UUS Weekly Update

Sunday, February 26th, 2023
Crafting a Community of and for All Ages

What's so special about a community made up of people of many different ages who share their gifts and struggles together? Join us for a special exploration and celebration of what makes intergenerational community so wonderful for everyone and how we can all keep crafting UUS as a community of and for All Ages.

Join In Person:

If joining in person, plan to arrive 9:40 – 9:58 am so you can be seated before the service starts. Please stay home and care for yourself if you’re not feeling well or have been exposed to someone with COVID. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth.
A social hour follows the service, in the Fellowship Hall for in person participants, and over Zoom for virtual participants.

Join Virtually:

Click to be taken to the stream on our YouTube channel.
- Online participants are invited to join in the live chat during the service. You need to be signed in to a YouTube account, and on the actual YouTube site to chat (watching the service through an embedded video link shared in our weekly service emails or on our website will not not have a chat option- click “Watch on YouTube” in the bottom left corner of the video to be taken to the actual site and get access to the chat). Find an instructional guide on how to sign in and chat over YouTube here (PDF, created by Anne Schons)
A virtual social hour follows the service over Zoom (Link to Join, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555).

February's Offerings Benefit United Action for Youth (UAY)

UAY is a Johnson County community organization whose mission is to nurture the potential of all youth to create, grow, and lead. Services include family mediation and therapy; a Youth Center with recording studio, art studio, art gallery, performance space, counseling, and the Rotary Center for Youth Volunteers; a family support program for pregnant and parenting teens; and a Transitional Living Program for homeless youth ages 16-22. Learn more at www.unitedwayjwc.org/united-action-youth-uay.

All cash donations collected during or for the Sunday Services offerings benefit our chosen partner, unless otherwise earmarked on a donation envelope. Checks for the offering baskets should have “UAY” on the memo line. You can also donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSPartner, text “GivetoUUSIC Partner” to 73256, or mail a check to the UUS office.

You can also donate to our Operating Budget
Donate online at http://bit.ly/UUSOperating, text “GivetoUUSIC Operating” to 73256, or mail a check to the office with “operating” on the memo line (also write “pledge” if you’d like to apply to an existing stewardship pledge).

Cycle of Life

Sadly we share that Lee Eberly, the husband of Sue Eberly, passed away on February 17 after a long illness. Lee and Sue were active members and later friends of UUS for many years, continuing to be active in several groups in recent years. Instead of a formal funeral, Lee asked that there be an informal gathering next spring for friends and family. Contact Sue if you would like to be notified when a day and time has been set for services. You can read Lee's obituary here. Lee will be greatly missed.

From Your UUS Minister, Rev. Diana Smith

The Shared Pulpit Class
Hearing Sunday reflections from many different voices and perspectives is an important part of how we support our collective search for truth and meaning and develop our congregational life. If you've wondered about sharing your reflections and how to craft them into a meaningful message or sermon, this class, which I will lead, is for you! It's also a great opportunity to learn more about writing as a spiritual practice.

To register, register here by the end of the day March 12. All sessions except the last one will be held via zoom. Participants should be able to commit to attending all or almost all sessions. Our schedule will be: Thursdays, March 16 and 30 and April 6 and 20 from 6:30 - 9 pm on zoom and Thursday, May 4 from 6:30 - 9 at UUS.

New Day Rising "So You're Working on the 8th Principle..." February 25, 11 - 5 Online
Are you thinking about UUS's adoption of the 8th Principle and wanting to learn from other congregations about what they're doing to implement the 8th Principle and engage in anti-racism work? Then you're in luck!

The UUA is focusing the New Day Rising conference on February 25th on the theme "So You're Working on the 8th Principle..." There will be helpful plenary sessions, stories from other congregations, and breakout groups focused on next steps. New Day Rising runs from 11 am - 5 pm Central time on Saturday, February 25. You can register here: https://www.uua.org/central-east/calendar/new-day-rising-cer-2023. Please contact me if you need financial assistance to attend.

From Your Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Nic Kaplan

OWL K-2 Camp?
Do you have a child who will be in Kindergarten through second grade this fall? Would you like them to participate in an Our Whole Lives class set up like a summer camp instead of having to ensure attendance eight weeks in a row? Find more information and fill out our form so you can stay up to date on our offerings for K-2 OWL.

