|
|
|
From the Board of Trustees |
|
|---|
|
Greetings to all...
I hope you experienced a time of Joy during the holidays.
How many of us feel a sense of helplessness during these trying times? We don’t fully understand the source of anger and division in our country. We alone cannot change things.
|
|
|
|
|
Our vote is important and some of our political and social activism do make a difference but, it takes time. What can we do to relieve the stress and frustration caused by what we see and the time it takes to change things for the better?
I have an answer. It is quite simple really. Supporting our UUCV community and the activities we conduct are a way to realize immediate results of our efforts. When you support a service, a social justice effort, the RE program, a memorial service, a committee, attend services, provide feedback to a member of the Committee on Ministry and/or a board member among many other opportunities, you are making a difference. By doing these things, we positively affect people’s lives. What is more important?
When our administrator, Pam, puts out a call for help on an effort and 20 people show up to help, it means a lot to her and it helps get the job done. You would be positively impacting our beloved administrator and our community at the same time. It may help you feel better about yourselves.
This is not a message to guilt anyone. It is rather a positive message for how to best relieve the stress we all feel at times. Contribute some of your time and make a difference.
Time and again I have seen this community do just that. Let’s redouble our efforts to work together and help change our world.
Jim Burton
UUCV Board President
|
|
|---|
|
Focus on Finances
At the Town Hall in January we learned that the projected salary range for a UUA full time settled minister for our congregation size and location for 2023/2024 is $57,200 to $69,900, based on experience and negotiations with individual congregations. However, as we are looking at 2024/2025 being our search year, and 2025/2026 being our hire year, we would need to apply 2 cost of living adjustments (COLA) to this year’s figures. The UUA suggested COLA is 3.5% annually. Applying that rate of COLA for 2 years to the 2023/2024 figures would bring the salary range for 2025/2026 to roughly $61,200 - $74,800. This is only a salary range and does not include benefits.
What benefits are provided and what is their cost? The UUA minister contracts specify that the employing congregation will provide health insurance for the individual and spouse/domestic partner or family if needed, dental insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, payment in lieu of FICA which is a percentage of the salary, retirement benefits, and professional expenses.
Using figures from our 2023/24 budget which had a minister salary of $60,000, health insurance expense for the minster and spouse, and retirement benefits at 5% of salary, the cost of this list of benefits added $25,130 to the base salary bringing the total to $85,130.
Just as the salary range experiences COLA adjustments, we can only anticipate that the cost of the benefit package will also increase over the next two years. It becomes evident that the cost of salary and benefits for a full time UUA settled minister in 2025/26 would most likely be somewhere in the $95,000-$115,000 range.
Next month we’ll take a closer look at some of our other expenses but, in the meantime, please check out the price tags posted around the building.
Wendy Gebb
Treasurer
|
|
|---|
|
The Worship theme for
February is JUSTICE & EQUALITY |
|
|
|
|
February 4 – "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" The funny thing about history is that it's usually written by the winners....which means it's not always completely accurate. So how can we take steps to address our problematic histories, own our failings, and move forward so it doesn't repeat itself? Rev. Chris Kapp preaches with worship associate Ginny Ivanoff.
February 11 – "For the Love Of..." Valentines Day, Mardi Gras, The Superbowl -- what do these three events have in common, other than their place on the calendar, and how can they remind us to embrace passion and excitement in our lives? Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Mary Reichart.
February 18 - "Love and Justice" Join us for a special all-ages worship service celebrating our UU core value, LOVE. How can love lead us in the fight against injustice? Are we allowing our love of humanity and the earth to guide us in our daily lives? Are we actively doing the work our values call us to do? Lynn Sodora leads the service with worship associate Ash Hersh.
February 25 "The words we put in Jesus' Mouth" – A popular saying in Christianity is WWJD - What Would Jesus Do? Unfortunately, the typical answer to that question is far from the lessons Jesus actually taught. This Sunday, we'll explore the contrast between what Jesus actually said and the words folks too often put into his mouth. Rev.Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Mary Reichart.
Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30 am or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685
|
|
|---|
|
|
February 25 – The Gathering by Anne Enright (Sharon O’Brien)
A moving, evocative portrait of a large Irish family and a shot of fresh blood into the Irish literary tradition, combining the lyricism of the old with the shock of the new.
