During this time of social distancing it is now more important than ever that we stay connected to each other. There is time every day to stay connected to one another and what really matters.
If you'd like to schedule a one-on-one at another time please e-mail Rev. Joseph at jboyd@uuyo.org.
Sunday, Dec. 12th, 2021
Sunday Morning Worship Opening to Joy
As Winter approaches, our human imaginations get ignited by an insatiable yearning for joy and life. As the cold approaches, and indoor fireplaces are lit, it is good for us to take the time to recognize the joy that exists, if only we could open to it. What joy awaits us, and what joy has already arrived? Join us for a service of joy and wonder.
Rev. Joseph Boyd - Minister
Kathleen Hogue - Director of Religious Education
Rev. Jim Ray - Worship Associate
Melissa Smith - Chalice Lighting
Jeff Crouse - Guitarist and Vocals
Religious Education News
This Sunday December 12th we will be gathering for our Chalice Chapel Class following the Time For All Ages. Meet me under the big screen to go to class.
YOGAART Session 8 "Offer Fair and Kind Treatment" is available here . All the videos 1-7 can now be accessed on the church website under the Learning tab.
Please remember to join us for our Winter Solstice service on Tuesday December 21st at 4:30 PM. We have patio heaters! We will also have a nice warm fire, hot cocoa and cider.
Please Note: All children must wear masks AND all children ages 12 and older must be vaccinated to attend any indoor gatherings.
We are in need of volunteers for class as well. Please let me know if you can help
Green Sanctuary Program
Interested in the UUA’s Green Sanctuary program (https://www.uua.org/environment/green-sanctuary)? If so, please contact Gary Davenport to help set a date for an educational event in the new year.
Meditation with Linda Scharf Sundays 7 pm, Wednesdays 11 am
Let's sit together in shared unity.
Tea for Tuesdays with Melissa T (Smith)
Tuesdays 4 - 5 pm
Grab a cup of tea and sign in to Zoom. What are you thinking, reading, watching? What are your concerns?
What are the things you’ve been afraid to ask? Find out more about others and/or about yourself. All Things Considered, UUYO edition.
OhioCAN Christmas in Recovery Holiday Fundraising Initiative November 21st – December 24, 2021
Who: OhioCAN (Change Addiction Now) Mahoning County
What: Kicks off its fourth annual Christmas in Recovery Holiday Fundraising Initiative and will be gratefully accepting monetary gifts and gift cards to enable parents in recovery to select and purchase gifts for their children for the holidays.
When: November 21, 2021 to December 24, 2021
Where: UUYO and the wider community
Why: Many Moms and Dads in recovery housing, at a very vulnerable time in the recovery process, find themselves without means to provide holiday gifts for their children. The self-esteem of these parents is often at an all-time low and they are struggling with feelings of inadequacy and shame because they cannot fulfill the needs of their children and feel they are falling short of their loved ones’ expectations - both are common roadblocks to successful recovery.
When parents can personally select and purchase gifts for their children, a simple experience that most of us take for granted, it helps build their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Through this holiday shopping event OhioCAN provides a small paycheck for the parents’ hard work – the 24/7 365 day a year job of maintaining recovery, and an acknowledgment and show of support to them by a community that cares.
How: Shopping with cash or gift cards allows the parent to choose a gift especially for their child; OhioCAN Mahoning County Coordinator, Hope Lovrinoff-Moran, accompanies all parents on their shopping trips.
See Hope after service for more information about this program.
Holiday Decorating At UUYO
Saturday, December 18th,
Come (masked) to help spruce up the Sanctuary for Christmas Eve!
When: 1 - 3pm
Saturday, December 18th
We will dig out our tried and true decorations, try out anything new that you might find, and bring some holiday joy to our Sanctuary this season.
The light will return: this is the promise of the Winter Solstice. Can we appreciate the sacredness of both the darkness and the light, night and sunlight? What can we learn to appreciate from both of these positions of the sun? Join us as we honor and celebrate the teachings of Winter Solstice.
Rev. Joseph Boyd - Minister
Kathleen Hogue - Director of Religious Education
Sarah Lowry - Worship Associate
Gary Davenport - Lay Minister of Social Justice/Chalice Lighting
Cynthia Smotzer - Flute
Tom Smotzer - Piano
Winter Solstice Celebration
Tuesday, December 21st, 4:30 pm
To everything there is a season—a time to die and a time to be born.
With the arrival of winter’s low dark sky, communities around the world look to the miracle of light as a sign of rebirth and a source of hope. We celebrate the promise of new life and recommit ourselves to the protection
of everyone’s right to his or her own radiant humanity.
Join your friends at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown for a Winter Solstice Celebration.
