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February 13 - 19, 2020
The CommUUnicator
The Weekly Newsletter of the
Unitarian Society of Germantown
Building Beloved Community
 
This week: on Friday, Exploring Elders gather for a Valentine workshop; on Sunday, we hear various USG members share their experiences with resilience.
For ease of viewing on a mobile device, view in the landscape position.
View this email in your browser

February 13 - 19, 2020
The CommUUnicator
The Weekly Newsletter of the
Unitarian Society of Germantown
Building Beloved Community
 
This week: on Friday, Exploring Elders gather for a Valentine workshop; on Sunday, we hear various USG members share their experiences with resilience.
This Sunday, February 16, 2020
In Worship, 10:30am

Becoming Resilient
Helen Keller said, “Although the world is filled with suffering, it is also filled with people overcoming it.” People fall down, get set back, and thrown off. On Sunday, various members of USG share their own personal experiences and testimonials of how they get back up – how they find resilience. How do find your way back to joy, life and peace?
We SHARE THE PLATE this Sunday with POWER.
USG has been a member of this interfaith coalition since 2018, joining over 50 Philadelphia congregations. Over a dozen USG members have participated in POWER's campaigns for fair funding for public schools, criminal justice reform, and economic dignity. Your generous support will go toward our 2020 membership dues. Jordan Ford, POWER's Organizer for NW Philly, will be our speaker.
In Child Spiritual Development

There are no CSD programs this Presidents' Day weekend. Children and youth will be in the sanctuary for the worship service with their families and friends. 

Childcare is offered to children 4-5 years old and younger in the Committee Room almost every Sunday from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
 
Our Children’s Spiritual Development program for 2019-20 has as its theme Wonder, Service, Mindfulness and Fun. This year we offer exciting programs from PreK to 12th grade, as well as monthly special events including Children’s Chapel and Justice Sundays. See the program descriptions here. You can register online at: bit.ly/register-csd
Opportunities before the service
Meditate in the Meditation Room
On Sundays between 9:15 and 10:20am, the Meditation Room, Sullivan 3, is open for those who wish to come and sit. 

 
Please contribute nonperishable food items (with sturdy bags for transporting) to support St Vincent de Paul's Food Cupboard. Leave your donations on the carts in the kitchen. Click here for the 10 most-wanted food items!

POWER - LOC meeting this Sunday has been cancelled.  The next regular meeting of the LOC will be on March 15, at 9:30 am.
Opportunities after the service
Enjoy a welcome and refreshments from Village 1.  Food bringers, please label any items containing nuts. 
 
Come to the ERC table for details on the NCTE African American Read-In, a February-long opportunity to read and share reflections on a work by an African American writer, poet or dramatist. All ages are welcome to participate. ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in-toolkit/

Sign up with Maggie Chapman to attend the All-Church Dinner...or click here!

Return at 5:00pm for the last of four Breathe sessions on Mindfulness & Activism. See below.
 
This Sunday, February 16,  5:00-6:30pm
A Breathe program:
 Engaged Buddhism: Mindfulness in Action
Mary Kalyna, Leader
Upcoming Events
Death Cafe Launches
Thursday, February 20
2:00 - 4:00pm
Sullivan Wing at USG
We will eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. Our objective is “to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.” This discussion group has no agenda or objectives, and is not a substitute for grief support. Cake, coffee and tea are provided. All are welcome! Facilitated by Maggie Beaumont.
 Racism and Technology Teach-In
Saturday, February 22, 9:30am - 2:30pm
The Ending Racism Committee sponsors a day of examining racism and technology. The Teach-In will begin with a video from Clyde Ford**, author of the new memoir Think Black, followed by a Q and A and discussion with local activist and attorney Michael Coard, who will challenge us to consider how technology has been and is being systematically employed to keep those in power, in power.  After lunch, we will hear from Alison McDowall, who will speak on Big Data, Blockchain and Bonded Life.

Please rsvp to
endingracism@usguu.org to assist in our planning. See website event for more information. 
  • $15 - suggested donation for our guest speakers
  • $10+ - lunch orders
**Please note that Mr. Ford, the author of THINK BLACK, will unfortunately not be present as we previously announced.
 NEW: Book Discussion Group 
A Chance to Talk about the Transcendentalists
Thursday, February 27, 7:00pm, Sullivan 3 at USG

CONFLAGRATION, a new book by former UUA President John A. Buehrens, portrays how Unitarianism, the Transcendentalists, and the social justice movements they began or participated in have meaning today. To learn more about these leaders, join a discussion group (limited to ten people) on the book led by Susan Bockius. If you have finished the book, wonderful; if you are part way through, also good. Books are available in the Church Office for $30 ($2 under market price). For those who didn’t hear Rev. Buehrens’ talk, please watch the video below. Please contact Susan Bockius at archives@usguu.org for info or to sign up.  
Stewards of Children Training
Sunday, March 1, 12:00-2:00pm

USG is pleased to offer Stewards of Children®, an evidence-informed, award-winning training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through video and discussion. Using interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.
 
