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My dear friends,
Did you know that the Unitarian Universalist Association has bylaws?
Wait! Before you skim down to the next article in this newsletter, stay with me for a moment! Most of us have little to no interest in that sort of thing, and perhaps the word “bylaws” makes your eyes glaze over, but every once in a while, for instance when a change is considered, we need to pay attention. We are now at one of those crucial moments in the formation of our denomination.
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Our beloved 7 Principles and 6 Sources are defined in Article II of the UUA bylaws. Now, Article II has changed over the years and before 1985, the beliefs of UUs were defined by “purposes and objectives” rather than the 7 Principles that we know today. As a “living tradition,” we affirm that we are always growing and learning, and as a result, that commitment to growth inevitably leads to change. (See this UU World article from 2000 that outlines the history of many of these changes: https://www.uuworld.org/articles/how-uu-principles-purposes-were-adopted)
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Several years ago a committee was appointed to update Article II of the UUA bylaws, essentially updating the very definition of our faith as UUs. Our 7 Principles were scrutinized by this committee, and instead of suggesting that the UUA adopt an 8th Principle, as this and many other UU congregations have done, the committee has presented a wholly new definition of our faith. This definition includes some of the old wording that we know and love, such as “the interdependent web” and “inherent dignity and worthiness.” It also offers an accompanying visual, placing several “value” words around the word “love,” which is purposely centered, indicating that love is at the center of our shared faith:
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In the upcoming months, the UUA Board of Trustees will finalize the wording of this new proposed Article II. It will be voted on at General Assembly in June. And we, as a
congregation, will be having conversations about this significant and historical change to our denominational definition.
I look forward to discussing and exploring this change with you in the coming months, both from the pulpit and face-to-face. I invite you to start off by meeting with me at Caffe 101 on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 2 pm!
And as always, I invite you to contact me at minister@uucv.net just to chat about anything at all. I look forward to connecting with you in person, online, or via phone!
With so much love,
Rev. Meg
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The Worship theme for
May is Honorable Harvest |
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May 7 – “Difficult Emotions” Dealing with difficult emotions is a daily challenge of being human. Mindfulness can help. This morning, we face our "bad" emotions with the tools of Mindfulness, Common Humanity, and Compassion. Rev. Meg Mathieson leads the service with worship associate Lynn Sodora.
May 14 – “Challenging Relationships” Once you've done your inner work, you still have to deal with all of those other people in the real world! All are welcome to join us as we face our difficult relationships, applying compassion at every turn. Rev. Meg Mathieson preaches with worship associate Melissa Mattson
May 21 - "RE Sunday" Lynn Sodora leads the service. Join us for our end of the year celebration of UUCV's Religious Education programming. Everyone will gather in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am for service. We will hear from our RE children and youth, as well as some of their teachers and parents. This service also includes an RE Volunteer Recognition ceremony for all those who have shared their time and talents with our young people.
May 28 – “Embracing your Life” Join us as we celebrate week 8 of our Mindful Self-Compassion series! During this service, we will share all the ways that MSC has brought more peace into our lives. All are welcome, even if you missed the other weeks in the series! There is something here for everyone! Rev. Meg Mathieson preaches with worship associate Ian Harris
Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685 |
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May 21 (3rd Sunday because the 28th is Memorial Day weekend)
Bev Ayers-Nachamkin – "Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal" by George Packer
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion. The selection for May 21st is
Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal by George Packer, "...an essential contribution to the literature of national renewal." (Goodreads.com) If you've ever wanted to get involved, we'd love to have you join us! Please email Book Group Coordinator Riley Johnson to learn more: riles1806@gmail.com. .
Please email Book Group Coordinator Riley Johnson to learn more:
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There will be no meeting in May.
Wild Women Project will pick up again in June.
For more details, read the December newsletter on our website www.uucv.org or contact Riley riles1806@gmail.com
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Mark your calendars:
- UUCV Yard Sale - Stop by and check out the treasures. Thursday, May 4 from 1p - 6p, Friday, May 5 from 8a - 3p and Saturday, May 6 from 8a - 1p.
- Cumberland Singers will be our guest singers at our Sunday, May 7 Worship Service.
