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From the Board of Trustees |
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Greetings fellow UUCVers.
Greetings fellow UUCVers. We are now a Lay led community. I need to briefly describe what that means to us. You should know before getting into any details that our goal is to acquire a settled minister. To achieve this goal, two major things need to happen. First, we need to
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First, we need to determine the needs and desires of the congregation through a series of cottage meetings. These meetings will consist of small gatherings in the church or at congregants’ homes. These meetings will be facilitated by board members and/or members of the committee on ministry. Once these are completed, the second thing we need to do is form a search committee. The board is in the process of determining how to form the committee and the specific actions required of a search committee. However, it is clear that the search committee needs the input from the congregation through the cottage meetings to determine what kind of minister we want to lead us.
In the absence of a minister, the board is stepping into a greater leadership role. We are assisted in this role by Chris Kapp, who is an ordained minister. Rev Chris has agreed to provide what we are calling ministerial consultation. Rev Chris is not the UUCV minister. However, their formal qualifications, experience and energy will help us get through this period in several ways. They will continue as a volunteer for one service a month, lead the worship associates and work with the OWL program. In addition, Rev Chris will train worship associates and lay worship leaders as needed in their consultant capacity. If Rev Chris leads more than one service in a given month, that additional service will be considered as part of their consultant work. Rev Chris will provide pastoral care along with our compassion and care committee as well. Planning for services for the year was conducted jointly by Rev Chris and our Religious Education director Lynn Sodora.
The board will lead the staff and make decisions on spending. The board will be responsible for setting up the cottage meetings and determining the search committee process. Rev Chris will report to the board on a monthly basis and keep in touch with the board president on a regular basis.
During this period of lay leadership, we intend to strengthen our lay leadership through training and experience in the pulpit. We will attempt to invite guest ministers as well to be exposed to a variety of ministers. Initially, we will probably see many of the same faces leading our worship. However, over time we hope to bring in some new people to lead our services.
Some may feel unsettled at the prospect of this time of change - others may feel hopeful and energized. We encourage everyone to be optimistic and to commit to new contributions in the form of volunteer roles to strengthen our resilience as we carve a new path forward. With patience, understanding and adherence to our principles, I am confident it will be a time of growth and bonding as well.
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The Worship theme for
October is HERITAGE |
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October 1 – "Blessing of the Animals: A Service for All Ages" Join us for a very special all-ages Worship Service celebrating the Blessing of the Animals. You are invited to share photos past and present of your beloved pets. Live animals will be invited into the Sanctuary for this service and must be leashed or caged, housebroken, and good with other animals, people and music/loud noises. We will also have an altar for beloved pets who have passed on. Service will be led by Lynn Sodora, Director of LIfespan Faith Development, with Cathy Dewalt serving as Worship Associate. Lynn Sodora leads the service with worship associate Cathy Dewalt.
October 8 – “Wider Still” As Unitarian Universalists, we have a long history of drawing the circle wide, accepting folks who have been marginalized for various reasons. Today we celebrate that wide circle, and our ever-evolving attempts to draw it wider still through the revision of Article 2. Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Ginny Ivanoff.
October 15 - "Role Models" Who do we hold onto as our examples and how can we serve as the best possible role models for others? Cheryl Parsons leads the service with worship associate John Flood.
October 22 – "Celebrating the Unique" As UUs we pride ourselves in accepting our uniqueness. We explore how the greater worlds binary “boxes” can influence how we describe and feel about our bodies. Celebrating all bodies in the glorious variety that we are in support of Intersex Awareness Day on 10/26/2023. Primajoy Ramalingam leads the service with worship associate Rev. Chris Kapp.
October 29 – "The Masks We Wear" What parts of ourselves do we hide from the world? [come in costume] Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service.
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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October 22 – Susan Rimby – Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches by S.C. Gwynne
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion.
The selection for October 22nd is
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches by S.C. Gwynne, "...a stunningly vivid historical account of the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West, centering on Quanah, the greatest Comanche chief of them all." (Goodreads.com)
If you've ever wanted to get involved, we'd love to have you join us! Please email this month's leader: srimby@gmail.com
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The UUCV office will be closed from 1:30 pm September 22 until 8:30 am October 1.
Please contact our Board President, Jim Burton james.h.burton@startmail.com
if you have any issues that need immediate attention.
Pam will return to the office on October 1.
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Mark your calendars:
- Chambersburg Pride Sunday, October 8 from 10a until 4p
- Family Happy Hour on Sunday, October 15 from 4:00 - 5:30 at Desperate Times Brewery, 1201 Carlisle Springs Road, Carlisle. This is an event for everyone!!!
