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From the Board of Trustees |
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From your Board of Trustees:
Hello forward thinkers and people of compassion and empathy. Big things are happening in UUCV. We have an updated Social Hall and negotiations are in process for a new minister. Lots of people were involve in both efforts. They all deserve our heartfelt thanks for their important work.
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The Search Team included Tara Sollman, Emily Cappucci, Brent Dickerson, Gail Black and Primajoy Ramalingen. Their important work included hours of research, development of a package of information on our community, development of a standard interview and conducting interviews. This was a challenging and critical job they performed for UUCV. Every one of them have lives outside of UUCV which deserve their attention and dedication as well. Please join me in thanking each member of the team for all their significant contributions to the future of UUCV.
Another team of contributors to thank is the Comfy Couch Committee. I would prefer to call them the Comfy Couch Team. This team which included Katie Clark, Emily Cappucci, Rebecca Grinnell and Brent Dickerson developed a well thought out plan to enhance the Social Hall. They briefed the plan to the board and the board approved the plan. Members of the team worked with our Treasurer, Wendy Gebb and our Building and Grounds Leader Paula Terry to make this a reality. Pam was involved in the ordering process as well. The team along with some support by Wendy and Paula painted the Social Hall and moved furniture to allow cleaning and waxing of the floors. Thank you to all of you for a real visible improvement to the Social Hall.
And...a ton of thanks to a successful SoUUper Bowl team led by Lynn Michels. Lynn organized and determined the logistical requirements as well as doing the cooking along with UUCV volunteers. A number of people stepped up to assist in the clean-up afterwards and most importantly all who attended, the preparations, the event and the clean-up seemed to enjoy themselves a great deal. Thank you to all and in particular to those who worked so hard to make this a success.
Jim Burton
UUCV Board President |
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Focus on Finances
One of the tasks of the treasurer is to monitor the status of pledges during the fiscal year. Drew Lynch keeps an ongoing record of pledges received and credits them to the proper pledge unit (person, couple, or family that make a pledge to UUCV). By now you know that pledges make up the majority of our income, so periodically during the fiscal year the treasurer requests a report from Drew asking for the current status of this year’s pledges.
Drew has been asked to provide me with the most recent information after he receives the deposit information from Pam for the week of 2/16/25. When I receive that information, I will be sending out gentle email reminders to those who have not yet paid on their pledge or who are significantly in arrears. This is meant to be informational for those who receive these emails and is no way a twisting of arms (that comes later… just kidding!).
Please note that these reminders refer to pledges made for the fiscal year that runs July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. In the coming weeks members and friends of UUCV will be asked to make a pledge toward the coming fiscal year of July 2025 - June 2026. It can get confusing, but while we are in the midst of one fiscal year, we need to be planning and budgeting for the next one.
I trust you’ve been enjoying the Budget Bites that are being sent out weekly. There are designed to take a lighter look at the budget, in smaller portions, to give us all a refresher on the content of the budget and how to make sense of it. Hopefully, when it comes time to digest the whole plateful of the 25/26 Budget at our Annual Meeting, we will be well prepared for the challenge.
Wendy Gebb
UUCV Treasurer
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The Worship theme for
March is Trust |
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March 2 - "Building Bridges" Building Bridges is what being a Unitarian Universalist is all about! But, what do we trust in when our bridges get burned? How do we rebuild that trust? Ben Ramirez leads the service with worship associate Susan Rimby.
March 9 – "Crash Helmets and Trigger Warnings" In a world that feels increasingly dangerous, where can we find safety? Where can we find peace? Rev. Chris Kapp preaches with worship associate Dianne Dusman.
March 16 - "Ostara: Worship Service for All Ages" Join us for a very special all-ages worship services in celebration of Ostara, the spring equinox. We put our trust in the signs of the earth's renewal at springtime, that light and warmth will continue to strengthen in the coming days. How can building trust in one another, brick by brick, continue to strengthen our community? Can we turn past mistakes into something positive and start fresh? Lynn Sodora leads the service with worship associate Tara Sollman.
