SEPTEMBER 2023 Newsletter

 

The term period poverty refers to the fact that monthly menstruation management is a struggle for many individuals globally. Menstruation inequity refers to the need for a public policy to address the safety, affordability, and availability of menstrual products for everyone who needs them.

For some, the cost of supplies are a financial burden or out of reach due to homelessness. Currently, state and federal funds (EBT card) cannot be used to purchase sanitary supplies.

 

Supporting The Period Project Harrisburg aligns with our first UU principal to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

Analysis of our three types of income (share the plate/congregational donations, grants, and individual donations) show that individual donations are falling short of what we need to cover our expenses.  To remedy this situation we are kicking off a fundraising campaign called Potluck for PA that aims to close that gap!

 

Have you ever noticed how potlucks just always seem to work out?  Everybody brings what they have. What they want to share. From small contributions to large ones, and everything in between.  And somehow, as if by magic…there’s suddenly a feast. There’s diversity and celebration. Everyone gets fed – and in abundance!  That’s the idea behind Potluck for PA, our 2023 summer-into-fall fundraiser.

 

We’re asking everyone, quite simply, to give what they can. From $10 to $20 to $50 or more. If we all chip in, those donations will fill our virtual basket – and nourish our justice work through the end of this year!  We plan to be recharged and ready this fall, when the PA Legislature is back in session.

 

If life is indeed a potluck, UUJusticePA believes that justice deserves a seat at the table. Our campaign runs from now through September 30th. Thanks for your commitment to UUJusticePA, our state government advocacy network, as we work to close the gap in our annual budget!

As we enter a time in the life of UUCV where each of our contributions to the health and well being of our congregation is more important than ever, I’m asking you to consider being an 8th Note Presenter. 8th Notes have been a part of our Sunday Service since January 2023 when we adopted the 8th Principle. It is a time for learning about the history, viewpoint, or creative work of those who have been “othered" by our culture; for bringing them out of the margins and into our full awareness.

 

If you have a favorite poet, a beloved songwriter, an interest in history, a passion for discovering fascinating people and their contributions, you are perfect for presenting an 8th Note. Please consider sharing your interest and enriching our Sunday Services with your contribution.

 

Thank you,

Wendy

 

If you are interested please contact me at wendywinter@comcast.net

There are also many homeless youth in our area who are on their own and could really benefit from our support. The organization Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) actively provides multiple types of support for these young people and having adequate food is an ongoing issue. So, what can we do?

 

Many of us purchase grocery cards from UUCV and know that a portion of the value of each card is donated to UUCV by the grocery store. The WIn-Win idea is that any of us who are able to could make a donation toward the purchase of a grocery card from UUCV that would be donated to ECYEH to purchase food and supplies. Both UUCV and ECYEH would benefit, and we would be actively living our mission of caring for the world.

 

Here’s how the plan works if you are able to make a donation:

 

• Donations need to be given to or mailed to Pam Martin at UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA 17007.

• Donations need to be checks made out to UUCV, and only in denominations of $25, $50, $75, or $100.

• Checks should have ECYEH marked in the memo line.

• Donations will be combined toward the purchase of $100 Giant cards as these offer the best return to UUCV.

• The grocery cards will then be given to ECYEH.

• Your donation will be recorded on your annual tax statement from UUCV

 

THANK YOU!

 

Spirit Play - Grades K-3 :  Spirit Play is a gentle program which introduces our children to our UU principles through story and wondering questions.  There is free time for each child to explore their creativity (called "works"). This class is based on Montessori method.

Soul Matters - Grades 4-5 :  Soul Matters classes are based on monthly themes which coincide with the monthly adult worship service themes, and explore how these themes are important to us as UUs through story, discussion and experiential learning activities.  

Crossing Paths - Grades 6-8 :  In Crossing Paths we will explore other world religions through our UU lens.  This program includes several field trips to other local houses of worship.

Coming of Age - Grades 9-12 :  In the Coming of Age program, our high school youth will take a deep dive into exploring their own faith beliefs and their connection to Unitarian Universalism.  There will be at least one field trip for the COA class.  The program culminates in a Service of Affirmation, planned by the students, in which they have the opportunity to present their "Credo" to the congregation.  This class requires a commitment to attendance, as well as a family orientation session.The 

Yuuth Group (open to youth ages 13-17 and their friends) will have several opportunities to have social meet-ups through the year with activities such as game nights.  Schedule to be announced. 

