the unitarian universalist congregation at montclair the ......of wabi sabi, an embrace of entropy,...
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair
THE GAZETTE Our Newsletter for April 2019 Vol. 122 Issue 8
Our Mission: We are a liberal religious community seeking transformation
in our hearts, our homes, our community, and our world.
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
—Rumi
The Gazette is a monthly publication of: The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair 67 Church Street, Montclair NJ 07042 (973) 744-6276 Website: www.uumontclair.org
Our UPDATED office hours as of December 2018 are: Monday & Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Our Ministers and RE Staff are here on Sunday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Getting in Touch with Our Senior Co-Ministers: Their email addresses are listed below and they can be reached via email or through our main phone number. They have ample office time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and can make appointments at other times as necessary. For recorded information on emergency closings and memorial services, call: (973) 744-6276, ext. 0017
OUR MINISTERS AND STAFF: Senior Co-Minister: Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Ext. 0011, [email protected] Senior Co-Minister: Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, Ext. 0011, [email protected] Music Director: Markus Grae-Hauck, Ext. 0015, [email protected] Administrator: Danielle Carlo, Ext. 0012, [email protected] Office & Communications Manager: Jaclyn Puleo, Ext. 0010, [email protected] Director of Family Ministries: Lily Rappaport, Ext. 0023, [email protected] RE Administrator: John Laney, Ext. 0023, [email protected] Bookkeeper: Emilia Sadonis, Ext. 0019, [email protected] Technology Systems Consultant: Bruce For, [email protected] Head Custodian: Dawn Coleman Affiliated Community Minister: Rev. Jacqueline Lahey, [email protected] Minister Emeritus: Rev. Charles Blustein Ortman Minister Emerita: Rev. Judy Tomlinson
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2018-2019 President: Susan Raufer Vice President: Denise Rodgers Treasurer: Dennis Kurtti Secretary: Sheila Eby
Trustees-At-Large: Doug Andrews Peter Arian Brian Crooks Kitty Cullina-Bessey Elaine Gibson Steven Mintz Matt Silverman Laura Wilson
THE DEADLINE FOR THE MAY GAZETTE IS
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019
Find us on social media! Join us on Facebook
at UU Congregation at Montclair, and Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
@UUMontclair. If you have an update or announcement you
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MATERIAL PREPARED FOR OUR CONGREGATION BY THE UUCM STAFF FROM THE SOUL MATTERS COLLECTIVE, APRIL 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHOLENESS
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What does it mean to be a people of wholeness?
Name Your Names Israeli poet, Zelda, speaks powerfully to this month’s theme with her poem, Each of Us Has A Name. With it, she reminds us that our wholeness is about embracing the many names given to us by the experiences of our lives. Here’s a taste of the poem: Each of us has a name given by God and given by our parents... Each of us has a name given by the mountains and given by our walls... Each of us has a name given by our sins and given by our longing… So, this month, you are invited to reflect on how these universal experiences have “named you.” It helps to think of each of these experiences as completing the sentence, “You are…” So here’s an example of what you might ask your-self as you work with each line: • What name was I given by “God”(or Love)? How did my first God experi-ence complete the sentence, “You are …” • What name was I given by my parents? How has my relationship with them completed the sentence, “You are …” • What name was I given by the mountains? How has my experience with nature completed the sentence, “You are …” • What name was I given by our walls? How has my experience with limits completed the sentence, “You are…” • What name was I given by my “sins”? How has my experience with my shadow side or mistakes completed the sentence, “You are …” • What name was I given by my longing? How has my experience of seek-ing, searching and journey completed the sentence, “You are…” We do not only have one name. Who we are is multifaceted. As Walt Whit-man has said, we “contain multitudes.” Take the time to consider your many names and come in closer contact with your wholeness.
Next Month’s Theme is…CURIOSITY!
Word Roots: Our understanding of “whole” comes through the old Germanic and Norse lan-guages: hal, haila which give the sense of en-tire, unhurt, uninjured, safe; healthy, sound; genuine, straightforward, undamaged, com-plete. Our word for health has similar roots.
Watch: The Wild Inside, A haunting short about in-mates in the Arizona state-prison system working to break wild horses as they prepare for their own release. https://www.topic.com/the-wild-inside?utm_source=Topic+Newsletter&utm_campaign=257ed6176a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_20_08_34&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2210888e0b-257ed6176a-135173765
Kimberly Crenshaw “The Urgency of Inter-sectionality” TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/kim-berle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality#t-945095
Listen: The River, written and performed by Coco Love Alcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7L_hA0ideM
Anthem, written and performed by Leonard Cohen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=63&v=6wRYjtvIYK0
“Blackness and Belonging,” an interview with a leading healer and teacher within the Black Lives Matter movement, Prentis Hemphill. https://radiopublic.com/healing-justice-podcast-WznLEJ/ep/s1!0ba4b
Blessing for a Meal or at Bedtime: “This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all!” —Jellaludin Rumi, translation by Coleman Barks
SOUL MATTERS MATERIALS FOR FAMILY MINISTRY April 2019
Wholeness: Rebirth for Easter and Earth Day
The Practice of Rising from the Ashes
Wholeness is not about restoring things to their original state; it’s about taking the broken pieces and making something new. New things emerge from what is broken. Brokenness is a source of rebirth. The work of picking up the pieces and creating something new is a spiritual practice.
Reflections
Prop: an egg (hard boiled) This month we celebrate Easter and Earth Day. Both holidays have to do with our theme
of wholeness. The egg can be a symbol of wholeness. The egg is one thing, then we change it by boiling it,
and change it again by cracking it open (crack the egg shell). Each change makes it a different thing. And we can’t change it back into a raw egg once
we have cooked it and broken it. Wholeness is not about restoring something to its original state. It is about taking broken
pieces and making something new, like egg salad! For Easter, the thing that was broken was Jesus. He was executed on a cross. We don’t
believe that he came back just as he was, a living, breathing person. He came back as a message. His message has been carried forward to this day of love, kindness, and tolerance.
For Earth Day, the thing that “breaks” might be the dying of plants and insects in winter, and then the rebirth, or coming back, of something new - a new plant, new leaves, new flowers, new insects. Even animal babies are new.
Things change and come out differently. The flowers grow in a different way. The leaves on the trees look a little different. Even you are one year older and are not the same as you were last year.
Recommended Children’s Books Meet Jesus by Lynn Tuttle Gunney, Illustrated By: Jane Conteh-Morgan https://www.uuabookstore.org/Meet-Jesus-P17599.aspx
“Meet Jesus introduces children to Jesus' life and message of love, kindness, peace and tolerance with simple text and lively, full-color illustrations. This book is a resource for a wide range of liberal religious parents and teachers, appropriate for Unitarian Universal-ists, progressive Christians, humanists, non-Christians and families blending more than one religious tradition; ideal for church groups and home.” - UUA Bookstore Theme Message: Jesus’ message of love, kindness, peace and tolerance is a path to wholeness in a broken world. The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith https://www.amazon.com/Easter-Story-Brian-Wildsmith/dp/0802851894/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547583858&sr=8-1&keywords=the+easter+story+brian+wildsmith
“The story of the last days of Jesus' life, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, as seen through the eyes of a small donkey.” - Amazon Theme Message: Jesus was broken on the cross and died, and then returned in a new form. We believe that form wasn’t a real person, but a message of peace, love, kindness and toler-ance.