March 23 - "The Sound of Silence" Why do some folks crave silence when others fear it? Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Susan Rimby.
March 30 - "Just Put it on the Table" BRUNCH SERVICE - Don't mind the mess, we're glad you're here. Come in from the cold dark, pull up a chair. Whatever you've brought on in, It's welcome here. Rev. Chris Kapp preaches with worship associate Alicia Riegel-Kanth.
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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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
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.
For more information, or questions, contact Susan Rimby srimby@gmail.com
For a full list of the 2025 Book Selections see the complete article under "UUCV Announcements" in this newsletter.
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Adult Religious Education Group – Class Schedule – Winter-Spring 2025 |
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These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room at UUCV or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv (572 887 2212).
March 2: Gnostic Gospels / God
The Gnostic Gospels, left out of the Bible by early Christians, express some very different, often more mystical, views of God, Jesus, sin, and so on. We'll talk about some of these views, and whether they feel true, or useful, to us. And we'll broaden our discussion to ask: what does God, or whatever you call it, look like in your life?
Discussion leader: Christine Carracino
March 16: Rumi - Sufi Mystic
Many love the soaring poetry of the Persian poet Rumi. His words from nearly 800 years ago transcend the ages and take us to a timeless realm. Join the discussion on the works of Rumi, including not only his poetry, but also his establishment of the oldest Sufi order. What were the factors influencing Rumi's life that made him into the person he was? How do we view his life in the context of today's world? These are just a couple of the questions regarding Rumi that we will entertain. If you have a favorite Rumi work, bring it to share.
Discussion leader: Brian McPherson
For the complete schedule of Adult Religious Education see the complete article under "Religious Education" in this newsletter.
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Mark your calendars:
- Sunday, March 2 Adult RE 9:00 Board Rooom
- Sunday, March 2 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
- Sunday, March 2 New Members Class 12:30 Board Room
- Wednesday, March 5 UUCV Hosts Red Cross Blood Drive 12:00 in the Social Hall
- Friday, March 7 Game Night 7:00 in the Dining Room
- Saturday, March 8 Caregivers Circle 9:00 Yuuth Room
- Sunday, March 9 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
- Friday, March 14 Game Night 7:00 Dining Hall
- Sunday, March 16 Adult RE 9:00 Board Room
- Sunday, March 16 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
- Sunday, March 16 End of Life Class 12:30 Board
- Saturday, March 22 Story Time with Beau Dacious 2:00 in the Social Hall
- Saturday, March 22 Caregivers Circle 4:00 Yuuth
- Sunday, March 23 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
- Sunday, March 23 End of Life Class 12:30 Board Room
- Sunday, March 23 UUCV Book Group at 6:30pm on Zoom https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
- Saturday, March 29 Coming of Age Credo Worskhop 10:00 Yuuth Room
- Sunday, March 30 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
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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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March Social Justice Opportunities |
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We encourage UUCV members and friends to get involved with Social Justice Committee -sponsored projects in one of the following ways:
· Donate regularly to our quarterly Change for the World recipient
· Suggest an area non-profit organization to be a CFTW recipient by filling out a form online available on UUCV’s website or a hard copy found on the Social Justice table
· Cook or donate a dish for our quarterly Community CARES dinner that provides a nourishing meal for Carlisle’s homeless population
· Contribute to the Mozambique Bursary project and help educate girls there
· Suggest a topic for our Justice Moments during worship to help educate our members about accomplishments of People of Color, women, people with disabilities, People from the LGBTQIA+ community or cultural practices that have led to discrimination or lack of recognition (see Rev. Chris)
· Write a postcard or contact your legislators about impending or much needed legislation in our state government as suggested by the Harrisburg organization that promotes our values, UUJusticePA · Join UUJusticePA at www.uujusticepa.org by donating as little as $1 or as generously as you can to support the staff and partnerships that help us stand up for our values
· Volunteer for our monthly work day commitment at Community CARES in Carlisle on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
· Participate in an Earth Day hike in April
· Help at the annual Pride Festival in Harrisburg, National Public Lands Day, or United Way’s One Day of Caring
· Show up to area rallies or protests that promote our values
· Do your part to end the racial divide in our area by attending Moving Circles (3rd Monday of the month at 7:00pm at the Carlisle YWCA), Carlisle Bridge Builders (2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00am at Carlisle Bibleway Church on S. West and Walnut Sts.), or participate in a quarterly Friendship Dinner sponsored by Moving Circles
We anchor our efforts around UUCV’s mission to transform lives and care for the world. Thank you to those who serve on the committee: Wendy Gebb, Deb Genet, Jill Hoffman, Dee Lauderbaugh, Cheryl Parsons, Carol & Mike Reismeyer, and Kim Stone. Thanks also to all who participate in the above programs.
