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From the Board of Trustees |
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From your Board of Trustees:
Fellow UUCVers, this community is haven for all who believe in the democratic process. We embrace our unique natures. My world is so much bigger because of you, this loving community.
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In order to continue to bring in more people who seek a community like ours, we need to continue to support the work of our RE Director, our new Minister Rev Phoenix, and the rest of the staff. Our beautiful UUCV home must continue to be maintained. We need to support programs which attract folks to this wonderful beacon of love in a dark time. All of this requires volunteer work and funds provided by members and nonmembers. Our pledge drive leader, McKenzie Clark, and our chair of the finance committee, Michael Fratantuono has provided details on budget requirements. The details are important but, the bigger picture is even more important. Reflect on the importance of our spiritual home in your lives when considering your pledge.
I am so excited to welcome Rev Phoenix as our new UUCV leader. Rev Phoenix brings experience, energy, a loving nature, wisdom and more to a community that has been patiently waiting under the leadership of the board and our ministerial consultant, Rev Chris.
Rev Chris has been a force of nature. From worship associate training, worship leader training, pastoral care, Pride Prom and the Owl program (I am sure I missed something(s)), Rev Chris has been integral to keeping the community on track and together. However, Rev Chris will be turning over their duties to Rev Phoenix upon their arrival. This will be a transition for all of us. Hopefully, all of us will embrace the transition with love and patience. I know from speaking with Rev Chris, they fully support and expect this.
Jim Burton
UUCV Board President |
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Focus on Finances
UUCV is in the midst of the Annual Budget Drive also known as the Pledge Drive. This is a time when members and friends of the congregation are asked to pledge financial support for the upcoming 25/26 Fiscal Year which begins July 1, 2025 and ends June 30, 2026. Making your pledge during the Pledge Drive is important because the 25/26 Budget needs to be prepared and ready to distribute to the congregation 3 weeks in advance of the Annual Meeting in June. Before that can happen the Finance Committee needs time to prepare the 25/26 Budget, get it to the Board, make any revisions requested by the Board, and obtain final approval from the Board. And then come the clerical tasks of formatting the 25/26 Budget and getting it printed and ready to distribute… the short version of this is, Please make your pledge ASAP!
Some may ask, Why do I need to pledge? Can’t I just put money in the offering basket? If you look at the current 24/25 Budget you will see separate line items for Pledges and Offering. The figure in the Offering line is a best guess based on prior years data and represents a small percentage of the overall Budget. There is no way to reliably predict the amount of offering we will receive in a year making it a very ineffective budgeting tool.
Pledges are financial commitments made toward the operations of UUCV, and for 25/26 that includes building and grounds care and maintenance, mortgage payments, utilities, supplies for office, worship, and RE, and our staff - Pam, Lynn, Carole, Jonathan, and Jim, our custodian. And we finally have the excitement of welcoming Rev Phoenix as our new minister. All of this adds up to a BIG financial commitment and pledges are how we make it happen.
Pledge forms are available in the Social Hall where there is a box to deposit them, in the church office during regular hours, and online at uucv.org under Stewardship on the home page banner.
While offerings are always gratefully received, pledges provide the building blocks that, when added together, form the foundation of our budget. They are necessary to make all the things we love about UUCV possible. Thank you for giving thoughtful consideration to your pledge and being as generous as your circumstances allow.
Wendy Gebb
Treasurer
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The Worship theme for
April is Joy |
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April 6 - "Weaving our Lives: Celebrating New Members" May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts weave a tapestry of beauty filled with threads of wisdom and light form each of us Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Cheryl Parsons.
April 13 – "What am I doing here? A UU confronts Palm Sunday" If someone asks us “How do you UUs celebrate Palm Sunday?" I hope our response can be more informed than “what’s that?” and friendlier than “we don’t.” Rev. David Hunter leads the service with worship associate Susan Green.
