UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF MEADVILLE

BETWIXT & BETWEEN WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 15, 2018

Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, Interim Minister

rzflowingforce@gmail.com

Minister’s Home Study– 412-727-6870 (Talk or Text- preferred number)

Please see calendar for schedule, or by appointment

Church Contact Information

346 Chestnut Street Meadville, PA 16335

(814)-724-4023

www.uumeadville.org

church@uumeadville.org

The deadline for B&B submissions is Tuesday by 2:00 pm.

The deadline for submissions for the  September Oracle is Monday August 27th by 9:00 am.

Please submit entries in a word document to our Office Administrator Jodi Sipos church@uumeadville.org.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CURRENT CALENDAR

CLICK HERE FOR OUR AUGUST ORACLE

This week at the UU Church of Meadville:

 YOUR PRESENCE MATTERS

***PLEASE COME TO THE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE AND BE PART OF BUILDING UP THE ENERGY AND SPIRIT OF OUR COMMUNITY. Your presence matters. See you in church.  ***

UPCOMING WORSHIP

SUNDAY AUGUST 19, 2018, 10:30 AM

Church Picnic  at the Ackermans’ Farm

The UU Church picnic will be held at noon on Sunday, August 19, at the Bob Ackerman farm, 17883 Ackerman Drive, Meadville.  Bob has lots of fun things planned for us, including a hay ride and visits with some of the farm animals.  This year we plan to have hot dogs and burgers on the grill.  Lemonade and iced tea will be furnished.  Please bring any other beverage you would prefer.  We are asking attendees to bring lawn chairs, if possible, and a dish to share for the meal.  We will have a tent on site in the event of rain, or shelter from the sun.  Please put the date on your calendar and plan to join our church community in this fun annual event. Music will be provided by Jordan Sipos.

EMBODIED SPIRITUALITY SUMMER SERVICES. 10:30 AM IN THE PARISH HOUSE

August 26: “Simply Pray” Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker

Based on the book, Simply Pray by the Rev. Erik Walker Wikstrom (UU), this morning’s service teaches a simple and unique modern spiritual practice with an inclusive understanding of the sacred and deep roots in all of the world religions. Using a small prayer bead “mala”  (provided) and other centering techniques, we’ll experience a contemplative language that can be molded to the user’s own spiritual needs and imagery.

SHARE THE PLATE:FRENCH CREEK VALLEY CONSERVANCY

The French Creek Valley Conservancy is a private 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the exceptional water quality, natural habitat, biological diversity and recreational opportunities of the French Creek  Watershed in Northwest Pennsylvania. Our work in land protection, stewardship, education and  community outreach is supported by our members, donors, foundations and partner organizations. Our volunteer board of directors is focused on facilitating the citizens of the watershed to be the caretakers of the watershed.

THE MINISTRY WE SHARE Signing up to bring your gifts to our Sunday morning experience is easy! You can sign up for all positions through December 2018 in the Parish House foyer or online through “SignUp Genius http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4eaeae2ca0fc1-sundays are reconciled on a daily basis.

SURVEY SURVEY SURVEY

The Partnership Team has put together a Survey for the congregation, issued on August 1 to all members and friends via Survey Monkey. PLEASE COMPLETE the Survey by August 15!!   This is your opportunity to let us know your values and beliefs and to develop a profile of the qualities you value in a minister. Please pay particular attention to the last question on the Survey.

The information will be invaluable to the Search Team that will be formed in early fall and charged with bringing forward to the congregation a candidate for part time minister at UUCM.  If you have any questions please contact a member of the Partnership Team, Christine Cooper, Deb Lehman and Melissa Mansfield.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR OUR CHILDREN

Nursery care is always available for our youngest.

COMING FALL 2018 – “HOW WAS THE WORLD MADE?” CREATION STORIES AND MYTHS FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES

Join us for our judgement-free Sunday School Program where children can freely search for their own truth and meaning. This fall we will begin to explore Creation Myths and Stories from cultures celebrated all over the world. Beginning September 9th 10:30-11:30 am.

Join in at any time, we welcome you.
Questions? Contact Kristina Brink, CRE 724-977-2945 kbrink1618@hotmail.com.
REGISTER: Please register each child using this downloadable registration form.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE RE PROGRAM: If you would like to get involved as an adult helper for the RE Classes or family-friendly activities or events, please check the boxes on the RE registration or contact either CRE Kristina Brink (kbrink1618@hotmail.com) or RE Chair, Jane Anderson (jane.anderson811@gmail.com).

