Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
Fourth Sundays of the Month, 11:30 – 12:15

Find out more about the history, varied theologies, and organization of Unitarian Universalism. Led by church staff and representatives of the Membership Team. Fourth Sundays of the month, August 23, September 27, October 25, and November 22. Start out in Zoom social time following the service, and you’ll be directed to a breakout room for “Intro to UU.” RSVP to Constance.L.Grant@gmail.com to receive the link.

RUaUU? Orientation Toward Membership at First Unitarian Church
Saturday, September 12, 9:30 am-noon by Zoom

Are you considering becoming a member of the congregation and want to find out 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. Connie Grant and representatives of church programs.
The session will be held if a minimum of 6 people are registered by Wednesday, September 9. RSVP to Constance.L.Grant@gmail.com by to receive a Zoom link.

PIIN 20th Anniversary Virtual Banquet: So All Can Breathe

Join us for our 20th Anniversary Virtual Banquet “So All Can Breathe” on Sunday, August 30, 2020, at 7 PM, featuring keynote speaker Jasiri X of 1Hood Media.

Register now for this online celebration of 20 years of community work with Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network, featuring Keynote Speaker Jasiri X of 1Hood Media. You will get a follow-up email with the link to join the online event prior to August 30.

Registration is free but donations are earnestly encouraged
www.piinpa.org/breathe

 

Speak up when you witness injustice or hear a friend or family member continue to deny the flaws of systemic racial inequality.

Through white privilege, you have an audience that many black people will never have access to; you are a part of a community that has the option of ignoring racism while claiming "colorblindness." For those with the privilege of denying racial inequality, there is a reality they ignore, which includes never having to interact with the oppressed they claim has the same rights as they do. Be the voice that demands change, even when people of color are absent.

 

Learning and Action Opportunity:

Taking a Collective Breath: Deepening our alignment with the Movement for Black Lives

You are invited to participate in this five-session series built around the elements of the BREATHE Act. The webinars will explore the components of the BREATHE Act and utilize its structure as a way to focus our energies to effectively support ongoing racial justice work.

In collaboration with UUA's Side With Love, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is offering this new webinar series to assist in deepening our collective activism and participation in the Movement for Black Lives. 

The BREATHE Act seeks to reform federal laws and eliminate funding for federal programs that criminalize Black, Muslim, and immigrant communities, reinvesting our resources in community solutions for education, health, and the environment.

Upcoming Sessions

Webinar 2: Investing in New Approaches to Community Safety Utilizing Funding Incentives 
August 25, 7 pm ET 

Webinar 3: Education: Allocating New Money to Build Healthy, Sustainable & Equitable Communities for All People
September 8, 7 pm ET
 

Webinar 4: Environmental Justice & Public Health 
September 22, 7 pm ET

Webinar 5: Holding Officials Accountable & Enhancing Self-Determination of Black Communities
October 13, 7 pm ET

Register now for these inspiring sessions here



 

Sharing the Plate!

Is there an organization you’d like to nominate to be the recipient of our third-Sunday Share the Plate offering? Please send your nomination to Tony Rutigliano (arutigl@comcast.net) on behalf of the Serve Council. Please include the following information:

Name of organization

Website address or other source of information

Is this a 501 (c) (3) organization (required)?

What is your involvement with this organization?

Why do you consider this an appropriate recipient for our Share the Plate offering?

Preferred month (if any)

Helping Each Other

During these trying times, members of the church may occasionally need a helping hand. The Pastoral Care Team asks you to identify ways you may be able to assist. We expect you would be called only a few times during the year. Please contact a member of the team if you are able to help. 

You’ll be asked to indicate which of these you may be able to help with from time to time:

□ Transportation

□ Providing a meal for an individual or family

□ Shopping

In the event of a need in the congregation, you may be contacted to see whether you are available to help at that time. Your help will be appreciated!

Please send photos for Ingathering slideshow!

Whether or not you’ve been “away” lately, we’ll celebrate the ingathering of this community on the Sunday after Labor Day, September 13. What do you bring to this community from your experience of recent months? Please send a picture of yourself (and any family members) so that we can see each other’s faces in a slideshow during the service, and include a few words about what your photo represents to you. 
Horizontal photos (landscape orientation) only, please.

Please send your submission to Erica Shadowsong at dre.shadowsong@gmail.com no later than Sunday, September 6, with "Ingathering Picture" in the subject line. Erica will send you a confirmation when she receives your photo.