Thursday, May 25, 2023

THIS SUNDAY AT UUFC

Join us in person for this service at UUFC, or stream online at www.youtube.com/UUFComm.

25% of all undesignated cash received in Sunday collections in May will go to the Clemson Child Development Center

Children (age 5 and up) are welcome to join our religious exploration classes Sunday mornings.

To stay on top of what's happening, you can see our Online Calendar.

“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

Message from the Minister

Dear Ones,

In 2013, the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, PA became the first congregation to approve the 8th Principle.  As of this past Sunday, May 21^st, 2023, 257 Unitarian Universalist congregations and affiliated groups (such as LREDA) have done the same. 

Will UUFC be the next congregation to do so?

This is what the list 8^th Principle Congregation numbers looked like over time:

2013 - 2016 Adoption = 1

1/2017 - 12/2017 Adoptions = 3

1/2018 - 6/2020 Adoptions = 29 (GAIN OF 26)

7/2020 - 6/2021 Adoptions = 117 (GAIN OF 88)

7/2021 - 6/2022 Adoptions = 220 (GAIN OF 102)

7/2022-PRESENT Adoptions = 257 (GAIN SO FAR 37)

I want to take a moment to recognize the strong antiracism work that UUFC took on with the creation of CAPER, the Clemson Area Pledge to End Racism, and UUFC’s continued support of the local organizations that work to bring justice and equity to the broader Clemson area. This work is truly building the Beloved Community we seek.  

Upcoming discussion groups are to be held:

·      Monday, June 5^th, 5-6:30pm, on Zoom (link)

·      Tuesday, June 6^th, 11:30am-1pm, on Zoom (link)

·      Monday, June 12^th, 5pm, at UUFC – feel free to bring your dinner!

·      Tuesday, June 13^th, 11:30am, at UUFC – feel free to bring your lunch!

You can learn more about on the 8th Principle movement website. The 8th Principle is also being integrated into the revision of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. 

Please mark your calendars to be present for this important vote for UUFC.  Let’s do this!



With faith and compassion, 

~Rev. Christina 

CELEBRATIONS AND CONCERNS

Do you have something you are celebrating? Or maybe something you are struggling with? Send us your celebrations and concerns so we can share them here in the newsletter. You can submit Celebrations and Concerns using this simple form or send an email to [email protected].

• Wei Chen just accepted a new job: Chief of Strategy for Academic Affairs at Clemson University!
• Martha Alexander celebrated her 84th birthday on May 21.
• Mike Kohl shares that Jane McLamarrah, is finally feeling better, but Mike still has pain and gastric problems. Also their cat had surgery this week.
• Carol Ward recently delivered 170+ lbs of food from our Little Red Wagon to Clemson Community Cares. Thank you for your donations!
• Former member, Ted Taylor, was hospitalized this past week with heart trouble. Ellie Taylor is at his side during his recovery. We send our care.

OUR DAILY REST

Janie Shipley ([email protected]) heads up the team that provides a home cooked meal one Wednesday a month at the homeless shelter, Our Daily Rest, in downtown Seneca. The meal consists of a main course, two sides, tea and dessert, and we feed about 15-25 people. Janie and Mike do the main course but need four volunteers each month for the remaining items. Contributions can be delivered any time that Wednesday. If you can help, let Janie know.

LITTLE RED WAGON

Every Sunday during service, the children collect donations for Clemson Community Care and place them into our little red wagon. There is currently a need for the following items: fruit,, flour, oatmeal, grits, cereal, cooking oil, jelly, soup, peanut butter, pork and beans, shelf stable milk, canned tomatoes and vegetables, canned meats (tuna salmon and chicken. Also we are very low on diapers (sizes 5 & 6) shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, laundry and dish detergent.

BOOK SALE

Summer is a’comin in; Winter books are a’goin out! Last chance for winter Buck a Book. New arrivals June 1. Look for Jon Hoskins spiritual specials.

Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 - Side With Love webinar: Abolitionist Visions on Climate Justice: Side With Love proudly presents this radical gathering of thinkers for abolitionist visions of climate justice. Please join Kathy Crain in the social room at UUFC to view the webinar; discussion will follow. You are welcome to bring snacks and beverage!

Friday, June 9 - Monday June 12 - UUFC Annual Camping Trip: Please consider attending some or all of UUFC's campout, at Oconee State Park. We have optional activities scheduled, including Saturday morning's service activity at the park (a new tradition) and Saturday evening's campfire potluck. Staying over Sunday evening gives us an opportunity to explore the Walhalla Fish Hatchery that afternoon, after Vespers that morning. Check out the flier for more information!

