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The Unitarian Universalists of the Chester River strongly supports individual spiritual growth. We have a Sunday service along with active adult and children religious education programs. We are an intentionally liberal and diverse community seeking to aid each other's individual spiritual growth. We value openness, community, growth and relationships.

It is the mission of the UUCR to foster liberal religious ideals through public worship, study, service, and fellowship; to provide a public forum to address religious, ethical, and moral issues; to support individual freedom of belief and caring human relationships; to become an intentionally diverse community; and to engage in promoting a just and humane social order.

Please join us. Sunday service is at 10:00 AM on Sundays.

Sunday Services 

May 19, Rev. Mary Garner, “Young Visitors and Old Dreams: The Coming of the Spirit.” This sermon is based on the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21 and will tie into a Coming of Age Ceremony for two of our youngsters, which will be held as a part of the service.
Rev. Garner is a graduate of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. She served as Assistant Rector at Church of the Epiphany and chaplain/ social service director at Tucker House in Norfolk, Virginia, and as Associate Rector at Christ Church, St. Michaels. Currently, she is the chaplain at Heron Point and a member of the Chester River Ministers Association. Mary lives with her husband Geoff in Easton. They have two daughters, Madeline, 21, who is a junior at St. John's College in Annapolis and Adele, 17, who is a junior at Westtown School in West Chester, PA.

Religious education for youngsters and childcare for infants and toddlers will be provided during the service. Join us for a morning of inspiration and hope for the future.

May 26, Rev. Dr. David Newell, “Gauguin’s Catechism.” In his student days, celebrated artist Paul Gauguin took a class in Catholic liturgy with the Bishop of Orleans.  The catechism used in this class posed three fundamental questions designed to lead young minds to a proper spiritual reflection on the nature of life. These questions will provide the basis for a reflection on our own individual lives, as well as on the life of a religious community.

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER SESSIONS!

In June we begin our more informal summer discussion format; our first speaker will be Dr. Steve Wolin, whose topic is “Forgiveness.”  Check out the whiteboard and add your name!

A Note about Our Sunday Services: We will now be offering the special opportunity of chalice lighting to adults on three Sundays per month.  Volunteers are most welcome – please see Annie Lavin.

THIS WEEK AT UUCR

Fri, May 17, 6:00 PM, home of Alice and Bill Lindsay – Pot Luck Dinner. 

OTHER MEETINGS/EVENTS COMING TO UUCR

Tue, May 21, 9 AM at UUCR – Social Justice / Social Concerns Committee Meeting.  (Note date change.)

Tues, May 21, 7 PM at UUCR – PFLAG and Welcoming Congregation Meeting. The main program will be guests from neighboring school districts discussing their anti-bullying programs. As always, walk-ins are welcome and group support is available.

Sat, May 25, Chestertown Tea Party – CREATE A JOY FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OUR CHURCH ON TEA PARTY DAY! Come out and meet the masses at our busy UUCR “Lemon Sticks” booth on Saturday, May 25th.  We need your help to make this a continued success.  Please volunteer a few hours of your time to make, sell, converse, collect money, and have fun!  The sign-up sheet is on the whiteboard in the lobby.  Sign up now, or call Jolene or Don L'Tainen at 410-639-7714 or 610-283-6833 if you have questions.


MINISTERIAL OFFICE HOURS

David Newell, our new Minister, will hold hour by appointment.  For more info contact Dr. Newell at 410-708-3740 or at dnewell965@gmail.com, or leave a message at 410-778-3440.  
STILL WANTED!
We are still looking to hire a part-time elementary school teacher! It is a fun job and a great way to connect with our UUCR youth. If you are interested or know someone that may be please write or call me.
Smiles,
Shannon Smulow, 720-840-6355,  Shannon.Smulow@gmail.com

=============== Coming Events ===============

Pot Luck Dinners: Fri, May 17, 6:00 PM, home of Alice and Bill Lindsay

Sat, May 25, Chestertown Tea Party – CREATE A JOY FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OUR CHURCH ON TEA PARTY DAY! Come out and meet the masses at our busy UUCR “Lemon Sticks” booth on Saturday, May 25th.  We need your help to make this a continued success.  Please volunteer a few hours of your time to make, sell, converse, collect money, and have fun!  The sign-up sheet is on the whiteboard in the lobby.  Sign up now, or call Jolene or Don L'Tainen at 410-639-7714 or 610-283-6833 if you have questions.

 LOTS OF HELPING HANDS WEBSITE:

 See Linda Dutton or visit https://caringconnections.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/13819/

EXPERIENCE UU THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD There are several openings this coming year in Children’s Religious Education working with both the elementary and middle school groups.  If you’ve ever wondered how to articulate what UU is all about, teaching children will give you the tools you need!  We are lining up an exciting series of active and engaging curriculums including some from the new UUA “Tapestry of Faith” Lifespan Education series.   

Note:  All volunteers must adhere to UUCR’s Child Safety Policy, including consent to background checks.

Choir Schedule

Sun, May 19, 8:30 AM at UUCR – Choir Practice

WANTED:  EVEN MORE SINGERS!

The UUCR choir invites you to join us in our musical pleasure.  We rehearse Sunday mornings at 8:30 AM as well as an occasional evening.  

Only able to commit for the short-term?  Contact Phil Dutton.  We may be able to accommodate your needs.  Can't read music?  Contact Phil.  Enjoy singing in the car or the shower?  Contact Phil.  We want you!  Please call Phil at 443.480.3134 or email him at Philip.dutton@gmail.com.

WE ENCOURAGE ALL TO JOIN IN OUR ENJOYABLE MUSICAL EXPERIENCES! 
Please contact Phil Dutton or any choir member if you are interested in singing with the choir.

On Display at UUCR

Our friend Jayne Bellows is displaying her landscape oil paintings at UUCR for April and May. We welcome Jayne's talent to capture and reflect the beautiful area we live in. More information about the paintings and Jayne can be found in our Art Book in the foyer and at Jaynebellowsart.com..  

Reminder

Please remember to support UUCR through the purchase of Acme and Fresh and Greens grocery cards and Fair Trade food products from Equal Exchange.  Check out these products on Sunday - look for them near the door to our wonderful new deck!