- Red Cross Blood Drive - UUCV is hosting the drive on Friday, May 12 from noon to 6p. Stop in and donate blood.
- Family Happy Hour all are welcome to gather at Desperate Times at 5:30 on Wednesday, May 17 for food, games and good conversation.
- New Member Class Join us Saturday, May 20 in the UUCV Board Room from 9a - 3p
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May Social Justice Opportunities |
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Programs under the umbrella of the Social Justice Committee include the monthly CARES dinner, Change for the World (CFTW), the Mozambique Bursary project and the UUCV Antiracism Initiative. Another component this year has been assisting an Afghan family as they transition to America from war-torn Afghanistan. Other events we regularly participate in include Project Share’s Farm Stand, the annual Pride Festival in Harrisburg, National Public Lands Day, and United Way’s One Day of Caring. We anchor our efforts around UUCV’s mission to transform lives and care for the world. Thank you to all who serve on the committee and for outside support we receive from many others in the congregation.
The next Social Justice meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, May 19 in the board room. All are welcome to join our meetings. |
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Change for the World -
2nd Quarter April - June
The CFTW for the 2nd quarter (Apr-Jun) will be Meals on Wheels, which is a community based nutrition program, dedicated to addressing senior adult hunger, and isolation. Volunteers deliver nutritious meals, provide friendly visits, and safety checks, which help seniors sustain a healthy and independent lifestyle.
They can stay longer in their own homes, knowing that they are not alone - that someone cares. |
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8th Principle Actions
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Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
www.8thprincipleuu.org
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Moving Circles Invitation
Moving Circles, a local organization that meets monthly to promote justice and building Beloved Community, is hosting a Friendship Dinner on Thursday, May 11 from 6-8:30 PM at the YWCA Carlisle and Cumberland County, 301 G Street Carlisle. The hope is to bring together a diverse group of people for conversation and breaking bread together. For more information about Moving Circles, please visit www.movingcircles.org
IMPORTANT! Additional information on the proposed revision to the 7 principles and 6 sources
The proposed revision of Article II of the UUA Bylaws is making its way through the process of coming to a vote at General Assembly in June. Part of this is the protocol for how the proposal can be amended. Comments and suggestions from any UU were accepted through April 30, and will be part of discussion groups to be held on May 11, May 18 and May 21 on Zoom. The outcome of these discussions will drive which amendments might be considered, and the order in which they will be presented at
General Assembly. As has been noted in previous newsletters, this proposed revision is a significant change to the format and wording of the Principles and Sources as we now know them, and you are encouraged to become familiar with the proposal. The complete report of the Article II Study Commission, the proposed revision, and how to register to attend one of the Zoom discussions can be found at www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission
Learning Opportunities
Traveling While Black is a 20 minute long cinematic virtual reality experience that immerses viewers in the long history of restriction of movement for Black Americans and the creation of safe spaces in our communities. The Luhrs Center at Shippensburg University will be hosting this event April 10-May 8, 2023. The exhibit is free but due to a limited number of virtual reality headsets, reservations for specific time slots are required. For more information or to reserve a time please visit https://luhrscenter.com/event/traveling-while-black-vr-exhibit/ or contact the Box Office at info@luhrscenter.com or 717-477-SHOW
Beginning on April 17, 2023, YWCA USA is sponsoring a 4 week Racial Justice Challenge “allowing participants to connect with one another, discover how racial and social injustice impact our community, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.” Each week will have a topic and you will be prompted each day to engage with a learning activity (read an article, listen to a podcast, etc). For more information and to register to participate go to YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
8th Notes Invitation
Hopefully by now during a Sunday service you have experienced an 8th Note, an educational action advancing our commitment to the 8th Principle’s call to dismantle racism and other oppressions. The Anti-Racism Initiative would like to invite members of the congregation to join in this action. Would you consider preparing and presenting an 8th Note? If so, and for more details and information, please contact Wendy Gebb at wendywinter@comcast.net
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Toiletries Drive –
an Opportunity to help those in Need
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The Social Justice Committee is promoting this effort to support Carlisle Bridge Builders May project. On Sundays April 23, 30, and May 7 there will be a collection box near the Social Justice table in the Social Hall. The items will be sorted and bagged starting May 13th and distributed at the Project Share Farm Stand in Carlisle on Saturday, May 20th. You can help by donating any of the following items. All sizes, even travel sizes are welcome. No partially used items, please.
