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First U Times

June 17, 2022
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This Sunday - Note 10am start time

Two best friends compare notes on racism, culture Sunday at 10am
 

On this Juneteenth, best friends Raymond Chin and John Green will share reflections about the impact of racism, seen though the lens of their respective cultural backgrounds.
 
Originally from Kentucky, John came to Rhode Island to study painting at RISD. John and his wife Nancy have been attending First U for over 30 years. John says, "I consider myself truly blessed to be married to the love of my life and to live on a street named Hope in this city named Providence." 

Raymond, who met John when they were both graduate students at RISD, now lives in Vermont with his wife. They have two married sons and three grandchildren. He is a clinical child psychologist who treats youth who have trauma and neuro-developmental disorders. He also keeps busy with Restorative Justice, Thetford Hill Congregational Church, Tsuru for Solidarity, other social justice organizations, and teaches kyudo (Zen archery) and Tai Qi.

Music for this service will be provided by Phil Gruppuso.


We are worshiping in person, expecting all to be masked and fully vaccinated. If you cannot join us, click here to watch on our YouTube channel at 10am.

Click here to access the Order of Service.

Stay for lemonade and iced tea in breezeway

It's summer, which means it is time for refreshments and fellowship in the breezeway after worship! Gather with friends and family after our 10am worship for cool summer treats and a time for socializing.
Looking Ahead
New volunteer team to take over updates to church website

Many, many thanks to Bev and Bill Koteff, who created and have maintained our church website for the past five years. They tirelessly work to make our site easy to navigate and comprehensive with information about First U. Keeping the website up-to-date is a colossal job, and they have worked on it with patience and poise.

As of July 1, Bev and Bill will be stepping down from having primary responsibility for the website. Requests for updates, new pages, or temporary links should no longer go to them.

We are grateful to John Simmonds and Roberta Groch, both long-time leaders at First U with experience on our website platform, for volunteering to take over website upkeep. Since John and Roberta each work full time, all website requests will go through Nancy in the office. As of July 1, please contact Nancy for any questions about the website or to request an update to existing pages. 
Last chance to request to serve as a delegate to GA
The UUA General Assembly will be held June 22-26 as a multi-platform event, both online and in person in Portland, Oregon.

First U is eligible to send delegates to the meetings. Those interested must be credentialed by the church. If you would like more information about GA or the credentialing process, click here to contact Nancy in the office.
What has PruComm been discussing lately?

Wheelchair access to pews, a comprehensive buildings and grounds maintenance plan, how we're doing financially, how consultants might help us with updated communications and financial planning are a few of the many topics that the Prudential Committee, our governing board, has been discussing for the past two months.
 
You can read the approved minutes from the April, May, and May Budget meetings by clicking on each of the highlighted dates. It’s fascinating and insightful reading.
Church office begins 9-to-4 summer hours

For the summer, the church office is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm. Feel free to stop by any time; we always look forward to visits from members and friends of the congregation. The administration and building staff wish everyone a great summer.
Summer Services
Now that we have begun summer services, more information is available about upcoming speakers and topics. Check back here each week as we post updates.

June 26, "What We Carry Forward," with Lee Rodman, music by Meghan Smith
July 3, "Lessons from the Bedside" with Channing Gray, music by Chris Sanzo
July 10, with Lisa Rose and music by Greg Moses
July 17, "Favorite Poems, Volume 2," coordinated by Kim Noble with music by Brian Bartling
July 24, worship and music by members of the LGBTQ+ Soul Circle
July 31, with Svetlana Goretaya with music by Neil Bartholomew and Brian Bartling
August 7, with Rod Haynes, music by Claire Rosenbaum
August 14, with Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly
August 21, with Rev. Mary Margaret Earl, music by Janice Okoomian
August 28, with Sorrel Devine, music by Sally Racket
September 4, with Anne Connor, music by Nancy Nicholson
Caring News
Our Caring Community


As a church family, it is important to share in our life transitions and significant events. Here is what is happening in Our Caring Community this week:
  • Beth Armstrong has been in the hospital with complications from an appendectomy. She hopes to go home within a few days.
If you wish to send cards or messages, contact information can be found in the Realm database or through the church office. Meanwhile, dear ones, carry the flame of peace and love.
Lay Ministry team available during summer months with new email address

We all experience challenges in our lives from time to time. If you become ill, suffer a loss, or experience a difficult life transition or celebration, call on us. Our Caring Crew, Lay Ministry Team, and First U Buddies want to help. If you have a pastoral concern during the summer months, click here to contact one of the Lay Ministers; they check email often.
Let us know if you test positive for COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have attended a worship service, a meeting, or made some other visit to First U in the previous five days, please let the church office know immediately so that we can continue to follow our safety protocols and offer you any support you need.
First U Times info
Tuesday noon deadline

Deadline for submitting materials for each week's First U Times is noon on Tuesday at the latest. Much earlier is better. To submit your article and photo or graphic to Nancy Forsstrom, click here.
Useful Links
To pledge online, click here
For church website, click here
For First U YouTube page, click here
For First U Facebook page, click here
For Side With Love's weekly listing of events, click here
Copyright © 2022 First Unitarian Church of Providence, All rights reserved.


Our phone number and website are:
(401) 421-7970
http://www.firstunitarianprov.org

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