The nine surviving children of the Hegarty clan are gathering in Dublin for the wake of their wayward brother, Liam, drowned in the sea. His sister, Veronica, collects the body and keeps the dead man company, guarding the secret she shares with him something that happened in their grandmother’s house in the winter of 1968. As Enright traces the line of betrayal and redemption through three generations her distinctive intelligence twists the world a fraction and gives it back to us in a new and unforgettable light. The Gathering is a daring, witty, and insightful family epic, clarified through Anne Enright’s unblinking eye. It is a novel about love and disappointment, about how memories warp and secrets fester, and how fate is written in the body, not in the stars
If you have questions about the book, please contact Sharon O'Brien obrien@dickinson.edu
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
THANK YOU from Chris Bilger
Dear UUCV friends and supporters,
I assigned myself the initial New Year job of 2024 to tackle the scads of donations from you. And as you can see from the photograph, there is a lot!
It gave me joy and hope for the future year that moving forward is not about abundance or scarcity. Because what I see in the stacks is belief in me.
I can't thank you enough for all you see and other support that isn't represented in the picture. Ginger (my little doggie) and I are so appreciative.
With sincere gratitude,
L. Chris Bilger
(717)303-9117
NOTE: Chris's home was totally destroyed after a fire. She is now set up in temporary housing until her home can be re-built.
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
Mark your calendars:
- New Member Class Sunday, February 4 at 11:30am in the Board Room
- OWL (Grades 5-6) Sunday, February 4 at 1:00 in the Yuuth Room
- OWL (Grades 5-6) on Sunday, February 11 at 1:00 in the Yuuth Room.
- OWL (Grades 5-6) Sunday, February 18 at 1:00 in the Yuuth Room
- Trauma in the Pews Sunday, February 18 at 7:00 in the Yuuth Room.
- SoUUper Bowl & Sign-Ups on Sunday, February 25 following worship in the Dining Room
- OWL (grades 5/6) Sunday, February 25 at 1:00 in the Yuuth Room.
- UUCV Book Group Sunday, February 25 at 6:30pm on Zoom https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
|---|
|
|
Grocery cards are the easiest way for UUCV to earn a Profit
Purchase Grocery Cards to buy what you need for home, your event, or donate to an organization in our area in need: Project Share, CARES, Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) and so many more. Pam pam@uucv.net can provide contact information for you to these organizations
Let's take this opportunity 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 before and after service on Sundays or contact Pam pam@uucv.net if you would like cards mailed to you.
Let's make this the year we reach our $20,000 goal! |
|
|---|
|
February Social Justice Opportunities |
|
|---|
|
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, February 21 on ZOOM
All are welcome to join our meetings. |
|
|---|
|
Change for the World -
1st Quarter January - March
Bethel AME is the oldest (1867) surviving African American place of worship in Carlisle is located on Pomfret Street, across the street from St Patrick's Shrine Church. |
|
|
|
|
Unfortunately, the congregation is unable to meet in their historic sanctuary, because the building is not up to code. The small congregation is in need of funds to pay for the repairs, and they are still paying of the mortgage!
Currently, they meet once a month in person at the Carlisle United Methodist Church, and on other Sundays they meet on Zoom. They also have a warm relationship with Second Presbyterian Church.
Bethel AME host the annual MLK luncheon and participate in the Community MLK Commemoration, Interfaith celebrations and community events. Their doors are open to all, regardless of ethnic origin. |
|
|---|
|
Postcarding Continues
Be in the know about our state government; our principles call us to uphold the democratic process. |
|
|
|
|
That means keeping apprised of what our legislators are and aren't doing, then contacting them to either advocate for legislation that cares for the world or voice your opposition to legislation that clearly doesn't. UU Justice PA does some of that homework for you. Look for postcarding efforts that help you make your voice heard. Stamped postcards will be made available during social hour along with some explanation of important current issues and bills. See Cheryl Parsons or check the Social Justice table to participate. |
|
|---|
|
Can UUCV Help Find Homes for Children in Need of a Family??