ADULT FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Check back for a listing of our Fall 2018 programs. Past programs have included:

• A Long Strange Trip – a 6 part DVD series about UU history
• Word for Word: Writing for Self-Discovery and Renewal
• 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life – book discussion with exercises
• UU 101 – Introduction to UUism and UU Church of Meadville
• Grief and Loss Sharing Group

STEWARDSHIP AND FUNDRAISING

VANCO ONLINE GIVING

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Meadville is excited to announce that you can now manage your giving online!  Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet.

Simply follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the church website at uumeadville.org
2. Click on the give link located at the very top of the webpage next to the Facebook Icon.  You can also find the give link under Stewardship.
3. Click on the Create Profile button, then
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your one time or recurring contributions.

ON GOING FUNDRAISING

Consignment and Virtual Yard Sale Still looking for easy mu-la-la from OOh La La- If you have any women’s clothing is excellent shape that no longer suits you, please donate them to Oh LA LA under the UUCM account.  We have made a painless $150 towards ongoing fundraising and if you shop there, shop under our account as well, then as we receive store credit, we can offer it to women in need.

We continue to list and sell items on the web to profit the church, so if you have any items you no longer need and want to sell, please text Michele Baker at 814-332-0999 with a description and photo and she will tell you how to proceed.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTION TEAM
SURJ: SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE.
All are welcome to meet with SURJ Mondays at 7:00 p.m. at Pizza Villa and for social action witness on the south end of the Diamond on Fridays, 12:00-1:00 pm.
NAACP
NAACP Unit 2271 meets monthly at United Faith Fellowship Church of God, 561 State St.
ACT
All Citizens Together (ACT) is a local group dedicated to progressive action in the area. It has recently produced health care signup support sessions and now is involved in a state-wide effort to reform gerrymandering, Fair Districts PA. Website: https://www.fairdistrictspa/. Stay tuned or check its Facebook page for the latest meeting.

CRAWFORD AREA LGBTQ+ AUGUST 21ST

This support group meets at the Parish House on the third Tuesday each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  All persons interested in supporting the LGBTQ community are welcome to attend for discussion, snacks and fun.  See the Facebook page at Crawford Area LGBT+ Public Page. Next meeting is Tuesday, August 21st.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS (AFFILIATED WITH FAMILY SERVICES OF NW PA)

Is looking for mentors to help with their program.  For more information, contact the office or check out the poster in the Parish House. For more information visit http://www.fsnwpa.org/our-services/parent-education/big-brothers-big-sisters-program/ .

REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS

SOUP KITCHEN SEPTEMBER 14, 10:00 AM

Every second Friday each month a group of UU volunteers serve meals at the Meadville Area Soup kitchen as a way to help alleviate some of the symptoms of poverty in our region. You are welcome to volunteer. Our congregation’s contact is Marty Thaeler, mthaeler@zoominternet.net  814-807-1480

WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

CONNECTING WITH YOUR INTERIM MINISTER

Do you have a question about Unitarian Universalism, the life of this community, or your own spiritual journey? Are you struggling with life’s challenges, seeking support or resources to help you create meaning of it all? Do you have ideas to help enrich congregational life? Rev. Robin will be on vacation and study leave in July and August. If you need to reach her (especially in the case of a pastoral issue or event) please call 412-727-6870 or by email at rzflowingforce@gmail.com Fran Smith is available in Meadville as the leader of our Pastoral Care team. You can contact her at 814-337-2822 or smithfb65@zoominternet.net.

FLOWERS, FLOWERS EVERYWHERE!

Last week’s Flower Sunday brought beautiful blooms to the church. As we moved to the planting areas, were greeted by the many weeds that had established themselves over the flowerless season. Flowers were put aside as the task of uprooting those stubborn greens began. As we trimmed and pulled, we realized that flower planting would have to wait until preparation of the beds were completed. Something else, we needed more people!  We also realized that EVERYONE IS BUSY! We came up with the 10 MINUTE RULE. If every member gave 10 minutes a few times during the seasons, we would greatly increase the viability of maintaining our landscape. Garden tools and bags will be available in a tote placed in the back yard. So grab a trowel, pull a few weeds, plant a flower be a part of making our little spot in the world a visual pleasure. It can be as little as 10 MINUTES to accomplish.

OUR CARING CONNECTIONS

Pastoral care is available to all members and friends, new and longstanding. Our lay pastoral team works with our minister to offer support, practical assistance, and companionship. Please let us know (through our team, staff, musical or affinity groups) of needs for our caring connections. Rev. Robin:  814-724-4023 (x 302), 412-727-6870 (home study – talk or text) or rzflowingforce@gmail.com.

RIDES TO SERVICE

If you need a ride to any event or to Sunday’s worship service, please call the church office by noon on Fridays and leave a message (814-724-4023)

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

There is a collection basket in the Parish House for box tops and labels for education. They are being collected for the Creating Landscapes Learning Center. For more information and a list of participating products please visit www.boxtops4education.com.