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January 7, 2020
 
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This Weekend At First Unitarian Church

Jan. 10, 2021
Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25) – https://youtu.be/MJUSAzu6aQw

“What Unites Us”

What can bring our divided nation together today? 

Homily by Rev. Connie Grant; music by Ellen Gozion, Director of Instrumental Music.

UPCOMING SERVICES 

Jan. 17, 2021 

Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25) – https://youtu.be/FY5uBvwB514

“The Beloved Community”

What did the “beloved community” mean to Rev. Martin Luther King, and what can it mean for us?  Homily by Rev. Connie Grant.  Music by Ellen Gozion, Director of Instrumental Music, with a video from the Afro-American Music Institute Boys’ Choir.

 

Jan. 24, 2021

Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25) – https://youtu.be/0mJvsSykxnc

“Living in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”

Impressions of Pittsburgh.  Homily by Rev. Connie Grant; music by Ellen Gozion, Director of Instrumental Music.

 

Jan. 31, 2021 

Livestreamed at 10:30 am (prelude begins at 10:25) – https://youtu.be/-HXK-Mvfvus

“ ‘The Wind in the Willows’ - A Sacred Text for the Season”

The season between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, often called Imbolc by pagans, is usually thought of as a season of purification.  What relevance can that have for us today?  “The Wind in the Willows” is a beloved classic that brilliantly and lovingly connects with the seasons of the earth and our lives, in the stories of Rat, Mole, Badger, and Toad.  In particular, this text captures the inexplicable spirit of this time of emergence from the doldrums of winter in a way that can be spiritually compelling as much as it is joyful. Join in marking the season of purification in a celebration and exploration through reflecting on one of the most beloved books of all times for all ages!  Led by Erica Shadowsong.  Music by Ellen Gozion, Director of Instrumental Music.

LEARN

Adult Religious Education
Announcing a book discussion starting today at 7:30 p.m.

Tales of Two Planets Stories of Climate Change and Inequality in a Divided World
Edited by John Freeman

Building from his acclaimed anthology Tales of Two Americas, beloved writer and
editor John Freeman draws together a group of our greatest writers from around the
world to help us see how the environmental crisis is hitting some of the most vulnerable
communities where they live.

Galvanized by his conversations with writers and activists around the world, Freeman engaged with
some of today's most eloquent storytellers, many of whom hail from the places under the most acute
stress--from the capital of Burundi to Bangkok, Thailand. The response has been extraordinary.
Margaret Atwood conjures a dystopian future in a remarkable poem. Lauren Groff whisks us to
Florida; Edwidge Danticat to Haiti; Tahmima Anam to Bangladesh; Yasmine El Rashidi to Egypt,
while Eka Kurniawan brings us to Indonesia, Chinelo Okparanta to Nigeria, and Anuradha Roy to 
The Himalayas in the wake of floods, dam building, and drought. This is a literary all-points bulletin of
fiction, essays, poems, and reportage about the most important crisis of our times.
If you wish to join our discussion on Thursday evenings via Zoom starting on January 7th at
7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Contact Alice Carnes for a Zoom invitation. Alice.carnes51@yahoo.com or 704-453-4175.



New Book Group Starting Soon

Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by  Viktor E. Frankl
Eleven months after he was liberated from the Nazi concentration camps, Viktor E. Frankl held a series of public lectures in Vienna. The psychiatrist, who would soon become world-famous, explained his central thoughts on meaning, resilience, and the importance of embracing life even in the face of great adversity. Frankl’s words resonate as strongly today—as the world faces a coronavirus pandemic, social isolation, and great economic uncertainty—as they did in 1946. He offers an insightful exploration of the maxim “Live as if you were living for the second time,” and he unfolds his basic conviction that every crisis contains an opportunity. Despite the unspeakable horrors of the camps, Frankl learned from the strength of his fellow inmates that it is always possible to “say yes to life”—a profound and timeless lesson for us all. 
To sign up, email eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org.  