· Bath bar soap
· Shampoo/conditioner
· Body wash
· Dry Shampoo
· Body wipes
· Deodorant
· Razors
· Toothbrush/tooth paste
· Laundry detergent
· Lip Balm
· Adult Briefs
· Brush/combs
· Cleaning Supplies
· Toilet Paper
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UUJusticePA Needs You!
Please consider standing up for those who work for $7.25 an hour in Pennsylvania, the majority of whom are women. |
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Please support Sen. Haywood's efforts to raise the minimum wage over time by signing the petition linked below. UUJusticePA is seeking 1,000 signatures, but the effort is short by several hundred. Our minimum wage puts workers below the poverty line and is lower than all of our surrounding states. Even West Virginia has a higher minimum wage! Pennsylvanians deserve better. Thank you.
bit.ly/WagePetition |
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CARES MEAL
The May CARES Dinner which UUCV is signed up to provide will be Sunday, May 21, and it will be a CHICKEN DINNER! Your contributions of food, Cash, or grocery cards will make this happen.
Email Pam pam@uucv.net to donate or send checks to UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 marked CARES in the memo line. We need the following donations:
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CHICKEN PIECES- A variety of fried, baked, grilled, bbq, homemade or bought, With bone, or boneless, and a total of around 90 pieces.
SIDES- Potato or Pasta Salad- 6 large containers
Baked Beans - 3 Large containers
Cole Slaw- 4 Large Containers
Rolls & Butter- 6 dozen rolls or biscuits, 2 lbs of butter
Fresh Fruit - Any mixed amounts of Bananas, Grapes, Pears, or Apples
Desserts - Cupcakes - 7 dozen needed
Beverages - 2 gallons of Milk, 2 gallons of Lemonade, 2 gallons of Iced Tea, 2 Large cans of Coffee
THANK YOU for donating food items, cash or grocery cards to make this dinner possible. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and you help UUCV to make an impact by serving those in need in our area.
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Greetings all! In the month of May, we bring our regular church-year RE programming to a close with our Multigen RE Sunday Service on May 21st. Be sure to attend this very special service in which we hear from some of our children and youth, and consider reflections from an RE Committee Member, teacher and parent. We also offer thanks to all of our RE volunteers who shared their time, talents and treasure with us this year. Stay tuned for more information about our RE Summer Schedule. May we continue to connect with one another in fun and loving ways. In faith and service,
Lynn Sodora |
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Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for May:
May 7 & May 14: Regular RE Sundays: After the Moment for All Ages, the children and youth will head downstairs to their classrooms for their regular RE classes. Please sign-out young children by 11:45 am.
Children (ages 5-8) will be in the Spirit Play room to work with the Spirit Play curriculum.
Children (ages 9-12), our "Middles", will be working with the Tapestry of Faith curriculum in the Boardroom with PrimaJoy Ramalingam.
Youth (Grades 9-12) will meet in the Yuuth Room.
May 21: RE SUNDAY - Multigenerational Service: Join us for our end of the year celebration of UUCV's Religious Education programming. Everyone will gather in the Sanctuary at 10:30 am for service. We will hear from our RE children and youth, as well as some of their teachers and parents. This service also includes an RE Volunteer Recognition ceremony for all those who have shared their time and talents with our young people.
May 28: After the MFAA, children and youth will head downstairs to the Dining Hall for an All-Ages Activity celebrating the upcoming LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Please sign-out young children by 11:45 am.
NURSERY CARE (ages 0-4) every Sunday: Parents can sign in their babies and toddlers before Service and retrieve them by 11:45 am.
**Please sign your Nursery, Spirit Play, and Middles Children out of their classrooms by 11:45.** This gives parents the opportunity to socialize before pickup, while respecting the Volunteer Teachers' time as well.
