The Social Justice Ministry Team is proud to announce that UUCM has become a member of the Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative. Beacon’s collaborative involves over 90 Metro area Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations, as well as two other UU churches, in working toward the goal of ensuring that everyone has a home. Continue reading →
Mid-Week Ministers’ Message 4/22/20
The UUCM interim ministry team will now be sharing a weekly pastoral message on Wednesdays. Rev. Meg, Rev. Terri and Arif will take turns writing or recording a video. This replaces Friday’s “In the Interim” post from the troika. The Friday Update email will continue to go out with events, announcements, news, and board updates. This week’s post is offered by Rev. Meg.
Dear friends,
How are you? I mean, really, how are you? It’s easy to say, “Fine.” It’s easy to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads, food to eat, toilet paper, no violence in our home, enough money that we’re not scared about surviving. (If these descriptors are not true for you, please reach out to a minister immediately for help!)
But really, we’re not. We’re under a huge amount of stress, as this physical isolation becomes a new normal, and we read the news about the thousands of people dying, and we watch many government officials who are dangerously out of touch with science, as we watch business people who prioritize money over human life, as we watch unsafe practices from our neighbors and loved ones, as we understand the disproportionate share of the burden which, once more, poor people and people of color are bearing for us all. We’re not fine.
Monday I had my first complete day off from both churches for over a month. To my surprise, despite my to do list, I didn’t get out of bed till 3 PM! I feel fine now, but my body needed to collapse from the weight of the grief and stress of this time. I encourage you to respect your body’s needs similarly in this time.
Recently I read a list of descriptions of life under stress which gave me pause. A facebook post from a colleague asked, Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
And then offered this list… Continue reading →
An Encore Performance
Please enjoy this encore recording from last Sunday’s service. The song is Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar, performed by our very own UUCM Virtual Choir, directed by Paul Winchester. Thanks to the following UUCM members and friends for sharing your gift with us during this time when our hearts need it most!
Rebecca Aadland, Malia Brandt, Sam Brandt, Maggie Houska, Shelley Kyriagis, Jim Pace, Leah Rodmyre, Emily Rosengren, Lisa Stevens, Kathy Stuebner and Brian Zais.
Announcing a Staff Update
The Interim Ministry Team is delighted to announce that Jennifer Swick’s position is no longer acting. She is now your Director of Family Ministries! Jennifer’s approach to the faith formation of our young people is creative and heart-filled. She supports UUCM’s families and teachers with care and attention. Jennifer is a joy to work with, and this shift will provide continuity for UUCM and its new minister. Jennifer had this to say about the news:
“I am thrilled to hear this decision! From early on in my time at UUCM, I have felt a deep affection for the community and a strong passion for the work. My opportunity to do Family Ministry at UUCM is one of the greatest blessings of my life. I eagerly look forward to our continued work, nurturing faith and developing the ministry together.”
Please join us in congratulating Jennifer and offering gratitude for everyone who brings such love and commitment to our children and youth.
Mid-Week Ministers’ Message 4/15/20
The UUCM interim ministry team will now be sharing a weekly pastoral message on Wednesdays. Rev. Meg, Rev. Terri and Arif will take turns writing or recording a video. This replaces Friday’s “In the Interim” post from the troika. The Friday Update email will continue to go out with events, announcements, news, and board updates.
Dear UUCM Friends,
What a month it’s been! Who could have imagined on Valentine’s Day how profoundly life would change for all of us by St. Patrick’s Day? And as we look towards future markers on the calendar, uncertainty looms. All we know for sure is that more change is coming.
It has been wonderful to see this community rise to the occasion. You have checked in with one another, reached out to those who live alone or are more vulnerable to COVID 19, celebrated daily accomplishments and witnessed daily trials for one another.
For the three of us, when we see beloved faces begin to appear on the Zoom screen at worship each week, our hearts melt a bit. How wonderful that each square on the screen is filled with the face and name of someone to whom we feel so profoundly connected! As we get more proficient with technology, more of you offer your gifts and talents, as always, to offer experiences grounded in love and beauty for the community, whether in worship, religious education, or social justice work. Continue reading →
UUCM Happenings 