NURSERY CARE is available every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:45 am for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

 LINK TO REGISTRATION FORM:  https://forms.gle/ZeD6bLmVqG2UfKek8

 

Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for September: 

 

September 3: First Day of RE Classes followed by an RE Open House after service.  After service, adults will grab their coffee/tea and head downstairs to visit our RE classrooms, learn about each room's curriculum for the year, and check out the different treats in each room!

 

September 10:  Water Communion - A Service for All Ages:  Join us for this family-focused service celebrating the start of a new congregational year with our annual Water Communion ceremony.  Bring a vial of water that symbolizes a special memory from this summer. This is a service for all ages - no RE today!  Nursery Care will be available.

 

September 15:  Coming of Age Orientation for Parents/Guardians and High School youth 7-10 PM, Board Room

 

September 17:  Regular RE Classes

 

September 24:  Regular RE Classes

 

Our Sunday Morning Worship Services being at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary.  On "Regular RE" days, the children and youth go downstairs to their RE classrooms after the Time for All Ages.  Classes end at 11:45 am.

 

**Please sign out your young children (up to 5^th grade) from 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 July volunteers!  Ryanne Mack, Mrs. Candice Holsinger, Steve Holsinger, Susan Green, Susan Rimby, Courtney Wiley, Dirk Wiley, Rebecca Fratantuono, Kim Stone, Laura Soper, Kristen Markley, Gail Black, Dianne Dusman and Brian McPherson. 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. 

May we continue to learn and grow together!

 

September 10: What Does God Look Like in Your Life?  Is there a god (or God) in your beliefs? How do you explain this entity to others? What exactly is it you believe in that helps you get through life? In this class we will discuss these things all the while keeping in mind there are no right or wrong answers. Discussion leader: Cathy Dewalt.

 

September 24: Race - The Power of an Illusion (Video)  Race - The Power of an Illusion is a 30-minute documentary on how the racial wealth gap was created in this country. It traces the history of discrimination against black people through the practice of red lining, the GI Bill, the development of suburbia, and the concept of urban renewal. Discussion leader: Jill Hoffman.

 

October 8: UUA Article II Revisions  Let's delve into the revisions to Article ii of the Unitarian Universalist By-Laws with the recent amendments that were voted on at General Assembly. How does the new language expand our faith and challenge us to live more fully into the values that define us? In what ways does the new language maintain the essence of the 8 Principles that have called each of us to Unitarian Universalism? Discussion leader: Cheryl Parsons

 

October 22: Spirituality Revisited  For many, the most profound and transformative spiritual experiences occur through contemplative practices such as meditation or prayer. Do such practices require belief or faith of some type and if we are lacking in that are we precluded from such experiences? Are there other avenues to finding depth and meaning in life? Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger.

 

November 5: Amendments to the US Constitution (Video)  Discussion leader: Melissa Mattson.

 

November 19: Sufism - Belief & Practices  Come participate in an experiential class. Brian McPherson will guide you through a meditation session based on Sufi practices. Afterwards participants will have a chance to give feedback and discuss their experience. Discussion leader: Brian McPherson.

 

December 3: The Hidden History of the Oligarchy (Video + Discussion)  The United States was born in a struggle against the oligarchs of the British aristocracy, and ever since then the history of America has been one of dynamic tension between democracy and oligarchy, asserts author Thom Hartmann. Pulling from his book The Hidden History of American Oligarchy: Reclaiming Our Democracy from the Ruling Class, Hartmann joins us via livestream to trace the history of this struggle, from America’s founding to the United States’ war with the feudal Confederacy to President Franklin Roosevelt’s struggle against “economic royalists,” who wanted to block the New Deal. While the oligarchs lost the battle in all of those cases, Hartmann argues that increasing right-wing control of the media, unlimited campaign

contributions, and a conservative takeover of the judicial system means we’re now at a crisis point. Hartmann lays out practical measures we can take that he contends will break up media monopolies, limit the influence of money in politics, reclaim the wealth stolen over decades by the oligarchy, and build a movement that will return control of America to “We the People.” Discussion leader: Cheryl Parsons.

 

December 17: TBD  Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger.

All are welcome to join us for this fun event with games, food, ales and good conversation.  

 

We will be meeting on Sunday, September 17 from 4:00 pm - 5:30pm at Desperate Times Brewery, 1201 Carlisle Springs Road in Carlisle.

 

A BIG "Thank You" to Deb Genet for organizing a baking day at UUCV to prep food for our Social Hour time together on Sundays after worship.  Deb, along with helpers Gail Black, Joseph Osborne, Rebecca Fratantuono, Dianne Dusman, and Kim Stone baked goodies to freeze and have ready for our Coffee Hours over the next few months. 

