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From the Board of Trustees |
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Hello fellow UUCV’ers!
This Holiday season I would like to take the opportunity to thank members of the staff and the community for the work they have done to keep UUCV thriving. I think it is important to thank the staff members by name.
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Pam, thank you for holding this community together administratively and for going above and beyond as a volunteer.
Lynn, thank you for developing a wonderful religious education program for our young people and for devoting so much of your time to ensuring its success.
Jonathan, thank you for ensuring our outdated audiovisual system continues to support our needs despite the challenges it presents.
Carole, thank you for putting real life into our musical ministry of UUCV.
Jim, thank you for maintaining the building within the limited hours available to you.
Rev Chris, thank you for your ministry which included developing worship schedules/plans, leading services, developing lay leaders, leadership of worship associates, OWL and providing much needed pastoral care.
Volunteers carried out many functions critical to the success of the year. These included committee chairs and members. I would like to thank all of you who supported those committees and activities to include building and grounds maintenance, membership efforts, the search team, the auction event, the yard sales, pastoral care, mowing team and support of the small group efforts. I am sure I missed some.
From January to June of 2025, we will need continued support for volunteer efforts. Just to name a couple:
- Denny Stone and Paula Terry will be ending their time as our Building and Grounds Chairs. They have done a phenomenal job and will be available to phase in new leadership. After years of leading the mowing team,
- Cindy Good will end her time in that role.
I am sure there will be other opportunities for members to take on important challenges like these which are critical to the continued success of UUCV. Please consider stepping up by contacting a member of the board, Denny, Paula or Cindy.
Jim Burton,
UUCV Board President
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Focus on Finances
For any who where unable to attend the Town Hall on December 8 where revisions to the 2024/2025 Budget were presented and discussed, there are copies of the revised Budget on the volunteer sign up table in the Social Hall. If you have any questions about the revisions or any other concerns about UUCV’s finances, please be in touch.
One unusual feature of this revised Budget is that the Board, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, left in place 6 months of expenses under Ministry, line items 32 through 41, even though it seems unlikely that we will hire a minister who will start during the January to June 2025 time period. Please remember that the expense figures under Ministry in this budget are for 6 months only (all other figures in the budget are for 12 months). When expanded to 12 months the total expenses for a minister noted on line 41 will be in the $100,000 range. The UUCV community has consistently stated the desire for a full time minister, and the Search Team is actively working toward that goal. The Board believes that all members of the UUCV community need to have some understanding of the financial requirements for UUCV to continue our current level of staffing and programming along with hiring a new full time minister.
Because we do not currently have the expense of a full time minister, we are being able to meet our budgeted expenses even though the approved and, now revised, 24/25 Budget is a deficit budget. The reality is that when we hire a full time minster we will need to either significantly increase our income from all sources and/or make cuts to expenses and programming. If our income sources do not sufciently increase the decisions of what expenses to cut will be, to say the least, difficult.
In the coming months UUCV will be having our annual pledge drive where members and friends of UUCV are asked to make a financial pledge of support. These pledges are the main source of our income and the back bone of our budgeting process. Your willingness to give as generously as you are able is what makes UUCV possible.
Thank you for your ongoing support of UUCV with your pledges, your volunteer hours, your participation in fundraising events, and the gift of your presence in this community. May you and all those you love have a Holiday Season that gives you just what you need followed by a happy, healthy 2025.
Wendy Gebb
UUCV Treasurer
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The Worship theme for
January is Story |
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January 5 – "Send the Fire" Celebrate the new year and the fire within by participating in our annual fire communion service. Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service.
January 12 – "Mind Control" Can we trust our own minds? When thoughts and emontions swirl and scream in our heads, how can we discern what is truth and deflect what is not, and not lose ourselves, or our minds, in the process. Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Tara Sollman,
January 19 - "What would Martin Luther King Jr. Do?" January 20th is Martin Luther King Day and it’s also Inauguration Day. It’s going to be a heavy day for most of us. Candice Holsinger leads the service with worship associate Susan Rimby.
January 26 - "More Than Words" How do we Tell our Story when Words Either Don’t Work, or Aren’t Enough? Max Donnelly leads the service.
Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary every Sunday at 10:30 am or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685
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December 24 - 6:00PM "Christmas Eve Candlelight Service" Christian, UU, or somewhere in between, there's something special about December 24th. Join us to discover the wonder of Christmas Eve. Rev. Chris Kapp and Lynn Sodora lead the service. Join us for in-person worship in our Sanctuary at 6:00 pm or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685 |
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The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
January 26 – Solito by Javier Zamara (Darlene Smith leads discussion)
A memoir of a nine year old boy making the long arduous journey alone from El Salvador to the United States. A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. Solito is Javier Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home. Everyone who has any anti-immigrant sentiments need to read this, and it is gripping. 2022, 416 pp.
For more information, or questions, contact
Darlene Smith
darlenesmith@embarqmail.com
For a full list of the 2025 Book Selections see the complete article under "UUCV Announcements" in this newsletter.
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The UUCV Office will be closed and staff will be off for the Christmas Holiday from Wednesday, December 25, returning on Thursday, January 2. They will be checking emails daily and will reply as soon as possible.
If you have an urgent pastoral issue during this time, please call 717/249-8944 and select option "9" You will be instructed to leave your name and phone number and Rev. Chris will get back to you as soon as possible.
Regular Sunday service will be held on December 29 at 10:30am in the Sanctuary or on ZOOM. or “listen in” (without video) by telephone, by calling 646-876-9923 and entering Meeting ID 550 751 6685
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Mark your calendars:
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- Sunday, January 5 Adult Religious Education Planning Session at 9:00 am in the Board Room
- Friday, January 17 UUCV Game Night for all 7:00PM in the Dining Room
- Sunday, January 19, MLK Jr. Commemoration. Meeting House 1155 Walnut Bottom Road in Carlisle
- Sunday, January 26 Greeter Training in the Board Room at 9:00am
- Sunday, January 26 UUCV Book Group at 6:30pm on Zoom https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
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Grocery Cards…Easiest Fundraiser Ever!!
Did you know?
- Buying Giant or Karns or Weis grocery cards from UUCV is the easiest fundraiser ever!
- Buying a $100 grocery card is a win-win:
- You get $100 worth of groceries, wine, beer, gas, prescriptions.
- UUCV gets $10 for each Giant card you purchase or $5 for each Karns or Weis card purchased.
- There are multiple ways to buy grocery cards from UUCV:
- By check or cash on Sundays – before or after service.
- By setting up an ACH payment through Pam or through your own bank.
- By credit card or paypal* over the phone. *UUCV pays a service charge for these purchases.
- Buying grocery cards to give as gifts is an awesome idea!!
Reach out to the members of UUCV’s grocery card team if you have any questions OR if you’d like to join our team. Thanks from the team: Margie Akin, Lynn Michels, Rebecca Fratantuono, Dee Lauderbaugh, Cindy Good
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January Social Justice Opportunities |
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Programs under the umbrella of the Social Justice Committee include the monthly CARES dinner, Change for the World (CFTW), the Mozambique Bursary project and the UUCV Antiracism Initiative. Another component this year has been assisting an Afghan family as they transition to America from war-torn Afghanistan. Other events we regularly participate in include Project Share’s Farm Stand, the annual Pride Festival in Harrisburg, National Public Lands Day, and United Way’s One Day of Caring. We anchor our efforts around UUCV’s mission to transform lives and care for the world. Thank you to all who serve on the committee and for outside support we receive from many others in the congregation.
The next Social Justice meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, January 15 in the Board Room and on ZOOM All are welcome to join our meetings. |
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Change for the World -
January thru March
The CFTW for January thru March is Tomorrow’s Neighbors, whose name is based on the reality that 90% of everyone in prison will someday be released.
This Organization seeks to help these people become good neighbors by using an 8 step Re-entry program, before they are released. To help with housing,
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Tomorrow’s Neighbors operates the13 bed Cumberland House in Carlisle, which opened in May, 2023, and provides former inmates with safe, supportive and affordable housing. The former inmates are eligible for 2 months free rent, while they search for gainful employment. At this time, Pennsylvania has a 68% recidivism rate, while Tomorrow’s Neighbors had only one houseguest returned to prison!
