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Dear beloveds,
As most of you know, I am not really an “outside” sort of person. This truth about my personality has been the source of gentle ribbing on y’all’s part since I arrived at UUCV. Many of you have offered to help me change my mind: to take me camping, teach me how to mow the lawn, show me how to love the trees. I have appreciated, and gently declined, all of these offers. I am mainly content to stay firmly indoors, and enjoy the outdoors through my window or in pictures. |
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What is true is that I understand the appeal and importance of nature - I just don’t
feel it. It is not how I am wired. My soul is attuned to gleaming buildings and the ways that a city hums and flows together. We all have different spiritual languages.
All of that said, something seems to have shifted. I have been watching our garden with greater attention than usual, straining to see the first crocuses peer up from their beds. Every day I am certain that this will be the day that the daffodils arrive. And yesterday I was right! Little Man and I take detours off of our usual route to see which trees are showing signs of life. There are signs of life everywhere I look - and for once I’m actually looking.
I have some ideas about why my noticing has changed. I can’t help but be mindful of the slow awakening from our long pandemic winter. It makes Spring feel more urgent than ever. My son is at an age where he can play in the dirt and notice the flowers and his attention always helps me pay attention. And also: my life is changing, and it is making me aware of all of the changes around me. This spring feels different because my life feels different - on the cusp of some great change, and it is forcing me to pay attention.
In addition to reminders of beauty and change, the new weather is having a very practical impact on my life - I can be outside! And so can many of you! Wouldn’t it be nice to be outside together? Starting April 2nd, I will be holding outdoor office hours on Fridays from 11-3 and I would love to see you. Please give me a heads up if you are planning to come by - you can also visit by zoom during those hours. I’m hoping to get a chance to see most of you one on one before I leave in June, so if you have some time, please come visit!
In faith,
Aija
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April Worship
April 4 - " Easter" What happens when we don't know what comes next? Rev. Aija Simpson preaches with worship associate Chris Kapp.
April 11 - " Flying the Plane While We Build It" What if we can't wait for the perfect time to learn something new? How do we make change in the middle? Rev. Aija Simpson preaching with worship associate Nikki Fry.
April 18 - " New Old Ways" How do we balance old wisdom and new? Are different ways of being doomed to be in conflict? Rev. Aija Simpson preaching with worship associate Bev Motich.
April 25 - "Widening the Circle of Concern" How do institutions change? Rev. Aija Simpson preaches with worship associate Ian Harris.
Join us for worship on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 942 810 6896
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Transitional Minister Search News |
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Transitional Minister Search
The board has begun the work to hire a transitional minister. The transitional minister will help support the congregation while we work to hire a settled minister. The transitional minister will be hired for a term of 2-years beginning in August. While this may seem like a long time, the 2-year term allows for the time needed to complete the search for the settled minister.
To manage the work of the transitional search process, a task force was created from members of the board. The members of the transitional search task force are your best points of contact for questions about the search.
● Gail Black
● Amy Farrell
● Cindy Good
● Kristen Wycha
The task force is currently building the application and assembling the materials for the position posting with the UUA Ministerial Search. The UUA has a very well-defined process with timelines and schedules for the search. The open positions will be posted to the UUA jobs board in early April with interviews starting in early May. The new transitional minister will be hired in June with a start date in August.
Updates will be provided as we progress through the search process. For questions about the transitional minister search, please email to Kristen Wycha at kwycha@gmail.com.
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Save the Date
Dust off your chairs and join us at the Cumberland Drive-In for Outdoor Worship.
Save May 23 at 10:30 am for the service (rain date June 6)
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"The UUCV Book Discussion group meets via Zoom on the 4th Sunday of each month at 6:30 pm. Dates and titles can be found on our website: https://uucv.org/fellowship/book-group/ Please join us for a lively discussion, newcomers are always welcome!
The selection for April 25th is "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander. This book examines structural racism in the US criminal justice system, and the devastating impacts for Black individuals, families, and communities.
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UUCV Grocery Cards for Sale
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We are still available for you to purchase grocery card sales for Weis, Karns and Giant...and remember you can use your Giant card for gas also.
Send an email to Pam with your order and the cards will be mailed to your home. You can pay by sending a check to UUCV, PO Box 207, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 or you can pay by credit card directly to Pam...indicate in your email if you want to pay by credit card and Pam will arrange the payment with you.
Thanks for continuing to support UUCV.
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We Need YOU for the UUCV Lawn Mowing Team
We are recruiting for the 2019 UUCV lawn mowing team. It’s easy exercise and a very much appreciated way to stay in shape. The more volunteers we have…the fewer turns we have to take. If you can spare a little time, please sign up to help. Remember the old saying – the grass is always greener when it’s mowed by a UUCVer! If interested, contact Cindy Good at cyagood4@gmail.com
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Navigating Uncharted Waters Aboard the Good Ship UUCV
Our annual Stewardship/ Budget Drive has been launched, and it’s full steam ahead as we sail toward our goal. This is the time to reflect on what being a part of this beloved community means to you and what you can contribute to support it. It expresses commitment and connection during these difficult times, with the knowledge that we will weather the storm together.
