When we feel pain because of someone’s words or actions, it can hard to reconnect with that person. Such a moment can undermine an entire group or community. In some traditions calling out painful behavior is accepted. In Unitarian Universalist spaces it’s important to learn the skill of calling someone in rather than out. The difference is crucial to healing and wholeness.
For the month of April we will be sharing 50% of our Sunday offering each week with Bethel AME Reparations Project, here in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.
The Board of Trustees will meet on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. Members and friends of the church are welcome to attend.
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Members and friends are welcome to attend in person. If you would like to attend a Board meeting via Zoom as an observer, please contact Board Secretary Nick Izzo (izzonj@gmail.com), who will arrange for you to receive the link to join the meeting.
If you have an issue that you would like to speak about at a Board meeting, please send your request to the Board Secretary along with a brief explanation of the issue you would like to bring to the Board’s attention.
News and Updates
Have you seen the April Art Exhibit in the Undercroft Gallery yet? Our Art Committee chair, Ali Masalhadhan, has curated a beautiful show for us this month. He has brought us the beautiful work of an Iranian artist who works in the Tazhib style. Tazhib (painting with gold) or illumination is a Persian art form that dates back to the 11th century. The artist, Rahil Sahraei, was born in 1987 in Nurabad which is in the Luristan Province of Iran. She has a BA in Carpet Design from Bahonar University in Kerman and an MFA in Rug Design from Arts & Science University in Yazd. She has taught at universities in Kerman and Tehran. Rahil is a versatile artist who, in addition to this, has worked in traditional style woodworking, rug design, and rug dyeing, as well as cinematography as a production manager, co-producer, and actress. She and her husband, Alireza Dehghan, have won numerous awards and prizes at film festivals in the USA, Italy, Australia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Be sure to visit the Undercroft this month to see Rahil's beautiful work.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Take a stand against Gun Violence! END GUN VIOLENCE ADVOCACY DAY, May 7, 2024, Harrisburg*
4,600 Pennsylvanians are injured or killed each year from gun violence – suicides, homicides, mass shootings, domestic violence & unintentional shootings. Saving lives from gun violence is in line with our UU Principles and our call to Love. By joining with CeaseFirePA we are advocating for common sense measures to keep gun violence out of the hands of dangerous people and for peaceful solutions to conflict. We know the gun violence crisis can feel overwhelming. But this past year, CeaseFirePA, with the help of people of faith and others, has made historic, bipartisan progress in advancing life-saving legislation in Harrisburg. But it hasn’t reached the Governor’s desk yet!!
We need your voice to keep building momentum. Join us on May 7 in Harrisburg* for a day of advocacy & action! *Buses from and returning to Pittsburgh will be available, or car-pooling is possible. Meeting appointments will be arranged for you. You will have others with you at the meetings. If you can’t make the training, we will try to have our own brief training on Zoom (but the CeaseFirePA training would be better if you can do it!). Questions? Email jmharrison@aol.com.
First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh’s FANTASTIC FANTASY AUCTION Returns!
WHAT: A fundraiser event for our church and an amazing night of fun and fellowship with First UU friends that you will not want to miss!
Funds raised will support our beautiful historic church building and help fund critical capital projects.
WHERE: First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh - Undercroft Gallery and Sanctuary
WHEN: Friday, May 10, 2024 ~ Doors open at 6 PM
• Silent and Teacup Auctions, 50/50 Raffle • Scrumptious Appetizers and Desserts Included • Wine and Beer Cash Bar • Live Auction @ 7:30 PM!
TICKETS: $10 per person (children free - childcare and dinner for them will be provided)
Purchase your tickets in advance by May 6 and receive 3 free raffle tickets to use in the Teacup Auction!
Tickets can be purchased on Sundays during social hour and online at https://www.first-unitarian-pgh.org/connect/donate/ (When purchasing online via the donate page, be sure to select “Give to the Fantasy Auction” from the drop down and indicate how many tickets being purchased in the comments section.)
Tickets will also be sold at the door. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening not to be missed!
Just a selection of the amazing items already donated that YOU could win include:
● Foodie Experiences: Greek, Egyptian, African Dinners, Southern Hospitality Brunch ● A perfect 5-day getaway for family or friends in the Laurel Highlands
● Secrets of the Strip: a fun tour of the Strip District ● A tasting of several flights of wines for beginners and knowledgeable wine lovers alike in the hosts’ Victorian home
● A private tour at Phipps Conservatory ● A whiskey tasting ● Plus our infamous Instant Wine Cellar!
Can you donate an experience or special item?
Auction items and experiences still needed! Gift certificates, homemade goodies, timeshares at vacation spots, artwork, gift baskets, tickets for cultural or sports events.
Offer a special talent or skill such as professional services, tutoring, yard work, pet sitting, cooking lessons, babysitting, yoga/massage, host a dinner and special activity.
Donated items and experiences are requested by April 26. For questions or more information contact Heather Masterson (hamasterson@gmail.com) or David Doorley (ozzieink@verizon.net). Thank you!
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
