UUCSJS Midweek Message

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• Upcoming Sunday Services
• Faith Development
• Notes From the Board
• Announcements
• Events This Week
• Last Sunday
• Connect to Our Larger Faith
• Caring Team

Noah and the Ark

Presented by Dr. Marcia Fiedler

The not-so-hidden secrets. Why not just tell the story like it is written?

BIO: Dr. Marcia Fiedler is Coordinator of Jewish Studies at Stockton University.

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.

There will be a second collection on Sunday, December 3, 2023 to benefit the Eastern Service Workers Association. ESWA is a free and voluntary membership association organizing low-income workers and their families to build solutions to the economic problems.

As we end our month of focusing on the gifts of generosity, I leave you with this blessing:

When we have plenty, may generosity be our first thought, finding ways to share, to help, to reach out, to pay forward, knowing that all of us are bound together on the interconnected web of existence, and acts of giving create loving communities.

But also, when resources are scarce, and insecurity gnaws at the heart of us, then, too, may generosity be our first thought, as a means to remember who and whose we are, active participants in loving our world into its best self.

Discussion of Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism

"What calls Unitarian Universalists to create multicultural, antiracist Beloved Community? What do congregations need when they embark on this journey? What common threads run through their stories? Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin—a white minister and a lay person of color—share how five diverse congregations encounter frustrations and disappointments, as well as hope and wonder, once they commit to the journey. Mistakes abound. Miracles of transformation and joy emerge too. Extensively researched and thoughtfully written—with reflection questions at the end of each chapter—Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism will guide readers to apply these stories to their own communities, develop next steps, and renew their commitment to this hard but meaningful work." From Goodreads.com

The Mystery of Our Amazing World

Our religion wants us to pay attention to mystery, that it reminds us how lucky we are to live in an amazing world. Mystery is something which we don’t know, like the answer to “Why are we here?” “How did our universe come into being?” ”What is God?” “Why do people die?” or “What is the meaning of life?” These are things that likely will never be answered and figured out. And that’s ok. The important part, says our faith, is to allow mysterious things to make us feel grateful and happy. Just like when you go to a magic show. We have no idea how the magician does their mysterious tricks; all we know is that we feel excited and lucky to be there to experience it!! Another way to put this is to say, mysterious things change how we feel. Mystery transforms us! When we feel life is boring, they make us feel that life is exciting. When we feel like a know-it-all, they make us humble and curious.

Join us during service to hear a story, play a game, and make some paper snowflakes.

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

The City of Port Republic is having a fundraiser entitled Holiday on Main. It will be December 2, a Saturday, between 2 and 6 PM.

Address is 143 Main St., Port Republic. You will see the interior of two historic houses, enjoy a play, go on a cemetery tour, listen to carolers, and judge door decorations. Refreshments will be available at the Port Republic Church. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. The following day is the rain date. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of a building in Port Republic earmarked for a heritage society museum and senior citizen center.

For more information contact Janet Longo.

Book Club will be meeting Friday, December 15th at 7:00 pm on ZOOM (www.tinyurl.com/uucsjszoom).

THIS YEAR IT WILL BE DIFFERENT by Maeve Binchy

From this NY Times bestselling author comes a collection of fifteen stories filled with Binchy's trademark wit, charm, and sheer storytelling genius. Instead of nostalgia, she evokes contemporary life; instead of Christmas homilies, she offers truth: and instead of sugarplums, she brings us the nourishment of holidays that precipitate change, growth, and new beginnings.

January selection - WEST WITH GIRAFFES by Linda Rutledge

The Margaret Circle will meet on Thursday, December 7, 1:00 pm, for our annual Holiday Party and

Brunch. Four members who have had milestone birthdays during the 2023 year will be recognized and

honored. All women of the congregation are welcome to attend.

If possible each person should bring a small portion of food to share, either sweet or savory, and a silly

gift that is usually a preowned thing you do not want. Have it wrapped and ready to be used in a

game that can bring a few laughs.

