UUCSJS Midweek Message

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

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Why Our Gatherings Matter

Presented (on the big screen) by roddy bell-shelton biggs

As Unitarian Universalists, we gather each week. Some get dressed and come in person, while others join from home But why do we gather? Could it be that we do so for change and need one another to create change? With change ever on the horizon, who are called to be Unitarian Universalists, and why does it matter?

BIO: roddy bell-shelton biggs (lowercase preferred) is a Queer, BIPOC, Nonbinary person using they/them pronouns. roddy is a Meadville Lombard Theological School seminarian and an aspiring Public Theologian. They are currently the intern minister for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg. Owning the Christian faith and the spiritualities of their ancestors, roddy is grounded in Unitarian Universalist faith communities by choice. roddy is called to lead radical Love, care, and sanctuary movements, simultaneously disrupting patriarchy and all systems of oppression plaguing our world. When roddy is not working or studying, they love being out in nature, traveling, eating good vegan food, and all things theater.

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.

Have you noticed? We have been busy creating worship activity packets that help children (and people of all ages!) learn and focus during the worship service. Sitting still, with nothing to do but listen, can be hard for kids and even some adults. In fact, neuroscientists are learning that some activities actually help us focus in on what we are hearing or learning—especially activities with our hands. Sometimes called “fidget items”, classroom teachers know that activities like pipe cleaners, play-doh, and coloring can actually help listeners focus better. In particular, knitting, sewing, and coloring mandalas have been found to create the same brain patterns as those found during meditation--bestowing a calming, balancing effect. Often, busy hands = calm mind and body. Adults are invited to try an activity pack too. Pick some up on your way into the sanctuary, across the doorway from the hymnals. Get creative! It’s good for your soul, and that’s faith development.

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

The Social Justice Committee is almost out of LED bug lights that help protect moths and other nocturnal insects. Make sure to get yours this Sunday!

The Environmental Justice Task Force supports green energy and had 17 windmill support signs to distribute. Hopefully the signs can be placed along roads with a fair amount of traffic. You can place it in your yard or in a more heavily trafficked area. The signs are free of charge but we are requesting a donation in order that more signs can be ordered. See Janet Longo Sunday if you are interested in getting a sign.

Interested in attending this year's Faith Action NJ Gala? Contact Janet Longo for more information and carpool details.

It is that time of year again !!! ESWA is asking for school supplies to fill all the back packs that they distribute to students heading back to school. There will be a bin in the entrance of the UU building for items and here is a list some of the items requested.

• Scissors
• Index cards
• spiral notebooks
• pens
• composition books
• colored markers
• flash drives
• construction paper
• rulers
• folders
• scotch tape
• lined paper
• sharpeners
• binders
• highlighters
• crayons
• glue sticks
• colored pencils

Thank you for your help in meeting the needs of our students.

We do not meet in August but please see the list below of books for the 2023-24 season.

Meeting in September our selection will be A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara. Questions: morellb@msn.com

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.

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.

Click on the graphic above to read more about the following and more:

• Featured Resource: Board Training Resources
  
• Leaders: Mark Your Calendars for Next Year’s CER Skill Ups
  
• Resources for Responding to Far Right/White Nationalist Threats
  
• Leading from the Heart
  
• UU Wellspring: Spiritual Dive into the Proposed Article II
  

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.

Sunday Services 10:30 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