This Sunday
The Dangers of a Static Faith
Pauline Nijander
One thing that remains constant in our world is change. What happens when we, or our faith traditions, don't change with an ever changing world? What are the dangers that a static faith can pose to those inside and outside of a faith tradition?
BIO: Pauline E. Nijander is in her fifth year as a Master of Divinity student at the Drew University Theological School in Madison, NJ, where she is studying for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, and where she was recently awarded the Dorr Diefendorf Award for excellence in homiletics. Pauline has been a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton since 2013, where she has served in various leadership roles, including being the ministerial intern in the 2019-2020 academic year, and now, as the Seminarian. As a proud transwoman and lesbian, Pauline has spoken often to different community and student groups about her perspective and life in hopes of educating people through honest and engaging conversation about trans* life and issues. For this work, she was awarded the 2017 Triad House LGBTQ+ Champion Award from LifeTies. Along with her wife, Michelle, and their sweet pitbull, Ingrid, Pauline resides in Ewing, NJ.
PLEASE NOTE: This service will be in person at UUCSJS and streamed live on our Facebook page. A recording will be available later in the day on our YouTube Channel.
*Masks are currently optional at UUCSJS.
May 21st: The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals: Join Us in Fighting for their Implementation!
Presented by Andy Cowgill and John Sherfey
In 2015, all nations agreed on a goal statement for sustainable development. By 2030, the goals the world would have achieved include ending poverty and hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, climate action, and more. Unfortunately, our federal government, across multiple administrations, has done little to publicize the goals, and even less to implement the recommended targets. To take a single example: our commitment was to END poverty in the U.S. by 2030, but the gap between rich and poor has reached an unprecedented level! Eastern Service Workers Association's organizing efforts -- in which many UUCSJS members play an important part -- are uniting people across south Jersey to build a groundswell of involvement and action demanding full implementation of the goals. Learn additional steps you can take to fight for our collective future. If we don't do it, who will?
May 28th: Wholly Music Service
Presented by Gina Roche, UUCSJS Music Director
Featuring our music director Gina Roche and her wonderful band. Get ready for an all music service, complete with a few singalongs, new compositions and well loved favorites. This “wholly music service” will lift you up, leave you feeling connected, wholly contented and inspired.
June 4th: Always Use Your Best China . . .
Presented by Rev Charlie Dieterich
This is not a tale of magical bowls and enchanted chalices. This is a story about awareness, and subways. Come join the party.
From the Kitchen
Due to a recent family situation I am looking for folks to take over running Coffee Hour for the foreseeable future. My time is going to be scattered between care-taking, home, a full time job and my current contractual obligations to UUCSJS. It isn't complicated and I will be glad to share information for those willing to pitch in. Anyone who is interested please contact Richard in person at service or: 609-782-1335 (text preferred) or @ r.schurig2007@comcast.net.
Book Club for May
Due to various conflicts, last month’s BOOK CLUB was canceled – sad news. But now the GOOD NEWS !!!! We will be doing two books in May !!!! Pretty sure we can handle it and there is actually kind of a connection between both books.
FRESH WATER FOR FLOWERS by Valerie Perrin
Violette Toussaint is the caretaker at a cemetery in a small town in Bourgogne. Her life is lived to the predictable rhythms of the often funny, always moving confidences that casual mourners, regular visitors, and sundry colleagues share with her. Violette’s routine is disrupted by the arrival of Julien Sole – local police chief –and their lives intertwine. Judy Pereira will lead discussion.
THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself there, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels that she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. Marsha Hannah will lead discussion.
We will be meeting Friday, May 19, at 7:00 pm on ZOOM (www.tinyurl.com/uucsjszoom) .
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Questions: Barb Morell
June 3rd Circle Dinner
The last Circle Dinner of the Spring will be held on June 3rd. Sign-ups will begin this Sunday, April 30th , and continue until May 21st. If there is enough interest another dinner will be scheduled for the Fall.
Sign-up sheets along with a complete description are available at the back table in the Sanctuary. In brief, dinners are generally 8 people. Each couple, or singles grouped as a twosome, are assigned a course. Hosts hold the dinner in their home and provide an appetizer. Other assignments are Main Course, Salad and Bread, Dessert.
The schedule with course assignments will go out shortly after the May 21st deadline. You may also sign up my emailing mariet@comcast.net , be sure to include your name, preferred email, address, and phone number.
Circle dinners are a great away for newer members and friends to get to know us in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The feedback from the dinners has been very positive. Please consider joining us.
Marie Taylor
Need Help?
Team members can provide you with support during/after an illness, a death in the family, or other loss or hardship. They can find you resources, run errands, or provide meals in time of need.
Reach out to:
- Tracey Catino at (609) 674-8721 email: Traceysnaps@msn.com
- Helen Utts at (609) 338-3391 email: HelenUtts@aol.com
- Tony Zitelli at (201) 463-2800 email: happy85a@aol.com
- Barbara Morell at (215) 805-7599 email: morellb@msn.com
- Janet Longo at (609) 748-8608 email: jilportnj@comcast.net
Caring Team is looking for members who are willing to attend monthly Zoom meetings and help out when congregants are sick or suffering from hardships. Please contact Tracey Catino if you can join our confidential group.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore
Email: admin@uucsjs.org
Website: www.uucsjs.org
Location: 75 S Pomona Rd, Egg Harbor City, NJ, USA
Mailing Address: PO Box 853, Pomona NJ 08240
Phone: (609) 965-9400
Facebook: facebook.com/uucsjs
Twitter: @UUCSJS