Thank you to all our April volunteers! Primajoy Ramalingam, Max Donnelly, Melissa Mattson, Rev. Chris Kapp, Ryanne Mack, Mrs. Candice Holsinger, Courtney Wiley, Jen Hricak, Dirk Wiley, Kristen Markley, Samantha Letts, Lynn Michels, Rebecca Fratantuono and Kim Stone. Thank you so much for your time and energy! Members of the Congregation are encouraged to volunteer with the Children's RE Program! Please email Lynn Sodora DLFD at re@uucv.net to check in about submitting clearances.
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Text block at your service. Replace this text with yours. |
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Adult RE Discussion Group – Class Schedule – Spring 2023
These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv
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May 7: Yoga Nidra
Discussion leader: Courtney Wiley.
May 21: The Culture and Religion of Appalachia circa early 20th century
I will explain and discuss a culture that wasn’t that far away from us. When the Shenandoah and Smokey Mountain National Parks were established, the people of Appalachia were displaced and most of their culture went by the wayside. We will learn how they worshipped. How births and deaths were dealt with. Additionally, I will explain how one made a living in the mountains that stretched from Virginia to Georgia. Discussion leader: Cathy Dewalt |
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UUCV Middles Group Needs Your Help!
Project Share Food Drive
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The RE Middles have been learning from the “Love Connects Us” UUA curriculum and are finding was to practice “Love as a Service”. Please bring your non-perishable food donations to church from 4/15 to 5/28/2023 and deposit in a bin located in the Social Hall. All food donations will be donated to Project Share. Thanks for helping the Middles practice our UU principles. |
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The 8th Note: Read by Benton Mattson
If you missed Benton's reading for the 8th note...here it is!
Today’s 8th Note is about Jelani Memory, Founder & CEO of A Kids Co.
Back in 2018, Jelani wrote a book for his six kids titled “A Kids Book About Racism.” At the time he had 5 kids (4 white and 1 brown) with a new little brown baby on the way. Growing up as a black kind in the whitest city in America, he felt it was important that his kids not only know and understand what racism is but be able to talk about it openly. So, he wrote “A Kids Book About Racism.” |
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He built a company around the idea that kids were ready to talk about the important stuff of life, and that books were sort of a magical way to open up those conversations. His company has now published over 70 books ranging from topics like Divorce, Optimism, Voting, Cancer, Shame, Racism, Gratitude, Empathy, and Being Non-Binary.
They’re no longer just a kids “book” company, but rather a kids “media” company.
They are A Kids Co. with a Kids podcast network. Their shows feature diverse hosts and important topics like climate justice on 1 Point 5, or how to investigate facts on Is That True?, and activism on The Activators!, which is hosted by an 8-year-old by the way! They have nine original shows, with many more launching soon.
Their Mission is To empower a generation of kids through diverse storytelling and their tagline is “Made to Empower.”
Jelani believes kids need to see themselves & their experiences in the stories they interact with. Kids need a space where they learn how to understand and overcome what they face on a day-to-day basis.
Any of you grownups or kids out there watch your parents go through a divorce? How did that make you feel? Did anyone talk to you about it? Did you experience abuse as a kid? Anyone make sense of it to you? What about death? Did anyone die in your family? Or what about folks of color, did you ever get called the N-
word as a kid? Who helped you through it? What stories made sense of it? What did you need most when those things happened?
Empowerment is about learning to love yourself, or love someone who doesn’t look, sound, think, or act like you. It can be about overcoming trauma, and understanding what trauma is. It can be about finding your passion. It can be about just getting through the day. Kids are people, too. They have real experiences, thoughts, and ideas. Grownups have to do away with “I’ll tell you when you’re older”, “You wouldn’t understand”, “We don’t talk about that”, or worst of all “Grow up.”
As Jelani says, “Kids deserve better. And we can do better.”
This is me. I have 44 Kids' Books About. I like reading them with my momma.
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Are you interested in becoming a member of UUCV....or just want to learn more about UUCV?
Rev. Meg will be holding a one-day class on Saturday, May 20 from 9a - 3p in the Board Room. Lunch will be provided.
If you are interested, please contact Pam pam@uucv.net to sign up.
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UUCV’S FLOWER/LANDSCAPE BEDS – Need OUR “TLC”
UUCV’s Adopt a Flower Bed initiative needs volunteers for the 2023 growing season.
