UUCSJS Midweek Message

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• Announcements
• Call to Action
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Rehumanizing the Other

Presented by Pauline Nijander

It can seem pretty difficult to build Community in a world where society tends to dehumanize the "other." Is this particular pattern of dehumanization new, or has it been around for a while? Join us this Sunday as we explore the rehumanization of those who are different from us.

Bio: Pauline E. Nijander just began 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.

In writing about love, many have turned to metaphors to tell the tale. The list is long: Love is an ocean, a pearl, a burning flame, a battlefield, a beggar, a disease, a rose, a fine wine, a slippery slope, an archer, an outlaw, a fever, a jewel, even an exploding cigar!

There’s something important in this effort. Love, as we know, is elusive. Every version of it has a complexity that can’t be captured with precise and concrete language. We turn to metaphors because, just like love, they aren’t easily pinned down. They tell a story more than offer a definition. They evoke a feeling rather than attempt to satisfy our logical mind. And so, in that elusiveness and expansiveness, they actually get closer to the truth. Our truth actually.

So, here’s your assignment: spend the month finding your favorite metaphor for love!

Don’t rush it. Noodle on it a number of times before settling on the one. You, of course, need to start by figuring out what “favorite” means to you. And, from there, how it might capture your unique experience with love.

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.

On Sunday, Feb 12, following the service, we are inviting our newcomers to a gathering where we will get to know each other better and share some things about the congregation. After we introduce ourselves, we plan to talk about the following:

• Some bits & pieces from our proud history
• How our congregation actually works.
• Our current social outreach
• Ways one can become involved in the congregation.
• How one becomes a member

A light lunch will be served, and childcare will be provided. Invitations have gone out to those who we think might be interested. After we know how many of these invitees are coming, we will plan where the meeting will be. We will keep this meeting to 90 minutes. Anyone who would like to attend should contact our Administrator at admin@uucsjs.org.

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

It is with heavy hearts that we notify the congregation of the passing of Chris Smith, wife of former UUCSJS member Bud Smith. A funeral service will be held at Seaview Baptist Church in Linwood on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 1pm.

From the Kitchen: Due to the service time change this puts me, Richard, in a time crunch on Sunday morning as I work on Sunday. Requesting folks to help mostly with after coffee hour cleanup. This entails running the dishwasher, putting items away, wiping tables and service area, taking things to the compost bucket, checking the sanctuary to make sure left behind items are collected, orders of service recycled and hymnals returned to the rack. Easy to follow instructions will be provided.

You don't have to sign up for this. Just pitch in as needed each week. For every person that helps for just five minutes makes a huge difference!

From Building and Grounds: The Atlantic County Health Department has replenished our Naloxone / Narcan supply. Several years ago some members took the required free course instruction to be certified to administer this life-saving therapy for heroine / opioid overdoses. The protocols have changed vastly since then. This works as I have used it numerous times at my job. Everyone deserves a second chance and this is one of our seven principles. Anyone who is interested at being certified or re-certified can contact Richard Schurig. The Health coordinator advises me that this can be done virtually or in person. Those interested can contact me via email @ r.schurig2007Comcast,net. And, yes, I have found evidence of inter-venous drug use in our parking lot!

***Note!** The Narcan is in a RED pouch located on the wall with the AED on top of the wooden cabinet in the vestibule by the kitchen door.

Solar Power Upgrade:

We are beginning the process of updating our solar system in order to make it more efficient.

If you have interest or knowledge in either solar power or grant writing, please contact Richard Schurig or Barbara Miller - 609-602-0940

Are you interested in providing a multimedia presentation following Sunday service? Mike Hannisian is looking for people who are willing to share their hobbies, interests, and knowledge in a multimedia presentation. These presentations will take place after service on the first Sunday of each month.

Please contact Mike if interested.

THE DICTIONARY OF LOST WORDS by Pip Williams

Set during the height of the women’s suffrage movement and with the Great War looming (1914 – 1918), this story reveals a lost narrative, hidden between the lines of a history written by men. Inspired by actual events, the author has delved into the archives of the Oxford English Dictionary to tell the original story.

Book Club meeting on line (www.tinyurl.com/uucsjszoom) Friday at 7:00 pm on February 17th.

All are welcome to join the meeting.

March selection is THE DEATH OF VIVEK OJI by Akwaeke Emezi

Questions: morellb@msn.com

We will hold an important workshop for all Worship Associates, and people who are considering becoming a Worship Associate, on Sunday, February 19, after the service. Worship Associates who have served for years, as well as newer ones, should attend this session. For anyone who wants to see what is involved, please also attend. This will NOT be a lengthy meeting.

Do you love the arrangements you see on the chalice table each Sunday? Are you feeling creative? Sign up to bring floral or other arrangement for our chalice table!

Let Colby know ahead of time or text 609-442-0967 to schedule your arrangements.

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

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.

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.

Common Read: The 1619 Project 📖

February 22, March 8, March 22, April 19 and May 3, 7–8:30 PM

Online

The UU FaithAction NJ Reparations Task Force is pleased to announce the common read of The 1619 Project, edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman and Jake Silverstein.

The New York Times Magazine’s award-winning “1619 Project” issue reframed our understanding of American history by placing slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative. This new book expands that work, weaving together essays, poems and fiction that illuminate key moments of oppression, struggle and resistance.

Our schedule will consist of five Wednesday evening meetings, 7:00 to 8:30 PM, via Zoom.

Common read info & registration.

The Article II Study Commission has completed its two year study. They submitted their report (PDF 26 pages) to the UUA Board of Trustees at their meeting held on January 20, 2023. The report includes the Study Commission's recommended revisions to Article II.

Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Bylaws, Principles and Purposes, is the foundation for all of the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. It is the covenant to which all of our congregations and covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA.

Click HERE to read more.

Sunday Services 11 am in person and livestreamed on Facebook.

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