First Unitarian Church Weekly Newsletter

December 23, 2021

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INSPIRE LEARN CONNECT SERVE

Christmas Eve

"Oh Christmas Tree!"
December 24
4:30PM

A multigenerational celebration of Christmas and the Christmas Tree with Rev. Dr. Kate R. Walker, Erica Shadowsong, Kris Rust, Amaury Morales and wonderful offerings from singers and musicians.

This Sunday at First Unitarian Church

"The Quiet In Between"
Stephanie Pawlowski
Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25)

Here we are in between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We are ending the year and looking forward to the new year ahead. What can we learn from the silence in between?

NEWSLETTER NEWS

Brief Report of Motions Passed at
December Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees met via Zoom on Wednesday, December 15. Peggy Parsons, Jim Pashek, Martin Schmidt, Sue Oerkvitz, and Eleanor Mayfield joined as guests.

1) The recommendation of the Reopening Implementation Working Group to allow in

in-person services was presented by Kyle Gracey:

In-person worship services are permitted, at the Minister's discretion, provided that all of the safety precautions are followed:

1. All attendees must:

Provide proof of full vaccination, either upon each entry to the church, or by electing to have their vaccination status stored by the church;
Booster shots and/or 3rd doses are strongly encouraged, but not required to satisfy full vaccination status
Provide information for contact tracing, either verified by name through Breeze or upon entry into the church; and
Wear masks that fully cover both mouth and nose.

2. Church seating must support social distancing. The front pews are reserved for participants in the service.

3. The church’s HVAC/ventilation system must be on during church services in the sanctuary.

4. Singing by congregants will not be allowed until explicitly approved by the Board of Trustees.

This proposal was moved by Kyle Gracey and seconded by Kate Snow. The motion was carried with eight votes for approval and one abstention.

2) The proposed 2022 budget, which was presented to the Congregation on December 5, was presented by Kyle Gracey, who moved for approval. Kate Snow seconded, and it passed unanimously.

3) A revision to the Investment Committee Charter was presented by Kyle Gracey. The committee has been doing this already, but these make it explicit in the Charter that 1) funds are invested with an understanding that the investment horizon for an institution is indeterminate, in contrast to a personal investment horizon, which is limited; 2) funds are invested in accord with Unitarian Universalist social values; and 3) avoid market timing. Kyle Gracey moved to adopt amendments to the Investment Committee Charter. Second by Lee Carnes. Motion to adopt carried unanimously.

4) Authorizations related to Parnassus and Fidelity investment funds were presented by Kyle Gracey. The Investment Committee needs authority to open a new investment account, in order to sell some of the portfolio and invest in others. Motion by Kyle to adopt the 4 documents was seconded by Bob Mitchell and the motion carried unanimously.

5) Rev. Kate presented a proposal that she and the Board send a letter joining with other churches to put public pressure on the police regarding the death of Jim Rogers. Heather Masterson moved for Rev. Kate to draft and send a letter, modeled on the proposed draft, signed by her and the Board of Trustees. Seconded by Kate Snow. The motion carried unanimously.

New Ministry Start-Up Retreat January 8

Please mark your calendar for our New Ministry Start-Up Retreat to be held via zoom on Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. This afternoon session, led by Reverend Sunshine Wolfe from the UUA, will provide an exciting opportunity for us to plan for how our congregation, leadership, staff, and senior minister will work together to "start well" and assure a successful ministry. Your participation and input is critical as we come together and look to the future. Stay tuned for more information!

SERVE

Alternative Gift Market

Select among these featured charities to make a gift as an alternative to a traditional holiday gift! Make your gift online or by check made out to First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. Be sure to indicate "AGM 2021" on the memo line of your check and clearly indicate which charity(ies) you are supporting and mail to First Unitarian Church, Alternative Gift Market, 605 Morewood Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213. You will receive email acknowledgment of your transaction. If you’d like an email suitable to print for your gift recipient, email all pertinent gift information after you donate to Karen Burns Rutigliano

Reading Ready Pittsburgh

Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a local champion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the Mon Valley communities of Braddock, Homestead, Rankin, Duquesne, West Mifflin and six other Mon Valley neighborhoods. To help continue this effort, you can you share a love of books with small children in our communities. $25 pays for one child; one book each month for a whole year. $100 pays for 4 children.

Khasi Hills, Kharang, India

Our congregation funding for our Khasi Hills India school has been an emotional support as well as financial, especially during the pandemic. Donations have ranged from $25 to $500, supporting one day or one month of salary of the two teachers we sponsor.

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light (Pittsburgh Chapter)

Many Pittsburgh inner city neighborhoods are afflicted with urban blight that undermines property values and creates a sense of despair. PA IPL is working with the Pittsburgh Blueberry Project to plant 500 high top blueberry bushes that will help create welcoming green spaces. With just a $10 donation, the PBP will buy and plant a blueberry bush that will brighten one more property.

