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Septemeber 23, 2021
 
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This Sunday at First Unitarian Church
Sept. 26, 2021
Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25)


“Am I Wrong?”

It’s hard to admit when we’re wrong. In fact, we actively eliminate and minimize supporting evidence that we’re wrong.  So how do we have an honest relationship with intimacy and forgiveness if we can’t make mistakes?

Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker

NEWSLETTER NEWS
Pop up Meet and Greet 
 Stop by for a casual, outdoor and family-friendly meet and greet! 
We are providing these as an opportunity to see each others' faces and be in person in a safe way, after having been separated physically for so long!  Bring a lawn chair and join us for as long as you like!  We will be social distancing.  Join us while it's still warm enough to be outside!
When & Where:

Saturday, September 25th @ Friendship Park ((in the middle of the park)  from 10:30 am - 12pm 
Next Pop-Up Meet & Greet:
Sunday, October 17, 3 - 4:30 p.m. Highland Park Super Playground, Reservoir Drive. Bring a chair and join Rev. Kate and Erica Shadowsong for an informal outdoor gathering. 
Important Opportunity to help at the Meet and Greet 
You Can Help!
There will be two SUVs at Friendship Park during the Pop-Up Meet & Greet ready to load and deliver your donations to JFCS for the Afghan refugees.  Look for Audrey and Betty and Pat who will be at the SUVs loading the donations.  We have been asked to supply such items as shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste as well as handsoap and bars of soap and feminine pads, dishsoap and deodorant razors and lotion/moisturizers.  Large sizes.  We can make a difference!
Board of Trustees Meeting
Brief Report of Motions Passed at September Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees met via Zoom on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Ebe Emmons and Rev. Stephanie Gannon joined as guests.

Motion made by Kyle Gracey to amend the current Personnel Policy of First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh to grant paid parental leave. Seconded by Kate Snow and passed unanimously.

Rob Schwartz moved to accept Rev. Stephanie Gannon’s request to be named an Affiliate Minister with First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Bob Mitchell seconded the motion. Carried unanimously.

Kyle Gracey moved to amend the reopening policy for Phase 2 (the current phase) to state that masks are required when inside the church (replacing current language that they are "strongly encouraged"). Seconded by Lee Carnes and passed unanimously.

New Minister, New Church Year, New Facebook  Page
Facebook
Check out the new Facebook page! Be sure to send a friend request, like, and follow. 
Want to add a post? Head over to the website and submit a
form
SERVE
UU Justice PA
Sign Up for PA Needs Choice Voting

Join us for this informative presentation
September 24 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM.

Curious about Ranked Choice Voting and how it can create a better, more representative democracy for all of us?  Meet with us on Zoom Friday, 9/24 from 7:30 to 9 PM.

Speakers: Cameron Brown, George Stern, and Marin Exler from March On Harrisburg will present how RCV avoids expensive runoffs and helps streamline the voting system, making it more efficient, representative,
and democratic.

Benefits: Ensures majority support, Decreases toxic campaigning, Increases voter engagement, Minimizes ‘lesser of two evils’ voting, Increases representation of women, Increases representation of people of color.

Join Us
Donate
Braver Angels 
Countering Political Polarization Greater Pittsburgh Workshops
 These FREE workshops will teach you strategies for both listening and speaking with people who have differing political opinions without trying to change anyone's mind.

 OCTOBER 18, 7 – 9:15 PM - Skills for Bridging the Divide workshops help you through difficult political conversations with people in your life. Learn how to talk across the divide in a constructive, empathetic way. (This is the same workshop we offered in April 2021. Both newbies and returning folks are welcome.) Save The Date. Registration link to follow in the Summer.
NOVEMBER 15, 7 – 9:15 PM - Families and Politics workshops show participants how to talk about politics with their loved ones in a way that brings them closer together — not farther apart. (This is the same workshop we offered in August 2021. Both newbies and returning folks are welcome.) Save The Date. Registration link to follow in the Summer. These workshops are being facilitated by the national organization, Braver Angels, https://braverangels.org/, and are open to anyone interested in having better conversations with people on the other side (or the same side!) of the political aisle. Questions? Contact Lindy Ferriss at pghba@braverangels.org
Volunteer Opportunities in Lifespan Religious Education
As we enter a year of hybrid church activity, there is a small but growing need for volunteers!  

Visit the website for more information. 
 SHARE THE PLATE

Share the Plate!
Is there an organization you’d like to nominate to be the recipient of our third-Sunday Share the Plate offering?

Visit the website for more information. 