We Are Broken and Whole From Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister
What if we treated brokenness and repair as a treasured part of our history and wholeness rather than something to fear or des-pise? Kintsugi (金継ぎ, "golden joinery"), also known as Kintsuku-
roi (金繕い, "golden repair”) is the Japanese art of repairing bro-
ken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Kintsugi derives from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, an embrace of entropy, flaws and imperfection. With Kintsugi not only is the repair made but it is made in such a way as to highlight the original break.
From the poet-prophet Parker Palmer: “Wholeness does not mean per-fection: it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life. Knowing this gives me hope that human wholeness — mine, yours, ours — need not be a utopian dream, if we can use devastation as a seedbed for new life.”
And from the Gospel of Thomas: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”
Our brokenness, if we are committed to our eventual healing, is a gift that we bring to one another, our world and ourselves. Our mistakes, our complicated pasts, our challenges, and our weaknesses are the cracks in an impossible perfection - that never was nor could be our truth. Our broken-ness is the place were we have the opportunity to heal, and then meet one another in empathy - in the ability to understand and connect.
Throughout the month of April we will concentrate on wholeness, and while doing so, will reflect on its composite - brokenness. May we piece one another and our world back together with golden lacquer - honoring the struggle, and the work of healing.
Theme Based Ministry at UUCM The purpose of theme-based ministry is to foster a cohesive theological understanding by breaking down silos of faith education, and knitting the congregation’s programs together, along thematic lines. Secondary purposes include the development of multigenerational connections, the extension of faith development beyond Sunday morning, and the solidification of the correlation between the religious and the practical. To learn more, please contact Rev. Anya ([email protected] ).
Our Vision Includes: Programs that are integrated across congregational life A central thread that makes congregational life feel cohesive and grounded A worship life that builds in depth over the month A common language of common religious and spiritual themes Congregants of all ages utilizing theology practically to meet the challenges of their lives The needs of busy families met with points of access beyond Sunday attendance Greater creative collaboration across the creative disciplines, through both lay and staff leadership
Our Monthly Themes for 2018-19 will be: September 2018 – Vision October 2018 – Sanctuary November 2018 – Memory December 2018 – Mystery January 2019 – Possibility February 2019 – Trust March 2019 – Journey April 2019 – Wholeness May 2019 – Curiosity June 2019 – Beauty
Family Ministries From John Laney, Religious Education Administrator
“We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our explor-ing, we’ll arrive where we started … and know the place for the first time.” - T.S. Eliot
As I was assisting with my mother-in-law’s new home search this past December, my attention was diverted in one house by a large, unfinished jigsaw puzzle that dominated a table. Surely the sellers would not mind if I attached a few individual pieces to some yawn-ing gaps in the puzzle of the Paris skyline? Maybe they would lower the listing price if I filled in some significant empty spots. While con-necting several pieces, I became mindful of how each one was im-portant to the whole image. The puzzle seemed to represent both a personal quest and community wholeness as I quietly assisted those strangers.
“Wholeness,” the congregational theme for April, provides an opportunity to better examine our personal and community faith journeys in the framework of Unitarian Universalism. "We are part of this living tradition. Through it we become whole, and through us it becomes whole," is a well known phrase for UUs. This sense of in-terdependence contains a key context in our spiritual lives. Another broad theme of “wholeness” derives from how our UU "outsides" match our Unitarian Universalist "insides.” This potential match comes from understand-ing, sharing, and living our faith. As Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott highlighted in the service on March 24, “the journey inward is a cyclical journey, and we take it many times throughout our lives.” This is an ongoing exploration, simi-lar to what T.S. Eliot describes in the above quote.
Parker Palmer, a Quaker educator and spiritual activist, wrote “A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Un-divided Life” about 15 years ago. In this book he uses the metaphor of the Mobius strip to help show how people can better live in the world. A Mobius strip is another type of puzzle and can serve as an interesting teaching tool because the inside of it continually moves to the outside and vice versa. In terms of “wholeness,” our inward be-liefs can have a positive effect on outside life. The movement of the Mobius has an aspect of mystery, but a defi-nite message is delivered: to attain “wholeness,” we should give more focus to intertwining our inner and outer beings.
Middle School Youth Con April 6 Join middle school youth in 6th, 7th or 8th grades from UU congregations in the MetroNY for this spectacular event. Twice a year (early autumn and spring) the Metro NY region of the UUA hosts a 24 hour retreat or CON, filled with games, sports, music, worship and much more. This event will take place at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation in White Plains, NY from 9 am on Saturday, April 6,and ends 8 am on Sunday April 7. For more information. To learn more about Junior Youth Cons, please email Anneliese Scherfen at [email protected]
Calling all Campers Unirondack is a nurturing UU camp in the northern Adirondacks, where campers enjoy nature and a community where we live our shared values. If your family would like experience Unirondack, then consider joining a small group of UUCM members who will be attending Friends and Family Weekend from May 24-27. We are also coor-dinating summer camp dates to share the long (but scenic) drive to bring our children to camp this summer. For more details, contact Sarah Scalet at [email protected].
Upcoming in Religious Education April 6 Junior High Youth Con – offsite April 14 Children’s Chapel – Easter/Passover April 28 Blue Jean Sunday May 5 Coming of Age Service
On That Note... From Markus Grae-Hauck, Music Director
The Return of the Holiday Choir If you have attended our candlelight service on Christmas Eve, you know that we always assemble a big choir for the occasion. We’re going to do it again – only this time you don’t have to wait a whole year. For Easter Sunday (April 21), we are going to sing the Missa Gaia (Earth Mass), an eclectic work celebrating nature and spirituality. This will also be our first ever Music Sunday, where the bulk of the service consists of music. Our band will include one of the composers of the mass, singer/songwriter/guitarist Jim Scott (Jim is also the author of several songs in our hymnals, including “For The Earth Forever Turning” and “Gather The Spirit”). It’s going to be an exciting event.
If you would like to be part of the choir for this project, join us! Here is the rehearsal schedule: • Sun, March 31, 12:45-2:15 pm • Wed, April 3, 7:30-9 pm • Sun, April 7, 12:45-2:15 pm • Wed, April 10, 7:30-9 pm • (no rehearsal on Sun, April 14) • Wed, April 17, 7:30-9 pm • Saturday, April 20, 2-5 pm (final dress, with orchestra) All singers are required to attend at least four of the six dates, and everyone must be at the final dress rehearsal. If you are planning to sing with us, please email me so that we’ll have enough sheet music for everyone. And of course, feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Happy spring!