A pledge is a promise to donate to UUCV during the next fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022). It’s a statement of support and belief in who we are and where we’re headed. And pledges let us know what funds we can realistically count on to cover the cost of our personnel, programs and facilities. The funds from this campaign are by far the largest share of our budget.
Please consider the important social efforts we are engaging in and the important spiritual mission we share. Your generous contribution ensures and sustains everything we do together. Pledges and other financial gifts make it possible for this congregation to thrive. No matter what level you pledge, we are grateful for your contribution.
UUCV is made up of all of us. It is the work we do together. What we learn together. The fun we have together. And what we share with one another, the people around us and the world.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas,
Deb Genet and Joan Kraft (Co-Chairs)
This year, you can send in your pledge via paper form, or use this quick link to an online Pledge Form: https://forms.gle/7gPTupdfVYtYttmF8
Please get your pledges in by April 18 and keep UUCV afloat for the coming year!
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Capital Campaign -
Wheels of Progress are Rolling Again!
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*Exterior Doors
The Capital Campaign is excited to announce that new exterior doors are under contract. Yes! Finally, we will have doors with improved security and accessibility. This includes the main lobby door having a push-pad automatic opener, like those seen in public buildings. Let’s also ponder the improved aesthetics of clear glass allowing us to look out and sunlight to shine in!
It takes a couple of months for delivery once doors are ordered. An early summer installation is anticipated. Separate from this contract with Hershocks, Inc., we continue to explore options for the unique doors at the steeple entrance.
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*General Contractor Bids
We are entering a phase of projects requiring the skills of multiple trades, such as electricians, carpenters, and plumbers. This requires the use of a general contractor to provide bundled cost bids and coordinate the work. This will be the largest, mostly costly portion of the Capital Campaign.
This bundle of projects has required months of detailed planning by Dave Molino, our architect, and the CapCam committee. Good News!!! This package is formally out on bid! By early April, a General Contractor will be under contract.
Stay tuned for more exciting CapCam news!
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April Social Justice Opportunities
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Change For The World - April through June
Safe Harbour
Safe Harbour has been providing secure housing for homeless and nearly homeless children and adults for more than three decades, having served thousands of people since opening its doors in a historic former hotel in downtown Carlisle in 1986.
Their mission is to provide housing, support services and basic life skills for individuals and families, while helping them achieve independent living. Safe Harbour provides a home base for otherwise homeless families. The programs within are designed to increase "the inherent self-worth and dignity" of each individual entering their doors. For more specifics on the organization, please visit www.safeharbour.org
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CARES dinner for 40 - 50
It’s hard to believe that we have been doing these dinners for CARES folks for a year now. Connecting with you people who have donated & brought food to the church parking lot each month has been rewarding and something to look forward to every month! Your generosity and dedication is admirable.
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The April Dinner for CARES Carlisle will be Sunday, April 18.
Contact Pam if you want to contribute any of the following items:
CASSEROLES - Either chicken and pasta or chicken and rice
Four or five 9x 13 dishes Needed
VEGETABLES - Steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted vegetables
3 or 4 dishes needed
SALADS - oriental Cole slaw, or any vegetable salad
3 needed
ROLLS - 5 dozen needed, and 2 lb of butter
FRESH FRUIT - Apples, Oranges, Pears, etc.
DESSERTS - Cupcakes - 3 or 4 dozen needed
DRINKS - 2 gallons of milk, 2 gallons of lemonade, large can of coffee
Please plan to drop off your items between 3:00 and 3:30 on Sunday,
April 18 at the UUCV Parking Lot. If you need someone to pick up your item, or if you have any questions, please email Carol Riesmeyer or call 724/822-6423. Items should be delivered in non-returnable containers.
A huge thank you to all who make the effort to contribute food!
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Antiracism Initiative
Monthly Meeting
On Saturday, April 17 at 10 am, UUCV’s Antiracism Initiative will meet on Zoom to discuss the book “Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the cafeteria?”:and other conversations about race / by Beverly Daniel Tatum to continue our exploration of racial injustice, racial inequity, and the impact of white privilege. The Cumberland County Library System has several copies
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of the book including in ebook and audio book format, or it can purchased from your favorite bookseller.
While we are currently focused on continuing to educate ourselves about the numerous impacts of racism, we are also interested in actually doing something to address the issue. With that in mind, we will have time in the meeting for brainstorming ideas for how UUCV can be an active antiracism presence in our community. The time is coming when we will emerge from COVID isolation and there is much work to be done.
Please consider adding your interest, energy, and ideas to this important work of transforming lives and caring for the world. For your convenience, meeting details and the Zoom link will be posted in PreViews and on our Facebook page closer to the meeting date. Hope to see you on April 17th!
Questions? contact Cheryl Parsons at cherylhparsons@comcast.net or Wendy Gebb at wendywinter@comcast.net
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Staff returning to Meeting House
The Safe Congregation Response Team (SCRT) has outlines guidelines for staff to return to our building.
All staff members have received both vaccines and UV Air Purifiers have been installed in the church office and Rev. Aija's office. |
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Our church administrator, Pam Martin, is now working from the office. As a reminder, office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 - 1:30 and Wednesdays from 10 - 3:00. Please contact Pam during her office hours only by email pam@ucv.net or by calling the church office 717/249-8944.
