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February 24, 2022
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This Sunday at First Unitarian Church
February 27, 10:30
Livestreamed at 10:30 a.m. (prelude begins at 10:25)

But I’m Being Reasonable!
When put up against the rage of emotions swirling in our bodies, can reason gain any headway?
This Weekend at First Unitarian Church 
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Humanist Group

TUESDAY, MARCH 1 at 7 pm

RISKS AND BENEFITS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: TWO CASE STUDIES

A GUIDED DISCUSSION PROGRAM On Zoom; email sph@pitt.edu for the link.

Many areas of science present ethical or practical dilemmas We have chosen four articles aimed at general audiences, two focusing on a specific type of nuclear reactor under development in a number of places, and two focusing on research in molecular biology. In each case, one article warns of the risks we run if we pursue the given area, and the other encourages research in the area with less restriction.

One of us will introduce the nuclear energy research first, for no more than three minutes. Then you take over, with the introducer as moderator. Another of us will handle the second topic similarly. We expect that there will be time for both topics, but you could prove us wrong, and we may have to reschedule the second one.

We hope to see you there, and here are links to the four articles: This article is positive about “small nuclear reactors. It is short but has links in blue for more information. https://www.energy.gov/ne/advanced-small-modular-reactors-smrs

Article on the reasons small modular reactors are a bad idea. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/why-small-modular-nuclear-reactors-wont-help-counter-climate-crisis

Nature article on risks of “Gain of Function” research in molecular biology: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-02903-x

Article defending Gain of Function: https://www.statnews.com/2021/12/23/gain-of-function-research-advances-knowledge-and-saves-lives/

Committee: Lucinda Beattie, Amy DeChicchis, Stuart Hastings, John Hooper

Men's Group
    If you need any help with the zoom link, get back to me. For more information, contact Jim at J5650R@comcast.net  Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85308963103 
Women’s Alliance Program
VIRTUAL introduction meeting with 7-9th graders at 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 6th.

3/13th: hybrid RE 11:30-12:30

3/27th: hybrid RE 11:30-12:30
NEWSLETTER NEWS
Brief Report of Motions Passed at February Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees met via Zoom on Wednesday, February 16. Rev. Stephanie Gannon joined as a guest.

1. Ratification of January 25 email vote. Motion for authorization of $5000 to hire CJL Engineering per their proposal:

· Review existing mechanical drawings and visit site · Develop options for installation of needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NBPI) including unit mounted, duct mounted, and/or as part of new destratification fans.

· Develop a report outlining options including an opinion of probable cost. · Review options with the owner to establish agreed upon scope

· Develop an IAQ narrative explaining NBPI and highlighting the pros/cons of the education of board members and parishioners.

· Develop schematic drawings so the preferred contractor can install NPBI

Heather Masterson moved to ratify. Kyle Gracey seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

2. Approval of proposed charter of Safety and Security Committee document. Rob Schwartz moved and Bob Mitchell seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

3. Allocation of $5,000 from reserve funds to cover expenses related to Rev. Kate's installation ceremony, and authorization to the Treasurer to select the most appropriate reserve(s). Motion by Kyle Gracey. Second by Lee Carnes. Motion carried unanimously.

4. Funding approved for dishwasher replacement project contained in the quote dated 1/28/2022 provided by Martin Schmidt. $14,271 to be allocated from capital-restricted accounts to fund the project, and the Treasurer is authorized to select the most appropriate capital-restricted account(s). Motion by Kyle Gracey. Second by Kate Snow. Motion carried unanimously.

More Information

February CERSI News!  
We have a new home outside Pittsburgh for this year's Summer Institute. Join us at an upcoming live presentation and Q&A session to find out why hundreds of your fellow UUs like to gather for a week each summer and how you can join them.

Sign up to attend one of the multiple live presentations with a Q&A period or to get a recording of one of the sessions after it happens!
 Saturday 2/26 @ 10am

Donations for the Afghan refugees 
UUJUSTICEPA (click to learn more)
 

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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