The Board Corner From Matt Silverman on behalf of the Board of Trustees
Your UUCM Board members have been busy. We have been reviewing and facilitating the drive towards a com-prehensive emergency preparedness plan that will help keep the facility, staff, and members and visitors secure and safe for years to come. Trustees are finalizing our review of the new and improved employee handbook to help us to consistently meet our legal and organizational responsibilities as an employer. And April is budget month, so we have been preparing in a variety of ways. For example, besides understanding the financial require-ments for our operational, facility-related, and program needs, we entered into a discussion that will help insure that the final budget reflects priorities that are consistent with our cherished UU values. There is way more to come on the budget process in April and beyond so stay tuned. Near and dear to my heart is the Board committee focused on building our Strategic Plan. Working with Laura Wilson, we are busily preparing a draft Vision Statement and goals and objectives that are aligned with each con-gregational area (Worship and Celebration, Welcome and Engagement, Family Ministry, Care and Connection, Service and Justice, and Stewardship and Governance). A key part of the Strategic Plan Committee, the Goals and Actions Group will soon be partnering with members of the Council on Ministries, Board liaisons and key committee and team leaders to finalize these structural components and to identify the “who, what, where, and when” of the plan. This is the good work that will elevate the congregation and align us all towards achieving our Mission, drafted for full congregation approval, as follows: GROUNDED IN FAITH, WE COME TOGETHER TO NURTURE THE SOUL, INSPIRE HOPE, AND BRING INTO BEING A MORE JUST AND LOVING WORLD.
Our Leader’s Planning Summit is an important and meaningful opportunity on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 5:00 to 8:45 PM in the Peierls Room. Please attend or appoint someone from your committee/team/group/board/council to attend on your group's behalf. Every group is strongly encouraged to send one to two attendees. Last Spring we held our first Leader's Gathering, where we built the perpetual calendar for this congregational year. We also did some amazing networking. This Summit will build on that work and will include a few more opportunities based on our cur-rent congregational priorities.
5-6 Realm Training (Optional) 5:30-6 Review of the Proposed Congregational Budget (Optional) 6-6:30 Break and Pizza Delivery 6:30-7:30 Theme of the Year and Monthly Themes - Conversation/Networking between different groups 7:30-8:00 Strat Plan: What's happening and how to engage 8:00-8:45 Reviewing and Updating the Calendar In preparation for this summit, please review the perpetual calendar created for this congregational year and send updates and changes for the coming year 2019-20 (for your group's activities). Please send these updates and changes to Danielle Carlo ([email protected]) by April 20, 2019. Please register by clicking here: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NmJiMjVmM2MtNzBiYS00OTg5LTliZTYtYWExNzAwZTljYTE4 Thank you for your incredible dedication to our congregation and our congregation's mission. In Faith, Rev. Anya
Our 2019-20 Pledge Drive From Myrna Brome and Lauren Carlton, Pledge Committee Co-Chairs Your Pledge Committee would like to thank you for supporting our 2019-2020 Pledge Drive. Your online, in-person, Realm and brochure pledges have all made a difference in helping us reach toward our financial goal for the year. It does not matter how you've pledged, what matters is that those gifts, big and small, are all appreciated. We cannot make the impact in our community and our world without you. If you have yet to pledge, our UUCM needs to know your pledge amount right away. You can contact Danielle Carlo([email protected]), Lauren Carlton, or Myrna Brome with your pledge, complete and mail the enclosed brochure, or enter it into Realm (link and instructions here: https://www.uumontclair.org/support-uucm/online-giving/.
Our Communications Team The Communications Team is working to align our communications with the congregation's mission and goals. Our plans for 2019 include: • Review and improve internal and external congregational communica-
tions tactics • Promote Realm signup and facilitate its use • Develop, Brand and Develop Best Practices for:
Internal communications (e.g. ministry brochures) Local media/press releases Improved Social Media postings
• Assist with redesigning our congregation’s website • Facilitate "Way Finding" by posting branded signs and historical infor-
mation. For more information, please reach out to our Communications Team Coor-dinator, Ghana Hylton ([email protected]).
Who Should I Contact? Oftentimes, many members confuse the duties of our Administrator Danielle Carlo and our Office & Communica-tions Manager Jaclyn Puleo. Jaclyn often gets requests for reserving rooms or pledge questions (which go to Dan-ielle) and Danielle gets announcements or website questions (which go to Jaclyn). We pass the info on to the cor-rect person but if that person is out of the office or unavailable, there will be a delay to your request. We’ve created this helpful chart below that can help clarify our duties. And as always, please reach out to us if you have any questions.
How do I schedule a meeting, a memorial service or reserve a space? All requests must go through our Administrator Danielle Carlo at [email protected] or ext. 0012. How do I schedule a meeting with a minister? Contact Rev. Scott directly. To schedule a meeting with Rev. Anya please use this application: https://calendly.com/revanya How do I submit an announcement? For Sunday announcements, all requests need to be sent to our Office & Communications Manager Jaclyn Puleo ([email protected]) by Wednesday. We also send out our weekly email blast on Wednesday. All an-nouncements are included in the blast and also added to our website and social media pages. UUCM-related events take precedence over outside events but we do our best to accommodate all requests. Where can I park? Although we do not have our own parking lot, there are several parking options within easy walking distance. Vis-it: https://en.parkopedia.com/ for an interactive map. There is parking available next door for an all-day Sunday price of $5. Parking is also permitted at metered spots on the street and is free after 7:00 PM and on Sunday. The driveway at UUCM is reserved for employees during the week and on Sunday for those needing handicapped access ONLY. Can I get a Member Directory? If you are a member, we can email a current directory or send you a hard copy in the mail. Please let us know when any revisions are made to your address, phone number, and/or email address so we can have the most current in-formation in our system. Can I get some photocopies made for my committee? We will be more than happy to make copies for your UUCM-related committee, group or event. Since the staff is most familiar with our machines, we ask that you submit all requests to the office during regular office hours. We will be happy to assist you. Who do I talk to about my Annual Pledge? Inquiries regarding your Pledge go to our Bookkeeper Emilia Sadonis who is in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Call or email [email protected] to contact Emilia directly. How do I make a monetary donation to UUCM? Checks may be made out to UUCM. Please use the memo line to indicate to us your intentions (i.e., Annual Pledge, Plate Collection, MESH). You can also make donations via electronic funds transfer (EFT). You can also donate to the Sunday plate or MESH via Text Giving. Text UUCM Plate $10 or UUCM MESH $10 (or the amount you want to give) to 73256. Standard text rates do apply. How do I submit a reimbursement request? All requests must come from the head of your committee or group and be received a week in advance of need. Submit your receipts to your committee leader and have them contact the Administrator.
Sharing Our Riches The Sharing Our Riches Recipient this month is the New Jersey Envi-ronmental Justice Alliance which brings together NJ organizations and individuals committed to creat-ing healthy, sustainable, and just communities by eliminating envi-ronmental inequities in low income and communities of color. The alliance supports communities through local, state, and national policy development, targeted cam-paigns, organizing, education, advocacy, training, and technical assistance, connecting and strengthening the work of each group. Our UUCM Earth Justice Team recommended this organization for SOR. More infor-mation can be found at NJEJA.org.