The SCRT Guidelines for the office:
- Everyone must continue to wear masks
- Only one person other than Pam in the office at a time
- Please call and schedule an appointment to come to the office...no drop in's please 717/249-8944
- Limit your visit to 15 minutes
- Safe distances of 6 feet should be practiced
Rev. Aija will be working out of her office on Fridays beginning in April. She will meet with folks outside in our garden area or in the Sanctuary if the weather is not conducive to meet outdoors. Again, all the SCRT guidelines apply and to meet with Rev. Aija, call the office 717/249-8944 and make an appointment through Pam.
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UUCV Outdoor Work Day
The Pandemic has kept us all from attending services in the UUCV building. However, the building still requires care and maintenance, especially in preparation for our return this year. We need to perform some spring cleaning on the building and grounds in anticipation of our return. |
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Yard work includes weeding, mulching, and cleaning up debris. We need to trim the shrubbery outside the main entrance. The window wells need cleaning to ensure they drain for the spring rains. Finally, our new clear windows need to be cleaned. This work day will be entirely outside. A second work day will be scheduled when we have enough members vaccinated to do the indoor work. If this day is to be successful, maximum participation is needed. Please join us on April 10th at 9AM. Contact: Jim Burton at james.h.burton@startmail.com or text to 571-213-4494 Thank you for your support. |
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Town Hall
Save the date...May 9th following worship for our next UUCV Town Hall Meeting. Agenda details to follow soon. |
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UUCV Yard Sale
Fingers crossed we will be able to have our yard sale sometime this summer.
We will track and follow CDC guidelines and make a decision early summer if we can fill the yard with treasures...and maybe even grilled hot dogs and a bake sale!!
Start cleaning out and saving your items and stay tuned for more details.
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Have a say in UUCV music!
Imagining worship without music is near impossible for many of us. But imagining worship with
different music can be really exciting! And with David moving on and UUCV looking ahead to a new ministerial transition, now is the perfect time to let
your imagination run wild!
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What sounds, rhythms, and voices would you like to hear contributing to the worship life at UUCV? What theologies, faith traditions, and experiences would you like to sing about or hear sung about? What musicians do you know and love in and around Central PA? What musical gifts do
you have to share?
If you find questions like these exciting, the UUCV music committee needs you! Contact Rev. Aija for more information, and let your voice be heard!
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Safe Congregation Response Team and the Board...
Want to Hear from You!
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Centering our most vulnerable populations, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has recommended that congregations plan for ongoing virtual gathering and operations, including worship, events, rites of passage, and more. If you have not read the UUA's "Guidance on Gathering" released Feb. 8, 2021, please do so: https://www.uua.org/safe/pandemics/gathering-guidance
As we consider what possibilities exist for returning to in-person meetings and/or worship in the future, we are inviting you to share some information about your households, and your thoughts, feelings, concerns, and opinions about possibilities for in-person worship and meetings this year. We are providing three options for you to be heard - participate in one, two, or all three, but please select at least one option so that your voice and perspective is heard.
Option 1: Survey
This 11-question survey asks about your household, vaccination status, and UUCV activities you would participate in, and invites you to share your thoughts. Each member, attendee, or visitor can complete this form separately if you wish, or you can nominate one person from your household to take the survey. Please complete the survey by Friday, April 16. Click here to take the Safety Survey.
Option 2: Listening Sessions
UUCV will be holding listening sessions throughout April to hear from congregants about their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and questions about resuming in-person worship, events, and meetings this year while centering our values of access and inclusion. Each 45-minute Zoom session will be co-facilitated by a Board member and a member of the Safe Congregation Response Team. We will limit each session to six participants; if a session only has 1-2 people signed up, we may contact you to ask you to choose another date. You may only sign up for and participate in ONE listening session. If you have questions, please contact Emily Crutcher: emilyuucv@gmail.com.
Option 3: Town Hall Meeting
We will hold a special Town Hall meeting on Sunday, May 16 after service for Board members to share what we learned from the survey and the listening sessions, and to update the congregation on any policy changes and future plans. There will also be time for public comment and question, though it would be most helpful if substantive feedback is given earlier in the survey and/or a listening session. Plan to stay on Zoom after service on Sunday, May 16 at 12pm to participate.
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ZOOM Worship
Most of our activities will be held in our main Zoom channel, which is accessible in any of the following ways:
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- point your browser to uuma.zoom.us/j/9428106896 , OR
- “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 942 810 6896
If you don’t already have Zoom installed on your computer, clicking any Zoom link will prompt you to begin the installation. There is no charge to you for the software or its use.
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UUCV Fundraising Opportunities
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https://smile.amazon.com/
Do you shop on Amazon? Go instead to https://smile.amazon.com/
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support UUCV every time you shop, at no cost to you. Select Unitarian Universalist of Cumberland Valley as your charitable organization and everytime you make a purchase Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to UUCV. Same great producs, same prices as Amazon, but https://smile.amazon.com/ makes money for UUCV. |
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