 


UU Spiritual Affinity Groups
Do you consider yourself a UU Buddhist?  UU Christian?  Buddhist?  Humanist?  Pagan?   All of these and more are part of our congregation, but not all of us know who we are!  I am looking to help those interested to start affinity groups in which they can explore and practice those spiritual paths that call them the most.  Unitarian Universalism represents a wide variety of faith paths among individuals who share our 7 Principles in common.  Many of us have a need to engage with our spiritual paths with others more directly and frequently than we otherwise might as a whole congregation.  Please email eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org to let me know of your interest.  When I have a minimum of 4 for any group, I will connect you with each other and we will discuss possibilities for activities, learning, and engagement.

Young Adults Religious Education 

Young Adults Small Group     
Weekly Meetings on Zoom
Please join us for our weekly meeting at 7 pm on Wednesdays, where we explore spiritual practice in our everyday lives.  Interested in joining us?  Email Erica at 
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org 

Children and Youth Religious Education 

The Artist's Way for Parents - New Book Group for Parents!

Now a book group especially for parents of school-aged children and youth.
According to Cameron, “Every child is creative—and every parent is creative. Your child requires joy, and exercising creativity, both independently and together, makes for a happy and fulfilling family life.” Focusing on parents and their children, newborn through age twelve, The Artist’s Way for Parents builds on the foundation of The Artist’s Way and shares it with the next generation. The spiritual concepts and practical tools in this book will guide parents as they steer their children gently to greater creativity. The Artist’s Way for Parents provides an ongoing spiritual toolkit that parents can enter—and reenter—at any pace and at any point in their children’s early years.   
This book group will be facilitated by the LRED, with dates and times to be determined by committed participants.  This group will be held if there is a minimum of participating parents of 6 families.  Participants can be parents in the RE program or who have school-aged children and are friends or visitors of the church.  Contact the LRED at 
eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org right away if interested!


 
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Sundays @ 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
Join the director of religious education and religious education volunteers for an ongoing exploration of living our Unitarian Universalist faith at home, in our families, and beyond.  During this year of the church building closure, we are spending more time than ever with our families, a situation that presents many challenges, but also some opportunities.  Religious education for children this year will have a multi-age, family focus; parents are invited to attend with their children via Zoom.  This year, we are diving into the 6 Sources of Unitarian Universalist faith (https://www.uua.org/beliefs/what-we-believe/sources).   Zoom information will be sent to the parent list; please email me directly to be added to the list at eshadowsong@first-unitarian-pgh.org. 
CONNECT 
Men's Group of 1st Church
The January 13th meeting of the Men's group will be from 7:30 to 9:00 with a ZOOM gathering.  
We will begin with our usual check-in and then - we will have a discussion.   
 What gives you JOY now. Not just pleasure, Not just fun, Not just something about which to think pleasant thoughts, but true, deep down JOY and Satisfaction - and why.   
 If you need any help with the zoom link, get back to me.  I will copy the link at the bottom of this message.   AND send me your ideas for a meeting topic you would like to lead.   For more information contact Jim at 
J5650R@comcast.net.   Join Zoom Meeting   -   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85308963103

 

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, January 22, February 26, and March 26. 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.
 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTION 


14th Annual Concert Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Left photo: Rev. Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones  Artistic Director  The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh                                        
Right photo: Kris Rust,  Director, UU Pittsburgh Community Singers ​                              
                                         
This year it will be a Virtual / Live-streamed Concert on Saturday, JANUARY 16 at 7:00 pm from Pittsburgh's historic Hill District. You can watch from
http://www.letfreedomsing.net and learn more on Facebook @letfreedomsingmlk
​FEATURING SOLO VOCALISTS Anita Levels and Michael Warren; PIANO TRIO Dr. J and Friends; SPOKEN WORD Vanessa German; SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY The Boys Choir of Pittsburgh's Afro American Music Institute and THE MLK FESTIVAL CHOIR COMPRISED OF SINGERS FROM PITTSBURGH, PA & LEXINGTON, NC INCLUDING The Lemington Chorale, Lexington High School, McKeesport Area High School, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, Pittsburgh CAPA High School, Temple Sinai, and UU Pittsburgh Community Singers. The combined choirs are Directed by Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones
FREE ADMISSION. Online donations gratefully received to Benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank​​. It is likely many of you are involved as part of our Community Singers, and 1st Unitarian is a supporter of this event through our Social Justice Endowed Fund.





Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit
The Racial Justice Summit, formerly known as the Summit Against Racism, is a flagship event for Pittsburgh organizers. The Summit creates opportunities for attendees to learn, connect, and act on behalf of racial justice.
The theme for 2021 is Rise, Revolt, Repeat: Building Sustained Movements for Justice
Friday, January 22 – 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, January 23 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: VIRTUAL

Go to 
https://www.pittsburghracialjusticesummit.org/ for more information and to register.





 
Central East Region's BIPOC gathering
If you identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC), you're invited to join us for the Central East Region's BIPOC gathering happening two Mondays of the month at 6:30 pm ET. In our gatherings, we are joined by lay folks of color, lay leaders of color, and/or religious professionals of color to be in the community. Our conversations focus on topics like wellness and resilience and our goal is to center BIPOC experiences and create space to explore our UU experiences. Please email Sana Saeed, ssaeed@uua.org, or Paula Cole Jones pcolejones@gmail.com for zoom information. Dates for Spring Gatherings: Jan 11 & 25, Feb 8 & 22, Mar 8 & 22, Apr 12 & 26, May 10 & 24, and June 14 & 28.

Beth Casebolt : she/her/hers  
CER Communications Consultant and Operations Manager  
740-232-9048

Schedule a phone or zoom meeting at calendly.com/bcasebolt




 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 would like to set up meetings using the church account please contact Rev. Connie Grant at Constance.L.Grant@gmail.com.
SERVE

Church Sponsored Activities and Community Events
Women’s Alliance 
Christmas Dinner for POWER donated by Women's Alliance
Women’s Alliance has a long-time relationship with Power a residential rehabilitation center in Swissvale.
 http://www.power-recovery.com. The volunteer manager, Karen Clark, from POWER requested (with fingers crossed) a Christmas dinner since the residents were unable to leave the facility to visit with their families due to COV-!9.
This was the menu that the Women’s Alliance donated to POWER.
Appetizer of carrots & celery with dip and marinated Brussel sprouts Ham & Turkey Breast & Gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes casserole, and 2 veggie casseroles. Rolls. Dessert: A Texas sheet cake, 2 pumpkin pies with whipped topping, and Christmas cookies.
Thanks to Sandy Woolley and grandson Henry, Madeline Darnell, Becky Studer, Jim Studer (photographer), Denice Galpern, Delia Parks, Ebe Emmons, Pat Schuetz, Christine Michaels, Margaret Stevens, Louise Jencik, Kathy Fein, Besty Martin, and Mary Alice Drusbasky who created delicious food items for the POWER women in recovery.





 
How to Help Get Two Questions on the May 21 Primary Ballot Initiatives
PIIN is co-sponsoring with APA (Alliance for Police Accountability) two Primary Ballot Questions regarding 1) Stopping Solitary Confinement in the Allegheny County Jail, and 2) Passing "Breonna's Law" to ban no-knock warrants in the City of Pittsburgh. To put these questions on the ballot, the first question requires 30,000 signatures of registered voters in Allegheny Co. The second question requires 12,000 signatures of registered voters in the City of Pittsburgh. The signatures must be collected by February 16th. This is a heavy lift during a pandemic. What can you do?

 

At this link - https://apa-pgh.org/ballotquestions/ - you can:
1. Learn more about the ballot questions.
2. Request a paper petition. APA will send you one that you must return.
3. Sign up to help. APA needs people to call and text. If you have a front porch, APA will set up a no-contact, signing station on your porch and provide flyers to inform your neighbors.
4. You can donate. PIIN has promised to raise $2,500. as a co-sponsor.

Sandra Woolley, 1st Church PIIN Core Team. For questions, feel free to contact me at sandy.woolley@gmail.com.





 

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!

 

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
Rev. Connie Grant: constance.l.grant@gmail.com Phone: 847-840-8542 (Church Office: 412-621-8008)
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
Copyright © 2021 First Unitarian Church, All rights reserved.


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First Unitarian Church · 605 Morewood Avenue · Pittsburgh, PA 15213 · USA

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