We urge all USG members and friends to attend because protecting children is every adult's responsibility.
Register at
bit.ly/uustewards. $10 registration fee. Childcare will be provided. Continuing Professional Education credit is available. Contact Ryan Hurd (dsd@usguu.org) or Christine Ginsburg with questions.
REGISTER TODAY!
The Annual All-Church Dinner
Saturday, March 14, starting at 5:00pm

Don’t miss this fun event for ONE AND ALL!
 The event will begin with a wine and appetizer reception, followed by a family-style, assigned potluck dinner sitting at designated tables and ending with entertainment. You will be contacted by your table host the week of March 2 with your food assignment.
Please wear your name badge the night of the dinner.
Childcare for ages 6 months and older will be available from 5-9 p.m.


Please RSVP NO LATER than March 1.
Go to usguu.org/all-church-dinner/ .

Registration is also available during Fellowship Hour 
on Sundays February 16, 23 and March 1.
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, April 25, 5:00pm


The Wizard of Oz
USG SERVICE AUCTION

Donate an item for the live auction, 
the poster auction or the silent auction.
Contribute an appetizer or a dessert.

Attend the night of the auction.
Bid early and often.
Donation forms can be
filled in online on the USG website. Completed donation forms can also be put in the Service Auction box in the office.

 
Last of the 2019 Auction Event Openings
There is still time to get in on some auction fun this winter with the following open events! To sign up and pay for an event, click here or contact Carolyn or Celeste in the office.

•    Unleash Your Inner Artist, 3/22, 12:30-3:30 pm, $20. Join Jenn Leiby for a fun group painting party on a beautiful spring Sunday after Fellowship Hour. Susan Ries, owner of Paint Together, will guide us through creating a masterpiece on canvas... NO experience, knowledge or art degree required. Please contact Jenn Leiby to sign up.

•    Notary Service, $10/adult. Sarah West has generously donated her expertise as a notary at no additional charge. She will provide the service at a mutually convenient time either at USG, Cathedral Village in Andorra or a location within 5 miles of Cathedral Village. If in need of a notary before the end of May, please contact Sarah West.
In case you missed these other Spiritual Development events in this week's SPIRIT...

NEW: Difficult Conversations Resume! 
Invitation to share stories on the topic of White Privilege & Supremacy. Click here for details.

NEW: Exploring Elderhood: Valentine's Day edition
Friday, February 14, 2:00-4:30


Breathe Mindfulness program
Sunday evenings, 5:00 - 6:30pm
(note return to regular start time). To see the Breathe schedule and leader bios, click here and then scroll down.


Meditations for the Mid-Week
Led by Deborah Cooper. Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30pm, January 15 - March 4.


Throughout the year, you are welcome to join any Small Group Ministry group with openings. Please visit the Small Group Ministry page on the website for more information. 
 
News and Announcements
Our USG Choir is looking for new singers
We rehearse most Thursdays from 7:30-9:30pm and 9:30-10:15am on Sundays before church from Sept.-May. Prior singing experience is desired but not necessary. All you need is a desire to sing within an ensemble and a willingness to be (at least somewhat) in regular attendance.
It’s budget creation time and we want to hear from you!
The Ministry Executive Team and the Board are starting to create the operating budget for 2020-21. This year is our first under the $0 deficit plan, which required cuts in programming to achieve. We’d like to know about your experience working with this year’s budget and your thoughts for next year. Come speak to Board members by the Welcome Table during Fellowship Hour. 
USG Needs Your Recycling Help
Many of our blue recycling bins have disappeared. Could a few of you please make a trip to the Domino Lane Recycling Center (320 Domino Lane, Phila., 19128) and pick up a free bin for us? Only ONE bin per customer is allowed, even if the customer is a church or office, so please use your name when you sign up as the bin's new owner. Just drive into the fenced-in area and see the person in the little building.
Missing your mittens? Lost your coat? Please check the coat rack off the Dining Room and the Lost & Found baskets in the office where items are waiting for their owners.
Interested in joining USG?
The next new member signing is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23. People are asked to take UU-101 and a Membership Orientation (Sunday, Feb. 16 at 9:30am) before joining. For more information, please visit the Membership page in the Home menu on our website, usguu.org or email Welcoming@usguu.org
Registration NOW Open for General Assembly 2020
GA, the annual gathering of UUs from across the nation and beyond, will take place June 24-28, 2020 in Providence, RI. This year's theme is Rooted, Inspired, Ready! GA will delve into our theological and historical roots, bringing those threads into the present day and acting in solidarity with Indigenous communities. Attendees will be inspired and trained to engage in electoral work as people of faith, living out our values in service of all our intersecting justice commitments.