Common Sense Adoption and Foster Care services is a small, non-profit, licensed, foster care and adoption agency located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The agency is committed to helping families help children. With over 15,000 children in dependent care in Pennsylvania, they are committed to bringing awareness to communities, answering the tough questions, and providing guidance to resources who may be eager to help children in their journey towards safety, protection, and stability.
Our Social Justice Committee wishes to provide an opportunity for Common Sense Adoption and Foster Care staff to meet one-on-one with individuals or families or speak with small groups interested in learning more about how they can help be a resource for children in need. Please speak with Cheryl Parsons or email her at cherylhparsons@comcast.net if you would like to find out more. Please pass this information on if you know anyone who may be interested. The Social Justice Committee hopes to host an informational session to help provide stability for the many children in need of a home. |
|
|---|
|
Hike to recognize Earth Day
Join Kim Stone and the Social Justice Committee on April 27, the Saturday after Earth Day on April 22. We will meet at the church 9:00 am, drive to the parking area of the Appellation Trail on York Road and hike to Boiling Springs Road and back to the church, just about 2 hours. Appropriate for ages 9 and up. More information as we get closer to the date.
|
|
|
|
|
UUJusticePA news
Mark your calendars now for a February 6th rally in Harrisburg on the Capitol Steps to urge our state legislature to keep lobbyists from influencing our representatives with unlimited gifts of money, trips, and actual gift items. House Bill 484 will ban bribery in our state legislature. Currently, legislators are not required to report gifts at all. UU Justice PA is joining forces with March on Harrisburg to make our voices heard on the day of the Governor's Address. The rally is from 11:00 to 12:30. Can't show up? Call your representative and urge them to pass HB484. |
|
|
|
|
Support UUJusticePA
This important organization helps us live into our values. Current fundraising to support the 2024-2025 budget is ongoing, only 2/3 of the way to the needed funds. Go to www.uujusticepa.org |
|
|
|
|
Toiletries Drive Update
Thank you to those who donated in November and early December. UUCV's contributions were significant; four people were needed to unload the carload of laundry detergent, toilet paper, and other supplies. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! |
|
|
|
|
Learn how easy it is to use RaiseRight to build UUCV's Fund for a Commercial Dishwasher. There will be a 5 minute presentation before the Spaghetti Dinner to help you learn and/or we can help you set up your account.
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 or access the QR Code Below.
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 print a copy of your purchase to act as a gift card when you shop
- 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.
|
|
|---|
|
Greetings all!
As we step into the "month of love," our focus for RE classes, activities and worship will be on how love is at the core of our values and work as Unitarian Universalists. Even our OWL classes (Our Whole Lives), a comprehensive age-appropriate sexuality education course which we are holding this spring for our 4th -6th graders, is rooted in love and respect for ourselves and others. It lifts up the ideas that self-care, boundaries, consent and communication are how we build and maintain strong, healthy relationships. Our Multigen service on the 18th will include elements that help us rededicate ourselves to doing all things from a place of love. Let's work together to help create a world filled with love, understanding, and justice for everyone.
|
|
|
|
|
Below is our Faith Development schedule for our children and youth for February:
Sunday, February 4: Regular RE Classes
Sunday, February 11: Regular RE Classes
Sunday, February 18: Love & Justice - Worship Service for All Ages: Join us for this family-focused service for all ages. There is NO RE today. Busy bags and activity pages are available on the racks in the Annex. Nursery care (for ages 0-4) will be available during the service.
Sunday, February 25: All-Ages Activity ("Triple A") - Women's History Month: After the Time for All Ages the children and youth will head downstairs to the Dining Hall for a group lesson/activity celebrating the upcoming Women's History Month. RE helpers and snack donations are welcome!
NURSERY CARE is available every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:45 am for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
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 children in Grades 5 and under 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 January volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Julie Cullings, Susan Green, Susan Rimby, Rebecca Fratantuono, Kim Stone, Wendy Gebb, Primajoy Ramalingam, Gail Black, Laura Soper, John Simcoe, Dirk Wiley, Dianne Dusman, Rev. Chris Kapp 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 |
|
|---|
|
Adult RE Discussion Group - Winter/Spring 2024
|
|
|
|
|
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 (572 887 2212).
