Sunday Services September 21, 2025

Speaker: Emily Quarles-Mower.
Join us this Sunday for a time of reverence,
meditation, and fellowship. Come as you are and
bring your thoughts and experiences. Our
service is a space for all, regardless of your
background or beliefs.

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Sunday Service September 14

Speaker: JD Stillwater. A graduate of Cornell University, JD Stillwater is a science ambassador and author who writes and speaks about profound insights from natural reality, insights that drive paradigm shifts and cultural awakening. This work springs from JD’s love of science and his gift for making difficult concepts graspable for non-scientists.

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Sunday, September 7: Annual Water Ceremony

Led by the Worship Committee Today we celebrate water as a representation of the ways the individual streams of our lives flow into the sea of our community. All are invited to bring a small container of water that represents you or something you love, and say a few words about it.

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President’s Message — August 2025

A few years ago, I spent a day exploring antique stores in Jim Thorpe with friends. During our visit, we discovered a narrow, dust-filled bookstore—an environment I find particularly charming. The scent of old books greeted us even before entering, creating a sense of wonder.

While browsing silently among the shelves, I found a worn blue cloth-covered book of poetry titled “Magic Ring: A Collection of Verse” from 1927. The poems inside were often recited around campfires at girls’ camps during summer and fall. I imagine young girls in long white nightgowns gathering around a fire, sharing stories and encouraging one another as fireflies and owls observe nearby.

As a person who grew up in the 1990s, I associate this with the television show *Are You Afraid of the Dark?*, where friends create and share spooky stories. I have always desired to be part of a community of thinkers and artists like that, and only recently have I realized I have found that here at UUFP—a space where I can authentically share myself with others who are like-minded. It is a community that encourages, supports, and fosters curiosity through meaningful questions. I feel truly grateful to have found this place and these people. How fortunate are we?

I never see a map, but I’m away on all the errands that I long to do. Up all the rivers that are painted blue. And all the ranges that are painted gray. And into those pale spaces where they say: ‘Unknown.’ Oh, what they never knew I would be knowing — were it not for you I would be off to-morrow with the day! Then, since I am at anchor at your door, befriend the wistful stranger; make me free of all your little country and its store. Of unknown things and wonders spread for me the charts and let me venture, till I find the secret of your beauty and your mind.

Stay Sunny! ~ Monica

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Sunday Service–August 3, 2025

Of Harvests and Gratitude. Speaker: Diane Awenydd Evans

Diane will lead the fellowship in a drumming and chanting circle to celebrate the Wiccan holiday of Lammas, marking the first harvest of the year. Please bring any percussion instruments you may have.

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Sunday Service — August 10, 2025

Once Upon A Time. Speaker: Mark Bernstein

The pride, honor, and richness of our Unitarian Universalist heritage lies in its stories of inspiration, courage, and sacrifice. Yet many of these stories go untold. Sharing these tales helps to remind us of who we are as Unitarian Universalists and the importance of continuing the legacies of those before us. So, let me tell you a story.

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Sunday Service — August 17, 2025

Backpack Blessings. Speaker: Emily Quarles-Mowrer

Please join us as we honor those whose curiosity will be nurtured in the coming school year, and those who support knowledge seekers on their journeys. After a blessing of the backpacks (and purses, laptop cases, and briefcases), we will think about the ways education is vital to building a faith, a community, and a country.

Our Third Sunday Potluck follows the service. Please bring something tasty to share.

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Sunday Service — August 24, 2025

Come, Yet Again, Come. Speaker: Cheryl Meinschein

Today we’ll be learning about some inspiring medical professionals whose lives have made it to the movies: Audrey’s Children (Dr. Audrey Evans at CHOP), Patch Adams (Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams at the Gesundheit! Institute), and Something the Lord Made (Drs. Alfred Blalock, Helen Taussig, and Vivien Thomas at Johns Hopkins). The movies will not be shown, but take a look at them before if you’d like. Think about the medical professionals who have been important to you (and why) and let’s discuss.

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President’s Message, July 2025

Dear Friends,
It is with great humility and gratitude that I write to you in my first presidential message. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this wonderful community, which I have valued deeply over the past four years.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Linda Kozitzky, Miranda Van Horn, and Kris Barnthouse for their dedicated service as board members over the years. Their leadership has guided UUFP through challenging times, ensuring stability and growth, including welcoming new
members. As the torch is passed, we are fortunate to have a talented group of individuals ready to serve. We hope to uphold their legacy and make you proud.
During our congregational meeting in June, many members expressed a desire for increased communication regarding committees, finances, and board activities. Although the new board will meet officially for the first time in August, we have already begun discussions on how to enhance transparency. We believe a strong community thrives on open dialogue, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback.
I also encourage everyone to consider joining one of our committees, where you can directly contribute to the ongoing work of the fellowship. The worship committee is particularly interested in expanding its team to assist with planning Sunday services. Additionally, we are seeking members to serve as lay leaders during services, especially for outside speakers.
Summer is typically a time when activities at the fellowship slow down. I wish you all an enjoyable and safe summer as you spend quality time with friends and family.
Stay Sunny! Monica

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July Sunday Services

Our Sunday Services are held at 10:30 a.m. Children and youth are welcome to attend services or participate in their own age-appropriate Religious Education (RE) class. All are welcome to join us for coffee and conversation after the service.

Diane Trieb
Diane is a writer, teacher, counselor, group facilitator, and minister of Practical Spirituality. She is on a continual personal journey of seeking spiritual and practical ways of integrating suffering and joy as both Human and Divine being.

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