UUCSJS Midweek Message
March 31st: Outside Looking In
Presented by Laura Kushner
I have had the privilege of speaking at UUCSJS several times over the past few years. Let me share with you what I see when I walk through your doors.
April 7th: Whose Am I?
Presented by Jessica Dunn Safonof
Who needs you? Who loves you? To whom are you accountable? None of us can exist without the relationships we use to define ourselves. When we remember that we are connected to everyone and everything around us, we know that we are not alone in this world nor should we be.
Article II Discussion Groups begin April 7th
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. And there are some BIG changes proposed that YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!
In preparation for the next stage of the bylaws adoption process we will begin a series of discussion groups to be held following service on the first Sunday of each month. Our first meeting will be Sunday, April 7th.
These groups will help to prepare you for our congregational vote at the Annual Meeting of the UUCSJS on June 9th, 2024. Our congregation's delegates will then attend the UUA General Assembly June 20-23, 2024 where they will cast the votes for our congregation. Will it be a yea or a nay? Let's talk about it!
Back to the Future: Annual Stewardship Drive
March 17 to April 21, 2024
The programs and services we enjoy each year are made possible through the generous financial support of our members and friends. While donations and pledges of support are accepted at any time, to assist with planning in advance for the year ahead we have a season of stewardship each spring. The goal in this period is to receive $145,000 in advance pledges of anticipated support from as many of our members and friends as possible. We use the information in developing the proposed
budget plan for July 2024 to June 2025.
Pledge cards and brochures are available on Sunday. Completed pledge cards can be returned
to Karen York. It is the collective generosity of our community that makes UUCSJS possible!
Karen York, Stewardship Chair
UUA Common Read Discussion - April 14th!
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.
Come one, Come all, to the Fellowship Dinner
Saturday, April 20
And Celebrate
— being a part of this resurgent community
— the conclusion of our 2024 Stewardship Campaign
— the happy end of COVID cocooning
— the welcome arrival of spring
In holding this event once again we will be carrying on traditions that began in 1999 and continued every year until 2020 when COVID shut us down.
These traditions included a big potluck dinner. You are invited to bring a favorite main dish, side dish, salad, or dessert, or a beverage including beer or wine. This sharing creates a food extravaganza that we will monitor lightly, however, to make sure it includes enough for vegans and vegetarians.
There will be a signup period beginning Sunday, March 31, where you will designate what food – or what category of food – you will be bringing.
There will be icebreaker games… There will be a talent show… Think about how you might entertain: sing or play a song, read a poem, perform a comedy skit? Amateurs are welcome! Talk with Theresa McReynolds about what you’d like to do.
We are hoping to have a large turnout for our first fellowship dinner after four long years! We hope everybody comes to this event! That means those who have just started visiting us, too – and those who don’t always attend on Sundays – everybody needs to come to the Fellowship Dinner!
Hey, this means everybody! Y’all come!
WILL YOU TAKE ACTION ON MARCH 26TH?
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.
Need Help?
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.