The Social Justice Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month mostly at 6:30 PM on ZOOM. Please check the weekly previews to confirm the time and format of the next meeting on Wednesday, March 19. All are welcome to participate in our meetings or suggest a new project.
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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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What to know about the
PA Supreme Court and the
November 2025 election
The highest court in our commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, is in danger of being overrun by judges that are championed by outside money interests. Three out of our seven current Supreme Court Justices are facing a retention vote this November. The outcome of this vote will likely determine how our laws and state constitution is interpreted to protect (or strip) Pennsylvanians of their rights. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be a key determiner in voting rights in Pennsylvania, which could sway political outcomes not just for our state but for our entire nation.
The ultra-rich certainly know how crucial these seats are to the future of Pennsylvania. That’s why judicial races in swing states have consistently seen record-breaking amounts of money pouring into campaign funding. Pennsylvania’s richest man, Jeffery Yass, has long been identified as the largest donor to Pennsylvania Supreme Court races through the libertarian Commonwealth Leaders Fund. In the 2023 state supreme court race, he contributed a third of all campaign contributions for statewide judicial candidates.
Retention elections like the one in November typically don’t get a lot of attention or voter turn-out, but with a federal government and national Supreme Court that have proved hostile to our priorities for justice it is important now, more than ever, to use our voices in judicial elections.
All three of the Justices who are up for retention for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court have demonstrated a commitment to values that align with UUJusticePA’s priorities for realizing justice in our commonwealth. Below are a few of the rulings that have come out of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court while Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht have been on the bench.
William Penn School District, et. al. v. PA Department of Education, et. al.
Decided in June 2023
Ruled that the existing system of funding public education left schools unconstitutionally underfunded, leading legislation to be proposed that overhauls our public education funding system to ensure that every child in Pennsylvania has access to a quality education. Our budget wins for public schooling last year were due in major part to this court decision.
League of Women Voters, et. al, v. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, et. al
Decided January 2018
Struck down the extremely gerrymandered map that decided congressional districts for Pennsylvania and biased election outcomes in favor of Republicans. That map had been referred to as “one of the worst gerrymanders in American history”. The court ruled that the gerrymandered map violated the Pennsylvania Constitution, and introduced four neutral redistricting criteria.
Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. PA Department of Human Services
Decided January 2024
Overturned a previous ruling and allowed for new challenges to the funding restrictions for abortion. Ruled that due to the state’s Equal Rights Amendment, laws that classify based on pregnancy, abortion, and other distinctions based on biological sex are presumptively unconstitutional. Held that a lower court in PA must hear the challenge to medicaid funding restrictions for abortion
Faith Genser and Frank Matis v. Butler County Board of Elections, et. al
Decided September 2024
Ruled that the board of elections must accept provisional ballots for people whose mail-in ballots were discarded
What you can do:
These races typically get little fan-fare ~ however, they have never been so critical
in determining the direction of Pennsylvania.
- Be a GOTV point person - talk to your friends, fellow congregants, neighbors and encourage them to vote this November!
- Counteract negative attack ads (which will be plentiful) with the truth in every conversation you have
- Watch for email alerts from UUJusticePA!