About our Guest Speaker: After 20 years as an active member of the UU Church of Arlington, VA, and 25 years as a voting rights lawyer in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, Rev. Hunter went back to school to study for the UU ministry, interning with the UU Congregation of Princeton, and graduating, in 2003, from Wesley Theological Seminary, in Washington DC. He served congregations in New Jersey, Maryland, and Arkansas, before retiring in 2011 and returning to the Philadelphia area. His wife, the Rev. Kerry Mueller and Rev. David were the co-consulting ministers for the UUs of Gettysburg, PA, from 2012 to 2017, and, after another year of retirement, are now the co-consulting ministers for the UU Fellowship of Pottstown, PA. They retired from this position in June of 2022
April 20 - "Good News! Good News!" What is the good news of Easter, and why should we celebrate it? Rev. Chris Kapp leads the service with worship associate Staci Kendall.
April 27 - "The World Keeps Spinnin'" The Earth was here long before we arrived, and it will be here long after we are gone. How do we care for it while we're here? Ben Ramirez leads the service with worship associate Rick Sollman.
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
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. Questions contact: John Katz carkatz59@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).
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
For the complete schedule of Adult Religious Education see the complete article under "Religious Education" in this newsletter.
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- Wednesday, April 2 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Friday, April 4 Membership Meeting 10:00 Board Room
- Friday, April 4 Staff Meeting 10:30 Yuuth Room
- Saturday, April 5 Caregivers Circle 9:00 Yuuth Room
- Sunday, April 6 Adult RE 9:00 Board Room
- Sunday, April 6 OWL 12:00 Spirit Play Room
- Monday, April 7 Executive Meeting 6:00 ZOOM
- Tuesday, April 8 Finance Meeting 1:00 ZOOM
- Tuesday, April 8 Board Meeting 6:30 Board Room
- Wednesday, April 9 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Friday, April 11 Game Night 7:00 Dining Room
- Wednesday, April 16 Social Justice Meeting 6:30 Board Room and ZOOM
- Saturday, April 19 Caregivers Circle 9:00 Yuuth Room
- Sunday, April 20 Adult RE 9:00 Board Room
- Wednesday, April 23 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
- Saturday, April 26 Queer Prom Grades 9 - 12 4:00p - 9:00p Social Hall
- Saturday, April 26 Queer Prom 18+ 9:00p - midnight Social Hall
- Sunday, April 27 UUCV Book Group at 6:30pm on Zoom https://zoom.us/my/uucvpa
- Wednesday, April 30 Worship Tech Meeting 4:30 ZOOM
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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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April 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 -
April - June
The CFTW recipient for the quarter April - June 2025, is Launch Pad, an organization which helps young adults, who are aging out of government care, or facing homelessness. They provide safe housing and empower youth to gain employment thru educational and vocational training.
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The co-founder of the organization Lia Fourlas, MA MED, was raised in Cumberland County and graduated from Big Spring High School. She has worked extensively in the social justice field, including Children and Youth Services and Juvenile Probation in Cumberland, and other counties. It was there that she saw a large gap in housing for children aging out of the foster system and/or involved in the Independent Program of PA. In July 2019, she and some friends purchased a 7000 square foot apartment building on E Main St, Newville. They and many volunteers renovated the building and opened the building for their young guests in 2020.
In 2024, One North Thrift, Gift and Upcycle, a thrift store run by the Launch Pad Foundation, opened at 1 N. Corporation St, Newville. All the store’s profits support the transition to successful adulthood for young adults who are aging out of care or facing homelessness. |
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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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Holocaust Remembrance Service
(Yom HaShoah)
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7 P.M.
First Lutheran Church (Martin Luther Room)
100 East High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 (corner of E. High and S. Bedford Streets)
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Jointly Sponsored by
Congregation Beth Tikvah and the Carlisle Area Religious Council
Guest Speaker: Rachel Smithers, a Third Generation Holocaust Survivor, who will tell the harrowing Holocaust stories of her grandparents, Martin Schwartz and Irene Reinitz. They were from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and both were fortunate enough to have survived the Holocaust. Both lost parents and other relatives in the camps. They met in a displaced persons camp after the war and eventually immigrated to the United States, settling in Washington, DC. Join us as Rachel Smithers relays her grandparents’ testimonies and discusses the impact of the Holocaust on her own life.
Musical interludes provided by flutist Lori Elliott, clarinetist Beth Greenberg, and pianist Janis Glosenger from the West Shore Symphony Orchestra and the Carlisle Musical Arts Club.