Sunday June 18 - Congregational Meeting and Vote on the 8th Principle: Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in this important vote at UUFC.

Wednesday, June 21 - Sunday, June 25 - UUA General Assembly (GA) in Pittsburgh: All UUs are encouraged to attend the annual General Assembly (in person or online) where connections are made and UUA business is done! If you're interested in attending, don't hesitate to register--prices increase mid-May!

Saturday, June 24 at 8:00 - 12:00 - UUFC Parking Lot Yard Sale: Have you been thinking about lightening your load? Here is your chance; start sorting now! Space is limited, so REGISTER HERE TODAY to ensure yourself a premium space. 25% of all sales will be donated to UUFC. NOTICE: In preparation for the yard sale, we will be cleaning out the kitchens in both buildings. Unclaimed items may be sold in the yard sale. If you have been meaning to bring home your dish, now is the time! For more information, contact Elaine Faithful ([email protected])

Sunday, August 13 - Deadline to sign up for Circle Dinners: All adults are encouraged to participate regardless of culinary skills or house-space (you can schedule your meal at Founder's house instead of your home). Rotating hosts provide entrée & vegetable for 5-8 people. Others in your assigned group round out the meal. Dinners begin in September and continue once-a-month for 5 months. Contact Jackie Renzi (864-888-2276) to sign up. Those who can't host can sign up as substitutes!

RECURRING EVENTS

• UUFC Choir always welcomes new members -- we'd love for you to join us! Singing experience not required, we welcome singers of all abilities! If you're interested or if you have any questions, please contact Elaine Fredendall. Text 864-650-6824. Practice is Mondays at 7:00 pm at UUFC
• Coffee with Christina -- Wednesdays at 2:00 on Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/97820102517) Join Rev. Christina for an online break.
• Novel Circle (UUFC Book Club) meets in person (social hall) and online (Zoom) every 1st Wednesday at 7:30. In June we will discuss The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri. Upcoming books: Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo (July), and We Are the Light by Matthew Quick (August). Contact Gail Brownlee or Cindy Lee for more information.
• Bingo Group meets online every Thursday at 6:30pm. Email UUFC administrator, for a bingo card. Email Karen with any questions. Join the game here: https://meet.google.com/yqu-mgci-bme
• Tuesday Evening Meditation Everyone is welcome to join us for forty minutes of silent meditation, followed by tea and conversation every Tuesday at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Contact Bob Hiott for more information.
• Habitat for Humanity UUFC works with the Pickens County Habitat for Humanity on the 4th Saturday morning monthly. Anyone who would like to join in on this fun is welcome. No tools or experience necessary. Contact Gordon Crain (864 247-6003).

IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY

• The Foothills Sierra Club will be doing maintenance at ChauRam County Park on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, 9:00-noon. Register online here or take a look at the flyer.
• Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute (SUUSI) 2023 will be held from July 16-22, 2023 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Housing on campus consists of various configurations of dorm rooms so for some of us it might bring back memories of our college days. Paula, Jorge, and Jon Hoskin have been long time workshop leaders and participants -- they can probably answer most of your questions.
• SCUUJA Fall Festival October 7 at the UU Congregation of Columbia. Contact Jean ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to volunteer talents, skills, help with planning, and the like.

LISTENING DEVICES AVAILABLE

We have small radio receivers that pick up the sound from our AV system and transmit it to your ears, via headphones or telecoil. These are on display in the back left corner of the sanctuary, beside the AV systems. If you have hearing aids with telecoil, all you have to do is turn it on and use one of our T-coil necklaces. Otherwise, you can use one of our new headphones. Stop by before the next service and try it out! Contact [email protected] with any questions.

WEEKLY CONNECTION SUBMISSIONS

Want to advertise your upcoming UUFC event or share some UUFC news? Let us know! Email newsletter submissions to [email protected] no later than Tuesday for inclusion in that week's Weekly Connection.

UUFC DIRECTORY

Our congregational directory is not available online--if you'd like the most recent version (January 2023) emailed to you, please contact Becky, our office administrator: [email protected]

UUFC PHOTOS

Photos of UUFC folks doing UUFC things are always welcome! Please send photos to [email protected] for our archives. All submitted photos may be chosen for publication and/or display unless specifically requested NOT to publish.

UUFC QUICK LINKS

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson Website

Donate to UUFC or one of our chosen benevolences

UUFC Reimbursement Form

UUFC YouTube Channel

UUFC Facebook Page

Last Week's Newsletter