- V-O-T-E: vote, vote vote!
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CARES MEAL -
Donations Needed
On Sunday, March 30, we will deliver a dinner to CARES to feed approximately 45-55 people. The theme of the dinner is ITALIAN CASSEROLES.Since members of UUCV have been helping to organize & track amounts of CARES donated pantry items, we will try to utilize some of the casserole ingredients for our dinner. Watch for weekly news about picking up some of these canned goods to use for the dinner. |
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Please sign up by emailing Pam pam@uucv.net about menu items you might be able to contribute for this meal. We need quite a few food dishes or donations of grocery cards, checks or cash to make this meal substantial.
Items needed for the Italian meal are as follows.
ITALIAN CASSEROLES - 13x9 or larger pasta casseroles needed, At least 6 or 7 These could be lasagna, baked spaghetti, macaroni, Stuffed shells, goulash, no boil pasta dishes, etc. Both meat or vegetarian types are good
SALADS- 5 or 6 large containers needed of any fresh vegetable variety. No bottled salad dressings are needed.
BREAD - 5 or 6 Large Loaves of sliced Italian bread are needed.
BUTTER - 2 pounds needed
FRESH FRUIT - 4 Large Bags of Oranges, Bananas, or Apples
DESSERT - Individual pudding cups. 5 Dozen needed
BEVERAGES - 3 Gallons of Milk needed
Thank you to all who help with the effort to provide nutritional and homemade meals to the Carlisle CARES resource center! |
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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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Auction Events still available....sign up in the social hall.
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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.
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! Hello March!
We welcome the first day of Spring this month with hope for new beginnings and fresh starts. The Vernal (Spring) Equinox will occur in the Northern Hemisphere on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 am (EDT). At the equinox, the length of our day and night is equal, and the promise of the returning Sun strengthens. After the equinox, the length of our daylight hours increases daily until the Summer Solstice in June. Many who follow a pagan path mark the Spring Equinox by honoring the goddess Eostre with a celebration called Ostara. Please be sure to join us on Sunday, March 16, for a special all-ages worship service celebrating Ostara together. Looking forward to celebrating all the blessings of spring with you!
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Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for February:
March 2: Regular RE Classes; OWL noon - 1pm
March 9: Regular RE Classes; OWL noon - 1pm
March 16: Ostara: All Ages Worship Service, Sanctuary 10:30 am; OWL noon-1 pm
March 23: Regular RE Classes; OWL noon - 1pm
March 30: Regular RE Classes; OWL noon - 1pm
COMING OF AGE March Schedule: Saturday, March 1, Escape Room field trip (transportation t/b/d)
Sunday, March 16: Class Meeting on Zoom; 6:30-8:00 pm
Saturday, March 29: Credo Workshop; 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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 February volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Julie Cullings, Emily Cappucci, Tara Sollman, Melissa Mattson, Primajoy Ramalingam, Michael Cappucci, Susan Rimby, Ben Ramirez, Becca Grinnell and Rebecca Fratantuono. Thank you so much for your time and energy! 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 –
Class Schedule –
Winter-Spring 2025
These classes will be held on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:00 am in the Board Room at UUCV or join via Zoom at https://zoom.us/my/meetingsuucv (572 887 2212).
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March 2: Gnostic Gospels / God
The Gnostic Gospels, left out of the Bible by early Christians, express some very different, often more mystical, views of God, Jesus, sin, and so on. We'll talk about some of these views, and whether they feel true, or useful, to us. And we'll broaden our discussion to ask: what does God, or whatever you call it, look like in your life?
Discussion leader: Christine Carracino
March 16: Rumi - Sufi Mystic
Many love the soaring poetry of the Persian poet Rumi. His words from nearly 800 years ago transcend the ages and take us to a timeless realm. Join the discussion on the works of Rumi, including not only his poetry, but also his establishment of the oldest Sufi order. What were the factors influencing Rumi's life that made him into the person he was? How do we view his life in the context of today's world? These are just a couple of the questions regarding Rumi that we will entertain. If you have a favorite Rumi work, bring it to share.