Light refreshments will follow the service.
Congregations are encouraged to bring a Sunday School class or youth group.
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Join us for the Third Annual Hike to recognize Earth Day
When: Friday, April 18, 10:30 am
Where: Mountain Creek Trail, Pine Grove, behind Laurel Lake
What to bring/wear: long pants, appropriate shoes & socks, hat, water bottle, optional walking sticks. Kim will carry first aid supplies and snacks.
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This year we’re trying a new trail, one many of you already know. More details will be forthcoming, but so far, we will meet at the trail head behind the lake down the road past the entrance to Camp Thompson. Participants will be asked to bring a poem or another short thought-provoking piece about the importance of appreciating and protecting our environment.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the Social Hall if you would like to join us and feel the fresh air, hear the tinkling creek, smell the Hemlocks and experience a few hours of calm.
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Saturday, March 29, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Amani Festival at the Carlisle Expo Center 100 K Street, Carlisle.
March 31 through April 28 – Join the YWCA’s “21-day Racial Justice Challenge” to gain a deeper understanding of how race, power and privilege shape our communities. Register at this link: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Hcy/
Sunday, April 6, 3:00pm – Join the Meeting House for the rescheduled “36th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration” at 1155 Walnut Bottom Road in Carlisle. Hear keynote speaker Dr. Marcellus Taylor honor a great leader. More information on the attached flyer. The service will be in person only and there will be no reception following the service. We hope you will join us in honoring Dr. King and uniting together to work towards achieving his dream.
Thursday, April 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Cumberland Valley Rising next Steering Committee meeting at the Bosler Library. Open to all committee members (or committee member wannabes), 158 W. High St., Carlisle (usually Room A or B).
Monday, April 14, 6:00pm - April 14, 6:00 pm – Moving Circles, the Center for Civic Learning and Action at Dickinson College, and the Popel Shaw Center for Race and Ethnicity at Dickinson College offer a film-screening and discussion of the movie,
“Who We Are,” – Jeffrey Robinson's exploration of the history of anti-Black racism in the United States. Discussion facilitated by Professors Stephanie Jirard and Kirk Moll from Shippensburg University. Free pizza.
Saturday, April 19 9:00am-3:00pm - Earth Day, Mechanicsburg, Market and Main Streets. Eco-friendly Vendors, Kid’s Workshops, Live Music, Rain Barrel Auction, and Recycling Events. For more information go to: https://mechanicsburgearthdayfestival.my.canva.site/
Tuesday, April 22, at 7pm - Holocaust Remembrance Service (Yom HaShoah), jointly sponsored by Congregation Beth Tikvah and the Carlisle Area Religious Council at the
First Lutheran Church (Martin Luther Room), 100 East High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 (corner of E. High and S. Bedford Streets). Guest Speaker is Rachel Smithers, third generation Holocaust Survivor, who will tell the harrowing Holocaust stories of her grandparents, Martin Schwartz and Irene Reinitz. Join us as Rachel Smithers relays her grandparents’ testimonies and discusses the impact of the Holocaust on her own life.
Tuesday, April 22, 12:00pm-1:00pm join the YWCA’s
Lunch & Learn series “Cumberland County – Is Human Trafficking Happening Here?” at the Comfort Suites in downtown Carlisle. See flyer.
Saturday, April 26 – noon to 4:00pm - Earth Day Carlisle at the Outside Earth Artisan and Outfitter, 37 Chapel Ave., Carlisle. Eco educators and organizations, activities, art, music, food, eco vendors, and free family fun. For more information go to https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/event/5th-annual-earth-day-celebration-carlisle/53552/
Thursday, May 29 6:00pm - Friendship Dinner at Bible Way Hibner Memorial Church of God
Reoccurring THURSDAYS, 5:30 PM: VIGIL FOR UKRAINE - Join The J. Sherwood McGinnis, Jr. War, Peace, and Justice Project at the Old Courthouse every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to demonstrate your support for peace with justice in Ukraine.
Those who want to take part can attend any time during these hours to offer awareness for those suffering and sacrificing in Ukraine. Come for a few moments of reflection.
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Auction Events still available...
Many events are still open. You can sign up by contacting 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.
