@jruuc.org
| | | | |
