UUCSJS Midweek Message

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Of Jet Pigs and Rainbows: How We Articulate Our Values

Presented by Rev Sunshine Wolfe

Ask a Unitarian Universalist to explain what we believe and you will get at least three answers for every two people. In the last few years, we’ve been discussing whether and how to update our values statements in the national Bylaws. Some think we should keep things as we are and others love the changes and what they can mean. This has inspired amendments, Jet Pigs, and more. Yes, I said Jet Pigs. Join us for a worship time to consider our story of values over the centuries and what creative engagement is happening today.

After the service we will talk about some of the history of our statements of belief and where we are today in the current process. Why is this happening? What is being proposed? What amendments are being considered? How can you participate in General Assembly this year where it will be voted on? What will this mean for the long run? Rev. Sunshine will answer these questions and those that you bring.

BIO: Rev. Sunshine J. Wolfe is Congregational Field Staff for the Central East Region serving congregations in western Pennsylvania and across Ohio. Ghe hails originally from Indiana where ghe learned to sing, dance, and cause trouble- the social justice kind. Ghe is currently a member of TRUUsT (Transgender Religious professional Unitarian UniversalistS Together) and DRUUMM (Diverse Revolutionary Multicultural Ministries).

Sunshine is committed to helping congregations become the healthiest versions of themselves so that they can do their important work in the world. Ghe has served many congregations throughout the country first as Spiritual Development Director at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tucson. Ghe served as intern minister at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Cleveland, OH and then completed a Chaplaincy Residency at Indiana University Health Hospitals. Ghe has also served as Interim Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Montgomery, AL, First Unitarian Church of Alton, IL, in the St. Louis metropolitan area and May Memorial UU Society in Syracuse, NY. During gher service in Alton, Sunshine was active with the resistance movements in Ferguson, MO. Before seminary, Sunshine worked for five years as a Case Manager with homeless adults searching for employment in Tucson, AZ. Sunshine has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and a Master of Divinity degree from Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA.

Sunshine enjoys silliness, board games, music of all kinds, and thunderstorms. Ghe particularly likes to go hiking, color mandalas, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where a small handful have gone before. In other words, ghe’s a science fiction geek with a specialty in Star Trek.

Sunshine identifies as genderqueer and transgender and uses any third gender pronoun including they/their, ghe/gher, and zi/hir.

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.

As we end our month exploring our faith's "Gifts of Justice and Equity" I leave you with this blessing from Theresa Youngblood.

Blessing of Justice and Equity

Yes, cruelty,

greed, vitriol,

violence, arrogance, apathy,

hatred and delusion abound.

Let us acknowledge them, but

refuse them lodging

in our courtrooms, our schools, our homes, our

hearts.

And then, let us lift

our brave and hungry gaze to that which offers sustenance and

hope, examples of which are too numerous to count.

Let us lock arms to extend our reach toward kindness.

Let us move meter by meter toward compassion, humility,

understanding, curiosity.

Let us feel the tug in our core toward sacrifice, our own,

beloved ancestors holding fast

to our end of that bond to humanity.

And let us, in quiet camaraderie with our neighbors,

pass back and forth the rhythm of steady breath, in synch

with one another and the earth we share

in justice, equity, and abiding love.

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.

We will hold a second collection this Sunday, March 3, 2024 to benefit the Eastern Service Workers Association (ESWA). ESWA is a free and voluntary membership association organizing low-income workers and their families to build solutions to the economic problems serving those in the Atlantic City/South Jersey area.

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

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.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, we experienced some technical difficulties during last week's service and video of the service is not available. We apologize to our speaker and to those who planned to watch or rewatch the service later.

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.

“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.