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In The Interim w/ Rev. Craig |
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This month, let's continue with Connecting, Honoring History, Worship, and Pastoral Care.
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Interim Goals:
Connect & Orient Honor History Explore Identity
Develop Leadership Denominational Engagement Prepare for New Ministry
Areas of Ministry:
Worship Pastoral Care Staff Support Committee Support
Programming Social Justice Community Self Care
Connect – A month or so ago, I met with the small group ministry group facilitators. Small group ministry is a specialized form of group with a set format and guiding principles. It is designed to create the perfect conditions for 8-10 people to connect on a more personal level and explore their spirituality more deeply. In some UU congregations they are called chalice circles or covenant groups. We have a dozen or so of these SGM groups at UUCV, many of them in existence for six years or more. These groups are a fantastic way to connect with one another, promote community, and engage in spiritual discussions. I asked if the groups would want to invite me to join them for a meeting and offered to facilitate a topic related to our interim ministry. So far, I've met with three groups and they have all proven to be rewarding, fun, and well-received. It is a fabulous way to get to know you all a bit more deeply and personally. And I think it is a great way to share this interim ministry with all of you. I'm looking forward to vising more groups in the next couple of months. If you aren't in an SGM group, and it sounds interesting and rewarding, you can contact me or the Small Group Ministry coordinator, Dot Everhart.
Honoring History / Worship – Our worship services on 10/10 (“Once Upon a Time Part 1 – Unitarian Universalism) and 10/17 (“Once Upon a Time Part 2 – UUCV's Story) were well received. Several of you expressed delight at my framing of UU history and the cyclic nature of our struggle for identity, new views and theologies, and the ever-widening circle of acceptance. Between some of your insightful comments and a minor epiphany I had during the service, I'm already planning a follow-up service. If you didn't see/hear the service, it is available on-line. Part 2 of the series was amazingly touching-- I so much enjoyed hearing your stories and reflections about UUCV and your individual UU experiences. Your stories continue to arrive in my email and I love reading each one. We absolutely will do that topic again. Probably as a zoom gathering and then again as an in person story circles It's too good of a story not to continue telling and sharing.
Speaking of Worship, WE HAD OUR FIRST REAL HYBRID SERVICE ON 10/24!!!!!
We met outside on the front lawn and on-line via zoom. The service topic was “It's OK to Feel _______!” We explored and expressed our feelings of sadness, fear, anger, joy, excitement-- ending the service with love and hope. It looked a bit chancy at 9 a.m. when the rain rolled through-- but the rain stopped and held off and we all had a grand time. So much thought and work went into this service and it went amazingly well. Here are a few things we had to address and need to check-on if we are to do it again:
Sound – kudos to Joseph and Jonathon for figuring out how to get sound outside and on-line.
Set-up – many thanks to Jim for placing the flags and putting up the fence for our safety.
On-line – Emily and our on-line usher helped folks participate on-line.
Participants – A great mix of on-line and in-person participants worked seamlessly.
(If you missed Ben's musical reflection, I highly recommend checking it out.)
Safety Practices – I wish I could be as positive about this one. We made sure to map out safe distances for folks. We asked them to bring masks and wear them. We made masks available for those who didn't have them. We asked folks not to congregate after the service. But quite a few folks did not comply with our mask requirements or our safe distance requirements. The volunteer ushers were actually ignored or dismissed when they asked some folks to wear masks.
FRIENDS, THIS WILL NOT DO. WE WORKED VERY HARD TO FOLLOW THE RETURN POLICY TO ENSURE THIS EVENT WOULD BE SAFE FOR ALL TO ATTEND. THIS WAS A FIRST STEP TO OUR RETURNING TO IN-PERSON SERVICES IN OUR SANCTUARY. EVERYTHING WORKED THE WAY WE PLANNED EXCEPT THE CONGREGATION'S COMMITMENT TO FOLLOWING THE SAFETY GUIDELINES.
We are planning the next outdoor in-person service for November 14th. We're going to try this again. I'm expecting everyone to join in making this one a complete success. Please comply with the safety guidelines. Please listen to the requests of the ushers and treat them with respect. It is easy to let our excitement overwhelm our wisdom and compassion-- but many in our congregation are watching and waiting to see if it is going to be safe to return to in-person events. We follow safety guidelines not just for our own comfort and safety, but also for everyone else's.
Pastoral Care – Several folks approached me after the in-person service to express a desire to meet with me. FABULOUS! I'd love to meet with you. All of you! On zoom, via phone, or in-person. (If Spirit is here, she'd love to come to.) All you have to do is reach out and ask. Here is my contact information:
Email: minister@UUCV.net Phone/Text: 607-287-7906
I will get you on my calendar and we'll get together. I do tend to take Thursday and Friday's off, so you may not reach me on those days (unless it is an emergency). But I will get to my messages and email and respond. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cooperatively, with Love and Gratitude,
Rev. Craig
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November Worship
November 7 - "The Circle of Blessings" Those who are abundantly blessed are obligated to share those blessings. Some blessings lead to lives of expanding abundance. The circle turns ever on. Let us share with you the circle of blessing that is the Mozambique Bursary ministry. Rev. Craig Schwalenberg preaches with participants from the Mozambique Bursary Committee.