PASTORAL CARE 

Pastoral Care Team Contact Information:
Christine Beregi: cberegi1@verizon.net Phone:
412-992-1888
Jan Carlino: jancarlino807@gmail.com Phone: 412-727-0200
Julie Childers: julie36pa@gmail.com Phone: 412-726-3590
Jim Cunningham: cunni@comcast.net Phone: 412-256-0205 (Co-Chair)
Kathy Miller: kathymillerotter@gmail.com Phone:
412-639-8012 (Co-Chair)
Bob Sullivan: r.sullivan13@verizon.net Phone:
412-952-7772
Church Office: 412-621-8008
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INSPIRE
Upcoming Worship Services
Oct. 3, 2021
“The Welcome Table”
A welcoming table starts by asking who is already at the table? Then we have to ask, who is going to move over and why
Rev. Kate

 
Oct. 10, 2021
Rev. Sara Green

Oct. 17, 2021
“The Joy of Conflict”
Can conflict really bring joy? I’m not sure, but I’m leaning into conflict, not away so that more joy can exist in a world full of conflict. Cultural differences: China, India haggling. White supremacy culture, fear of conflict, increased intimacy and relationship

Oct. 24, 2021
“The Covenantal Church”
Do people need an agreement on how we’re going to relate to one another? Can’t we just agree to be nice? How do we engage irresponsibility and accountability when someone is harmed?

Oct. 31, 2021
"Our Ancestors: Food for the Soul."
Miguel Sague The service will reflect on transitions in the circle of life, presenting perspectives from several indigenous cultures. Miguel Sague is a Cuban American and Beike in the CaneyIndigenous Spiritual Circle of Pittsburgh. Lifespan RE & Faith Development DirectorErica Shadowsong will present a story. Music by Kris Rust and Miguel Sague.
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LEARN 
Adult Faith Development 
New Book Groups and Upcoming Classes for Adults
Please sign up if you are interested in any of the following book groups!  Once at least three people have signed up for a title, you will be contacted together so that you can coordinate dates and times of meeting.   

ADULT FAITH SIGN UP FORM (https://forms.gle/SwiibCaBnUYftSPcA)

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters at the End by Atul Gawande

Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Victor Frankl

A UUA recommended read.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer


Spiritual in Practice - Ten Virtual Workshops for Unitarian Universalist Adults.  Facilitated by Erica Shadowsong on Thursday evenings.
For information on these books contact Erica 
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org
Senior High Youth and Young Adults
Outdoor Meet & Greet on Saturday, September 25, from 7- 10pm 
Senior high youth and young adults, please join Erica in the church garden for a long-awaited in person social gathering!  We will have snacks, games, and a fire (weather permitting).  Feel free to bring instruments if you are musically inclined.  Social distancing will be in place.  Adults interested in mentoring senior high youth are welcome, provided they talk to Erica ahead of the event.  Looking forward to seeing you all!!!!
Religious Education for Young Children
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH 
Register here
https://forms.gle/QDWt8j2Kpzp2k8DX8
Dear families, registration online is back!  Please register your children and youth whether you are new or returning.  

Sunday Religious Education @ 11:30
Virtual religious education will be offered again this year with one addition; we will have an offering especially for the PreK/K children as well as one for school aged children.  

Youth Group
High School youth will be invited to participate in a variety of activities this fall, both virtual and (safely) in person.  We are focused this year primarily on reconnecting socially, having fun together with games, and also participating in service projects.  Please register on the form to be kept informed.
Religious Education for School-Aged Children & Middle School Youth
Contact Erica Shadowsong for more information. 
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org
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CONNECT 
RUaUU? Orientation Toward Membership at First Unitarian Church 

RUaUU
Saturday, October 2, 9:30-11:30, by Zoom

Are you considering becoming a member of the congregation and want to learn more about what that means?

How do people of diverse beliefs become part of one congregation? Enjoy a morning of exploration about your own spiritual and religious orientation and the workings of the church, led by Rev. Kate Walker and representatives of church programs.

RSVP to amydech50@gmail.com to receive a Zoom link.

Racial Justice Task Force 
Racial Justice Task Force Meetings
Are you ready to work on your preconceived notions about racism?  Do you want to have an opportunity to have an open, honest discussion around issues of racism with others that are trying to learn as well? Join members of First Unitarian's Racial Justice Task Force in a twice-monthly book group discussion about Debby Irving's book, Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race.  If you are interested, please contact Mary Denison at marydenison@gmail.  A mutually convenient time will be decided on by the interested individuals. 