Basic Guidelines for Taking Care of our Sacred Spaces We continue designing ways to help the staff and the congregation live into a deeper shared ministry of our building and grounds. We need your help. Always leave the space used better or at least as good as you found it. Remember these basics of using our space: • open blinds if you like but leave them down; do not raise them • throw away any trash • make sure lights are off and doors are locked when leaving • if you open it, close it; if you take it out, put it away; if you move it, put
it back; if you turn it on, turn it off • alert staff if there are any issues with spaces, supplies or systems • there is no storage space in our facility, so make sure you leave our spaces clean, uncluttered and ready to
use for the next renter or UUCM group How do I make a room temperature more comfortable? Avoid changing temperature settings when possible but if you feel you must change the setting, follow these simple steps: • Make sure heat and A/C are not on at the same time; they are often on separate thermostats. If you are un-
sure which thermostat controls what, leave it alone. • Simply pressing an up or down arrow on the proper thermostat will change the temperature setting for 3
hours. The setting will return to its previously programmed temperature after that time. • Raise or lower only by a couple degrees as this saves energy. Never hit 'Hold' or turn off a thermostat with-
out checking with a staff person first. This causes serious issues with our systems. • Make sure all systems that were on upon arrival are on upon departure. • Hit 'Run' on any thermostat you altered before leaving. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Scott.
Sunday Flowers Our Sunday Chancel flowers honor a memory or a person. The price of the dona-tion is reasonable and your dedication will be acknowledged in the Order of Service. For information on availa-ble dates, please email Elizabeth Walsh at [email protected].
Greeters Wanted! Here’s a great way to get to know the friendly faces walking through the door Sunday morn-ings: be a Greeter! Sign up with David Hanley in the Narthex or contact him at [email protected].
What is Realm? Realm is our new interactive system that we will use for: • Giving • Pledging • Small and Large group communication • And much more! Ever wish you could message your covenant group, committee, or team all at once and not have to search through emails for re-sponses? Ever wanted to see your giving statements any time you wanted? Or make or change pledge payments without calling the office? Realm will help with that! You will also receive an email to Opt you into the Online Directory if you are al-ready apart of the current directory. Giving and Pledging through Realm • Giving as a visitor—Not a member? You can give to The U by clicking this link: https://onrealm.org/
uumontclair/Give • Giving as a member - Do you already have a login? Want to keep track of all of your groups, communications
and need a tax statement at the end of the year? Click here (https://onrealm.org/uumontclair) to login to Realm to give to our various funds including Sunday Plate, MESH, Flowers and Season of Life.
• Don't have a login? Reach out to our Administrator at [email protected] Setup your online pledge! 1. Activate your account by clicking the link in the email sent by The U! (Didn’t receive the email? Reach out to our Administrator at [email protected]) 2. Click Giving on the left heading. 3. Click “+Pledge” and enter your information in the 2019-2020 pledge campaign 4. Click Save Pledge. 5. You can add a payment method by clicking "Manage Payment Method" under your giving number. Join our Administrator as she answers all of your Realm Pledge Questions! We are offering Realm training on how to pledge and other important tasks. Our next training will be in April (exact date and time to be announced). Please bring a laptop so you can follow along or if you have specific questions about pledging. If you have ques-tions about your groups or other Realm functions please sign up for one of our future Realm training sessions.
Connection Café The mission of Connection Cafe is to provide a space where we gather to serve one another, nourish bodies and souls, connect to congrega-tional life, and build the Beloved Community. Connection Cafe needs your help! Our small committee needs volun-teers to supply snacks. Whether it's a bowl of grapes, a loaf of banana bread, a box of crackers....each is a gift and makes it a whole lot easier for us! UUCM Committees: How about hosting a Connection Cafe Sunday? If each committee signs up for a 2-3 Sundays a year, we would be in great shape! Contact John Lytle ([email protected]) or Nicole Gray ([email protected]). For more information on how to be a host, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044eaba62ba20-connection.
Shopping on Amazon! If you cannot find what you need locally, did you know you can sup-port UUCM by shopping on Amazon? By visiting this link and choose “Unitarian Church of Montclair.” 4% or more of your total purchase amount will go to-wards supporting UUCM. Amazon.com recently donated $170 to UUCM!
Wearing Our Nametags It's important that we all wear our name tags on Sunday! Part of our hospitality is letting people know who you are. You and your friends know who you are, but if we are to be a welcoming Congrega-tion, we need to let everyone know our name. Please remember to wear your name tags when you come to Sunday services. If you need a new tag, please contact the office at [email protected].
UUA General Assembly June 19-23, 2019 in Spokane, WA
General Assembly is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association. Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process. Anyone may attend; congrega-tions must certify annually to send voting delegates. The 2019 General Assembly will be June 19-23, 2019 in Spo-kane, Washington. Most General Assembly events will be held in the Spokane Convention Center.
• The Power of We: What do we want Unitarian Universalism to be? It is a time when we are asking big ques-tions in our faith, and GA 2019 will be focused on digging into those questions together. It is a critical chance for congregational leaders and passionate UUs to set new goals and aspirations for our religious community. Help begin to reshape our Association and our congregations in new and powerful ways. This year’s theme is about collective power, “The Power of We,” as well as the possibility, the purpose, the struggle and the joy of what it means to be together in faithful community. In the past two years, Unitarian Universalism has recom-mitted to the work of liberation inside and outside our faith community. The antidote to a time of dangerous dehumanization is a love that connects us to our deeper humanity. Come to Spokane to experience what our shared faith can become when we embrace the Power of We.
• Excellent Programming: GA will offer more than 100 programming selections over the course of five days. This year, in addition to Theme-Based Programming, the schedule will feature Role-Based Track Programming, in-cluding time for discussion among attendees, sharing inspiring models and stories, and concrete suggestions for how to further the work or "take it home." More programming details are available at www.uua.org/ga.
• Financial Aid Available: The UUA is committed to the goal of making GA accessible to as many attendees as possible. Go to uua.org/ga to learn about scholarships to support delegates - particularly those from marginal-ized groups - and volunteer opportunities (work in exchange for registration).
• Worship at GA: Like Unitarian Universalism, GA offers a wealth of theological diversity. The Service of the Liv-ing Tradition is where we commemorate fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders, those who have died, those who have completed active service, and welcome those who have received fellowship or creden-tialed status in the past year. Sunday Morning Worship at GA is a powerful, communal worship experience and is the largest annual gathering of UUs in Worship.
UU Marketplace News The UU Marketplace committee is trying to recruit additional mem-bers. Members simply commit to one hour of volunteer service each month. If you have been thinking about getting involved at church but feel you just don't have time, this might be the commit-tee for you. Supermarket Gift Cards: Please consider supporting UUCM in your grocery errands by using gift cards at the grocery store. Shoprite grocery store gift can be purchased (cash or check only, please) any Sunday during Connection Café. Shopping with gift cards helps the congregation make money while not taking any additional money from you. Buying a $25 gift card costs you the same amount, $25, and you can use that gift card at the store on your regular grocery shopping trip. Please consider taking this simple step to support our congregation’s pro-gramming. For more information or to volunteer please contact Myrna Brome ([email protected]) or Tanya Dix-on ([email protected]) or visit the Marketplace table at Connection Cafe.
