Last Sunday I preached at the UU Congregation in Springfield, IL. It was the church I had joined as a young adult back in 1985! After the service, I didn’t have time to visit the Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library, but I did make a stop on my drive back to St. Louis, where I was visiting a retired minister friend. My stop turned out to be a pilgrimage for St. Patrick’s Day as well as for Women’s History Month.

Just off the road in Mt. Olive, IL, is the Union Miners Cemetery, where many coal miners and their labor leaders are laid to rest. Tombstones bear German, Slavic, Irish, and other immigrant surnames. On a nearby interstate rest stop is a commemoration of Mary Harris Jones, and her grave is at Mt. Olive. An immigrant from Cork, Ireland, she lived in Memphis, where she lost her husband and four young children to yellow fever.  She moved to Chicago and became a dressmaker, but her shop was destroyed in the 1871 Chicago Fire. She then turned to labor organizing. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, companies and governments resisted union organizing with violence. On the East Coast, girls worked in silk fabric mills. Boys were sent on underground jobs in coal mines because of their small size. Both boy and girl workers lost fingers from their labors. In 1903, Jones organized a 125-mile march of child laborers from Philadelphia to the summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt, on Long Island, NY. They carried banners: “We want to go to school and not the mines!” Each night they had a rally in a different town, drawing more marchers. 

Of course, coal mining was dangerous for grown men as well as for child laborers, and the pay was bad.  Jones led strikes, gave speeches in her Irish brogue, cultivated publicity, and advised male union leaders on negotiating strategies for decent wages and basic safety protections. She was arrested and convicted for her activism, and confined for three months, then released when a case of pneumonia almost killed her. To support more labor actions, she traveled to Colorado and other mining states. Her efforts caused a US Senator to investigate coal mine conditions.

Because Jones was devoted to the immigrants and other poor workingmen whom she led, she referred to them as “my boys.” She took the nickname Mother Jones, from whom the progressive magazine gets its name. She died in 1937, at age 93. She wanted a simple grave in Mt. Olive. (Monuments came later.) Though women didn’t have the right to vote through most of her life, Mother Jones said: “You don’t need the vote to raise hell!” In these times of danger, falsehoods, and cruelty at the highest levels, it’s good to remember what ordinary people can do when they come together with compassion and courage.

Keep the faith and keep in touch!

Love,

Rev. Roger

Sunday Morning Spiritual Practices

Join us before the service at 9:30 AM at UUSS

1st Sunday - Facilitated labyrinth walk in the meadow, April 6.

2nd Sunday - Sermon Reflections with Peter and Lue, 9:30-10:15, Fahs Room. (April 13)

3rd Sunday - Qui Gong/Tai Chi - Fahs Room. (March 16)

4th Sunday - NEW Embodied Practices for Stressful Times - Fahs Room

Feeling anxious and stressed about the state of the world? On the fourth Sunday before church starting Sunday, March 23, Rev. Lucy will offer a some gentle movement and practices to help us process anxiety in these stressful times. All bodies are welcome.

Exploring UU moves to 4th Sunday after the service!

The Exploring UUism classes are a way for newcomers and long-timers to learn about Unitarian Universalism. There are four rotating topics: Social Justice, Values and Beliefs, History & Theology, and Faith. Each class includes a presentation and group discussion. Join Rev Roger March 23rd at noon for a class on Faith: What does it mean to a UU. We hope to see you there.  

Sunday, March 23 10:30am: Life Lessons from My Dog

A Circle Service for all Ages, led by Rev. Lucy Bunch with Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, Worship Associate Jenni Gouine, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva. 

This Sunday we will celebrate the wonders of dogs and what they can teach us about life. Bring a picture, toy, collar, or other token for our altar.  Cat people are welcome too! 

• Embodied Practices for Stressful Times at 9:30 in the Fahs room.
• Exploring Unitarian Universalism with Roger after the service at 12:00. 
• There will be Irish music on the patio after the service. Enjoy listening to Irish songs and tunes celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day week.