February 4: Democracy and Its Discontents (Podcast + Discussion)
In the podcast “Democracy and Its Discontents,” news analyst Jack Beatty talks about the frustrations of white working-class Americans and their resulting disillusionment with democracy. He also takes a look at the growing dissatisfaction among young Americans and their decreasing support for democracy. Discussion leader: Jill Hoffmann
February 18: What does prayer/meditation/reflection look like in your life?
In this class we will share the diverse ways that each of us spends "quiet time." Whether you connect with your inner self, with a higher power, with the interdependent web, try to get out of your mental space altogether, find calm, or open yourself to inspiration, come and tell us about it. These personal discussions connect us to one another in our search for truth and meaning. Discussion leader: Cheryl Parsons
March 3: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
In this class we will start off by reviewing some of the basic history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by drawing upon Michael Scott-Baumann's recent book--The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine - From Zionism to Intifadas and the Struggle for Peace (prior reading not required). Following that, we’ll have an open discussion on this seemingly intractable, decades-long conflict. Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger
March 17: Understanding People Better
We will look at a number of different ways to open our minds, improve our listening skills, and increase our empathy. We will also discuss the importance of understanding others in an effort to bridge the divides in our society today. Discussion leader: Jill Hoffmann
April 7: US History - Heather Cox Richardson (Video + Discussion)
We will watch segments from several interviews with Heather Cox Richardson, Professor of History at Boston College. She has written many award-winning books about American history, American politics, and the history of the Republican Party through the Trump administration. She says that she is fascinated by the contrast between image and reality in America and especially in politics. In her most recent book, Democracy Awakening, Cox Richardson offers an analysis of how America, historically seen as a “beacon of democracy” is now at a crossroads between preserving democracy and choosing autocracy. Cox Richardson writes a daily newsletter, Letters from an American, that provides a recap of important governmental and political events of the day with references to other historical events. Time will be allotted for discussion. Discussion leader: Cheryl Parsons
April 21: Sufi Meditation - Gratitude
We will discuss Sufi practices that focus on gratitude and then we will be guided in experiencing some of them. Discussion leader: Brian McPherson
May 5: Amend - US Constitution Video Series (Video + Discussion)
We will view then discuss another installment of this informative and highly engaging video series. Discussion leader: Melissa Mattson
May 19: Humanism
One of the six sources of our living tradition is Humanism. In this class we will explore and discuss the history and tenets of Humanism and also consider the historical relationship between Humanism and Unitarian Universalism. Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger.
|
|
|---|
|
News From the Mozambique Bursary Committee
This month the Bursary Committee honors our founder, Priscilla Laws, who recently died after a full and eventful life. Priscilla is shown here with a Mozambique student.
During a visit to southeastern Africa in 2004 to attend a physics education conference, Priscilla was troubled by the poverty she saw. She talked about this with Joan Bechtel’s daughter-in-law, Ruth Mkwnaazi Bechtel, a citizen of Swaziland (now Eswatiini).
|
|
|
|
|
When Priscilla asked how she might help, Ruth replied, “Help girls stay in school.”
Priscilla returned to the United States and started the Mozambique Bursary Project at UUCV. Since 2005, the project’s first year, UUCV members and friends have literally helped hundreds of girls complete their high school educations. We’ve also funded girls who’ve attended a variety of college programs in education, health care, agronomy, and public administration. In 2023, the first year for a new pilot project, four girls completed short-term, sewing courses and are setting themselves up in business. Even girls who don’t go onto further education have better quality lives. They are choosier about their marriage partners, marry later in life, and have fewer children than those who stop their educations at the fifth or sixth grades.
If you’ve not supported the Mozambique Bursary Project before, please consider making a contribution this year. The girls start school this month, and can use any and all additional support. $370 supports one girl for one year – with room and board, school supplies and uniforms, and sanitary and hygiene materials. These donations also pay the salaries of housemothers and security guards at the Molumbo and Namarroi bursaries. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to the students’ well-being.
The Mozambique Bursary Committee is always looking for new members. Please contact Martha Bergsten, Dianne Dusman, Deb Genet, Brian McPherson, Susan Rimby, or Laura Soper if you are interested.
|
|
|---|
|
Sign up for iGive and earn money for UUCV
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|---|
|
Dining Room Makeover
Some before and after shots...gone with the maroon and in with the blue.Out with the peach walls and in with the cream.