Jewish Family & Community Services

JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services helps newcomers successfully build their lives in the United States. We work to resettle new refugees, providing for their basic needs and helping them integrate into our community and workforce. We also offer support to all immigrants in the region by connecting them to critical resources to build self-sufficiency. With your support, we can continue to help over 3000 refugees and immigrants make Pittsburgh their home.

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

CONNECT

Humanist Group Meeting

"Some Early 20th Century Unitarian Humanists"
Tuesday, January 4
7 PM via Zoom

Hear the stories of three pioneers and the intense opposition they faced.

Presented by the Steering Committee:
Lucinda Beattie, Amy De Chicchis, Stuart Hastings, Audrey Masalehdan

Send email to sph@pitt.edu for the zoom link.

Transcendentalism began in the 1830s as an avowedly Christian movement within the Unitarian Church. After 1860, however, a second generation of Transcendentalists were more radical. In response, the 1865 National Conference of Unitarian Churches adopted a declaration of “discipleship to the Lord Jesus Christ”, whereupon the “New Transcendentalists” left the church, founding the “Free Religious Association”, or “FRA”. However, this organization lacked coherent leadership and declined after 1900.

In the early 20th century a new radical group, the Humanists, arose. Again there was a reaction and again there was the possibility of schism. Did history repeat itself?

At our January meeting we shall answer this question, as we recount the lives and legacies of three important early Unitarian Humanists and what came of their trail blazing efforts.

And here is a link to videos of our previous programs and an introduction to humanism:

https://pitt-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/personal/sph_pitt_edu/Documents/shared files/Humanist?csf=1&web=1&e=DXaMDH

Racial Justice Task Force

Racial Justice Task Force Meetings

The First Unitarian Racial Justice Task Force meets on the third Sunday of every month from 3:00 - 5:00 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. And please stay tuned for more information on our upcoming book club, movie nights, and much, much more.

Covenant Groups

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

LEARN

Adult Faith Development

Announcing the 2021-22 UUA Common Read:

Cover image "Defund Fear: Safety without Policing Prisons and Punishment" by Zach Norris

If you are interested in being part of a book discussion group for the UUA Common Read, please sign up on the adult faith development form.

Virtual Workshop for Parents

Family Circles
Will be rescheduled for the New Year! Please sign up if interested in updates.

Based on the practice of restorative circles, religious educator Sheila Schuh passes on how family circles helped her raise her own family and keep communication open in challenging times and schedules. She has taught workshops on family circles in several UU settings and at events such as the Liberal Religious Educators Association fall conference.

Sheila on family circles: "Family circles are one of many kinds of “restorative practices.” Circles of different kinds form a continuum of practices that a community might use in an effort to “restore” or keep the relational connections strong and healthy in a system. These practices may be short or long, simple or complex, and done with few or many, depending on the needs present. Structures for different restorative practices vary and have different levels of circle process and characteristics. When using the term, “restorative justice,” for example, these kinds of practices are used when there has been an offense or action of harm done, and a “restorative circle” or “community conference” is called to promote healing and responsibility."

This workshop is offered as the beginning of a series geared specifically toward parents of children in our congregation. You do not need to be a parent in the religious education program to join, but please just be aware that the intended audience are parents with youth or younger children in the program. There is no cost to attend.

The workshop will be 90 minutes, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. with a break via Zoom. You can RSVP to receive the Zoom link on the adult faith development sign up here: https://forms.gle/5dfWnCtK19kRDosb8

Religious Education for Children & Middle School Youth

Contact Erica Shadowsong for more information.
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org

INSPIRE

UPCOMING SERVICES

January 2,
In Praise of Fire
Rev. Stephanie Gannon

Crossing the threshold to the new year offers us a potent time for reflection and imagination. On this first Sunday of 2022, please join Rev. Stephanie, Affiliate Minister of First Unitarian Church, for a Fire Communion homily and ritual as we set intentions for who we wish to be both individually and collectively. You’re invited to have a candle and some small pieces of paper handy for burning.

January 9
Environmental Justice
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

The intersection of the climate crisis and racial justice are clashing in painful and horrific outcomes all around the world. What can First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh do to mitigate the harm? What would a year of congregation-wide study and action look like?

January 17
Theory and Reality of Racism
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker

Unitarian Universalists are being invited to add an Principle to the current 7 Principles guiding our Association. This proposed Principle, about dismantling white supremacy, is raising the bar on expectations for action and accountability. Are we ready for a challenging public statement about racism?

January 23
We're in This Together
Rev. Dr. Kate Walker & Rev. Sunshine Wolfe

Reverends Walker and Wolfe look at how to start and sustain a healthy ministry in the 21st century. What challenges do we face, and what vision inspires us

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