Summer Camps:
We have another educator signed on to join us for animals and elements week: there will be reptile guests! Register for camp on Realm today! Sr. High youth can apply to be camp counselors for nature camp (paid and volunteer positions available) and can register to participate in theater camp. March 4th I will be at the Summer Camp Expo at Merge and I anticipate of flood of registrants when they see how awesome our camps will be.

Youth:
Youth Group has a special guest this week. Rev. Diana will be joining youth group for lunch and a chat from 11:30-1.

Summer Camp Counselor Positions:
Camp Counselor positions are open! Job descriptions for head counselors (12th grade or adult), counselors (10th-11th grade), and counselors-in-training (9th grade) are linked in the application form.

From Your Director of Congregational and Community Engagement, Peggy Garrigues

Join Us for WonderfUUL Wednesdays in March!
Join us the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month! All ages are welcome! Community Meal at 6 pm followed by Programming at 7 pm. You are welcome to come for the meal, or the programming, or both!

March 1
Dinner entrée: Vegan and gluten free black bean and sweet potato stew, made by Sally Hartman, along with a salad, and whatever potluck side dishes or desserts are brought by participants.

Program—Choose between:

Maternal Health for Black Women: LaTasha DeLoach is a longtime activist and president of the board for Sankofa Outreach Connection, an organization to support and connect women of color. She is a co-founder of the Black Women’s Maternal Health Collective and will present on the health disparities impacting Black women, especially pronounced in Iowa.
Let's explore poetry! With Winnie Ganshaw: What is your favorite poem? Poetry has the power to capture and communicate a message like no other form of art. Let’s get together to share why we love certain poems. This is not a teaching workshop, rather an opportunity to explore how a powerful combination of words can help us better express ourselves and make sense of the world. Bring a favorite poem to read!
Open Maker Space for any and all ages

March 15
Dinner entrée: Vegan and gluten free Mexican lasagna prepared by Pete Brokaw, and also leftover vegan and gluten free chili (with optional dairy cheese topping), along with whatever potluck side dishes or desserts are brought by participants.

Program—Choose between:

Changes in Education and Current Events This panel discussion (panel in process of being arranged) will talk about recent legislative changes in Iowa related to education, that have an impact on social justice, racial justice, and access to information issues.
Growing Tomatoes in a Changing Climate The normal growth of ordinary tomatoes can be modified to accommodate longer periods of dryness and longer away vacations. Dave Tokuhisa will present his adaptations of tomato gardening and you can use them this spring.
Open Maker Space for any and all ages

FOR THE MEAL:
In the spirit of radical hospitality you may:

Enjoy a provided vegan friendly / gluten free entree with a delicious green salad.
If you are able to bring a dish to share there is always room at the table for more food! It does not have to be fancy or homemade. Chips or carrot sticks or fruit are fine!
Bring and enjoy the food that works best for you. This DOES NOT need to be a shared dish. (Yes, you can just bring your own dinner and come eat with others!)
There will be an optional free will offering, if you want to contribute towards the cost of the provided food

As usual, assistance tidying up after the meal is needed and greatly appreciated.
We are also looking for volunteers to help prepare the food that is provided and/or tidy up afterwards for future weeks. Sign up here to volunteer! Contact Sarah Ross with any questions about the meals: swalshross@gmail.com.

From Your Staff Pianist and Music Outreach Coordinator, Hsin-Hui Liu

Join us on Saturday, March 4th, at 2 pm for "Global Harmonies: A Journey through Classical and Cultural Melodies," a concert featuring our very own Staff Pianist Hsin-Hui Liu, on piano with guest trombonist Zongxi Li. Experience a musical journey around the world with our eclectic concert program featuring classical masterpieces and enchanting melodies from Japan and Sweden. Outside of her role at UUS, Hsin-Hui is a Grinnell College Piano Instructor and UIowa Collaborative Pianist. Zongxi Li is second trombone for the Ann Arbor Symphony and Flint Symphony.

The concert will be held in the UUS Sanctuary at 2 pm. This event is part of the UUS Music Outreach Program series, and is free and open to the public. Freewill donations are gratefully accepted to support the Music Outreach Program and UUS.

Questions can be sent to Hsin-Hui Liu at music.outreach@uusic.org.