A BIG THANKS to Ryanne Mack, Mark Green, Kim Stone, Wendy Gebb, Denny Stone, Paula Terry and Cindy Good.
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday Coffee Makers Needed
We need volunteers to make coffee on Sundays. Please consider signing up…it’s an easy way to volunteer….just come in a little early on Sunday morning and if you are a first timer….Max Lara will show you the ropes.
The sign-up sheet is on the volunteer table in the Social Hall.
|
|
|
|
|
Trauma in the Pews: Deconstructing Toxic Belief Systems and Religious Abuse
The rise of Evangelical Fundamentalism across America over the course of the last 50 years has really brought to light the toxic belief structures and abusive practices of many denominations and religions. |
|
|
|
|
When religious zeal is taken to the extreme, trauma can and does occur, affecting us to the core of our being. Join Rev. Chris on the third Sunday of the month at 7 PM in the Youuth room for a support and study group as we begin to work through the damage done in the name of religion, find our own voices, and discover what we truly believe, along with what we don't -- and embrace the freedom that comes with deconstruction and healing. This course will run for the entirety of 2024. Please let Pam know if you're interested. THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. If you know someone who could benefit from this type of group, please pass along the information and Rev. Chris's email -- revchriskapp@gmail.com |
|
|---|
|
UUCV Book Group Selections for 2024
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa |
|
|
|
|
UUCV Book Group 2024 Schedule (with Discussion Leaders)
February 25 – The Gathering by Anne Enright (Sharon O’Brien)
A moving, evocative portrait of a large Irish family and a shot of fresh blood into the Irish literary tradition, combining the lyricism of the old with the shock of the new. The nine surviving children of the Hegarty clan are gathering in Dublin for the wake of their wayward brother, Liam, drowned in the sea. His sister, Veronica, collects the body and keeps the dead man company, guarding the secret she shares with him something that happened in their grandmother’s house in the winter of 1968. As Enright traces the line of betrayal and redemption through three generations her distinctive intelligence twists the world a fraction and gives it back to us in a new and unforgettable light. The Gathering is a daring, witty, and insightful family epic, clarified through Anne Enright’s unblinking eye. It is a novel about love and disappointment, about how memories warp and secrets fester, and how fate is written in the body, not in the stars.
March 24 - Searching for Savanna: The Murder of One Native American Woman and the Violence Against the Many by Mona Gable (Bev Ayers-Nachamkin)
"In this engaging and meticulously researched account centered on one horrific crime in North Dakota, Mona Gable explores the failings of the justice system and society behind the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. An urgently needed look at an epidemic of femicide by an excellent writer." —Nina Burleigh, journalist and author of The Fatal Gift of Beauty: The Trials of Amanda Knox
April 28 – The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine - From Zionism to Intifadas and the Struggle for Peace by Michael Scott-Baumann (Keith Bittinger)
Summary: Part of the "Shortest History" book series, this is an accessible, balanced chronicle of how the Israel-Palestine conflict originated and developed over the past century.
Paperback: 288 pages, 10 chapters
Audio Book: 7 hrs 35 mins
May 19 – Counting Lost Stars by Kim Van Alkemade (Bev Motich)
New York Times bestselling author of
Orphan #8, Kim van Alkemade returns with a gripping and poignant historical saga in which an unmarried college student who's given up her baby for adoption helps a Dutch Holocaust survivor search for his lost mother. The book alternates between the stories of characters living in two eras - 1960, New York City and 1941, The Hague.
June 23 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Susan Rimby)
Lessons in Chemistry tells the story of a woman in a non-traditional profession, and all the discrimination she incurs during the late 1950s and early 1960s as she struggles to define her own life. At the end, there's hope and healing, and the women and their male supporters win the day. If you ever wondered why second-wave feminists were angry in the 1960s and '70s, reading this book will show you why.
July 28 – Oryx and Crate by Margaret Atwood (Bev Ayers-Nachamkin)
Snowman, known as Jimmy before mankind was overwhelmed by a plague, is struggling to survive in a world where he may be the last human, and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake, and the beautiful and elusive Oryx whom they both loved. In search of answers, Snowman embarks on a journey
—with the help of the green-eyed Children of Crake
—through the lush wilderness that was so recently a great city, until powerful corporations took mankind on an uncontrolled genetic engineering ride. Margaret Atwood projects us into a near future that is both all too familiar and beyond our imagining.