"Waking Up White" is the book Irving wishes someone had handed her decades ago. By sharing her sometimes cringe-worthy struggle to understand racism and racial tensions, she offers a fresh perspective on bias, stereotypes, manners, and tolerance. As Irving unpacks her own long-held beliefs about colorblindness, being a good person, and wanting to help people of color, she reveals how each of these well-intentioned mindsets actually perpetuated her ill-conceived ideas about race. She also explains why and how she's changed the way she talks about racism, works in racially mixed groups, and understands the antiracism movement as a whole. Exercises at the end of each chapter prompt readers to explore their own racialized ideas. Waking Up White's personal narrative is designed to work well as a rapid read, a book group book, or support reading for courses exploring racial and cultural issues."

The First Unitarian Racial Justice Task Force meets on the third Sunday of every month from 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET via Zoom. If you have any questions about the Task Force or would like to get involved, please email Sonia Wellington at 
sonia.wellington@gmail.com.

 
Introduction to Unitarian-Universalism
New Introduction to Unitarian-Universalism class
The Membership Team is back for our new church year with our new minister offering our new Introduction to Unitarian-Universalism class. If you have been celebrating with us on YouTube and would like to learn more about First Church and Unitarian-Universalism, please join us Sunday, September 26, during coffee time, beginning at 11:30. Please complete the Intro to UU registration form on the church website under Visitors.

This Intro to UU overview will be followed on Saturday, October 2, with RUaUU? a more comprehensive study of our liberal religious community.
HUMANIST GROUP INAUGURAL MEETING

OCTOBER MEETING

On Zoom, TUESDAY, October 5 at 7 pm

Some important Transcendentalists you may have never heard of, and how they led to today’s UU social activism

Two of them died tragically in shipwrecks while still in their prime. One of these can be said to have “sparked the American struggle for gender equality,” to quote the recent book “Conflagration!” by John Buehrens, which will be the basis of our program. Another was a friend of Frederick Douglas and originated a famous phrase adapted by Martin Luther King. The fourth was there pretty much from the beginning to the end of the movement, and in his lifetime, he was considered a peer even of Emerson.

To get the link, send an email request to sph@pitt.edu .

Meanwhile, you can find introductory information on humanism at these sites, which illustrate its appeal to different cultures and continents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P74SNn2f4eE (3 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tpL1K8ZqrU&t=126s (3 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Zz4hYuGdw&t=5s (11 minutes)

Future meetings: Tuesday, November 2. IS THERE A DARK SIDE TO HUMANISM? Dr. Andy Norman of the CMU philosophy department will talk about correspondence on behalf of the Council for Secular Humanism and the American Humanist Association with the Israeli historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari.

Tuesday, December 7. A Humanist view of gene editing and its principal tool, Crispr.

Committee Members: Lucinda Beattie, Amy de Chicchis, Stuart Hastings, John Hooper, Audrey Masalehdan

 Covenant group
 Covenant group Opportunities  
Consider joining or creating a virtual covenant group.
If you are interested in joining or creating a new covenant group, you can complete a Covenant Group interest form or contact Alice Bright
ab03@andrew.cmu.edu.
If your group wants to set up meetings using the church account, please contact Cicely Moultrie: cmoultrie@First-Unitarian-pgh.org
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Chalice Weekly Newsletter Deadline and Information

The deadline for submissions for the Chalice Weekly Newsletter is Tuesday for the week’s Thursday publication. Please submit your items through the church website at https://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/blog/submit-an-article/

The “Chalice Weekly Newsletter” is organized around the four areas of our mission, with each of the areas featured on a rotating basis:

Inspire (first week of the month, with the month’s Sunday service topics, minister’s column, and news from the Inspire Council)

Learn (second week of the month, with lifespan religious education news, religious educator’s column, and news from the Learn Council)

Connect (third week of the month, with news about connections-related activities such as Covenant Groups, and other news from the Connections Council)

Serve (fourth week of the month, with news about social justice and service-related activities such as Green Sanctuary and Habitat for Humanity, and other news from the Serve Council)

Information about upcoming events will be included on a timely basis, ideally beginning three weeks or more before the event. If you have questions, please contact Cicely Moultrie, Communications Coordinator, at cmoultrie@first-unitarian-pgh.org.

OMBUDSMAN
 
Need an answer to a question and don’t know who to ask?  Want to pass along some feedback and not sure who to contact?  Reach out to your Board Ombudsman Ebe Emmons.  Ebe will coordinate with staff, committees, and the board to get an answer or pass along feedback.  Ebe can be reached at firstuupghombudsman@gmail.com
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First Unitarian Church · 605 Morewood Avenue · Pittsburgh, PA 15213 · USA

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