- UUCV Yardsale Thursday, October 19 - 1p - 6p, Friday, October 20 - 8a - 2p and Saturday, October, 30 - 8a - noon.
- Book Group Sunday, October 22 at 6:30 in the Yuuth Room and on ZOOM
- Religious Education Halloween Party Sunday, October 29 during RE classes downstairs...Wear a Costume!!
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October 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, October 15 on ZOOM
All are welcome to join our meetings. |
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Change for the World -
4th Quarter October - December
The Good Karma Repair Garage "Working Class Hero Program" |
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Good Karma Garage creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where "non-car" people can feel heard and assists financially struggling neighbors in Central Pennsylvania to ensure they have a safe vehicle with which to earn a living. They will help you with any repairs or maintenance that you need and work with you to find an affordable solution, so your car remains safe and provides you with transportation for the full life of the vehicle. You will never be talked down to or sold costly parts you do not need.
As a non-profit company, a large portion of Good Karma Garage’s proceeds goes into supporting the community through their Working-Class Hero Program. Aimed at people who are currently working or disabled and struggling to make ends meet, this program is set up to deal with the surprise repairs that arise during the annual vehicle safety inspection. Program participants pay only the cost of the inspection. Good Karma Garage covers the cost of parts and labor to make the necessary repairs to bring the vehicle into compliance with PA state standards. They partner with social organizations such as churches, social services providers, veteran groups, and the like to identify deserving people who could benefit from this program. Their all-volunteer staff makes this work possible.
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UUJusticePA
UU Justice PA needs you! There is still an $8,500 budget shortfall for our UU organization that helps keep us informed of legislation.
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UU Justice PA helps us to communicate with our legislators and stand up for our values. At this time when ultra-conservative voices are being amplified, we are fortunate to have an organization that takes action based on the Principles that shape our liberal faith. Please help close the UU Justice PA budget gap. No donation is too small. Donations beyond the September 30th fundraiser date will still be welcomed.
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A Win-Win Opportunity
UUCV has been actively supporting homeless individuals and families in our area with our some of our Change for the World contributions, donations of needed items and supplies when there is a need, and providing a monthly meal for Community CARES.
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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!
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CARES MEAL - October
On Sunday, October 22, 2023 volunteers from UUCV will provide & deliver a Grilled Sausage Sandwich Dinner to Community CARES Carlisle for 35 - 40 people.
We need the following donations...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.
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MEAT - 50 25 Grilled Italian Sausages (Sweet or Hot)
Grilled Pepper & Onion Slices - 2 Large Pans needed
BUNS - 4 Dozen Small Sausage Rolls
VEGETABLE SALADS - 3 Salads needed - Bean Salad, Cole Slaw, or Cucumber Salad
FRESH FRUIT - 3 bags of either Apples, Bananas, or Pears
DESSERT - 3 Large Apple Crisps or Any kind of Cookies
BEVERAGES - 2 Gal of Milk, 1 Gal of Apple Cider, Tea Bags, Coffee & 1 Large Creamer
Thank you to all who help provide these Sunday dinners each month to CARES Carlisle. It matters so much that we show our concern and care for folks in need in our area.
If you leave items in the church kitchen for this dinner, please mark items with a note saying CARES. Or you can bring items to the church parking lot on that Sunday between 3:00 - 3:30.
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Greetings all! Happy October! UUCV Religious Education classes are off to a great start! If you have not registered your children/youth yet, please do so using the link below. Here's our 2023-24 Faith Development offerings for children and youth:
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pirit 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 October:
October 1: Blessing of the Animals - A Service for All Ages: Join us for this family-focused service celebrating the animals which bring so much comfort and joy into our lives. This is a service for all ages - no RE today! Nursery Care will be available.
October 8: Regular RE Classes
October 15: Regular RE Classes
October 22: Regular RE Classes
October 29: All-Ages Activity ("Triple A") - Halloween Party!: After the Time for All Ages the children and youth will head downstairs to the Dining Hall for Halloween fun! Come in Costume!
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 children 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 September volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Mrs. Candice Holsinger, Steve Holsinger, Susan Green, Susan Rimby, Courtney Wiley, Dirk Wiley, Rebecca Fratantuono, Kim Stone, Kristen Markley, Wendy Gebb, Gail Black, Julie Cullings, Primajoy Ramalingam, Laura Soper and Melissa Mattson. 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!