August 25 – Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (Susan Rimby)
Lady Tan's Circle of Women is based on a real historical character in the Ming dynasty, a woman who gains renown as a healer of women. Over her lifetime, she gains about as much power as a woman in that culture can have. Along the way, she solves a murder and develops a life-long friendship with a woman of a lower class.
September 22 – The Age of AI - And Our Human Future by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher (Keith Bittinger)
Summary: In
The Age of AI, three leading thinkers come together to explore Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the way it is transforming human society—and what this technology means for us all.
Paperback: 288 pages, 7 chapters
Audio Book: 7 hrs 13 mins
October 27 – Women Talking by Miriam Toews (John Katz)
In an isolated Mennonite colony, women, children, and even infants have endured rape, assault, and other brutalities with terrifying regularity. The book opens when the women of two families meet to discuss their options--which are rather limited, given how they have been kept illiterate and utterly ignorant of the outside world. This book is at once appalling, fascinating, and thrillingly suspenseful.
November 24 – 2025 reading selections
|
|
|---|
|
New Year...New Possibilities!
So many opportunities are waiting for you.
Get involved in UUCV and build connections and friendships: |
|
|
|
|
- Sign up to make coffee on Sundays (sign-ups on the Volunteer Table in the Social Hall)
- Offer to be a greeter (See any member of the Membership Committee (Blue Aprons)
- Sign up to bring snacks for Sunday Social Hour (sign-ups on the Volunteer Table in the Social Hall)
- Join a Small Group (See Wendy Gebb and watch for Sign up Sheets coming)
- Become a worship associate (See Rev. Chris Kapp)
- Join a Committee (email Pam pam@uucv.net to see where there are spaces)
- Join the UUCV Book Club (email Bev Motich bmotich@yahoo.com)
- Sell Grocery Cards (give your name to the ladies at the Grocery Card table in the Social Hall)
- Volunteer in the children’s Religious Education activities (email Lynn Sodora re@uucv.net)
|
|
|---|
|
UUCV Snow Cancellation Policy
Snow and bad weather are upon us. To make closings/delays as simple as possible, during the week, UUCV will follow the cancellation policy of the South Middleton School District.
|
|
|
|
|
If they close, UUCV and all activities scheduled at UUCV that day will be closed. Staff will check emails from home. If the SMSD has a 2 hour delay, your staff will follow and arrive within 1 or 2 hours of their normal start time. If you are chairing an event to be held at UUCV on a day where there is a delay, use your own discretion on holding or delaying the meeting and let participants in your group know the decision.
For Sunday Services we will do our best to make a decision BEFORE Sunday based on the weather prediction by the experts. We will notify you by email as soon as possible when Sunday Worship is cancelled. Also, check our website www.uucv.org and our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uucvpa for cancellation information.
As always, use your own judgement to keep yourself safe when traveling to UUCV or anywhere else you may need to travel to.
|
|
|---|
|
SoUUper Bowl & Sign-Ups
Join us for our first ever SoUUper Bowl and Sign-Ups Sunday!
After worship on Sunday, February 25, venture downstairs and enjoy SoUUp, Salad, Bread and great fellowship in the Dining Room.
Coffee and Tea will be provided….bring a dessert to share and BYOB
|
|
|
|
|
AND….there will be “Mini Auction Sign-Ups” for everyone to enjoy! Check out the events, food options and experiences that folks are hosting and sign up and get to know other UUers a little better.
Tickets will be sold before and after worship in the Social Hall on January 28, February 4, 11 and 18.
This event is in place of our SoUUper Bowl pint/quart sales and we are excited to host this fun social event.
Food Ingredient Donations accepted - contact Lynn Michels for what is needed lynnisue57@gmail.com
Monetary Donations accepted - contact Pam pam@uucv.net or send a check made out to UUCV with "SOUP Donation" in the memo line to UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
AND…..stay tuned for exciting Auction News coming soon!
|
|
|---|
|
|
| |
|
|