Care Team Ministry The Meals Team contacts UUCM members to provide meals to mem-bers and families who are in need because of: • Illness or return from hospital • Caregiver fatigue • Death in the family • Birth of a baby If you are aware of a congregant who should receive a meal, please contact Nikki Kean, Meals Team Leader, at (201) 240-4197 or email [email protected] or one of the Care Team Ministry co-chairs listed below. Looking for Volunteer Opportunities? The UU Care Team Ministry is a wonderful way to do service and help out your fellow UU’s. The Care Team provide meals; offer transportation to and from the U; visit members who are house bound or in the hospital; write cards of sympathy, support, or joy; and reach out with calls to ensure that members who are struggling know they are not alone. If you need direct help, such as a call, visit, or meal, please do not hesitate to contact: Arlene Marin, co-chair, at (973) 768-9121 (voice or text) or email at [email protected]. Melissa Mintz, co-chair, at (973) 744-0889 or email at [email protected].
If you need help for whatever reason, please do not hesitate to contact: Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael at (973) 744-6276 ext.11 or email at [email protected] Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael at (973) 744-6276 ext.11 or email at [email protected]. Rev. Anya is the point of contact for our Care Team Ministries, but both Rev. Anya and Rev. Scott are available for pastoral care. We will all work to insure that you get the support you might need.
Care Team Ministry Meals Team Leader, Nikki Kean
Below are our groups that meet on a reg-ular basis and their upcoming meeting dates.
Grief Support Group - We all experience losses throughout our lifetime, whether they are a loss of loved ones, others important to us, or important parts of our lives. The group provides a caring and confidential environ-ment that allows its members to share their experiences with others around their loss. The group is facilitated by an experienced group leader and participation guidelines are provided. The group meets on the third Mon-day of each month between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM in the Alliance Room at UUCM. Our next meeting will be on April 15, 2019. Please call Dick Kessler @ 973-890-1039 (e-mail: [email protected]) for more infor-mation.
Our UUCM Women's Group meets on the first Friday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. We meet in various participants homes. Our next meeting will be on Friday, April 5, 2019. We are going to play "Two Truths and a Lie" and hopefully we will learn at least two new things about each of us. Women who are interested should con-tact either Marcia Mandel or Maryann Ficker to find out the meeting location that month. Come and enjoy the company and support of other women! If you'd like you may bring food, snacks, liquid refreshment, or JUST BRING YOURSELF. We will get to know each other through monthly discussion topics and other activities. All are welcome. We hope to see you there!
The UUCM Men's Group meets twice a month to discuss our aspirations, challenges, and concerns with em-pathy and a dose of humor. Meetings are the second Saturday and fourth Monday of the month in the Alliance Room. Our next Saturday meeting will be on April 13 2019, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM and our next Monday meeting will be on April 22, 2019. from 7:30 to 9:30 PM. Contact Christian Turek ([email protected]) with any questions. All men are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!
The Young Adults Group meet on the third Sunday of each month to celebrate each other's company, chat about the unique challenges of being a young adult in this era, and practice our faith together. Our next meeting will be on April 21, 2019 from 2:00 to 5:30 PM in the Mortenson Room. Welcoming all UUCM Members ages 20-35. Hope to see you there! Email: [email protected] for info.
Be it a queen-sized bed quilt or decorator pillows, the work done by the Crazy QUUilters brings joy to the crea-tors and the recipients. Among our current projects are lap quilts lovingly made for UUCM members as a warm reminder of our congregation’s thoughts and prayers. We meet in the Rotunda on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Our next meeting will be on April 20 2019. Our bee includes sharing of a pot-luck lunch. The workshop is open to all willing hands. For more info, contact Arlene at (973) 748-9194 or [email protected].
The Senior Lunch Bunch meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM in the Peierls Room (bring your own lunch). We will meet next on April 10 & 24, 2019. Our recent meetings have focused on simply sharing general conversation about things that we have done recently and things going on around us. Remember, all UU's and their friends are welcome; there are no age constraints on participation: All are welcome. For more information, contact Gary Sanderson at (973) 857-3447 .
Collaborative Worship - Common Read and Workshop Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Peierls Room at UUCM
Anyone and everyone who is or who wishes to be involved in worship at UUCM is welcome to participate in this common read and gather for this workshop: Worship Team, Liturgists, Music Committee, Instrumentalists, So-loists, Greeters, Time for All Ages Providers, Sermonizers, Worship Leaders (Adult, Coming of Age, Youth,) and the Worship Staff Team. We will read this book: "Think Like a Filmmaker - Sensory Rich Worship De-sign for Unforgettable Messages" and then we will gather together to share, learn from one another, and imagine deeper collaboration. Three copies of this book will be available to 'check-out.' You can find them on top of the mailbox-es outside of the main office at UUCM. RSVP to Rev. Anya: [email protected] .
For more information and to register, visit: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=OTk2YTQ0YTctYWZkYy00N2VmLTgzNGYtYWExYzAxMmQzYmFj
Sunday Lunch with Revs. Anya & Scott Are you consider-ing or pursuing theological educa-tion? Are you al-ready a minister? Are you wonder-ing how to live your call? Join us for "Listening, Hon-ing, and Celebrating your Call," an informal conver-sation on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 1:00 PM at the home of Revs. Anya & Scott, 10 Grenada Place, Montclair. Guided by deep questions and honest reflections, we will help one another listen more deeply to the stirrings that call us to serve our faith. This is the last of four quarterly conversations for the 2018-19 congregational year. RSVP to Rev. An-ya ([email protected]) to secure your space.
Blue Jean Sunday is coming on April 28, 2019! It is our day to wear blue jeans to service and then stay to give some time to make UUCM and its grounds really sparkle. This is an annual event and it allows all of us of every age and capability to work together on projects that include raking leaves, weeding, prun-ing, small paint jobs, cleaning pews and windows AND feeding all our bUUsy bees a delicious, nutritious lunch. Here is how it works: Sign up at Connection Cafe during Sun-days in March and April. You can choose what project to work on, what tools you should bring, and which session you are vol-unteering for (Session 1 is from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon, and Ses-sion 2 is from 12:30 to 2:00 PM). Lunch is served for all work-ers . Just sign up and come to Fletcher Hall on BJS (with the tools that you have brought for your project), and you will be given instructions on how to proceed. Persons of all ages are encouraged to participate, but young children must be accompanied by an adult who will work with the child. All consumable materials required will be furnished, but each person should bring their own tools if tools are required for the project of choice. Blue Jean Sunday is organized by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. This is a really fun event, so let us know that you’re coming so that we can plan adequately. Ed Martoglio ([email protected]) and John Carlton ([email protected]) for more information.
Universalist Convocation at Murray Grove Retreat Center Save the Date —May 17-19, 2019—for the Universal-ist Convocation at Murray Grove Retreat and Re-newal Center in NJ. Attending this Universalist Con-vocation is a perfect opportunity to learn the rich history of the other U in our UU faith tradition. This convocation will explore the roots of Universalism in America with discussions on John Murray, Hosea Ballou and other early Universalist voices in Ameri-ca. Speakers include: Rev. John Buehrens, UUA Pres-ident 1993 – 2001, Rev. Richard Trudeau, former Universalist Convocations President and Rev. Liz Strong, retired UU Minister of Religious Education and Minister Emerita of the First Parish UU Church in Ashby, MA. Registration closes April 30, 2019. Visit https://universalistconvocation.org/ for full details.