Tomorrow’s Neighbors was named the 2022 Non-Profit for the year by the Partnership for Better Health, and its director, Kurt Denysh, was named a Catalyst of Change by the Commonwealth. |
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MLK Jr Commemoration
The 36th Annual MLK Commemoration Service will be held on January 19, 2025 at 4 PM at The Meeting House located on Walnut Bottom Road in Carlisle. The service will feature music, readings, a keynote speaker and presentation of scholarship awards. The service will be followed by a reception. Attached is a flyer with more details. Please share with your congregations, friends, family and neighbors and we hope you we will join us. |
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UUJusticePA gives us the opportunity to put our UU values to work for social justice. We can have more impact, together, at the state level with the support that UUJusticePA provides. We have a statewide audience of over 1500 supporters within the UU Community and have strong partnerships with other non-profit organizations helping us to keep justice Moving Forward! UUJusticePA provides the technical platforms, social media platforms and outreach efforts we need to obtain our goals. Our seven justice teams meet monthly to keep us apprised of current legislation and needs in the areas of Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Justice, Environmental Justice, Good Government, GunViolence Prevention, LGBTQUIA+ Justice, and Reproductive Justice.
Please consider supporting UUJusticePA with your donation in any amount. Our commitment to engaging with our legislators to advocate for social justice is more important than ever in the coming years. If you have supported UUJustice PA in the past, please renew your support for 2025.Go to www.uujusticepa.org to donate! |
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Please Consider when Donating to Food Pantries!
Now is the time of year when many folks make generous donations to local charities.
Most people buy what they think food pantry users want, but have never asked them. If you help families, single people, foster youth and the homeless, this list can help better tailor your donations! |
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Some tips and guidance if you donate to food pantries derived from feedback by those who use them:
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.
6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.
10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.
11. They rarely get fresh meat.
12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine is nice too.
16. Eggs are a real commodity.
17. Cake mix, and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
18. Dish Soap / Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury, and women will cry over that.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.
Also, please consider donating dog and cat food. Some people have hit a temporary low point and don’t want to give up their pets but find they have to choose to feed themselves or their pets. |
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Learn how easy it is to use RaiseRight to build UUCV's Fund for a Commercial Dishwasher.
UUCV is partnering with RaiseRight for Gift card fundraising, the #1 fundraiser for nonprofit organizations across the U.S. for more than 25 years. Earn simply by buying gift cards to use for everyday purchases, instead of cash or credit cards.
With RaiseRight, nonprofits and other community-based organizations earn money simply by shopping for their favorite brands—turning daily or weekly purchases into the opportunities that matter for their favorite organizations.
How to Get Started:
Visit http://uucv.info/raiseright to Sign Up from your computer or access the QR Code Below.
Set up your banking or credit card preference.
You can then shop anytime by visiting https://www.raiseright.com/brands and see the daily bonuses and specials which will earn more money for UUCV. Check the % for each card to see what your donation will be to UUCV….with a very minimal fee to you.
How to Pay:
When you are done selecting your cards, check out at your shopping cart. You can pay by your own Credit Card (getting points on your card) or LINK to your bank account
How you Receive your Cards:
- You can choose ecards (which will show up in your wallet on your APP or in your wallet on the main website http://www.raiseright/shop
- You can print a copy of your purchase to act as a gift card when you shop
- DO NOT select your card to be sent to the Coordinator….any cards sent to the coordinator will be cancelled and your sale will be VOID
Contact Pam pam@uucv.net if you need help in getting set up or if you have questions about this program.
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The UUCV Auction is right around the corner!!!
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Many events are still open. You can sign up in the Social Hall at the Auction Table or contact Pam in the office to sign you up..... no bidding number is needed. Just issue a check to UUCV with Auction marked in the Memo line for any open events you would like to attend.
January 24 6 - 8:30 PM Date Night Drop Off $25 ($10 each additional child) (Lynn Sodora and Pam Martin)
January 31 6:30 PM Before, During & After for Poetry Lovers $30 (Wendy Gebb and Cheryl Parsons)
February 8 2:00 PM Cupcake Decorating Party $10 (Emily Cappucci)
February 21 Time TBD Learn to Make Dumplings $30 (Rev. Chris Kapp)
February 22 6:00 PM Winter Party Game Night $30 (Susan and Mark Green)
March 21 6 - 8:00 PM Hot Pot Extravaganza $35 (Rev. Chris Kapp)
March 15 7:00 PM Choose Your Game Table $30 (Carole and Tom DeWall)
April 17 10:00 AM Vernal Pool Tour at Kings Gap State Park $10 (Dee Lauderbaugh and Rebecca Fratantuono)
May 3 5:00 PM Kentucky Derby Party $20 (Cheryl Parsons and Susan Vernon)
May 17 Time TBD Campfire and Singalong $35 (Joe and Midge Osborne)
May 24 4:00 PM Croquet & Billiards Picnic $30 (Carole and Tom DeWall)
And....work out time and date details with the event holder for these open items:
Pianist for your special celebration $75 (Carole Knisely
Routine Eye Exam $75 (Dr. Matt Burr)
Pet Sitting for three days $80 (Dee Lauderbaugh)
Introductory Class on Cybersecurity $5 (Michael Cappucci)
How to Make your Own Retro Gaming System $10 (Michael Cappucci)
Get to Know your Human Design $15 (Tara Sollman)
Custom Sewing - Historical Items $75 (Lisa Balog) |
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Greetings all
and Happy New Year!
