Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown

“I’m thankful there is no “going back to normal.” Instead, we go forward with the slow, hard, beautiful, daily work of transformation.” ~ Anonymous

I will ask you all to bear with me as we take a quick journey back to the year 1985. Some of the highlights of that year was that the Nintendo Entertainment System was released in the U.S., the original MacIntosh computer was launched (citing the “mouse” and “icons” as major advancements), the first mobile phone from Nokia was released (it weighed 11 lbs. and had to be carried in a bag) and Windows 1.0 was launched. During that same year, Aretha Franklin released a song that would go on to be a major hit entitled “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” I find it humorous that all the technologic advances of the year are quite outdated, yet we are still asking “Who’s Zoomin’ (ZOOMing) Who?” Parents are ZOOMing children, friends are ZOOMing friends for HappyHours, bosses are ZOOMing employees for meetings, and even our own ministers are ZOOMing vesper services to members and friends of the UUFP.

A major part of the transformation the UUFP must undergo in order to survive as the pandemic continues, is to more fully embrace technology  as a way to engage with each other. There are two things that need to occur in order for us to be successful with technology. The first, is to ensure that we have the right infrastructure and hardware to support our future needs. Rick Duske is currently evaluating what upgrades will be required for us to better leverage technology to create quality interactions. He will be evaluating various streaming services to see which might be the best for our needs. In addition, thanks to the UUA, our fellowship now has a full subscription to ZOOM at a discount price. Rick is doing a great job with this and his efforts are greatly appreciated.

The second thing that is required for success involves the members and friends of the UUFP. The Fellowship needs everyone to embrace technology as an option to interact with each other. Over the next few weeks, we will be experimenting with holding “Virtual Sun- day Services.” I want to encourage everyone to try to participate. Not only to provide feedback to help to improve the experience, but also just to “see you,” although I realize that there is nothing like seeing someone in person.

However, until this virus is better controlled, technology get-togethers are the next best thing. If you do not know how to use the technology, please reach out to Rick Duske or a member of the board and we will set up a time to help you learn the new technology. We will be sending out reminders regarding services, and I encourage everyone to try to attend.

So, if you haven’t done it already, it’s time to throw out that bag phone and “ZOOM” someone.

In gratitude, Linda

“It’s not easy being green.” ~ Kermit the Frog

The above quote strikes me as quite apropos and a sign of the times for two reasons. The first reason is that the song is about being undervalued and overlooked because one is a certain color. Its relevance for some of the issues facing the world today is pretty self-explanatory.

The second reason this quote resonates is due to the fact that Chester and Montgomery Counties have entered the Green Phase of Reopening. As we all know, Green does not mean go back to how things were done before. There are still actions that we are being asked to commit to in order to minimize the spread of the virus. Even in the green phase, we are still being asked to wear masks, keep physically distant when we socialize, and continue to work from home if we can. And while businesses and restaurants are now open, they are being asked to follow additional guidelines to help to minimize the spread of the virus. This is what I mean when I say that “It’s not easy being green.”

The big question on everyone’s mind is “When will we start to have in-person services?” The Worship Committee is working on a plan for reopening. Mary Ryan, head of Worship, will communicate their strategy to members and friends. I will however let you know that, moving forward, all of our Sunday services will be available through Zoom. This is to ensure that we can include those friends and members who, for whatever reason, cannot or choose not to attend in person. In addition, when people are at the fellowship either for services or a committee meeting, we will be re- questing that they wear a mask and practice physical distancing. Stay tuned for further updates.

Now, all “Green” does not have to be difficult. In fact, our Treasurer, Linda Pallay, has enabled a way for friends and members to share their “green money” by donating and pledging on-line. If you already pay some of your bills on-line (or want to start), this is a great way to financially support the UUFP. My personal testimonial, as a new user, is that this is a great way to fulfill my financial commitments. I have paid for Giant cards on the website and I have also set up my pledge to be a recurring payment. I no longer have to remember if I paid this month or remember to bring a check to the fellowship. I am a self-proclaimed techno-peasant, yet I found this very easy to use. If this is of interest to you, please check it out on our website or contact Linda P. for further information.

Lastly, I’d like to recognize and thank two people. First, Frances Provost has decided to step down from her position as Member at Large on the Board of Directors. Her insights and opinions were truly valued by the team. Please join me in thanking Frances for her many years of service. Also, please join me in welcoming Kris Barnthouse to the Board of Directors. I want to thank him for being willing to serve and we look forward to the new perspectives that he will bring to the board.

In closing I want to let you know that I miss you all and look forward to seeing you in the future.