UUCSJS Midweek Message

Click on the "view in your browser" link at the top of this email. Then find the black and white "person icon" on your screen. When you click this icon you can choose to increase the font size or select high contrast mode.

Email admin@uucsjs.org or call Jess at 609-965-9400 if you need assistance

• Upcoming Sunday Services
• Faith Development
• Announcements
• Events This Week
• Last Sunday
• Connect to Our Larger Faith
• Caring Team

Do We Really Know What We Say and Hear?

Presented by Mike Hannisian

The intent of this sermon is to explore how our language is used and misused. The results of which are that we all too often do not understand what is being said, or how what we are saying can be misconstrued. It also addresses the ways in which some people purposefully use our language to mislead and/or confuse others.

BIO: Mike Hannisian may be best known to UUCSJS as a wildlife photographer, but he also has a varied academic background. His undergraduate degree is in theoretical mathematics with a minor in theatre; a master’s degree is in what today would be called linguistics with a concentration in art history; and a law degree.

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.

This month we are exploring "The Gift of Transformation." How does our faith call us to transform ourselves and the world around us? Get some inspiration with these books, movies, and music.

Books

• Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
• Trusting Change: Finding Our Way Through Personal and Global Transformation by Karen Hering

Movies & TV

• The UP Series
• Nomadland
• The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
• Rectify

Music

• on Spotify
• on YouTube

The Gift of Transformation

We will explore what transformation means for us as Unitarian Universalists. We describe ourselves as a “living tradition” which means we expect changes as we learn and grow. Just like our bodies grow and change, so do our likes and our ideas. But we also acknowledge that change can be hard. We can celebrate change and also be gentle with each other during the difficulties that come about with change. We will create string poetry, look for early signs of spring, and make our very own kaleidoscopes. Email religiouseducation@uucsjs.org to register.

Starting Point

This course, geared toward newcomers or those who need a refresher on UUism, is an introduction to who we are and what we do - the “UU path.” Inspired by the classic UU slogan, “deeds not creeds,” we will present Unitarian Universalism as a particular way of journeying through the world rather than a set of beliefs to which one assents. Participants will work together to answer the question “Will this place provide me with tools and partners for my spiritual journey?”

This will be the first of four sessions. Participation in all session is not required but will provide a clearer understanding of our faith tradition and where you fit.

Email religiouseducation@uucsjs.org to register.

To have your announcement placed in the Midweek Message, please send an email to admin@uucsjs.org by Noon on Wednesday.

Anyone who is currently helping with coffee hour, please meet with me this Sunday 3-10-2024 right after coffee is served.

Anyone from Building & Grounds that will be at this week's service....please meet with me in the kitchen right after coffee is served ( along with the coffee crew).

Important!

Thanks,

Richard S.

UUCSJS Book Club comes early this month! The book is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. From Publisher's Weekly: ". . . elegiac, evocative . . . a resonant tale of fury, guilt, and redemption." Marsha Hannah will be leading the discussion. New people are always welcome. We meet on the UUCSJS Zoom on the third Friday of the month. March 15th at 7:00 pm.

The Caring Team is looking for some help to assist members of congregation.

• A single mother in our congregation is looking to purchase a trailer for her and her children to live in. She does not have a lot of money to put toward the purchase. Maybe you have one that you would want to donate to her family or sell at a reduced price?
• Another congregant had a house fire at her condo last year and needs to rent a room until the renovations are complete. It would be a short term rental with no pets.

Can you help? Spread the word to your networks to see if anyone you know can help!

Contact Tracey Catino

Our new common read is On Repentance and Repair by Rabbi Danya Rittenberg. We have ordered several copies which will be available in the lobby this Sunday. Discussion will take place April 14th after the service.

Danya Rittenberg’s book is rooted in traditional Jewish concepts and the work of medieval philosopher Maimonides, Born in Spain around 1135 AD.

When it comes to harmful situations, society has placed a great deal of emphasis upon forgiveness which places the brunt of repair on the wounded. Repentance and Repair turns to those who are struggling to take responsibility for their mistakes. Chapter one describes five steps of repentance based on Maimonides teachings. These teachings can be applied to personal transgressions and to our culture’s most painful and unresolved issues.

The Board met last Saturday for their annual retreat at the Center. The day was a mix of developing our relationships with one another along with discussions on our goals and issues within our congregation and UUA in general. Some of the topics that were discussed were Article 11, the hiring of a minister, a Sermon Box for congregants to ask questions, how to be more welcoming and how to make the congregation work for everyone. You will be hearing more about these as we continue to develop them further. One little tidbit that I learned was that there is a children’s song for the seven principals. Maybe the Children can sing it for us at the Fellowship Dinner.

We are currently in the planning stages of the Fellowship Dinner to be held on Saturday April 20th. Please save the date. This event has been a highlight of our congregational year, and we are happy to be bringing this back after a four-year absence.

This Saturday March 9th we are having a Celebration Of Life Service for Sue Parks. Sue was an active and spirited member of our congregation for many years. The service will be led by Rev. Charlie Dieterich. There will be light refreshments after the service. Please join us as we support Julie through this challenging time.

Marty Quish

President, UUCSJS Board of Trustees

Click on the graphic below or visit the calendar at uucsjs.org for more information on events and meetings.

CLICK HERE to reserve the Zoom Room or to add your event to the calendar.

We will be meeting on Thursday, March 7th at 1:00 pm at the UUC building.

Deb Dagavarian will be leading an interesting and fun discussion. Refreshments will be available as usual and there may be some surprises !!!!!

Looking forward to our meeting.

Here you will find ways to learn about and connect with our faith and opportunities to connect with other UU's from outside our congregation.

Click on the images for more information.

The Supreme Court announced it will begin hearing oral arguments on the abortion pill (Mifepristone) on March 26th. This will be the Court's first serious return to the issue of abortion since overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Women's March is mobilizing a targeted action in Washington, DC, and we need to know if you're willing to put your body on the line.

Click HERE for more information. Contact Kaulette Johnson if you are interested in attending - carpooling/bus may be available.

Our faith tradition upholds every person’s inherent worth and dignity and a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We value the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process. Due to our principles and values, voting rights matter for every person in the U.S.

“What is love calling you to do?”

Side with Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression. It is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association and all are welcome to join. Click on the graphic above for more information or visit https://sidewithlove.org/.

Contact a member of the Caring Team

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

Denise O'Meara at (610) 316-7495 denome53@gmail.com

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.