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Sunday, March 26th, 2023
Listening to Incarcerated Voices
One in every ten black men in their 30s are in jail or prison on any given day in the United States. UUS members Phil Beck and Ron Pile will discuss plans for a revitalized prison ministry and Mary Cohen will present music from the Oakdale Choir. They will also talk about compassionate-based activism.
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).
March's Offerings Benefit Free Medical Clinic
The Free Medical Clinic (FMC) provides medical, specialty and basic dental care, and prescriptions to those without insurance. Close to 300 volunteers from various disciplines provide thousands of hours of services to the clinic each year, providing patients with quality and compassionate health care. Check out their website (freemedicalclinic.org) if you are interested in volunteering or donating needed items such as vitamins, cold medications, toothbrushes and paste, etc.
100% of the cash offering donations given during our Sunday services support our Community Partner, unless otherwise earmarked on a donation envelope. Checks for the offering baskets should have “FMC” 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).
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March 19th Unused Reflections
During the service on Sunday, March 19th, congregants rolled dice to determine the order of service and who would be leading each piece. Four potential reflections were prepared, but only one was used (prepared and given by our Music Director Alex Heetland). We are uploading the unused reflections to YouTube so you can hear the alternate messages prepared.
Watch Rev. Diana's reflection here.
Watch Nic Kaplan's reflection here.
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From Your Staff & Leadership
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Cycle of Life
Jim Trepka had surgery on March 21st to repair his torn right hamstring. Cards are welcome.
Heidi Sinderman is suffering from Long Covid and needs some assistance with meals. Please consider signing up to bring her something. (If the direct link doesn't work, visit TakeThemAMeal.com and click the "Find a Meal Schedule" link- the Recipient Last Name is Sinderman and the Password is 3012).
Sue Otto was released from UIHC yesterday and is resting comfortably at home.Her recovery from her triple bypass surgery is going well. She still would prefer not to have many visitors but welcomes texts and cards.
For pastoral care support or to share a surgery or other life cycle event in Cycle of Life, please contact pastoralcare@uusic.org/
 From Your UUS Minister, Rev. Diana Smith
UUS Opening Learning Space for 2023-24 School Year
As part of our response to the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-diversity legislation that is being passed in Iowa, for the 2023 - 24 school year, UUS is planning on opening our building as a learning space for trans, queer, and other marginalized children and youth who are enrolled in online school. We’re working on options for UUS to be able to provide support for the learning space with trained adult supervision and add-on programming including Our Whole Lives comprehensive sexuality education, music, arts, and more!
Families of children and youth who attend will be asked to provide assistance with supervision and with program costs as they are able. We’re working on applying for funding through Faithify (UU crowdfunding) to reduce or eliminate costs for families.
We are collecting interest from families interested in having their child attend online school in a safe learning space at UUS and from adults who are interested in volunteering for the learning space on this form https://bit.ly/PlusSpace. Please help us spread the word!
Away at Training March 24 - 26
I will be attending Our Whole Lives training Friday, March 24 - Sunday, March 26. I will not be available except for emergencies. If you have an emergency, please call or text me on my cell phone, which I will check when I have opportunities.
Peter Mayer Concert April 15 at 7 pm at Peoples UU in Cedar Rapids
UU musician Peter Mayer will be giving a concert to kick off Earth Week on April 15 at 7 pm at Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist in Cedar Rapids. Selections will include one of our favorites, Blue Boat Home! You can buy tickets at PeoplesUU.org or bit.ly/MayerUU
Cedar Valley UU Ordaining Emma Peterson April 2
Another neighboring UU congregation, Cedar Valley Unitarian Universalists in Cedar Falls, IA, will be ordaining Pastor Emma Peterson on April 2. If you have a connection to Cedar Valley UU or Pastor Emma and have cards,etc, that you'd like me to take, please leave them clearly labeled in my mailbox or outside my office door by 11 am on April 2 and I will take them with me.
New Session of Trans Inclusion in Congregations April 23 - June 4
As Unitarian Universalists, we know LGBTQIA+ people are sacred and whole. We understand the full expression of the diversity of gender and sexuality is a gift. But the oppressive laws coming out of the Iowa statehouse are threatening the well-being of our children, young people and adults by denying them the right to be their authentic selves.
Join members of the Radical Welcome Team for this class where we'll explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform ourselves and our congregation. Let's build a future where everyone can fully be who they are and flourish in their identities.