I hope that you all enjoyed a peaceful, fun and safe holiday season!
Our regular RE classes will resume on Sunday, January 5th.
On Sunday January 19th, the children and youth will work on a group project together (in the Dining Room) in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.
We will also be kicking off this year's Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes. This year we are offering OWL for children ages 5-7. Please look for more information to come about OWL classes, Parent/Child orientation and registration. |
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To Learn more about our RE program offerings for this year, click here
LINK TO REGISTRATION FORM: https://forms.gle/gqa3x3ZPC9buDEbo6
Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for January:
January 5: Regular RE Classes
January 12: Regular RE Classes
January 19: Group RE Project for MLK Jr. Day in the Dining Room during Service
January 26: Regular RE Classes
COMING OF AGE class is meeting on Zoom on Sunday, January 5, from 6:30-8:00 PM. They will also be meeting on Monday January 20th to work on a project for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day of Service (details to be announced).
NURSERY CARE is available every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:45 am for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Our Sunday Morning Worship Services begin at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. On "Regular RE" days, the children and youth go downstairs to their RE classrooms after the Time for All Ages. Classes end at 11:45 am.
**Please sign out your young children (up to 5th grade) from their classrooms by 11:45.** This gives parents the opportunity to socialize before pickup, while respecting the Volunteer Teachers' time as well.
Thank you to all our December volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Emily Cappucci, Julie Cullings, Brent Dickerson, Gary Hendrickson, Melissa Mattson, Primajoy Ramalingam, Michael Cappucci, Ben Ramirez, Rebecca Fratantuono, Kim Stone, and Gail Black. Thank you so much for your time and energy! Members of the Congregation are encouraged to volunteer with the Children's RE Program! Please email Lynn Sodora DLFD at re@uucv.net to check in about submitting clearances.
May we continue to learn and grow together!
In faith and service, Lynn
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Adult Religious Education Group - Planning Session -
January 5, 2025 - 9 AM
Are you interested in personal and spiritual development? Do you consider yourself a life-long learner? Would you like to deepen your connections with fellow congregants and friends of UUCV? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then the Adult Religious Education (RE) group might be just what you’re looking for.
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Join us on Sunday January 5th at 9 AM in the boardroom for a planning session where we will propose and decide upon the topics for our next series of Adult RE classes to be held February through May. The planning session will last approximately one hour. If you can’t make the meeting in-person, you can join via Zoom using this link: https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv.
The Adult RE group is open to exploring a wide range of topics from life's big questions to the smaller ones too. Rooted in Unitarian Universalism’s six sources and guided by the principle of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, the Adult RE group gives participants a setting where they can live-out UUCV’s motto of “Seeking Truth Together”. Questions? Reach out at any time to Keith Bittinger at kbittinger@comcast.net.
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Minister Search Committee |
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Update from your Minister Search Committee
We currently have an applicant who has expressed interest in the position. An interview is scheduled, and we are excited to engage in meaningful conversations with this candidate to discern their vision and alignment with our congregation’s needs and mission. |
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At the same time, we remain open and hopeful for additional applicants in the coming months. As this season is often an active time for ministerial transitions, we are committed to casting a wide net and trusting the process to bring forward candidates who are the best fit for UUCV.
Thank you for being an essential part of this process. If you have any questions or suggestions, we welcome your input anytime at: tinyurl.com/uucvminister |
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If you know of someone who would make a great guest minister for UUCV, please send their info to the committee by emailing co-chair Tara Sollman at tarasollman@gmail.com. You can also provide anonymous feedback or input anytime by visiting: tinyurl.com/uucvminister |
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Music in December
Come join us for a musical December! The UUCV Singers will be performing a lovely piece "In December" by Jay Althouse on Sunday, December 22nd, accompanied by clarinetist, Susan Rimby.