Philosophical Questions Class This is an extension of the 5 Questions Class given last Fall but there is no nec-essary prerequisite. We will meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Rotunda. Our upcoming classes will be on April 24 and May 22, 2019. Each participant contributes a meaningful quote, and relates it to their own lives. A time for questions and clarification ensues. Fee:$10. Call Jerry Boutcher (201-836-4057) to attend.
Spring Bible Study - A UU Lens on the Easter Story Join Rev. Scott on Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the Peierls Room as we explore the sacred stories sur-rounding the end of the earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth. We will examine the Christian scriptures, other religious antecedents, the stories that became attached to Jesus after the fact, and how to make sense of them in a Unitarian Universalist context. Sources consulted will include the 4 Gospel stories, the Hebrew scriptures' tale of the Passover, informed commentary, as well as parallels in world religions.
Only $10! BYOB - Bring your own Bible! Rev Scott will use the NRSV, but any translation/version will do. If you do not have one yet, this would be a good time to purchase a "Study Bible," like the Oxford or Harper Collins.
To register and for more information, visit: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NTcxNzNiOTQtOWZhOC00YTQ4LThmZDYtYWEwODAxMTYyNWEy.
Passover Seder Our Passover Seder will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at 6:00 PM in Fletcher Hall. All are welcome to attend! Let’s get together for an evening to celebrate our freedom and the hope of emancipation of all peoples! Food, drink and a won-derful Passover service will help us reflect together about our past and to think about our future. We will need specific food donations and assistance from all who participate. The cost will be $15 per adult (ages 13 & up) and $6 per child (ages 5 thru 12). Please register here: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTc4ZGMwNmEtOTQ0ZS00M2NjLTk5NGUtYWEwZTAxMTVmZDM0 Please RSVP no later than April 17, 2019. Please see Hilary Fandel during Connection Cafe on March 31, April 7, and April 14, 2019 or contact Hilary at [email protected] or (973) 652-4163 if you have any questions.
North Jersey Safe Space Drop in! LGBTQ+ Youth Drop in at UUCM is a new community offering for youth ages 11 to 17 that will run the sec-ond Sunday a month from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Tomlinson Room during the school year. Youth are welcomed to gather for crafts, snacks and social support on April 14, May 12 and June 9, 2019. The purpose is to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in our community that fosters resilience and equity. Join us, bring your friends, be you! “Drop in.” For more info, email [email protected].
Save the Date! The Annual Meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Con-gregation at Montclair will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019, from 11:00 to 12:30 PM in our Sanctuary. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Our Monthly MESH Collection Our MESH Collection has shifted from “2nd Sunday” of every month to “5th Sunday.” When there is a month with 5 Sundays there will be just one collec-tion at each service, and MESH will get the entire collection. Our next 5th Sunday collection will be on June 30, 2019. Every penny received is used to buy food for the guests. No exceptions. Thank you so much to everyone who contributes to UUCM MESH via the UU collection, donations in honor or memory of an event or person, or out of extreme generosity. For more infor-mation, please contact David Bronstein ([email protected]). Clothing donations for MESH: We will be distributing clothing on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Clothing must be: GENTLY used, no stains/rips/broken zippers/missing buttons/odors, folded and in small plastic or pa-per bags (large garbage bags will not be accepted). As always, we need adult sleeping bags and socks. Donations can be made at the Connections Café on Sundays or at MESH on Wednesdays from 5-7pm ONLY; please do not drop off donations at any other time. Please email Cindy Carlson ([email protected]) if you have questions, want to make other arrangements (she’s happy to pick up) or want to confirm a Sunday donation.
MEMBERSHIP CORNER
Newcomer Connections Our Newcomer Connections will be held on Sunday, April 7, 2019 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM in the Alliance Room. Membership Team member will be present at the Welcome Table to meet guests. You will know them by the "Newcomer's Connection" sign. Are you new to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair? Are you visiting or "Congregation Shopping" for yourself or your family? Do you want to know a bit more about our con-gregation and the Unitarian Universalist tradition? Join with one of our ministers and other newcomers to for a short, honest, in-depth conversation. All of your questions will be honored. Childcare is available in our Nursery. Children age 12 and above are welcome to participate. RSVP with our Administrator Danielle Carlo for either or both classes.
Pathway to Membership Class Join us on April 13, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM as we deepen our understanding of the intricacies of the UU tradition as well as the complexity of our congregational life. We will gather for bagels at 9:45 AM. Please RSVP: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=NjcxNjkwMGUtNjJhMy00YzQ1LWFiYzEtYTlmMzAxMzdkY2M0
New Member Signing Ceremony We will be having a signing ceremony at both services on Sunday, April 14 ,2019. Those wishing to join UUCM are invited to contact Rev. Anya ([email protected]). Membership at UUCM is available to those who have participated in the Pathways to Membership class or another comparable learning experience. We also extend an invitation to those who have joined UUCM but have yet to be recognized in a public ceremony.
New Member Covenant Group Brand New to UUCM, or new in the past few years? Join a welcoming group of other newcomers for a New Mem-ber Covenant Group co-facilitated by Rev. Anya and other relative newcomers. This group is for new members and visitors who wish to know the congregation better. The current group will meet next on April 23, 2019 at 6:15 PM in the Alliance Room (enter thru the red door on the driveway side of the building; one of the co-facilitators will be there to open the door and welcome you in). This is the third New Member Covenant Group for our con-gregation! Please RSVP to Rev. Anya ([email protected]) if you wish to attend.
Book Discussion from our Undoing Racism Committee
The Undoing Racism Committee at UUCM invites you to participate in a three-part discussion group on the book "White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo in Alliance Room on Thursdays, May 2, 16, and 30, 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Books will be available for sale (and two for loan) on Sundays during Connection Cafe. As UUs, we are willing to have deep discussions about racism. DiAngelo writes, "[we are still] affected by the forces of racism as a member of society in which racism is the bedrock . . . If we want to challenge this construct, we must make an honest ac-counting of how it is manifest in our own lives and in the society around us.” Register at: https://onrealm.org/uumontclair/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=M2JhZDg1M2ItMWY2OS00YjcyLThhOTYtYWEwODAxMTQ2Mjg4
For more information, contact the URC at [email protected].
UUCM Sacred Wheel (CUUPS) The next UUCM Sacred Wheel (CUUPS—Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) meeting will be on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Mortenson Room. We will be working on putting together our Beltaine (May Day) celebration. Ideas are welcome. This is open to all Earth-based paths and anyone interested. For more information on CUUPS, visit cuups.org. For more information on UUCM Sacred Wheel, email Ann Trip at [email protected]. UUCM Sacred Wheel (CUUPS) will be hosting a Beltaine (May Day) Celebration on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Rotunda. Beltaine also known as May Day is a Gaelic festival. It is most commonly held on May 1, which is the halfway point between the Ostara, the spring equinox and Litha, the summer solstice. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information on the event, email Ann Trip at [email protected]. All are welcome.
Our New Mirrors and Windows Covenant Group On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, we will be offering a new theme-based covenant group. Our monthly themes will be the discussion at each meeting. UUCM members Nancy and Tim Franklin will be facilitat-ing the group. Our first meeting will be from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Alliance Room. Future meetings will be held at members’ homes. For more information, reach out to Tim and Nancy Franklin at: [email protected] .