For each session you'll watch a video on your own and participate in a group discussion. Missing some discussions is fine but we hope participants will be able to attend most sessions. Please contact lead facilitators Marsha Cheyney and Mike Pavelich if you have questions. Sign up here. Discussions will be held on Sundays from 11:30 am to 1 pm in person at UUS: April 23rd & 30th, May 7th, 21st*, & 28th*, and June 4th. (* the class will determine whether to change the time/date on these dates)
 From Your Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Nic Kaplan
Help Needed This Saturday:
I need some volunteer support with meals for the OWL Facilitator Training. If you are available this Saturday to help me in the kitchens at UUS, please check out this sign up form. Thank you for your support!
Summer Camps:
Our Musical Theater camp has 3 spaces left! Register for camp on Realm today! The camp is open to K-12th grade and currently has 5-13 year olds signed up. There's still plenty of spaces in Nature Camp. 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.
Youth:
Youth Group will be hanging out with Jenny this Sunday from 11:30-1. Lunch is provided.
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.
Easter Egg Hunt:
To participate in our Egg Hunt on April 9th after service, please bring in an item for the food or diaper drives. More information will be sent out soon.
 From Your Director of Congregational and Community Engagement, Peggy Garrigues
Shifting the Timeframe for the UUS Treats and Talents Auction
The Auction Team has decided to shift the annual UUS Treats and Talents Auction away from the December holiday season, since so many other community activities and family travel happens then.
The long term goal is to shift it to the spring, but that is too short notice for this year, so we are planning the auction to take place in the early fall--most likely on September 16.
We had a great team of volunteers to plan last year's auction, but we can always use new energy and ideas! And we need to start planning now! Please contact Judy Tokuhisa if you would like to volunteer for the Auction Planning Team! judy.tokuhisa@gmail.com.
Join Us for WonderfUUL Wednesdays!
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!
April 5
6 pm Dinner: Vegan and gluten free entree (TBA), along with mini vegetarian spinach pies, salad, and whatever potluck side dishes or desserts are brought by those attending.
7 pm Program—Choose between:
- Crafting Your Own Spiritual Practice This program is a 4 week series that will be led by Dawn Marshall, one of the leaders of our Covenant of UU Pagans group. But the class can work for anyone, you don't have to consider yourself a pagan to appreciate it. We will explore why we practice, types, rhythms, and resistance to practice and ways to use that as information when designing a practice. You will gain the most from this if you attend all four sessions, but if you cannot attend all four, you are welcome to attend one or more sessions.
- Session One: Introduction and Why Practice
- Session Two: Making the Mundane Magical
- Session Three: Setting the Wheels in Motion
- Session Four: Resistance and other Information
- Sign up for the four sessions here: https://forms.gle/8fycfAGaSHS4hc3n7
- Learning to Knit/Enjoying Knitting Stevie Van Housen and Winnie Ganshaw will lead a Knitting Session, with instruction for beginners, and conversation and support on projects for any who already have a project going or experience with knitting. Knitting needles and a number of yarns will be available.
- Decreasing Plastic Use Leadership from 100 Grannies will offer guidance and conversation on how to reduce our plastic use in our daily lives and in our community.
- 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 for April or May meals! Contact Sarah Ross with any questions about the meals: swalshross@gmail.com.
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If you purchased an item at the 2022 Holiday Treats and Talents Auction and haven't yet collected it from UUS, please plan to do so as soon as possible. Contact the office (319-337-3443 or admin@uusic.org) to find a time when the building will be open or to ask for your item to be moved to the vestibule for easy after-hours pickup.
Also, we are looking for new members to join the planning team for the 2023 Treats and Talents Auction, scheduled to be held September 16th. To find out more or to join the team contact Judy Tokuhisa at judy.tokuhisa@gmail.com.
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Upcoming Events This Week
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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.
- UU Singers: 11:30 am at UUS Sanctuary
Join in singing as we prepare choral pieces and hymns for Sunday services. In March, we will be rehearsing Sundays after services at 11:30-12:30. If you are thinking whether joining in to sing is for you, come and see how you like it! Email Director of Congregational Music Alex Heetland at music@uusic.org if you have any questions.