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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! Spring is officially here and we have some fun activities planned for this month in celebration! After service on Sunday, April 13th, we'll be hosting our annual Egg Hunt on the back lawn. (In the event of heavy rain, we will set up the Egg Hunt in the Dining Room.) On Easter Sunday, April 20th, the children and youth will enjoy a Group RE activity in the Dining Room during service. There will be crafts, learning activities, and cookie baking! Another highlight this month is our Coming-of-Age class pilgrimage to Washington D.C. from April 26-27. We look forward to sharing our experiences during a Coming-of-Age service next month. May we continue to connect with one another in fun and loving ways.
In faith and service,
Lynn Sodora
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Below is our Faith Development Sunday schedule for our children and youth for April:
April 6: Regular RE Classes; OWL (final class/celebration) Noon-1 pm
April 13: Regular RE Classes; Easter Egg Hunt; back lawn, after service
April 20: Easter Sunday - Group RE celebration during service, Dining Room
April 27: Regular RE Classes
COMING OF AGE April Schedule:Sunday, April 13: Class Meeting on Zoom; 6:30-8:00 pmSaturday-Sunday, April 26-27: Class Pilgrimage to Washington D.C.
NURSERY CARE is available every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:45 am for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Our Sunday Morning Worship Services being 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 March volunteers! Ryanne Mack, Julie Cullings, Emily Cappucci, Tara Sollman, Melissa Mattson, Primajoy Ramalingam, Michael Cappucci, Susan Rimby, Ben Ramirez, Susan Green, Becca Grinnell, Rebecca Fratantuono and Wendy Gebb. 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
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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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
Dear Congregants,
When we embarked on the journey to find a new minister last summer, we carried both hope and realistic expectations. Given the nationwide shortage of UU ministers, our lean budget, and our rural location — we understood that the search would not be easy. |
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Our vision was shaped by everything you shared during the cottage meetings last year — your values, your hopes, and your dreams for the future of UUCV. As a search committee, we became a mini-congregation, committed to setting aside our own biases to act in the best interest of our entire community. We took this responsibility to heart, knowing how much this decision would shape the years ahead.
Today, we are beyond thrilled to announce that we have found our next minister. Not only do they embody everything we hoped for, but they also bring even more to the table than we imagined. And as much as we chose them, they chose us. They have chosen UUCV because of who we are and how we live our values. They see this blue dot in a red sea as a place of sanctuary — a beacon of love and safety for marginalized communities and a spiritual home for those seeking truth, together.
In the coming months, you will have the opportunity to get to know Rev. Phoenix, and we have no doubt that you will see what we see. It has been an honor to serve in this process and we are filled with profound, belly-deep gratitude for the trust you placed in us to do this work.
With love and excitement,
YOUR UUCV MINISTER SEARCH TEAM
Emily Cappucci (she/her) co-chair
Tara Sollman (she/her/they) co-chair
Gail Black (she/her)
Brent Dickerson (any)
Primajoy Ramalingam (she/her)
From our New Minister:
Dear Beloved Community,
I am filled with joy and gratitude as I introduce myself to you. My name is Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs, and I am honored to be joining your staff as the Minister, starting on June 1st. My first on-site day will be Sunday, June 15th, for our Pride Service! What a beautiful way to begin this journey — celebrating the vibrant diversity of our community and affirming the dignity of all.
As a Unitarian Universalist minister committed to radical love, care, and sanctuary, faith calls us to co-create a world where all can flourish. I am passionate about fostering a community where everyone — regardless of identity, background, or experience — feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow spiritually and emotionally. I look forward to walking alongside each of you as we deepen our connections with one another and with the sacred.
A deep commitment to justice and healing has shaped my spiritual journey. Growing up in the South, my spiritual roots were planted in the Christian tradition, but it was through Unitarian Universalism that I found a theology of love expansive enough to embrace my whole self. As a queer, nonbinary person, I know firsthand the importance of being in a faith community that affirms the fullness of our humanity, and I am eager to help create spaces where everyone can experience that affirmation and grace.
I approach ministry with a focus on care, inclusivity, and accessibility. Every person brings their gifts, needs, and stories, and I am committed to supporting each of you with compassion and respect. I am excited to meet you all, hear your stories, and contribute to the meaningful work we will do together as a community.