In this program you will join in these 30 minute meditations for seven consecutive days, right before bedtime, led by Bhante Sujatha.

These meditations are powerful, yet accessible. They will help you create a consistent practice so that you can experience the full benefits of meditation for yourself. We call this a "challenge" in order to increase your dedication to your practice!

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to meditation or a seasoned pro, you’ll find these guided meditation will help you stay focused, happy, and healthy. They’re also designed to help you create a consistent routine, as most people find it helpful to participate in guided meditations, especially when they are first starting to practice.

Each day Bhante will bring you a life theme for the 30 minute meditation.

 

***THIS IS A ONE TIME PAYMENT OF $45 FOR ALL 7 DAYS***

Dates: 9/5, 9/6, 9/7, 9/8, 9/9, 9/10, and 9/11*

from 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM CST.

*On Sunday, September 11, we will have a 30 minute meditation, and 30 minute reflection and conversation from 8:00 – 9:00 PM central time.

PLEASE NOTE: The last day to register is September 5th at 7:30PM.

The Zoom link, meeting ID, and passcode will not change throughout the challenge.

A ZOOM LINK WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU ONE HOUR PRIOR ON 9/5!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-healthy-mind-a-happy-life7-day-meditation-challenge-with-bhante-sujatha-tickets-695613587967?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

Thanks to all who contributed to children's project.  The kids packed 57 gallon ziploc bags  filled with dental products, hygiene products, and individual food packets  We also will be delivering 15 backpacks that were donated or purchased with some of the funds that were donated toward the project. 

 

JOIN UUCV’S TEAM...

 

for the annual United Way Day of Caring, which will be held Friday, October 13. 

 

The day will start at 8 a.m. with a kickoff at Dickinson College’s Allison Hall, 99 Mooreland Ave, Carlisle. After the kickoff event ends at roughly 8:30 a.m., volunteers will head out to their locations and arrive between 8:45 and 9 a.m. Projects will wrap up around noon. Lunch will be held at LeTort Park after that.

 

All volunteers who sign up by the deadline will get the newly designed Day of Caring T-shirts in this year’s color!

 

If you are interested in donating a couple hours of time to help local organizations complete some hands-on projects, please sign up in the social hall or contact Cindy Good at cyagood4@gmail.com

 

The deadline to sign up is September 14th

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. 

 

Mail a check to UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA  17007 for your event with a note what you are signing up for and "Birthday Bash" in the memo line of your check.

 

 

Upcoming events with space:

 

September 30 - Campfire at Kapp Cottage $20 (Chris Kapp) 5 spots left

 

September 30 - BB's and B for Fun & Savings $15 (Carole/Tom DeWall) 4 spots left

 

October 14 - Evening in the Moonlight $35 (Cathy Dewalt) 4 spots left

 

October 14 - Casual Supper/Smores & Corn Maze $20/pp or $30/per family (Fratantuono's)  7 spots left

 

October 21 - Beatles Songbook Night $25 (McPherson's) 4 spots left

 

 

Dates to be determined between attendees and the host:

 

German Translation $20 (Gisela Roethke)

 

Filled Dumpling Lessons $50  (Chris Kapp)

 

Hot Pot Demonstration $50  (Chris Kapp)

 

Drawing of your favorite D & D Character $30  (John  Simcoe)

 

Game Night and Snacks $20 (Lisa Balog)

 

Bents, Bumps & Bargains $15 (DeWall's)

 

 

 

Please make sure items are clean and in working condition (not broken)...and no clothes, shoes or electronics please.

 

You will be able to drop your items off in the Dining Room during the following:

 

Sunday, October 8 (before/after church)

Monday - Friday, October 9 - 13 (8:30 - 1:30 and until 3:00 on Wednesday)

Sunday, October 15 (before/after church)

Monday, October 16 (8:30 - 1:30)

 

The tables will be marked for you to unpack your items and place on the corresponding tables with your items.  Thanks for your help in prepping for the yard sale and for your generous donations!

 

AND....New This Year....at the request of our morning shoppers, we will be selling coffee cake, breakfast sandwiches and coffee.  Donations welcome:

• Bacon
• Eggs
• Sausage Patties
• Hamburg Rolls
• American Cheese
• Funds to buy the items

If you would like to donate breakfast items, or have additional questions, contact Pam pam@uucv.net or Cindy cyagood4@gmail.com

 

 

 

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.