THIS SUNDAY: It’s More Complicated Than That, a service led by our UUFA President Brian Richards – In this conversation we’ll explore cognitive shortcuts and common tactics we all (intentionally and unintentionally) use to create othering, tribalization, and dehumanization. The purpose is 1) to expand our hearts, and 2) to enhance our ability to engage in meaningful dialogue around disagreements.
We are in the midst of our annual pledge drive. Pledge forms are available at fellowship during the next three Sundays, and one is attached to this newsletter far below. CHECK IT OUT: The NEW section of our pledge form titled, “Time, Treasures, and Talents.” Yes, it’s time to show your generosity and appreciation for Unitarian Universalism and our UUFA. Thank you!
WHY I PLEDGE by Susan Westenbarger
There are many reasons I pledge to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, but let me focus on this one right now: “Different Beliefs, Shared Values”
A couple of Sundays ago we heard from a panel of members and friends of different faith traditions (paganism, Zen Buddhism, pantheism.) I learned so much from the words and wisdom shared by these speakers. It was a beautiful, living representation of our 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We all have stories to tell about our journeys and how we came to be who and where we are right now. We may believe all sorts of things and follow diverse spiritual paths,
But our UU Principles give us a shared set of values–a foundation upon which to build our Fellowship and our lives and our relationships within the world at large. This valuable gift deserves to be honored with all the Time, Talent, and Treasure that we can muster.
Please join me in pledging a portion of your financial resources to UUFA so that we can continue to grow and share our values in spite of (no! because of) our different beliefs.
OUR CHILDREN’S PROGRAM – Our children will continue to make plans for the resurrection of an old annual tradition of the Fellowship: the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. NEWS: On Sunday March 31st, in advance of Mother’s Day, the children will plant something special for their mothers, but shhh! It’s a secret.
UUFA ANNUAL MEETING: All members please mark your calendars for our annual meeting on Sunday, April 14th. Details TBA.
CHOIR is cancelled this week. Choir will resume on Tuesday, March 26th.
JOIN OTHER UUFA MEMBERS starting TOMORROW March 20-21st for MEASURING RACIAL EQUALITY: A GROUNDWATER APPROACH. Sponsored by Athens Foundation the ore information below in the flyer below. Join with community stakeholders and civic leaders for a workshop and deep dive training led by the Racial Equity Institute of Greensboro, NC. The intensive presentation on historical, institutional and systemic racism challenge deeply-held assumptions and reveal—with sobering clarity—the devastating impacts of persistent racial inequality on our nation’s most marginalized populations. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Visit http://bit.ly/reiathens to register and for more information. On March 20th, there will be a free three hour workshop held at Ohio University.A deep dive training will be offered on March 21st at Stuarts Opera House. The cost is $50 and lunch is included. Measuring Racial Equity: A Groundwater Approach is supported by the Athens County Foundation, Athens City Schools, City of Athens, OhioHealth, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thank you to Susan W. for bringing this event to our attention. See PDF far below for details.
WEEKLY GREEN TIP: The Earth Justice Network of environmental committees from various Athens area churches is encouraging us to publish a weekly green tip in our “Greensheet” newsletter. Here’s our fourth green tip, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/green-tips:
“Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity.”
TIME TO BECOME A MEMBER? If you’ve been thinking it might be time to deepen your relationship with UUFA, please plan to sit with our minister, Rev. Don Rollins during our next Sunday potluck on April 14th. He’s planning to welcome newcomers at our potluck Sundays. You can contact him via: donaldlrollins@gmail.com or 740-988-7834
FUTURE SUNDAYS:
Mar. 31st – Longtime Southeast Ohio Legal Services Attorney and First Unitarian Church of Marietta member Robin Bozian will speak with us.
April 7th – Athens County Commissioner Chris Chmiel will speak with us.
April 14th – Rev. Don Rollins & Monthly Potluck & OUR ANNUAL MEETING
April 21st – Music Sunday with the UUFA Choir and Easter Egg Hunt! To volunteer, contact Megan or Wenda.
April 28th – Beltane/May Day Service led by Katie Evans
May 5th – Athens Mayor Steve Patterson will speak with us.
August 11th – Susan Westenbarger will speak with us.
HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR THE GREENSHEET Please email items to wendasheard@yahoo.com and put “Greensheet” in the subject line. New ideas, new columns, announcements, artwork, photographs, biographies, joys, sorrows, birthdays, anniversaries, and whatnot all welcome for possible inclusion in the Greensheet. Deadline for each week: Midnight Monday. Thanks!
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