Christmas eve service will highlight Joel Rainey Christmas and holiday arrangements performed by Cheryl Parsons and Carole Knisely as piano duets, and piano and flute duets with flutist Molly Shortridge. JIm Brickman arrangements will also be featured throughout December.
Holiday music celebrating the coming of the New Year will be performed on Sunday service December 29th.
Blessings this holiday season!
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News from the Mozambique Bursary |
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It’s not too late to support the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Committee’s 2024 fundraiser. $445 supports one girl for one year. Donations of any size support Mozambique students, like the girls in the photo below, in their dream of a secondary education.
The Mozambique Bursary Committee sincerely thanks those who have already donated to the project for the 2025 school year. The forever gift of an education transforms the lives of girls in rural Mozambique and benefits not only the young women, but their families, communities, and nation.
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Checks payable to the UUCV Mozambique Bursary Project can be mailed to UUCV. You can also use the web link or QR code that are shared during the weekly worship services. Please be aware that if you use a third party the company will take a percentage of your donation as a service charge. Thank you for your generosity. |
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Mitten Tree
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Mitten Tree this year. We had hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, socks, blankets, wash clothes and coats donated.
These items will all be delivered to CARES over the holiday.
You have helped to keep many young children and families warm this winter. |
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Christmas Morning Gathering at UUCV
Come Ye; Come Ye for a Community Christmas morn on the 25th of December.
We, who do not want to stay home, will gather in the UUCV Social Hall at 10:30 a.m.
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Come as you are and bring a finger food to celebrate. If you would like to bring a memory / poem / reading / quote — feel free to share. Coffee will be provided. For more info, contact Katie McFarland at 717-448-5769 or kpmcfar@gmail.com |
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Christian, UU, or somewhere in between, there's something special about December 24th. Join us to discover the wonder of Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary and on ZOOM.https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
Lynn Sodora and Rev. Chris Kapp lead the service.
Bring your favorite cookies to share....hot chocolate will be provided. |
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UUCV Winter Weather Policy
With the winter weather setting it, just a reminder that UUCV follows the South Middleton School District Weather Cancellation policy. If the District is on a 2-hour delay, UUCV will run at a 2 hour delay in the mornings. If the District is Closed, UUCV and all activities scheduled at UUCV will be cancelled as well.
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For Sundays, we will do our best to make decisions before Sunday service. An email will be sent out and you can check our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uucvpa and our website www.uucv.org for cancellation information.
And, as always, use your own best judgement on traveling if the weather is bad
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Greeters Needed - Training Session Sunday, January 26
Ready to get to know UU members and attendees better? Or to help greet and welcome folks on Sunday mornings?
The Membership Committee will be offering a training session for folks who are interested in helping with greeting and welcoming folks to our church.
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Church greeters could also be known as Ministers of Hospitality - and there is no lengthy seminary training required for these ministers - just one training session with the Membership Committee and then any support from that committee that is helpful.
The main responsibilities of a greeter are to let all people know that they are welcome at UUCV - and especially to help provide a positive experience for all first time visitors.
Join us on January 26th at 9:00am in the boardroom. You will be most welcome! We'll start with coffee and refreshments then share tips, suggestions, handouts, and links to further information.
No homework - and no expectation that you will actually sign on as a greeter - we promise no arm twisting!
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UUCV Book Group
Selections for January - October 2025
The UUCV Book Group meets at 6:30 pm on the 4th Sunday of each month for a lively, thoughtful discussion on our worship ZOOM channel https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa |
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January 26 – Solito by Javier Zamara (Darlene Smith leads discussion)
A memoir of a nine year old boy making the long arduous journey alone from El Salvador to the United States. A memoir as gripping as it is moving, Solito provides an immediate and intimate account not only of a treacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of the miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. Solito is Javier Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home. Everyone who has any anti-immigrant sentiments need to read this, and it is gripping. 2022, 416 pp.
February 23 - The Vaster Wilds: A Novel by Lauren Groff (Bev Ayers-Nachamkin leads)
A servant girl escapes from a colonial settlement in the wilderness. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and the spark of god that burns hot within her. What she finds in this terra incognita is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief in everything that her own civilization has taught her. Lauren Groff’s new novel is at once a thrilling adventure story and a penetrating fable about trying to find a new way of living in a world succumbing to the churn of colonialism. The Vaster Wilds is a work of raw and prophetic power that tells the story of America in miniature, through one girl at a hinge point in history, to ask how—and if—we can adapt quickly enough to save ourselves. 2023, 272pp.
