Too often, I have stood back against the wall, arms crossed, in a protective stance against the world, blocking the rays of sunshine and love. Each time, I miss an opportunity for the unknown and an invitation to be vulnerable. Again and again, I seek radical love and transformative acceptance. The theme of the Month is Emergence. From what are we emerging and into what?
The First Church Bookstore is back!
After a long hiatus, the First Church Book Store will open this Sunday, March 10th, after the service. We will be at the bottom of the stairs in the Undercroft lobby, offering a wide assortment of books for adults and children. Whether you wish to chat, browse, or say "hello," please visit us. Cash or check only.
Racial Justice Task Force Discussion
In anticipation of the March 17 Table Talk that Rev. Kate has planned with Rev. Dale Snyder and others from Bethel AME, we are continuing to explore Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair by Kwon and Thompson. RJTask Force members will have a table at coffee hour each Sunday to talk about Bethel AME and have the book available. We are having our third Discussion on Sunday, March 10. This will be after church from 12-1, with a light lunch. We will be considering Chapter 7 and the Epilogue.
Please read the book and join us. For more information, email Racial.Justice@first-unitarian-pgh.org Please note that participants must register to attend the March 17 Table Talk.
Use this link to register.
Service Opportunities
“We need 2-3 new people on the Personnel Committee. Do you have experience working with personnel or human affairs? This is an advisory committee to Rev. Kate and meets as needed. Please contact Rev. Kate if you’re interested."
“Book lovers needed. We need one or two people to help reduce the volume in our library so we can better use the space. A love of books is helpful, but more importantly, the capacity to determine what books are ready to be donated elsewhere. Please contact Rev. Kate if you’re interested.”
Upcoming Meetings and Events
As part of Share the Plate Month, the Khasi Hills Team invites you to celebrate our over 20-year partnership. We’ll have a display table in the Undercroft during social hour, plus these special highlights:
SIGN CARDS FOR TEACHERS – March 10. Share a welcome greeting with newly hired Daemika Marsharing and thank Lamborlang Syiem for his long-time service.
ENJOY LOCAL TEA – March 17. A team member will be brewing and serving the recent gift of organic looseleaf black tea, hand-picked in the state where our school is located.
VIEW INDIGENOUS DANCES – March 24. Team members will be showing a video featuring colorful dances native to the North East India region, some of which our Khasi siblings regularly participate in.
MEN’S GROUP PROGRAM - March 13, 2024
The Wednesday, March 13th meeting of the Men's group will be from 7:30 to 9:00. It will be an - IN-PERSON meeting in our usual spot, The Priestly Room. Our leader will be Gordon Hargreaves, and we will discuss the topic of Brexit and how it is working. Britain formally left the EU on Jan 31, 2020. Progress has been made in most areas, but new issues have arisen. Come hear a splendid presentation. For more information, contact Jim Reitz, at j5650r@comcast.net
End of Life Decisions: From Estate to Final Rest.
Save the date for the upcoming seminar on April 6 in Undercroft Gallery from 10 a.m. to noon. It is to be called End of Life Decisions: From Estate to Final Rest. Presenters will be from D.B. Root & Co., IKOR of Western Pa (an inter-care organization ), and Julian Gray & Associates. Please remain for a further discussion from 12 to 1 for those who have no family.
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 atfirstuupghombudsman@gmail.com