Early bird registration is open! New this year: Use the Early Bird Payment Plan to pay down your GA registration over time (initial payment of $50 required; final payment due February 29). Visit the GA Registration page at 
uua.org/ga.
The Ware Speaker at GA
Naomi Klein will give the Ware Lecture at General Assembly in Providence. She is a climate activist, an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author of On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal. The Ware Lecture is Friday, June 26, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. General Assembly registration is required to attend.
Access USGers’ contact information and your own
up-to-date financial information. Make payments, too. Fly like an eagle...
USG Villages
If you have any questions about Villages at USG, please direct them to Villages@usguu.org.

Thanks to all the Villages who offer a friendly welcome and refreshments every Sunday. Here is the schedule of upcoming Fellowship Hour Hosts:
  • February 16 - Village 1
  • February 23 - Village 2
Our Wider Community

SAVE THE DATE
JUBILEE Anti-Racism Training

WHEN:  Friday, March 27th   (6:00pm to 10:00pm); Saturday, March 28th    (9:00am to 9:00pm); Sunday, March 29th    (8:30am to 5:00pm)
WHERE:   UUCDC (Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County), 145 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA 19063
FEE:  $160 per participant (includes cost for trainers, meals and materials).  
Enrollment is limited to 40 participants, so sign up today!
Register online at https://uua.wufoo.com/forms/zw7m2zy1vifswl/
The 1619 Project Symposium: Changing the Narrative in 2020
Sunday, February 23, 2020, 3-5 PM

at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 568 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr

Keynote Speaker: Maghan Keita.
The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery. It aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.
Registration is available on EventBrite.
Sponsors: POWER Main Line & Others
Connect with Others
It's a Breeze!
We invite you to connect with Breeze, to access USG's Member Directory. Download The Breeze app to your smartphone, enabling you to find folks' contact info and more, while on the go.
Get Connected! Meet Fellow UUs!
Follow links below to find out more information about the events and groups at USG that occur on a regular basis.

20's & 30's SGM Group - Second Wednesday, March 11, 7:00pm, Drop-in Young Adults Small Group Ministry group. Contact Johanna at youngadults@usguu.org or on Facebook where they maintain an active invite-only activities group.
 
BLUU Box - Usually First Sunday, 12:00 - 1:00pm. Next session: March 8.  Each BLUU (Black Lives of UU) Box contains a prayer to center us in joy, affirm us and ground us in spiritually challenging times; a reflection on contemporary issues informed by a Black UU faith perspective; information about prominent Black UUs who have shaped and informed our living faith tradition; and a brief guided meditation. Please join us....
...followed by...
Ending Racism Committee Meeting - 1:00-2:00pm, March 8. In Sullivan Chapel at USG. Contact
endingracism@usguu.org.

Book Group on Friday Morning - Third Friday, February 21, 10:30am at Cathedral Village. If interested in joining, please contact Barbara Dowdall at bookgroup@usguu.org. The 2019-2020 Book List is posted on usguu.org> About> Affinity Groups> Book Group.
  
CAMI (Citizens Against Mass Incarceration) - Now meets every Wednesday. 2:30 - 3:00 PM, but call 215-848-4623 ahead of time to be sure. Off-site at Janes Memorial Church, 47 East Haines St. Contact Margaret Robertson at cami@usguu.org. (CAMI now supports the Germantown Participatory Defense HUB from 3:00-5:00pm on Wednesdays; anyone interested in helping must have training.)
 

Caregivers Support Group - Second Friday, February 14, 11:00am - 1:00pm. USG. Contact Maura Gallagher at caregivers@usguu.org.

LOC for POWER - Local Organizing Committee for Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Renew -Third Sundays. Next: Sunday, March 15, 9:30 - 10:15am
. At USG. Contact Dennis Brunn, power@usguu.org. (Feb. meeting cancelled.)

EarthSpirit Circle - First Monday (except after holiday weekends) at 7:00pm. Next: March 2. At USG. Contact earth@usguu.org.
 