March 23 - Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski (Susan Rimby leads)
Nathan, Callie, and Andy are residents of down-and-out Locksburg, PA, a former coal and steel town that has seen better days. Each thinks they've gotten a raw deal in life, So, when each is faced with a morally ambiguous situation, they make questionable choices. The bulk of the plot deals with how they each navigate those choices.
Jaworoski is a graduate of Shippensburg University and models Locksburg after Shippensburg Borough. If you're familiar with Shippensburg, you'll recognize some of the settings. If you are familiar with the campus, you'll recognize the names of some of the secondary characters. 2023, 261 pp.
April 27 - Outspoken: My Fight for Freedom and Human Rights in Afghanistan, by Sima Samar (John Katz leads) March 23 - Small Town Sins by Ken Jaworowski (Susan Rimby leads)
The impassioned memoir of Afghanistan's Sima Samar: medical doctor, public official, founder of schools and hospitals, thorn in the side of the Taliban, nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, and lifelong advocate for girls and women. Sima Samar's wide-ranging experiences both in her home country and on the world stage have given her inside access to the dishonesty, the collusion, the corruption, the self-serving leaders, and the hijacking of religion. And as a former Vice President, she knows all the players in this chess game called Afghanistan. With stories that are at times poignant, at times terrifying, inspiring as well as disheartening, Sima provides an unparalleled view of Afghanistan’s past and its present. 2024, 324 pp.
May 18 - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (Bev Motich leads)
Set in Chicken Hill, a small town near Pottstown Pennsylvania, where Black, Jewish, and European immigrants, rich and poor, old and young, collide—defending, fighting, entertaining, feeding, and sheltering one another. This cacophonous melody of characters with all of their schemes and dreams reveal how home is where you make it—and how all of these “outsiders” are anything but. 2023, 400 pp.
June 22 - The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi, by Wright Thompson (Susan Rimby leads)
Wright Thompson was born and raised within miles of the Emmett Till murder, but only learned about that horrific event a few years ago. After thorough research and interviews with first-person witnesses, Thompson gives us the context of the 1950s Mississippi Delta, the events surrounding Till's murder, and the impact the murder had, particularly on Till's surviving family and friends. Throughout this process, Thompson supports the people and institutions seeking justice for and preserving the memory of Till. 2024, 448 pp.
July 27 - The Black House by Peter May (Bev Ayers-Nachamkin leads)
Two bodies are found hanging from trees: one in Edinburgh, the other on the Isle of Lewis, the most northerly isle in the Outer Hebrides. Edinburgh cop Fin Macleod, originally from Lewis, is assigned to the case for no more reason than that he speaks Gaelic. Two narratives vie with each other. One involves Macleod’s struggles with confronting people whom he left behind years ago. The other, which eventually informs the first, is Macleod’s first-person memories of his life growing up on the island. The two narratives are brilliantly executed until they converge in an absolute stunner of an ending. For once in crime fiction, a detective confronting demons from his past is not merely a stock plot device. May gives it an urgency that, by novel’s end, makes perfect
sense. A gripping plot, pitch-perfect characterization, and an appropriately bleak setting drive this outstanding series debut. (Connie Fletcher, Booklist) 2012, 368pp.
August 24 - Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis (Brian McPherson leads)
The rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, the world’s youngest billionaire and crypto’s Gatsby. CEOs, celebrities, and leaders of small countries all vied for his time and cash after he catapulted, practically overnight, onto the Forbes billionaire list. This rumpled guy in cargo shorts and limp white socks, whose eyes twitched across Zoom meetings as he played video games on the side, had his world come crashing down and is now serving 25 yrs in prison for defrauding investors. 2023, 288 pp.
September 28 - The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Bev Motich leads)
Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. 2025, 312 pp.
October 26 - The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology by Nita A. Farahany (Keith Bittinger leads)
Summary: A new dawn of brain tracking and hacking is coming. Will you be prepared for what comes next? Imagine a world where your brain can be interrogated to learn your political beliefs, your thoughts can be used as evidence of a crime, and your own feelings can be held against you. A world where people who suffer from epilepsy receive alerts moments before a seizure, and the average person can peer into their own mind to eliminate painful memories or cure addictions. Paperback: 304 pages, Audio Book: 8 hrs 27 mins
November 23 – 2026 reading selections
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UUCV Rental
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