In faith and service,
Lynn
Lynn Sodora
Pronouns: she/her
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley
www.uucv.org
(717) 249-8944 option 3
Office Hours: W, Th, F 9-2 Days of Rest: M & Tu
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Adult RE Discussion Group - Class schedule - Fall 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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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.
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We’re back! Dianne Dusman and I have returned from a ten-day monitoring trip to Mozambique.
We have amazing stories, photos, and videos to share from our visits to our successful Bursary programs in Molumbo and Namarroi. |
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Please come to our November 12th church service and fund-raising kick-off luncheon to learn more....Susan Rimby |
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All are welcome to join us for this fun event with games, food, ales and good conversation.
We will be meeting on Sunday, October 15 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at Desperate Times Brewery, 1201 Carlisle Springs Road in Carlisle. |
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UUCV Work Days - Mark your Calendars!
We need all hands to help us with our work days....both inside and out. Pick a day...or better yet...show up for both. Saturday, September 30 and Saturday, November 18 are reserved for work at UUCV. W will start at 9:00am and with many helpers, will be done by 1:00pm.. |
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There's something for everyone....raking and bagging leaves, trim bushes, clean out window wells, remove low hanging branches, etc |
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Prefer to work inside...cleaning window sills, changing smoke detector batteries, light cleaning and painting, stairwell dusting and vacuming.put away fans for the winter, |
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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.
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:
Oct 7 $35 each 1016 An Evening in the moonlight hosted by Cathy Dewalt. Rain date Oct 14. Cathy Dewalt will host six adults on my deck. It will be a nice evening of good music with good people and good conversation. Dance if you wish by the fire and torch lights after the sun goes down. There will be finger food along with steamed shrimp and lump meat crab cakes. Cold beer, Coca Cola, or water for beverages. This is an adults only event please. The price is per person and starts at 6 PM.
Oct 14 $20 each 1018 Michael and Rebecca will host a casual supper $30 for family (sloppy joes, coleslaw and baked beans). We’ll make s’mores around the fire. There’s a corn maze down the road (at Maple Lane Farm) if you want to stop there first. Either way, supper will start at 5:30. Vegetarian or gluten free available upon request. Bring a lawn chair if possible. 20ish people including children.
Oct 21 $25 1019 Beatles Songbook Night. 7 -10 PM Offered by Brian McPherson and Susan Vernon at the Home of Susan Vernon, 1108 Linn Drive, Carlisle. The Beatles songbook contains over 120 great numbers. Brian has the music. You can find the lyrics on your phone, or maybe you know them by heart, like me. Pick your favorites and sing along or just listen while you enjoy delicious snacks and good beverages.
Oct 29 $35 1020 Michael and Rebecca will host a breakfast buffet for 6. Bloody marys and mimosas will be served alongside breakfast/lunch food. Vegetarian or gluten free available upon request.
Nov 4 $60 1021 Jon & Nancy Tarrant will host a 5 course meal for 10 people on Saturday November 4 at 6PM.
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)
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UUCV Yard Sale -
October 19, 20, 21
Start your fall cleaning and gather your treasures you are ready to part with. |
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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
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Mark Your Calendars - Sunday, December 3 - Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser!
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Watch for more details on how you can help or donate items necessary to make this a successful fundraiser.
You will be able to purchase tickets in advance or the day of the dinner which will follow worship service on December 3. |
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Sign up for iGive and earn money for UUCV
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1900 Stores want to help:
On average 3% Stores pay for it all. Never pay more, and sometimes less with coupons and deals.
From pet rescues to 3rd grade classrooms, and on to fighting some of the most terrible diseases, iGive has been helping ordinary people make their shopping count for more.
Register now and list Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley as your charity https://www.igive.com/welcome/lp16/cr64a.cfm
iGive automatically helps your favorite cause, every time you shop.
They donate an extra $5 bonus to your cause when you make your first
purchase.
Choose or list your cause & they'll earn money for free!
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Purchase Grocery Cards from UUCV and help us raise money...at no extra cost to you!
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Yes, fall is coming. Cool nights and crisp days are on the way. The leaves are starting to fall too. Unfortunately, our grocery card sales have something in common with the leaves, our sales are falling.
Let's take this opportunity during the change of seasons to rededicate ourselves to shopping with grocery cards. Remember, 2 grocery cards each per month = $20,000+ for UUCV.
Cards can be purchased for Giant, Weis and Karns.and used for items such as food, gas and alcoholic beverages. Stop by the grocery card table for purchases or if any questions.
Let's make this the year we reach our $20,000 goal! |
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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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SHARE and LIKE us on Facebook... |
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