Yes, There is a Plan
Rev. Kim Wildszewski

Because I am a religious professional, I can typically recite Sunday dates for at least three months in advance. Living by the week makes time go quickly. If it’s September that means I’m late to plan Hanging of the Greens, to getting Caryl my theme for Christmas Eve, to setting up the new year Staff Retreat schedule. If it’s July, there are only weeks (weeks!) to Flower Communion in September, to thinking about the End of Year gift… You get the picture.

It’s been a double whammy this church year as each Sunday that passes also marks another week closer to our second child’s birth. There is hope and curiosity, a healthy dose of fear, and also trust as the weeks go by. I sense some of that in some of you, too, as you hear how close we are to the due date.  As a reminder, the baby is due on March 28. And yes, there is a plan. Read more…

Rev. Kim can be reached at minister@uucwc.org.

Crossing  Paths
Andrea Kalb, Children’s Religious Education Teacher

How do we as Unitarian Universalists address the problem of separation from each other? How do Jewish people address the problem of exile? And how do Christians of all denominations address the problem of sin? Ask one of our current 6th- or 7th-graders taking part in this year’s Crossing Paths Children’s Religious Education class and they might be able to give you an answer.  Read more…

During Robin’s sabbatical, members of the sabbatical team – Sonia Hardaway, Jenn Rehbein, Wendy Stasolla and Dan Tuft – can be reached at sabbatical@uucwc.org.

Choirs Bring a ‘Heart Connection’ – Part One

Caryl Tipton, Director, Music Ministry

Have you noticed a new addition to Crossings II in the Order of Service, ”Our Music Today”? Inspired by the work being done through Beloved Conversations and the Racial Justice Initiative Praxis Group, I wanted to provide the congregation with information about the music chosen for services, the reasons why it is chosen and the background and diversity of composers, lyricists and musicians.  Read more…

Caryl can be reached at music@uucwc.org.

Curiosity Hasn’t Killed This Cat

Sue Flynn, Ministerial Intern

Thinking about living the UU theology, one of the pieces of being a part of the living tradition is the encouragement to have a questioning heart. The fifth principle supports that All Voices Matter, and dissent is a healthy part of community, while in our fourth Principle, we are all encouraged in a free and responsible search for meaning in our lives. I am thankful that my UU mother and congregational community growing up taught me the power of questioning.  Read more…

Sue can be reached at intern@uucwc.org.

From your Board of Trustees

How Decisions are Made at UUCWC

Pete Rafle, Vice President, Board of Trustees

It has come to our attention that the working of the UUCWC Board of Trustees is something of a mystery to many of our members. Our community has steadily grown in the past three years so this is a good time to explain to members, both new and old, how the decision making process actually works. The “system” of governance used at UUCWC is known as Policy Based Governance.  Read more…

You can contact the board at board@uucwc.org.

Update from the Racial Justice Initiative Praxis Group, February 2018

Dan Tuft, Co-Chair, Racial Justice Initiative

5. Theological Reflection. The congregation sees racial justice work as a natural expression their tradition’s values and beliefs, can articulate a theology of racial justice, and are able to evaluate issues and actions through the lens of their faith.

The above assessment point was the focus of our December 2017 Praxis Group meeting and it gives me the opportunity to remind all of us of an important point.  Read more…

The ARE Path at UUCWC – Winter/Spring 2018
by Susan Colket

Our adult religious education (ARE) programs are a natural way to navigate our lives as Unitarian Universalists. At the final session of the first Coming Into Connection program last month, Steve Saddlemire, captured this as he shared his experience as a CIC participant, “You come to church when you are new and you really don’t know a lot about UU-ism. You like the services, the people are nice but it takes effort to find your path. You are not given rules on how to do this. It’s not easy. This is a path. This is a journey.” This winter and spring, ARE offers four programs for our journey.  Read more…

Save the Dates

February 11, Middle Hour

One-act play: Bus Stop

February 11, 3:00pm

Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five swing and blues concert. Come at 2:00pm for a swing dance lesson sponsored by the Community Building Ministry!

February 17, 9:30am

Workshop: What White People Can Do About Racism

February 17, 7pm

Cosmic Crossings Movie Night

February 18, 12:30pm
ARE¹s Soul Matters Discussion Group

February 18, 1:00pm
From UU FaithAction NJ:  “Know Her Truths” a panel discussion about life in prison for women in NJ. Hosted by UU Congregation of Monmouth Co.  Details and registration info.

February 23, 6:30pm
Racial Justice Iniative Film Night

February 25, 12:00pm

2nd Annual Chili Cook-off

February 25, 12:30pm
ARE¹s Coming Into Connection begins (registration deadline is Feb. 21)

March 4, 12:30pm
White Supremacy Teach-In

March 7, 1:00pm
ARE¹s Genesis Study begins

March 10, 2:00pm

UUCWC hosts UU FaithAction NJ’s 4th Annual MUUsic Fest

Racial Justice Initiative Calendar

UUs Unite: General Assembly is Coming!

by Holly Bussey, Chair, Denominational Affiars

Genral Assembly is four days when UUs from all over gather. It’s an opportunity to learn, to open your hearts, to worship. This year’s GA is June 20-24.  Read more…

The Endowment Committee is pleased to announce that earnings in 2017 were sufficient to allow for a limited amount of grant funding. Application deadline is March 11.  Details here.

Appropriate Use of Social Media

by Christine Lynch, Right Relations Committee

“I wish I could take that back!”

Have you ever had that thought moments after you hit send on a social media site? Read more…

With sunny, warm weather right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about a GROUNDS SPRING CLEANING!  Volunteers are needed.  Read more…

Have you Noticed?  Little Things Can Make a Difference!
Susan Irgang, Administrator and Facilities Management Team Leader

While big changes to UUCWC’s facilities understandably get the most attention, often it’s the little things that go unnoticed that can make a difference. See if you noticed these small improvements at UUCWC.  Read more…