UUCSJS Midweek Message

This month we are exploring what it means to be a people of stillness. Join Rev. Dawn and Hammy in meditation of "Ode to Silence" by the Rev. Mark Belletini.

If you missed a week or just want to watch a video again, a playlist of Rev. Dawn's Midweek Meditations can be found HERE. Videos on YouTube include closed captioning.

Take some time this week to see where in your life you could use a little stillness. Looking for more on this month's theme? Check out this music playlist for free on Spotify HERE.

Rev. Dawn is available for pastoral care appointments Wednesday through Friday 10 am - 3 pm. Email minister@uucsjs.org to make an appointment.

-Rev. Dawn Fortune

The holiness of midwinter is upon us. It is the fourth and final Sunday of advent and the eve of the winter solstice. As the cold weather settles in, the reality of longer days gives us hope in this time of cold and quiet darkness. Join us for a contemplative consideration of the stillness found in this season so normally filled with bustle and business.

Join us Sunday at 10 am at www.tinyurl.com/uucsjszoom or call in to (929)436-2866 then enter: 2246776604#, 0#, 306591#.

Information on upcoming services can be found HERE. Make sure to update you Zoom software before Sunday morning so you aren't late to church!

For those hearing-impaired, pdf copies of Rev. Dawn's sermons are available on our website at the link above. Also, entire services are uploaded to our YouTube channel each Sunday afternoon where Closed Captioning is available.

We are trying out a new section of the Midweek Message. In case you weren't able to join us last Sunday, here is what you missed.

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

To have your announcement placed in the Midweek Message, please send an email to uucsjsadmin@gmail.com by Noon on Wednesday.

The Board will meet Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Join Zoom Meeting - please note this meeting information is different than Sunday morning worship.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83080329579?pwd=bysrWVd0TysxWEMrQnZSdHB6MS9MQT09

Meeting ID: 830 8032 9579

Passcode: 306591

Or join by phone:

+13017158592,,83080329579#,,,,,,0#,,306591# US (Washington D.C)

+13126266799,,83080329579#,,,,,,0#,,306591# US (Chicago)

Book Club will be held on Friday, December 18th at 7:00 pm on ZOOM.

LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS BY Gaynor & Webb

Beginning with heartbreaking gaiety at the start of the First World War, LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS follows a progression of letters between a spirited female journalist, a bookish new-minted soldier, and the various bright young things who make up their band of friends, charting the slow, heartbreaking passage of years as war and disillusion grind away youthful dreams and ideals.

Barb Morell will be leading the discussion and everyone is welcome to join the meeting. You are encouraged to wear your holiday finery for this meeting!

For questions: email Barbara Morell or uucsjsadmin@gmail.com.

Were you worried you might not be able to participate in the Winter Solstice Singing Ritual this year? Barbara Miller has found a wonderful online option!

You can find out more and register for this event HERE.

The south facing side of our UU sign is weathered so badly you can barely read it; but the north facing side looks good. It is time to think about repair or replacement. When I first came to UU, I noticed we did not have a sign with interchangeable letters, so that programs could be advertised on the sign. After all, there are a lot of informative, enriching, and timely programs being offered at UU that would be of interest to the general public, if the public knew about them. Route 575 is a highly traveled road. We are missing out on a major way to advertise and in turn grow by not utilizing a more descriptive sign. According to Robson Sign there is a 25 to 35% growth rate in attendance over six months when a sign is utilized strategically. What is more important than attendance and membership when it comes to the health of our congregation? So, more to follow. Your input would be highly appreciated. Contact Janet Longo or email uucsjsadmin@gmail.com.

As most of you are aware by now, we are not going to be able to hold our annual service auction. As this fundraiser provides a large portion of our operating budget, our Board President, Kit Marlowe, and our Board Treasurer, John Brilla, have sent out a letter requesting members and friends to make a special contribution to the auction fund. You can read this letter to the congregation HERE. There are a few additional ways you can support our fundraising campaign.

Click HERE to read more about these holiday opportunities.

Follow along on the UUCSJS Religious Education YouTube Channel so you don't miss out on the fun. Come Christmas eve we will have a full playlist of videos and songs for you to enjoy. You can find the entire playlist HERE.

We still have spots for a few more videos! Send yours to uucsjsdre@gmail.com!

We ask that you submit a video of 60-90 seconds answering ONE of these prompts:

• Tell us about a favorite holiday tradition, song, or food
• Show us a piece of holiday-themed artwork you have made
• Show us your Christmas tree and talk about an ornament that you love
• Take us outside your house for a tour of your decorations
• Tell us what you will be doing during this holiday season.

Sunday Services 10 am on Zoom at tinyurl.com/uucsjszoom

Email: uucsjsadmin@gmail.com
Website: www.uucsjs.org
Location: 75 S Pomona Rd, Egg Harbor City, NJ, USA
Phone: (609) 965-9400
Facebook: facebook.com/uucsjs
Twitter: @UUCSJS