Some beds just need weeding & pruning and other beds involve planting flowers. Our program matches volunteers with maintaining just 1 of our 10 specific areas.
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*You can work when it best suits your schedule! NO meetings!
* Usually, you spend 30-60 minutes every 2 weeks.
*UUCV can supply tools and training for new gardeners.
*When things are cleaned-up in the fall you are done.
*Join the gardening team as - an individual, with a buddy or as family.
Our yard is UUCV’s face to the community. Let’s make it beautiful!
Look for the sign-up sheet on the volunteers table in the social hall. Questions: Paula Terry – paterry31@gmail.com or Jim Burton – james.h.burton@startmail.com
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SHARE and LIKE us on Facebook... |
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UUCV Fundraising Opportunities
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Birthday Bash Success!!!
For those of you who attended our 25 year Birthday Bash....Thank you for making it such a success! So far, we have raised over $6,300.00.
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And....if you couldn't make it, there are still events with spots available for you to sign up for. The list of events will be displayed in our Social Hall until they are full or the date has passed. You can sign up, or contact Pam pam@uucv.net or Cindy cyagood4@gmail.com and ask them to sign up for you.
Watch for a monthly advertisement of what's coming up next.....June events:
June 17 $15 1003 Ever been to the fabulous BBs (aka Bents, Bumps and a Bunch of Bargains) in Newburg? If not, here’s your chance to visit this iconic store known for its incredible savings on a huge variety of items. Breakfast will be provided beginning at 8:15 by your guides, Carole and Tom DeWall At their home. They will then transport you to BBs for a memorable outing, BYORB: Bring our own reusable bags. 7 people
June 25 $15 1006 Join us for an afternoon walk at the park followed by 2 – 5 PM an ice cream social on the deck at the home of Cindy Good and Paula Terry. 10 people. We’ll meet at Spring Meadows Park, located 1 mile from UUCV, at 2 pm.
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Visit the Grocery Card Table!!
I was in the social hall one day.
In the merry merry month of May
And it wasn't very hard
To purchase a grocery card
And be on my very merry way!
Stop by the table before or after church and find out how easy it is to buy grocery cards and support UUCV!
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UUCV Yard Sale - May 4, 5, 6
As you start your spring cleaning, box up your clean, working items and get them ready to donate for our May yard sale. No shoes, clothing or electronics please. |
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You can still drop off your items on Sunday, April 30 before and after church or Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2 between 8:30 - 1:30. If you are not able to drop off during these times, please email Cindy Good to agree on a time to meet at the church to deliver your items. cyagood4@gmail.com
If you have larger items, contact Pam pam@uucv.net to see about posting the item on Facebook for the church. |
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Help us Advertise our UUCV Yard Sale....
Cut out the ad below and hang at your local grocery store, post office, bulletin board at your job, and post it on your facebook page |
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UUCV is partnering with RaiseRight for Gift card fundraising, the #1 fundraiser for nonprofit organizations across the U.S. for more than 25 years. Earn simply by buying gift cards to use for everyday purchases, instead of cash or credit cards.
With RaiseRight, nonprofits and other community-based organizations earn money simply by shopping for their favorite brands—turning daily or weekly purchases into the opportunities that matter for their favorite organizations.
How to Get Started:
Visit http://uucv.info/raiseright to Sign Up from your computer
Set up your banking or credit card preference.
You can then shop anytime by visiting https://www.raiseright.com/brands and see the daily bonuses and specials which will earn more money for UUCV. Check the % for each card to see what your donation will be to UUCV….with a very minimal fee to you.
How to Pay:
When you are done selecting your cards, check out at your shopping cart. You can pay by your own Credit Card (getting points on your card) or LINK to your bank account
How you Receive your Cards:
- You can choose ecards (which will show up in your wallet on your APP or in your wallet on the main website http://www.raiseright/shop
- You can choose to receive the actual card be sent to your home address
- DO NOT select your card to be sent to the Coordinator….any cards sent to the coordinator will be cancelled and your sale will be VOID
Contact Pam pam@uucv.net if you need help in getting set up or if you have questions about this program.
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