Discussion leader: Brian McPherson
April 6: Christian Denominations and the Spectrum of Christian Belief
Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Assemblies of God, Episcopalians…and the list goes on. Have you ever wondered why there are so many denominations within Protestant Christianity and what similarities or differences they have? And what about terms like fundamentalist, evangelical, mainline, and liberal. What do those terms mean when applied to Protestant churches? Join us as we seek to get some insight and clarity on these topics. Discussion leader: Keith Bittinger
April 20: Amend Video Series: The Fight for America - Love
After decades of setbacks, the struggle for same-sex marriage equality culminates in an Ohio's couple's case taken up by the Supreme Court in 2015. Hosted by Will Smith. Discussion leader: Melissa Mattson
May 4: Cultural Values / Intelligence
Discussion leader: Lacey Armstrong & Martha Bergsten
May 18: What do faith and hope look like in your life?
What do you have faith in and what do you hope for? Maybe you have faith in the fundamental goodness of others and that gives you hope for the future. Or maybe to the contrary, you’ve lost faith and as a result aren’t feeling very hopeful these days. Join us for an open discussion about what faith and hope look like in our lives.
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Minister Search Committee |
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Update from your Minister Search Committee
We are delighted to share that our recent in-person visit with our ministerial candidate went exceptionally well. The time spent together affirmed our excitement and confidence in their ability to lead and serve our community. |
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We have now entered the contract negotiation phase and are moving forward with high hopes for a start date this summer. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we finalize important details and we look forward to introducing the candidate to you all once negotiations are complete! |
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UUCV Office Hours Change
Beginning March 3, the UUCV office will now be open from 8:30am until 2:30pm FOUR days a week.
The days of the week will fluctuate, but the upcoming week's hours will be posted in the weekly PrE-Views. |
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The Voicemail message for the church will also be updated weekly with the hours the office is open for the current week.
And, as always, if you have an urgent Pastoral Issue during off hours, call the church 717/249-8944 and select Option 9. You will be directed to leave a message with your name and phone number and will receive a call back from Rev. Chris. |
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End of Life Clases
Rev. Chris Kapp will be holding an "End of Life" class on Sunday, March 16 and March 23 at 12:30 pm in the Board Room with a light lunch provided. |
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Information covered will include planning your memorial service, talking about living wills, information you need to have available for your loved ones, how to make end of life donations if you choose, and will offer documentation to help you with your planning.
If you are interested in this class, please email Pam in the office pam@uucv.net to get on our list. Choose which date works best for you and childcare will be offered if requested. |
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Norfolk Pine -
Needs a New Home
This healthy 8’ Norfolk Island Pine, located in our Social Hall, needs a new home, so if you or someone you know might be interested in it, please let me know.
It’s 30+ years old and needs no care other than twice-monthly watering. We raised it from a little plant, and took it to our church a few years ago when it got too big for our house. However, the church space is now being renovated so it must be moved out (on a day above 40 degrees via a large van or truck). Note that it can only be outside during the warmer months. https://www.thespruce.com/grow-norfolk-island-pine-indoors-1902627 |
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UUCV Early Bird Yard Sale
It's time to start your spring cleaning and donate your slightly used, CLEAN, in working condition items. No clothing or half used shampoos, soaps, perfumes, candles, etc. will be accepted.
You can start dropping your items off in the Dining Room on Sunday, March 16. Please unpack your boxes/bags, and put your items onto the corresponding table. This is a HUGE help to us and we appreciate your cooperation. Last day to drop off items will be Monday, April 7. |
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UUCV SoUUper Bowl Success!!!
Thank you to everyone who shopped, chopped, baked, cooked, served and cleaned up at our 6th annual SoUUper Bowl Luncheon. It was once again a great success and a great time for fellowship.
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Our profit this year was $880.00. Thank you to everyone that supported our SoUUper Bowl by participating and/or donating as well as to our corporate sponsors, Karns and Giant foods. |
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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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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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