Child Dedications at our Congregation are sched-uled on Sunday, April 21, 2019 (Easter). Rather than provide baptisms or christenings, UU's offer child dedication ceremonies for infants and children. Child dedications are opportunities to bless the new life of the child, express the parent or parents' hopes for the child and express the congregation's commitment to support and nurture for the child. Email Rev. Anya to reserve your space.
You Can Reduce Your Use: News from our Earth Justice Team From Hilary Fandel and Silke Springorum on behalf of the Earth Justice Team
Happy Spring from the Earth Justice Team! We would like to invite you to sign up for the Spring for Change- A Season of Sacred Activism initiative from the UU Ministry for Earth (www.uumfe.org/resources/earth-day) for inspiration into balanced action. This ties in with our sharing the synopsis of two more chapters of the book Justice on Earth:
Drawing on the Deep Waters: Contemplative Practice in Justice Mak-ing. As practicing U.U.s, one of our missions is to take action on behalf of justice and the greater good. We don’t really have a specific reli-gious consensus, no real dogma to spew out. But we articulate our faith through actions. Yet inner ‘work’ (spiritual practices) is as neces-sary as this outer work. A ‘spiritual practice’ can be a walk in a park, playing a musical instrument, anything…these spiritual practices have 3 essential ingredients: intention, attention, and repetition. Here are 5 reasons to dedicate ourselves to spiritual practice: 1. Spiritual practices ground us in something bigger than ourselves (we are humbly only a part of a mysterious whole) 2. Spiritual practices help us stay in the present moment (they quiet the noise in our heads so we can focus on the reality of what is going
on in front of us) 3. Spiritual practices cultivate the qualities we most want to bring forward: generosity, compassion, for-giveness, courage, steadfastness, kindness 4. Spiritual practices remind us that the things we want to change in the world also exist in ourselves (we need to be willing to change ourselves) 5. Spiritual practices help sustain us through confusion and despair (change takes a long time and a lot of work; we need to feel hopeful) And Learning to Change: Immersion Learning and Climate Justice. The author suggests the participation in a quality immersion program at the site of the affected area to become real agents for change. After the program has ended, we must: 1. Always work with a partner organization made up of the people who are directly affected 2. Focus on justice rather than service 3. Use a study framework before, during, and after the program 4. Ground the program and participants in reflection and spiritual practices
Please, join us for our next conversation about the book Justice on Earth on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 7:30 PM in the Rotunda. Come if you are interested- having read the book is helpful but not essential.
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Silke at [email protected].
UU FaithAction to Hold its Annual Meeting at UUCM Chuck Collins to be the Keynote Speaker UU FaithAction NJ will be holding its Annual “Plenary” Meeting at UUCM on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. UUCM, as a mem-ber congregation of FaithAction, will be represented by delegates, who will vote on the annual budget, elect members of the Board of Trustees, and conduct other business. One of the highlights of the meeting will be a keynote address by Chuck Collins. Chuck Collins is the author of Born on Third Base and is a leading activist and thinkers on solving inequality and working towards the common good in America. He has been described as having “the heart of an agitator and the soul of a storyteller. Faith-Action is exited to present this compelling speaker. Faith Action is the only state wide UU organization in New Jersey and coordinates UU social action across the state. The meeting will include reports on both the significant accomplishments of the past years and the plans for the coming year. Come to the conference and learn what issues UUCM has had a role in pursuing. Please contact Nick Lewis ([email protected]) for more information.
UU-UNO Intergenerational Spring Seminar With a deep passion for and commitment to international human rights, youth and adults from all over North America gather an-nually for our three day seminar to dig deeply into issues with global impact. The intergenerational seminar is an opportunity to collaborate with others while learning how to be a global activist. Through workshops, peer and expert-led panel discussions, com-munity building activities, and worship services, participants un-dergo a transformative process of learning, reflection, and growth as we explore some of the most challenging issues facing humanity today. Registration for the 2019 Seminar is now open. Register at: https://www.uua.org/international-justice/un/spring-seminar/register The 2019 Seminar will be April 11-13, in New York City. The Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU-UNO) is excited to be partnering with the UU College of Social Justice on this event! Programming during the Intergenerational Spring Seminar is interactive, encouraging participants to reflect on how the topics addressed affect them in their lives, their spirituality, and how they are called to respond. Moving from ideas to concrete action, participants will learn tools and skills to help them with future collaboration and activism. Each person will participate in an intergenerational Collaboration Group, touching base periodically throughout the seminar to reflect on and process the issues discussed.
UUCM Talk & Tour Have you ever been curious to learn a bit more about UUCM? Join us for our Talk and Tour on the second Sunday of the month after each service. Our next T&T will be on April 14, 2019. Come to learn more about our UU history, beliefs and values along with discovering our beautiful Sanctuary and buildings. Meet us by the fireplace in the Narthex after each service!
1. Often you may see postings for UUA high school cons for youth grades 9 to 12: Social cons provide a safe space for UU youth to meet other youth and explore their religious identity. At cons, UU youth from different congregations come together for a weekend of worship, workshops, and fun! Registration and info at: https://www.uua.org/central-east/events/youth/ Follow our congregations Facebook page for how to register!
2. MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH, Grades 6, 7 & 8: SAVE THE DATE for April 6, 2019: Some of our middle school UUCM youth in 6th, 7th or 8th grades are spending 24 hours at a campsite with oth-er Unitarian middle school youth from around the tri state area. Twice a year (early autumn and spring) the Metro NY region of the UUA hosts a 24 hour retreat or CON that is filled with other regional UU middle school youth, games, sports, music and much more. It is a 24 hour program, packed with fun. In addition to wel-coming all UUCM middle school youth, some of our UUCM senior youth serve as conference leaders. This event will take place 9 am on Saturday, April 6, 2019 and ends 8 am on Sunday April 7 at the Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation in White Plains, NY. This event is for youth in grades 6 through 8 from Metro NY UU congregations. Follow this website for ongoing information: https://www.uua.org/central-east/youth/jrhigh. UUCM parent Anneliese Scherfen is our anchor to support middle school youth to learn more about UUA Jr Youth CONS and to help parents get questions answered. Please contact her at [email protected]. For questions about general Jr Youth event programming contact Denice Tomlinson at [email protected].
3. YAC YAC YAC--what's that? YAC is the YOUTH ADULT COMMITTEE of the Metro NY Region of the UUA. YAC is open to all high school youth (and adults) who seek to support youth programming and engagement and support regional learning with working cons, social cons and chaplain training for youth. The final YAC meeting open to all is May 18, 2019. These YAC meetings offer tools for planning events, team building and youth leadership in our region. All are welcome and find out more! https://www.uua.org/central-east/events/youth
4. Announcing Central East Region's NEW summer immersion program River Rising for youth ages 13 to 18! This program builds on the best of our former Goldmine program for a transformational experience for UU youth ages 13-18. Please encourage youth in your lives to check it out and sign up! At River Rising Youth will spend a week creating community and learning to care for that community spiritually, pastorally and physically. They will have conversations about how Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist values influence their own sense of purpose and work on articulating their own faith based values. We’ll approach leadership as a continu-al process of self reflection, group processing and practice work. And we’ll have a lot fun just hanging out and playing together!