I look forward to joining you on this journey of justice, healing, and transformation. May our time together be one of deep connection, bold action, and shared purpose.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Rev. Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs (they/them) |
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From your Music Director...
A thank you for our special fiddler , Charles Kaydk during March 16th service.
April is a wonderful feeling of spring and we are grateful for a full sounding choir that sung " Why We Sing" March 30th during our pancake service.
We look forward to special guest trumpeter, Priscilla King on April 13th Palm Sunday and Mary Farris clarinetist on Easter Sunday!
Again, much appreciation for our continuing hymn leader's service. These singers particularly help those attending services in zoom.
Special Guest musicians will be performing during the Easter holiday season:We welcome Priscilla King on Palm Sunday April 13th and Mary Farris Clarinetist on Easter Sunday.
Carole Knisely |
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UUCV Office Hours Change
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 and Sunday announcements. |
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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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WE NEED YOU for the UUCV 2025 LAWN MOWING TEAM
We are recruiting for the 2025 UUCV lawn mowing team. The more volunteers we have…the fewer turns we have to take. UUCV provides the self propelled mowers. If you can spare some time, please sign up to help keep our lawn looking beautiful. Remember the old saying - the grass is always greener when it’s mowed by a UUCVer! If interested, please sign up in the social hall. The sign-up sheet will be hanging on the bulletin board under building & grounds. Or contact Becca Grinnell @ rebecca.l.grinnell@gmail.com |
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UUCV 2025 FLOWER BEDS - LET’S MAKE THEM BEAUTIFUL
Volunteers are needed for UUCVs various landscape beds for the growing season. Some beds just need weeding and pruning and others involve planting flowers. |
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Our
Adopt A Flower Bed program matches volunteers with maintaining one specific area. You can work when it best suits your schedule. Generally, this will be 30 minutes every 2 weeks. After clean-up in the Fall, you are done for the growing season. Join the landscaping team as an individual, with a buddy or as a family. *Our yard is UUCVs face to the community. Let’s do our best to make it a welcoming exterior! If interested, please sign up in the social hall. The sign-up sheet will be hanging on the bulletin board under building & grounds. Or contact Becca Grinnell @ rebecca.l.grinnell@gmail.com |
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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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Hello UUCV Coffee, Tea & Snack Lovers!
Have you had a chance to enjoy the cozy couches in our newly remodeled social hall?! Join us after service in the social hall for refreshments and great conversation.
Please consider donating to our coffee & tea fund - each Sunday we hope to recoup $15 in donations to cover our annual refreshments budget of $700. |
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Please also lend your time by signing up to help brew coffee on a Sunday for social hour. The signup sheet is located near the coffee. Thank you for supporting our weekly grind! See you after service! |
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Earn your GC degree at UUCV on April 6th or 13th!!
Higher education doesn’t have to cost a lot or take years. You have two opportunities to earn your free UUCV Grocery Card (GC) degree
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After service on Sunday April 6th and 13th, UUCV’s experienced GC Team will be on hand to lead an informal “how to sell grocery cards training.” Class will begin at 11:45 at the Grocery Card table in the Social Hall. You only need to attend one of the classes to receive your GC degree.
UUCV wants and NEEDs volunteers to join our Grocery Card Team! If you are interested but are unable to attend one of the scheduled classes, please let us know. Please contact Pam at pam@uucv.net or talk to Margie Akin, Lynn Michels, Rebecca Fratantuono, or Cindy Good if you have questions.
Fun fact…volunteering to sell grocery cards every so often will help us earn almost $10,000 for UUCV this year. That’s a big return on giving just a few minutes of your time
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UUCV Community Facebook Group
Have you joined Facebook's "UUCV Community" group yet? It's a great place to connect with other UUCV members! You'll find out what other UUCVers are up to, what activities are happening at the church, and you can even post there if you'd like to get in touch with others for anything from card games to hobbies. It's a private group for anyone who attends UUCV. There are also short "Getting to know your fellow UUCVers" posts that shine a light on community members. Just go on Facebook and do a search for "UUCV Community" and it should pop up!
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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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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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