It is that time of year!! ESWA is collecting toys to distribute to families this December. In need of new toys for all ages with special thought to older children and teens - that is where the shortage usually is.

There will be a bin in the UUC entrance for toys, collection will go until Sunday, December 10th.

Thank you for any help you can give to provide toys this year and THANK YOU for all the help you have provided through the past year and in so many ways. ESWA families thank you!

We have a few unsold auction spots for the following events: El Taco Grande Dinner, Football Pub Night, Wine Tasting Fete, Mexican Train Dominoes, Learn to Knit, and Beginner Tap Dancing. Information and instructions on how to purchase these unsold spots will be in the Sanctuary this Sunday.

We have one event, the African Safari Dinner, where we have a big crew of people lined up to make it happen, and would really like to have more guests present to enjoy it. Marsha Hannah and her husband Jerry, and Paul and Helen Utts have traveled to South Africa this past year on safaris, and Jeff and Marie Taylor just returned from Australia and New Zealand. They have offered to share their stories and best photos, and at this event each couple will each give a 20-minute presentation projected onto the big screens in the Sanctuary by David Weesner. Sponsors Betsy Searight and Judy Pereira are organizing around an Africa-inspired theme with amusing icebreaker games, fitting background music, and a bountiful buffet dinner with plenty of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly options. No jungle meat. The date is Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the UU Center at 5:30 PM. $35 per person; no charge for children attending with parents. Please consider signing up!

Does anyone have an electric stick vacuum they are no longer using? B&G is looking for one. Maybe tucked away in a closet somewhere or in grandma's attic?? Gently used is fine.

Thanks,

Richard S

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.

Join us on First Fridays at 12 noon on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/94313960594?pwd=OTFDdUdocmY1ckZNZFRyemp6V2NiZz09

Whether you joined us at an Action Hour, or took the actions on your own, help us track our collective impact by filling out this quick Report Back Form.

For more information about UU FaithAction NJ, visit our website uufaithaction.org

Our New Initiative We invite UU FaithAction NJ supporters and friends to gather on the first Friday of each month to take action and experience the joy and power of community. Meetings will be at 12 noon via Zoom, for one hour during which we take action on a specific issue impacting our state and beyond.

ALL are welcome! We welcome not only our FaithAction NJ supporters but also any of our coalition partners. This opportunity is a “come as you are able” experience.

Can’t join us on a Friday at noon? No problem! You can view the week’s actions on this google doc and complete the actions at a time that is convenient for you. You can also share these actions with others in your congregation or community. To help us track our collective impact, we invite you to fill out this quick Report Back Form. Additionally, you can scroll down to view prior months’ actions. We hope this will serve as a useful resource document.

Welcome!

The Mosaic is an online hub of connection, resources, and support for Unitarian Universalists dismantling racism and oppression. Through resources, programs, training, groups, and gatherings, The Mosaic fosters belonging and liberation in Unitarian Universalist congregations and communities. Our work for collective liberation can be as colorful, multi-faceted, and diverse as the tiles of a mosaic.

One resource congregational leaders may find helpful are the Learning and Practice Groups. Mosaic Skill-up Learning and Practice Communities are facilitated small group experiences helping leaders develop the skills and accountability they need to engage in effective anti-racism transformation work in their context. These 90-minute virtual gatherings (meeting approximately twice a month over 4 months) include a mix of learning from trusted voices in the movement toward anti-racism transformation. By participating in a skill-up group you will form meaningful connections, receive support and feedback as you implement your learnings, and tend to your own spiritual well being.

The purpose of the gathering is to deepen our collective understanding and skills around issues related to transformation work; build community through connecting individuals and congregations across our movement; and help us stay rooted in our Unitarian Universalist tradition. Sign up at the Mosaic webpage.

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.

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

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Twitter: @UUCSJS