The school is taught by pairs of youth and adult co-trainers. Youth co-trainers are former Goldmine students. A typical day at River Rising will consist of youth lead worships, silent reflection time, small group discussions, team based cooking projects, games and activities to teach leadership skills, and of course necessary free time.
To attend River Rising youth should be entering grades 9-12 the following school year (having just graduated grades 8-11) or the equivalent home school age 13-18. Youth outside that range who wish to attend Goldmine should contact Evin Carvill-Ziemer, [email protected]. Central PA July 28-August 3, 2019 or Schenectady NY August 18-24, 2019 https://www.uua.org/central-east/youth/goldmine?fbclid=IwAR3AS9pLqrcjhPl95Ng3X7ElUT6pzSt7QNPJPECP0e3cUY0va_wqRVIDEPY 5 Fun Family Camps can be found in weekend formats or full weeks. A full list is at http://uuaccc.org/ The purpose is to foster and promote the success, growth and well-being of Unitarian Universalist camps, re-treat and conference centers. We recognize and embrace the crucial importance of fostering connections among Unitarian Universalists beyond the walls of our congregations. Several families from UUCM have at-tended Ferry Beach, Murray Grove, Rowe Center and Unirondack. A full list is available at http://uuaccc.org/ Share your own experience on our UUMontclair Facebook page or UUCM group page!
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT WITH UUA PROGRAMS AROUND OUR REGION
To share a remembrance during Sunday services ,you will find a small table with candles and remembrances book by the Chancel. Please write any joy or sorrow you have in the book, light a candle, and indi-cate whether you want your remembrance shared or kept private. Sharing Remembrances in Worship works best when we share our souls’ yearnings with the worship leader before Sunday morning. To have your request read aloud during the pastoral prayer, email: [email protected] by Thursday. If you would prefer not to have your concern read aloud, email your name, address, phone number to [email protected] and explain your situation or concern.
Sunday
Remembrances
• Sarah Scalet lit a candle on behalf of the areas in the Midwest affected by flooding, especially Nebraska and South Dakota, the home states of her and her husband, Ted Hunter .
• Dionne Ford Kurtti lit a candle of appreciation and thanks for Revs. Anya and Scott and her UU family that came to her pan-el on March 23, 2019 at the Montclair Literary Festival.
• Michael Mernin lit a candle of joy in celebration of his parents’ 68th anniversary. • Dawn Harmon lit a candle of sorrow for grandmother, mother, aunt and wife, Eileen Mohr, who will be remembered for her
grace and love. She passed away on March 23, 2019 after a yearlong battle with dementia. • Pat Preblick lit a candle of hope for the Snyder family of Glen Ridge who have been displaced from their home after a fire on
March 20, 2018. Pat also lit a candle of sorrow in remembrance of her friend and neighbor, Shalini Mohan who recently died of brain cancer.
• Tim Franklin's mother has passed away. She was a beautiful and loving soul, and though Alzheimer’s had taken much toll over the last decade, her vibrant spirit was evident to the end. Please hold Tim and the Franklin family in your hearts.
• Doug Andrews and Pat Preblick lit a candle of remembrance for their friend and neighbor, Glenn Schnack, who passed away from colon cancer at the age of 49. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage children. Doug would like to remind those of us who are 45 years and older not to put off getting checked for colorectal cancer.
• Congregation member, Matt Silverman’s father, Al Silverman, died on March 10, 2019 after months of failing health. Al was a loving husband to Rosa, father-in-law to Nancy, and grandfather to Jonathan, Erin, and Emma. A successful writer, editor, and publisher, Al was a mentor and guiding light to his three sons and a family-man to the end. He will be missed.
• Teresa DeSousa lit a candle of grief for her cousin, Claire Bala, who passed away last on March 3, 2019 from cancer. Claire was born with developmental challenges and lost her dad at a young age, but she thrived under the care of her mother, and later her two brothers who cared for her with unparalleled devotion, especially during her last days.
• Beth McGrain lit a candle for her Aunt Cindy who passed away on March 3, 2019. Beth also lit a candle because 23 years ago on March 10, 2019 she received the wonderful gift of her son, Aiden Connor David Braun. He has brought her so much joy and she couldn’t be more proud of his success as a teacher and a musician.
• Patty Dow asks that we keep her husband Tom Vultee in our hearts as he underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tu-mor on March 11, 2019. She shares her gratitude for the love and support of this community.
• Elaine Gibson shares remembrances for Arlene Hall and Mhain McDonald. For her friends from early children, Arlene lost her mother on March 9, 2019 after many months with leukemia and for Mary who lost her father earlier in March 2019 af-ter a long illness. Please send loving thoughts to her friends.
• Tim and Jen Kaywork ask for prayers to their family for Jen’s mother for a peaceful and painless passing as she enters her last days. Tim also lit a remembrance for Alexis Ordonez and her family who were awaiting test results to see if her cancer is clear. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers for positive news.
• We lit a candle for Sandra West, mother of Ghana Hylton and mother-in-law to Wil Hylton. Her life was celebrated in loving memory on March 8, 2019. She will be dearly missed.
• Visitor Shayna Cook lit a candle in remembrance of Bobby "Gramps" Steele. • Wayne Foti lit a candle for his father Anthony Michael Foti who passed away one year ago on February 20, 2018 in Nash-
ville at the age of 97; he would have turned 99 on March 3rd. He was a war hero being a Navy Soldier in Guam during WWII. He is missed so much. Please pray and remember his Dad as a great and loving parent.
• We keep Rev. John Mennell in our prayers. Rev. Mennell is an Episcopal priest at St. Luke’s. His house caught fire on March 2, 2019; no one was injured and Father Mennell is grateful for all that was saved.
• Jennifer Rittner offers a remembrance for her friend’s dad, Joseph Monte. Joe was one of the kindest most generous kind-est people she has ever known and we will always remember him with joy and love.
• Tom Parente lit a candle of sorrow remembrance for Joseph Flummerfelt, the former music director of the Westminster Choral College. His countless recordings will continue his spirit here on earth.
• We lit a candle of healing for Rebecca Lutzy who was hit by a car while crossing Bloomfield Avenue.
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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION AT MONTCLAIR 67 Church Street, Montclair NJ 07042
DATED MATERIAL ~ PLEASE EXPEDITE
APRIL 2019 WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday, April 7, 2019 (9:30 & 11:15 AM)
“Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts” Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
Tuning in to practices that encourage our embrace of wholeness, both personally and in our relationships.
Sunday, April 14, 2019 (9:30 & 11:15 AM)
“Palm Sunday—A Testimonial from the Past and the Present” Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael
In this Palm Sunday testimony, following the work of black theologian James Cone, we grapple with the reality of suffering and the promise of redemption.
Sunday, April 21, 2019 (9:30 & 11:15 AM)
“Missa Gaia” Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael
Sunday, April 28, 2019 (9:30 & 11:15 AM)
“The Ecological Vision of the Ten Commandments” Rev. Ana Levy-Lyons with the Earth Justice Team