A new access system is one of the changes we’re making at UUCV to increase safety and security. For years, the traditional door keys have resulted in dozens of lost keys and occasional rekeying of the locks in the building. The new computerized system will bring UUCV into the modern era and allow better control of who accesses the building at what time.

How will the access system work?

The access system will be installed only on the parking lot door by the office. All other doors will remain locked to general use. A computer database will hold the names of everyone authorized to enter the building outside of office hours or Sunday mornings. That includes staff, Board members, committee chairs, and on a temporary basis those organizing events (such as a potlucks), performing tasks (such as mowing), or renting an area. When someone scans their card the computer will verify authorization, unlock the door, record the time and the authorized user’s name, and automatically relock the door when it closes. As always, all are welcome during office hours. Buzz and speak with Pam via the new intercom and she can unlock the door.

*All interior keys will remain the same (offices, secure areas, and committee closets).

What should you do if you need this building access?

1. Return your “C” key to Pam.

2. Have Pam enter your name and reason for access into the access system.

3. You will be issued a coded pass card. A $5 deposit will be collected, to cover the cost of the card should it be lost.

4. To use the system for entry - swipe your pass card on the door device.

5. When you no longer need the card, return the card and the $5 deposit will be refunded. *Cards can be deactivated when a temporary need has expired.

Yes, we will all have a learning curve!

Please, be gentle with Pam as she helps us make this transition.

consecutive General Assemblies in order to become officially adopted and added to the 7 Principles. Meanwhile, individual congregations are taking the initiative to adopt the 8th Principle and at least 117 UU congregations have done so. UUCV’s Antiracism Initiative and Board of Directors would like to begin the process of UUCV adopting this important addition to our 7 Principles. The UUA has no mandated protocol for adopting the 8th Principle, but a first step is for each of us to gather information about what the 8th Principle is, where it came from, and what it hopes to achieve. Please take a few minutes to visit the website 8thprincipleuu.org where you will find a wealth information. To get you started the 8th Principle is We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

At our recent Antiracism Initiative discussion with Rev. Craig, we focused on the current misinformation that is causing considerable mayhem at local school board meetings. Under the inappropriately applied label of Critical Race Theory, parents are being fearful of efforts to support diversity and inclusion, as well as expanding American history to reflect the significant contributions of People of Color. Discussion of the role of race and racism in American history is also portrayed as Teaching our children they are inferior or inherently bad based on immutable characteristics such as race and sex, which can be extremely damaging to their emotional and mental well-being.” There is even legislation pending in the PA State House, as in many other states, aimed at curtailing the divisive nature” of concepts that have become known as critical race theory.” Whether or not we have children currently enrolled in public schools, we can be a voice of reason. Please consider contacting your local school board to express our UU values and speak up against fear and for the People of Color who need us as allies.

Also, please investigate the Pa Legislation – House Bill 1532 – the Teaching Racial and Universal Equality (TRUE) Act, for yourself and weigh in with your state representative.

The UUCV Antiracism Initiative is meeting monthly. All are invited and encouraged to attend. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 17 at 1:30 pm on Zoom. Please mark your calendar now and look for further details in PreViews closer the date.

Your generous Bursary contributions have supplied the girls with school uniforms and hygiene, Covid-prevention, and educational supplies. This year your donations have also paid for tutors who helped the girls improve their knowledge of Portuguese, math, and science. Tutoring was necessary for girls, who had no opportunity to learn while the Bursary schools were closed.

Join us for worship on November 7th to learn more about UUCV’s life-changing social justice project in Mozambique. And keep reading the newsletter and Pre-Views to learn about how YOU can make a difference for the young women served by the Bursary.

Susan Rimby for the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee

If you have information you feel should be shared please contact Pam  pam@uucv.net 

• point your browser to https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa , OR
• “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID550 751 6685

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.