Everyday Spiritual Practices - Second Saturdays. Next: March 14, 10:30am-12:00noon. USG's Daskam Room.

Exploring Elderhood Gathering
- Usually Second Friday. Next: February 14, 2:00-4:30pm. USG's Edna Jones Assembly Room. Contact Gerry Whelan at asd@usguu.org.

USG Handcrafters, a Handwork Group- Usually First Wednesday. Next: March 4, 1:00 - 3:00pm.  Off-site. Contact Margaret Thompson at handcrafters@usguu.org.

Humanists - PUSH - Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists, Fourth Sunday, February 23, 12:00pm. At USG. Contact Paul Teti at push@usguu.org.

Nature Walking at Valley GreenMonday and Thursday, December through March start time: 10:00am.  Meet others at Valley Green Inn in Chestnut Hill for a morning walk. Contact Steve Conrad,  walks@usguu.org. (April through November, start time will be 9:00am.)
 
Racism Book Study Group
-  Usually second Monday. February's meeting is replaced by the Racism & Technology Teach-In on Saturday, Feb. 22.  Contact Treva Burger at bookstudy.usguu.org
 
UU-101 - Usually Third Sunday, Next: February 16, 12:00 - 1:15pm. UU-101 is an Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, held at USG, and childcare is provided. Please RSVP to Charles Gabriel or Eric Foster at uu101@usguu.org.
Follow @uugermantown on Instagram!
Join A USG Facebook Group!  
To find out about special events, post photos, and stay in touch, here are some of USG's groups and their Facebook links:
 
ASD (Adult Spiritual Development)
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/488796191285852/
 
CSD (Child Spiritual Development)
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/614888345298012/
 
YRUU (Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) A Closed Group great to know about and if desired, ask to join.
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/159684794179772/
 
YA - Young Adults
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/222017321218275/
 
Greater Philly UUs - Social Justice & Other Greater Philly UU News
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/295899673821267/
It is a "closed" group, so find "Greater Philly UUs" on Facebook and click the button to request to join.
 
P.U.S.H. Philadelphia Unitarian Society of Humanists
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/456250251248210/
 
Exploring Elderhood
https://www.facebook.com/groups/613100295561080/?ref=bookmarks
Our Caring Community

Our thoughts and healing prayers are with...
... Jessica Slivak as she recovers from a broken ankle and minor injuries suffered in a car accident.

We are happy to welcome...

...baby girl Betsy Win Bright to the world!
Caroline and Joel Bright received a surprise delivery of daughter Elizabeth Winnanna, who arrived on February 2, weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.  Everyone is doing well. 
 
USG's Caring Team
Linda Bernstein (chair), Sarah West, Andi Bernstein, Rev. Kent Matthies
If you are aware of any joys or concerns that should be part of our caring system, please let us know. You can email caring@usguu.orgIf you call a caring team member and do not speak directly, leave a voice mail and your call will be returned ASAP.


USG's Committee On Ministry (COM)
The Committee on Ministry (COM) is responsible for helping to facilitate communications and resolve conflicts within USG, and for handling issues under USG’s Safe Congregation Policy and Covenant of Right Relations. To find out more, including how to contact the COM members, please click here.


USG's Cancer Support Group
Co-chairs are  Susan Zingale-Baird and Sarah West. Click here for info.

 
Submissions to The USG CommUUnicator
Announcements should be limited to 400 characters, including spaces. Please send the blurb (or your questions) by noon on Wednesday to communications@usguu.org
Contact Us
Staff
Rev. Kent Matthies, Minister - kmatthies@usguu.org
Ryan Hurd, Director of Spiritual Development - dsd@usguu.org
Mark Daugherty, Music Director - musicdirector@usguu.org
Celeste Lamb, Church Administrator- usgadmin@usguu.org
Carolyn Scott, Asst. Administrator- communications@usguu.org
Carolyn Cotton, Rental Coordinator - rental@usguu.org
Mike Rogers, Sunday Morning and Special Events Sexton - sexton@usguu.org


Board of Trustees 2019-20
Jenn Leiby, President, president@usguu.org 
Jess Slivak, Vice President
Sam Stormont, Secretary
Nancy Anderson
Zachary Bosco
John Davis
Maggie Beaumont
Andrea Barsevick
Debbie Ward

Contact information for our Board members is available to all USG Members. Go to usguu.org and log in, then click on Members tab> Leadership Directory.
 
Copyright © 2020 Unitarian Society of Germantown, All rights reserved.


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