November 14 - "The Blessing Booth" The little, wooden bright yellow booth says, “Free UU Blessings!” Free? That's a hard offer to resist.... but, what's a UU blessing?
Find out and receive yours and learn how to create and give your own. Rev. Craig Schwalenberg preaches with worship associate Dot Everhart. (Tentatively planned for another outdoor service on the UUCV Lawn)
November 21 - "You're Welcome" We all understand the holiday of Thanksgiving being about giving thanks. But what about the 2nd part? What about receiving thanks? How are we at that? Come, let's celebrate Thanks Giving and Thanks Receiving. Rev. Craig Schwalenberg preaches with worship associate Ben Ramirez.
November 28 - "The Attitude of Gratitude“ Thanksgiving is a special day for many families. Myths about the first Thanksgiving abound. Regardless of the myths, one important takeaway about Thanksgiving is that an attitude of gratitude yields mental, physical, and spiritual health benefits whenever we adopt it. One choice is to incorporate gratitude practices into our lives in order to reap these benefits, which are especially desirable in these challenging times. Dot Everhart leads the service with worship associate Cheryl Parsons.
NOTE: ZOOM channel and Meeting ID Join us for worship 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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The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion. If you've ever wanted to get involved, we'd love to have you join us!
On November 28th at 6:30 pm we will select our books for January-October of 2022. Everyone is invited to nominate two books, which will be voted on by those in attendance. Please submit your title suggestions to the Book Group coordinator, Riley Johnson, by no later than Sunday, November 21st. If you have any questions, or would like the Zoom link to join the discussions, please email Rileyat riles1806@gmail.com.
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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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Need Help with your Booster or Children's Shot?
If you plan on getting a COVID Booster shot or the first time shot for your children ages 5 - 11 and need assistance signing up or getting to your appointment, please contact Pam
We will do our best to assist you in getting this important vaccine.
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A DIFFICULT COVID LESSON -
“P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E”
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We are still dancing with joy at the amazing response to the “Let’s Finish This Right” initiative to complete UUCV’s Capital Campaign goals. To date the donations received are $56,794. Remember, based on contractor estimates, the best guess was a need for $45,000 to complete three critical projects. We are so grateful to those who could provide this extra donation and to those who are still faithfully fulfilling their initial pledges.
We were anticipating that all three projects could be completed by the end of the year. Today, the aftermath of gobal COVID dashed those hopes. The paint for our high steeple painting project is indeed sitting on one of the hundreds of cargo ships off the west coast. Paving projects are so behind schedule no time line can be confirmed. We must wait for spring. And hope the global supply chain and skyrocketing prices regain managable levels.
Some things you should know:
*The Capital Campaign steering committee has continued to meet and work tirelessly through building closures, lock downs, and construction delays. Throughout the winter months, we will work to complete a punch list of small repairs.
*All inside construction is completed and waiting for UUCV to open those new doors.
*A pat on the back goes to Cindy Good who successfully shepherded a security grant through the state’s many hoops. This grant helped pay for doors, saving UUCV almost $25,000.
**Some day in the future we are going to celebrate the completion of the largest, longest and most costly initiative in the history of UUCV!
Until we reach that finish line… let’s practice our spelling: “P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E”
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Paradise Found Auction 2021
Join the Kick-Off ZOOM party on Saturday, November 20 at 6:00 PM on our Worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa |
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Cathy and her committee have the the auction site set up to accept items. Do you all know how to go about donating? No? Then listen up and I’ll explain it.
First you need to take up to four pictures of the item you wish to donate. Then you need come up with a creative description of the item. Next you need to determine the item’s value. Finally, you send all this info in an email to UUCVauction@outlook.com.
Any questions?
Yes! What’s an email?
Groannn! There’s one in every group!
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November Social Justice Opportunities
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Change For The World - October through December
UUJusticePA challenges Pennsylvania Unitarian Universalists to be aware of justice issues, and calls us to speak and take action that leads to a better Commonwealth.
They believe in pursuing justice by voting, advocating and making just public policies.
Their approach recognizes and focuses on four key intersectional priorities to strategically build power for creating justice at this time.
1. Climate justice, inclusive of indigenous sovereignty and climate resilience 2. Anti-criminalization, inclusive of racial justice and immigrant justice and the criminalization of poverty 3. LGBTQ and gender justice, inclusive of LGTBQ equity and reproductive justice 4. Electoral justice, inclusive of voting and voting rights, democracy and election year engagement.
UUJusticePA is working for real change for real people. To help sustain the fight for justice for all in Pennsylvania, they ask that we consider joining or making a donation. Free email list are available, which will provide Action Alerts, social justice news, and other vital information.