Sunday, March 30 10:30am:

Embracing Community, Shaping the Future

Rev. Dr. Roger Jones, preaching, with Rev. Lucy Bunch, Worship Associate Courtney O’Neill, the UUSS Choir, Music Director Anthony Tavianini, Pianist Irina Tchantceva 

These are times of anxiety and even anguish for many people. When fear tends to isolate us from one another, we embrace the promise of community with joy and love. When the future looks bleak, we assert that a community of compassion and courage can work toward shaping a future we dream about. 

Starting today, our spring pledge drive for the coming year’s budget will ensure that this congregation can shape the future.

After service, stop by the Stewardship Table to get a treat and make your commitment for the 2025-26 budget year. If all of us pledge soon, this drive will end on April 13.

Have you started attending UUSS in the past 12 months or so?  All newcomers are welcome to Meet the Ministers after church on March 30. We will meet at 12:00 noon in the Fahs Classroom.  There will be a time to connect with other newcomers, and an opportunity to ask questions of Rev. Roger and Rev. Lucy. Snacks provided, bring your own coffee, with thanks to our Brew Crew volunteers. We hope you will join us. 

Our Soul Matters Theme for March is

Trust

Here's the link to the Soul Matters materials

If you would like to have a joy, sorrow, concern, or milestone spoken by a minister at Sunday’s prayer time, let us know at this link. 

Long time UUSS member Wilma Hash died on March 8 from complications from a stroke.  Wilma was born in Dunsmuir CA on November 25, 1936. She worked as an X-ray technician and Massage Therapist. She was lively, bright, and curious right til the end. Her partner Jackson and two daughters are planning a celebration in June.  

The memorial service for our member Aggie Vawter will take place Friday morning, May 2, 10:30 am, at UUSS. The memorial service for our member Jon Peterson will take place Saturday morning, May 9, 10:30 am, at UUSS. Help with refreshments is welcome at both.

The Nominating Committee is excited about the impressive and committed candidates who have come forward to run for our elected positions. However, we still have three important positions to fill: Board Member-at-Large, Program Council member, and Nominating Committee member. If you are a UUSS member, we would love to give you more information and encouragement to take on one of these vital roles. Contact us soon at nominating@uuss.org. Our deadline is March 30, so time is of the essence! 

Childcare--The Nursery welcomes infants (6 months +) through age 5. Staff supervise child-led play in a fun, friendly nursery filled with toys and games. Snacks are offered. Access through the main entrance. Don't forget to sign in when you get to Room 11. Please contact Crystal with questions.

All ages of children and youth are invited to join the all-ages Circle Service

this Sunday, March 23rd!

After service, Junior and Senior High Youth are invited to stay and meet youth from neighboring congregations.

Come for food and conversation! Check in with RE Welcome Table before service.

Click the newsletter email link above to find out more about what we're looking forward to in RE, including an upcoming Orientation to UUSS

exclusively designed for families. Don't miss it!

RE Coordinator Crystal Fountain has weekly office hours and is available by email too.

Family Dinner Potluck - TONIGHT Friday, March 21, at 5:30 pm!

Come and share a meal with our warm and friendly, intergenerational community! Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself. We plan to eat at 6:00 and clean up by 7:30. Meet us in the main welcome hall. No sign up required! You are invited! Invite a friend!

Contact Crystal with questions.

Ostara Celebration with CUUPs

TOMORROW, Saturday, March 22, 5-7:00 p.m. in the Fahs Room

Everyone is welcome at the Covenant of UU Pagans (CUUPs) Ostara Celebration. Celebrate new beginnings with a wand making workshop so come prepared to craft! Bring a potluck dish to share. Contact Laurie Jones or Leanna Pierson at cuups@uuss.org

POC Caucus MEGA Meet & Greet - Sanctuary, March 23, at 11:45am.