From Your Director of Congregational Music, Alex Heetland

UUS Singers rehearse Sundays in March
After our little experiment rehearsing on Sundays, UUS Singers have decided to continue rehearsing Sundays after the service from 11:30 to 12:30 in March. Join us to sing some exciting tunes such as a "Jazz Cantate" and an original song with guests from the Oakdale Prison Choir!

UUS Singers Rehearsals: Sundays 11:30-12:30 in the Sanctuary.

Sunday, February 26th

Sunday Service: 10 am in person or online via YouTube Live .

See top of the email for details.

Virtual Social Hour: Immediately following the service via Zoom (Link to Join, Meeting ID: 853 6642 6271, Passcode: 724555).

See top of the email for details.

Monday, February 27th

GIrls Night Out: 5:30 pm at Blackstone, 503 Westbury Drive, Suite 1, Iowa City.

Spring is in the air one day then winter is back the next. That means one thing. The seasons are tipping in our favor. At our February Girls' Night Out gathering, let's celebrate the changing and changeable seasons together with conversation and a shared meal. We'll meet from 5:30 to 7:00ish at Blackstone Restaurant. Please send your RSVP to marianne.mason@msn.com by Saturday, February 25th.

Buddhist Sangha: 7 pm via Zoom (Link to Join, Meeting ID: 488 251 282, Passcode: 461426, or join by phone: (312) 626 6799)

The virtual Buddhist Sangha meeting takes place weekly, on Mondays, from 7 to 8:30 pm, with social time before the meeting at 6:45. The UUS Buddhist Sangha is a community of people who gather weekly for silent meditation and discussion of contemporary Buddhist teachings. Diversity of view is welcome as a foundation for collective wisdom. Our mutual support promotes clarity, compassion and ethical behavior through the practice of mindfulness. To find out more, contact Cindy Spading at (buddhistsangha@u usic.org).

Tuesday, February 28th

Rev. Diana Community Office Hour: 12:30 pm at Bread Garden Patio, downtown Iowa City

Wednesday, March 1st

WonderfUUl Wednesday: 6 pm at UUS Fellowship Hall

See column From Your Director of Congregational and Community Engagement, Peggy Garrigues above for details.

UUS Racial Justice Team

Maternal Health for Black Women
Sponsored by the UUS Racial Justice Team
Wednesday, March 1, 7:00 pm

LaTasha DeLoach is a longtime activist and president of the board for Sankofa Outreach Connection, an organization to support and connect women of color. She is a co-founder of the Black Women’s Maternal Health Collective and will present on the health disparities impacting Black women, especially pronounced in Iowa.
This program will follow the WonderfUUL Wednesday dinner, so you are welcome to come for dinner ahead of time. Bring a side dish or dessert to share, or your own dinner, or make a donation to offset the cost of the entree, or just come and eat!

1. "Influential impact: the cyclization of Black films". A complete history of the American presence in Hollywood. Presented by S. Torriano Berry, Prof Emeritus Howard Univ. Thursday Feb 23 6:30pm @ Bethel AME church 411 S. Governor ST. IC. Free admission, donations welcome.

2. So you want to be a white ally: healing from white supremacy go to https://equityinthecenter.org/so-you-want-to-be-a-white-ally-healing-from-white-supremacy/

3. Support this minority owned business: Bell Movers. Bell Movers is a moving company offering onsite services. No matter how big or small, their team can move your entire home, your office, or just a few pieces of furniture. Bell Movers provides both local and long-distance moving services, which allows them to assist you whether you are moving across town or to a different state. LOCATION: 1715 5th Street Unit B Coralville, IA 52241 PHONE: 319.621.9252

4. IC Press Citizen reports that Board of Supervisors member Royceanne Porter will be opening a restaurant in the south district (Iowa City) sometime this spring. Stay tuned.

Social Justice Team

February is Peanut Butter and Jelly Month AND, there are only two weeks left! Bring P B & J to UUS! There's a bin in the foyer. This will go to CommUnity (the Crisis Center) to help famililes who are struggling with the increased cost of food. Thanks!

Secular Humanists

The March 21st Secular Humanist meeting will again be held both at the Iowa City Public Library and online. The program is still under construction, so please watch the Wednesday emails for further information.

Black History Month Film Event

On Thursday, February 23, Bethel Ame Church in Iowa City will host Influential Impact: The Cyclization of Black Films. S. Torriano Berry, Professor Emeritus of Howard University will present a lecture on the history of the African American presence in Hollywood. For details on this free event, click here to view a flyer.

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023