Find them at https://uujusticepa.org/
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Social Justice Committee
Tuesday, November 2, 2021 is Election Day and the Social Justice Committee encourages you to VOTE. The School Board and Judge elections are particularly important this year. You are most likely aware of the turmoil going on in local school boards over masking and diversity/equity/inclusion issues. It is vital that we make our voices heard and seek to assure that our UU values are upheld by our local officials and judges.
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UUJustice PA is this quarter’s Change for the World. We encourage you to consider becoming a member of UUJusticePA to support UU values at a statewide level. The suggested membership fee is $40/calendar year, but they will accept any amount you can give. Or you can sign up for the free newsletter. Visit UUJusticePA.org to find out more.
The Social Justice Committee is in a reorganizing phase as we adjust to Travis Farrell stepping down as chair. He will soon be moving from the area to start a new job at the Library of Congress! Thank you and best wishes, Travis. UUCV will miss you.
All are invited to join in the ministry of the Social Justice Committee. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:30 pm. The plan is to meet in the Social Hall at church but check PreViews and Announcements as we get closer to the date.
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Antiracism Initiative
Our local school boards have had challenging meetings in recent months as groups of vocal and well organized parents and residents have been forcefully speaking out against masking and diversity/equity/inclusion policy and
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curriculum issues. In concert with our mission to transform lives and care for the world, the Antiracism Initiative, along with Rev Craig, Emily Crutcher, and Gail Black with the approval UUCV’s Board, has coordinated a letter writing campaign to local school boards. The letters express UUCV’s support of school board efforts to keep children and staff as safe
as possible and support for efforts at assuring that ALL students are treated with respect and care. You are encouraged to attend your district’s school board meetings or offer support such as childcare or transportation to those who may want to attend but are limited by their circumstances.
Are you aware of HB1532? This is a PA House Bill listed as “Partisan Bill (Republican 31-0)”. It is widely sponsored, including by Barbara Gleim, and titled “Providing for restrictions on racist and sexist concepts, for contracts, for penalty and for private cause of action.” The Antiracism Initiative believes HB1532 is not aligned with UU values. It is broadly written and could potentially limit the teaching of accurate and inclusive American history. Please take the time to become more fully informed about this partisan legislation. Additional information and the full text of the bill can be found at https://legiscan.com/PA/text/HB1532/id/2412593 . HB1532 is currently in committee but having information in advance will allow for a quick response when it starts to move through the legislative process.
The next meeting of the Antiracism Initiative is Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 1:30 pm most likely via Zoom but check PreVIews and Announcements closer to the date for details. The discussion will include the 8th Principle and how to approach implementing it at UUCV along with developing a plan to respond to HB1532. All are welcome to attend.
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CARES MEAL -- SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Thanks to everyone who donates to these meals. Your donations are greatly appreciated! You can drop your items off at the UUCV church parking lot on Sunday, November 21 between 3:00 and 3:30.
Email Pam if you are able to donate any of the items still needed.
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The November CARES Harvest Pot Pie Dinner will be on Sunday, November 21.
Items needed are:
Chicken or Turkey Pot Pies - 3 Needed
Salads - Tossed vegetable salad or Spinach Salad - 2 or 3 needed
Dessert - 2 Apple Pies needed
Drinks - 2 Gallon Apple Cider, Ground Coffee & filters
Thank you to all of you who donate food items!!
If you can donate items needed other than food, please check the CARES Carlisle website and click on the Carlisle Needs List at the top of the page for a list of greatly needed items.Those can be donated to their location on W Penn St anytime.
If you need someone to pick up your item, or if you have any questions, please email Carol Riesmeyer or call 724/822-6423.
If you mark your food containers with your name, Dee Lauderbaugh will pick up your containers and take them to her house for you to pick up at your convenience.
A huge thank you to all who make the effort to contribute food!
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I The National Alliance for Mental Illness in Perry/Cumberland Counties is offering peer support group meetings on Zoom the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays for adults with mental health challenges.
Contact namicppa.connection@gmail.com for information.
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Day of Caring
A special thanks to our UUCV team that participated in this year's Day of Caring providing assistance at the Project Share Warehouse, Project Share Farm Stand and Carlisle Historical Office. |
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Save the Date - Sunday, November 7 |
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Despite the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, 107 Bursary girls are back at school in Molumbo, Namarroi, and vocational training centers for post-secondary students. Secondary students have received tutoring to help fill the gaps left last year when schools were closed. At parents’ meetings, mothers and fathers have expressed support for the new hygiene measures that are necessary to keep their daughters safe and enable them to continue their educations.
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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
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We will be starting a new email feature that will go out to our members and attendees when someone in our UUCV family has a health concern or we have some private
information to share. This will be similar to the information we shared when we had printed announcements during Sunday Worship.
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If you have information you feel should be shared please contact Pam pam@uucv.net
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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 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.
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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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