The POC members of the UUSS congregation will have the opportunity to meet with visiting POCs from nearby UU congregations. We will meet in the Sanctuary after the service. Bring snacks to share for hospitality and conversation. Contact: multi@uuss.org

Get involved so we can UU the Vote -- Sunday, March 23, patio after service,

and Tuesday, March 25, patio, 1-3 pm.

We will write post cards to Black voters in Virginia who did not vote in 2023, to encourage them to vote in their June primary. Put your rage/fear/intentions to good use! We will write until all 2,mes are gone or until May 30.

Two options:

1) pick up postcards and a script on Sunday, March 23 on the patio and write at home;

2) write postcards together on Tuesday, March 25 from 1 to 3 on the patio.

Please donate to cover postcard and label costs. Please buy your own postcard stamps.

For more information contact UUtheVote@uuss.org

Watercolor classes with Aziz Tokhi, Mondays at UUSS Enhance your watercolor skill and learn more about composition, color usage, and techniques. Every Monday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room 7/8. Fee: $30 per class, and some previous experience with watercolor is desirable. Aziz is a professional artist with 25 years of teaching painting at the Balkh Province University in Afghanistan. He will demonstrate painting an image at each class and help individual students with their work; images will include landscapes, street scenes and portraits. The class is sponsored by Virginia Dunstan. You can sign up at the Connections table on Sundays. Info at adultenrichment@uuss.org.

Mindfulness Meditation -

Wednesday, March 26 - 6:00 pm in the Library & on Zoom

We support one another by sitting for 20-25 minutes to practice awareness of the present moment. Show up to the Library/Bookstore or log in at uuss.org/online Contact Rev. Roger with questions. To read about this kind of meditation or watch videos, check out the Insight Meditation Center's website.

We invite you to attend a Stewardship-sponsored lunch and concert:

Sunday, April 6,at 12 noon

After coffee, please return to the Sanctuary/main hall for a light lunch

and brief information about this year's stewardship campaign.

Then, sit back and revel in the beautiful vocal music offered by the Treble Ensemble.

MARCH UUSS COMMUNITY PARTNER

WELLSPRING WOMEN’S CENTER in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, nurtures the innate goodness and personal self-esteem of women and their children. Nearly 200 women and children are served each weekday. Wellspring offers four different programs:

·        Nutritious Meal Program

·        Children’s Corner Program

·        Safety Net Services

·        Women’s Wellness Program

Meet Wellspring Women’s Center’s Jessica Mougharbel before and after service on Sunday, March 30! Visit wellspringwomen.org for additional information.

UUSS SUPPLY DRIVE TO SUPPORT WELLSPRING

It has an urgent need for the following:

• Toiletries: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner in both travel and full size.
• Ground coffee
• Herbal tea
• Large diapers (sizes 4,5,6)

Please drop donations at the Community Partner table in the Welcome Hall on Sundays March 23 and 30 – or – bring these items to the church office through Friday, March 28. Contact: partners@uuss.org

Is the UUA General Assembly for You?

June 18-22 ~ in Baltimore or online 

Our denomination's annual conference is a chance to connect, reflect, and shape a future that meets this moment with purpose and courage. The GA theme, “Meet the Moment,” calls us to engage with the evolving challenges of our world, explore fresh ways to deepen our faith, and respond boldly to our mission. Through powerful worship, insightful workshops, and community-building experiences, we’ll find inspiration together, make new friends, and return to our congregations renewed. Join us in person or online to be part of this experience, where every voice matters and our shared vision grows stronger. General Assembly registration is open and rates go up on March 31; the UUSS Board will cover your delegate fee up to $410.

Contact Rev. Roger or Board Member Sally Wilkins soon! Read more: uua.org/ga 

How can you make a difference?

UUA Action Center offers tangible ideas to counter injustice

The Unitarian Universalist Association Side with Love Campaign is working hard to provide resources to deal with the political challenges we are facing. Every week they provide an update on critical issues and offer specific actions you can take to counter the injustice. Check out the action center - updated every Tuesday.

PLEASE NOTE! If you click unsubscribe below,

you will stop receiving ALL UUSS email.