We will gather at 4:30 PM Tuesday December 21st on the patio. We will celebrate with ritual, song, hot cider. cocoa and smores around a fire. Cold weather attire recommended.
Contact Kathleen Hogue to help out or if you would like more details: dre@uuyo.org
Christmas Eve: Candlelight Service
Friday, Dec. 24 at 5 pm
Join Rev. Joseph and amazing musicians for a time of joy and peace on Christmas Eve. The service will be hybrid - in person for those who are vaccinated over age 12 and masked for all ages, and streamed live online via Zoom and Facebook.
Announcements
Give Away the Plate
Each month we donate all loose cash and unmarked checks put in the offering plate to a nonprofit organization whose mission and actions are consistent with the UU principles and the mission of the UUYO. Our recipient for December is Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM)
December is Diverse & Revolutionary UU Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is a Unitarian Universalist People of Color Ministry and anti-racist collective bringing lay and religious professionals together to overcome racism through resistance and transform Unitarian Universalism through our multicultural experiences. We developed from several older ministries, namely the African American UU Ministries and Jubilee World anti-racism change trainings.
DRUUMM has a growing membership of UU People of Color from every district and region. As an all-volunteer ministry, DRUUMM continues to lead efforts to fulfill the Journey Towards Wholeness Resolution towards becoming an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural UUA, creating space for youth, young adult and our families of color to heal and work collectively, and steward an effective organization that develops new leadership and manages consistent communication with members.
Your generous contributions this month will help DRUUMM and UUYO meet our shared mission to dismantle white supremacy and racism in ourselves and our systems. In order to accomplish this, it is critical to center and support efforts, like DRUUMM, that are led by people of color.
UUYO Partnership Initiatives
The recently established UUYO Partnership Committee has been looking for ways to partner with international communities or established local organizations, and together find ways to connect, to assist, and establish meaningful relationships with other cultures in our community.Two exciting volunteer opportunities have come to our attention through conversations with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown and their ministry at the Beatitude House: Mentoring for Scholars Program, and child care for ESL students. An overview of their programs can be found online:Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown/Scholars Program/ESL Program:
Mentorship Volunteers for the Ursuline Sisters Scholars Program
This mentorship program was developed to help disadvantaged students manage the academic and financial aspects of completing post-secondary education so they can graduate ready for employment. The students in this program are all at the poverty level, and the majority are first-generation students. They face many difficulties, and the one-on-one support offered through the Scholars Mentoring Program plays an important role in the successful completion of their degree. Mentors are carefully matched with each student, and typically meet several times a month, either virtually or in person – to listen, to counsel, to encourage.
Child Care Volunteers for ESL students in the Immigrant Outreach Program
The ESL program (English as a Second Language) offer classes twice a week for women. The Program teaches valuable language skills to non-English speaking individuals, providing free child care. The classes are 9 – 11 a.m., T/Th at the Youngstown location (145 N. Glenellen). This location is currently in need of assistance with 1 or 2 toddlers.
If you are interested in being a mentor, or in assisting with child care, and would like additional information, please contact Linda Mohn (ljmohn2005@yahoo.com).
Virtual Service Videos Our Services from March 15, 2020 to the present are available to view on our website. Click here to view.
Online Giving
It is now easier to donate online through the church website – there is a “GIVE ONLINE to UUYO” link at the top of the home page that provides options for donating to several funds, including Give Away the Plate. If you want to use a phone app to give you can download VANCO’s GivePlus app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.
Both methods give you the option of making a single donation or setting up a recurring gift to UUYO
Another Way to Give to UUYO
An online service from Huntington Bank (formerly TCF Bank) allows you to make an online deposit directly into the UUYO account by check or credit card from this link:
Once you provide your name and email you can include a message in the form letting us know how you want your contribution to be used at UUYO.
Enter the information requested for the type of payment you choose and click the Send Payment button. You and UUYO will receive email confirmation of your donation.
Our Mission is to build a diverse and transformative spiritual community, help people live lives of wholeness, and promote justice, peace, and religious freedom.
Leaders
Board of Trustees 2021
President - Lisbet White
Vice President – Gene Pusateri
Secretary - Judy DeGenova
Treasurer - Louisa Berger
Trustee: Lanore Jones
Trustee: Carole McWilson
Trustee: Tim Raridon
Trustee: John Shartle
Committee Chairpersons
Martin Berger, Building and Grounds
Lowell Satre, Endowment
Ralph Malmer, Green Sanctuary
Linda Mohn, Hospitality
Sarah Lowry, Share the Plate
Church Calendar
The most up-to-date version of the church calendar is on the website. Please contact the office (office@uuyo.org, 330-746-3067) if you wish to list a church event on the calendar.
The rainbow flag outside of the church signifies that UUYO is an official "Welcoming Congregation" for the LGBTQ+ community.