- Girls' Night Out: 5:30 pm at Monica's in Coralville
The upcoming Girls' Night Out gathering will be at Monica's (303 2nd St. in Coralville) from 5:30 to 7:00ish. With thoughts of milder temperatures, bulbs sprouting and all things Spring let's meet for dinner with friends. It will be good to be together. Please send your dinner RSVP to marianne.mason@msn.com by Saturday, March 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@uusic.org).
Tuesday, March 28th
- Rev. Diana Community Office Hour: 12:30 pm at Bread Garden Patio, downtown Iowa City.
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Justice and Outreach News & Opportunities
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Environmental Justice Team
UUS Diaper Drive
Help our CommUnity! April is the annual Diaper Driver. For low income folks, diapers and wipes are an expense that don't fit easily into a limited budget. Please bring some diapers and wipes to UUS during the month. There will be a bin in the foyer - thanks!
UUS Racial Justice Team
1. Fundraising event for Inside Out Reentry Community. It's not too late to purchase tickets for The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton at The Englert Theatre on Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m! This benefit in support of Inside Out Reentry Community will feature special guest Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague and music by James Tutson and the Rollback. Staff and participants of Inside Out will also be interviewed. The Mystery Hour is a "late night" talk show hosted by four-time Emmy-winning comedian Jeff Houghton, which routinely sells out when performed live. VIP tickets include a post-show reception and space is limited! Jeff Houghton grew up in Iowa City. Buy tickets at the Englert web site https://englert.org/ or the InsideOut web site https://www.insideoutreentry.com/
2. On Saturday, March 25, from noon to 3 p.m., the Bookmobile will be stationed at the Ped Mall in Iowa City. The event will celebrate the #fREADdom to read and highlight current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. The Iowa City Public Library (ICPL), the Office of Equity & Human Rights, and the UNESCO City of Literature will present a fun-filled afternoon for the entire community, featuring live music, crafts, book readings, and more. The activities will take place outside on the Ped Mall surrounding the Library. Books unite us! city of iowa city bulletin. |
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Community Outreach News & Opportunities
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Food Drive to Support Food-Insecure Children
UUS is partnering with Tau Psi Omega, a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, inc. (the first African American female sorority in the United States, established in 1908) for a food drive to support food-insecure children at Lucas Elementary School. The goal is to provide food for students to take home on Friday for Saturday and Sunday breakfast and lunch. The drive will run for four Sundays in April (April 2-23). A box will be placed in the UUS entrance, and a list of needed items will be placed on the box and table in the entranceway. Also, a flyer about the program will be posted on the bulletin board.
Ukraine Trench Candle Making Event
When: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 @ 3:00pm
Where: 912 20th Ave, Coralville, IA 52241 (This event will be held in the basement of the New Song Episcopal church)
The ICFRC would like make you all aware of a special event that is happening in the community. We have made aware of the this opportunity by the organizers of the event.
Program Description
A trench candle is a universal and long-lasting source of heat in difficult living conditions. A trench candle can heat and illuminate a small room. A great advantage of trench candles is the simplicity of the design and the availability of materials necessary for their manufacture. Trench candles became popular in Ukraine in 2014 with the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war. During the last year, trench candles became not only a source of heat but a symbol of Ukrainian resilience which united thousands of volunteers in Ukraine and globally. Candlemakers or fireflies, as they call themselves, received wax from Poland, Slovenia, Germany, and even from the US.
If you cannot attend the event, the church is looking for clean tin cans (especially small cans like tuna cans or cat food) and wax, either bulk or from used candles. If you would like to donate items, please contact Mary Kathryn Wallace at mkatawall@gmail.com.
For more information about this even, contact: Jim Conger (Parish Administrator) New Song Episcopal Church (jfconger2@gmail.com) or Viktor Soloviov, (vmsuaca@gmail.com) (515-603-2491).
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COVID-19 Information
On April 20th, 2022, the UUS's Board of Trustees adopted a new COVID Safer Gathering Plan. It maintains our commitment to providing multiplatform (both in-person and online) ways to engage at UUS.
Building Availability: UUS’s building and grounds are open. Masks are optional on the grounds. For security reasons, we keep the building doors locked except during large events. Visitors without an appointment should follow the instructions in the entryway. Staff are available by appointment.
Masks: Masks are required in public spaces of the building for those over the age of 2 and for large outdoor events. Masks are optional for outdoor and indoor small group meetings. Groups should use inclusion, covenant, consent, and care principles to decide whether they will meet with or without masks.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID after visiting UUS grounds MUST inform a member of the staff.
Find more information on our website.
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