Sunday Service, August 18, 2019

Posted on July 28, 2019 by Linda Pallay

What Brings Us (Back) to Church?
Speaker: Rev. Dave Hunter
Rev. Dave considers what brought him—and what brings others—back to church. Our 3rd Sunday Potluck will follow the Service.

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Sunday Service, August 25, 2019

Posted on July 28, 2019 by Linda Pallay

The Weaving of the Holocaust
Speaker: Cyndi Buell-Hall
Cyndi will offer a brief look at the rise of nationalism and anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany with a particular view to resistance efforts of the day. How do past resistance efforts relate to our world today and how can we apply our core principles to help heal a troubled world?
If time allows, there will be an opportunity for discussion following the service.

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Ministers Column, July 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

I’ve been thinking about – and experiencing – reunions. Early June, my 55th at Princeton. In mid-July a family reunion in Connecticut. Here at White Horse Village, there’s been recognition of the retirement community’s 30th birthday. And I’ve been wondering, will my high school class have a 60th reunion next year?
As a result of updating my profile on my high school class website, I’ve reconnected with Don, whom I first met when we moved to a new suburb of Detroit in the middle of 5th grade. Don now lives in New Mexico, “off the grid.” It was from him that I first heard of Unitarianism (pre-merger).
I wish he had invited me to church. (I waited more than twenty years for the invitation.)
For me, the most memorable event at the Princeton reunion was not the Thursday evening rainstorm, but the class memorial service, which it was my privilege to lead. In my brief sermon, I expanded on our reunion’s motto, “55 Is Not the Limit,” discussing three threats.
Global warming, climate change. When my mother was old, I remember once when she said – and I’m sure she said it on many different occasions – “I’m glad I won’t be around when . . .” – I don’t remember how that sentence ended, but you can fill in the blank. That could be our attitude about climate change. By the time it becomes a clear and present threat to the survival of human civilization, we won’t be there. Not our problem.
That attitude is morally unacceptable. If we – we, I mean, all of us, all of humanity, all the nations, including, of course, all of us assembled here – if we don’t get serious about this, our descendants are doomed. It’s not too late, but we cannot keep kicking the can down the road.
Another problem, another challenge – the loss of millions of species. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate. This loss, if it continues, is a threat to the earth’s ecosystem, and thus to the future of humanity, and we humans are responsible for it. It is up to us to address it.
The third problem, the third threat, relates to democracy. My hope, my prayer is that the principle that no one is above the law will survive, and that next year we can have a free and fair presidential election, and that the voters, as prescribed by law, and not improperly influenced by any
foreign power, will decide the outcome.

Rev. Dave

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President’s Message, July 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

“Life is change” – Heraclitus of Ephesus
As you read this, you might be wondering why the first President’s Message of the 2019/2020 year is starting out with a quote on change. The answer is that for the first time in four years, this message is being written by someone other than Miranda Van Horn. Therefore, I would like
to start this message with a great big “Thank You” to Miranda for her dedication and leadership over the past four years. I don’t want to
put words into her mouth, but I believe she would agree with the sentiment that “there was never a dull moment”. During her tenure, she oversaw changes in ministry, focused on the growth of our children’s RE program, helped to strengthen the fellowship’s financial situation, developing additional programs such as the Friday Night Chew …… and the list goes on. The good news is that she will still be very active and involved in the fellowship and for that we are grateful.
The start of our new year also brings other changes. As many might have heard, Ethan Turner, our RE teacher, has accepted a new job out of the area and will no longer be able to serve as our RE teacher. A “Thank You” goes out to him for all of the great work that he did with the children. The board is already actively looking for a replacement and are optimistic that we will have someone by the end of the summer. In the interim, we are looking for volunteers to help with RE. Please let any board member know if you are interested in helping out.
Over the first few months of the new year, you can expect to see other changes. New street signs are going up in various locations so that people may find our fellowship. Linda Pallay and Frances Provost are to be thanked for that. The children’s playground renovation will be finishing up and thanks go to Sue Merkel and many others for working on this. More security cameras will be added thanks to the efforts of Rick Duske. And we might have new windows in the sanctuary. After an open and honest dialogue during the Annual Congregational Meeting, it was decided to further research what options we might have that fit within our budget. So, stay tuned for further details on that.
In closing, I want to let everyone know how honored I feel (and a bit intimidated) to assume the role of Board President for the UUFP. While I have only been here for four years, I have come to truly appreciate and respect the history, mission and members of this fellowship. In order to best serve the fellowship, I will need your help. I can’t read people’s minds (OK – I do try to convince my husband of that, but I haven’t been really successful on that front). I ask that if you have something you feel would help this fellowship to continue on its journey towards meeting its mission, please let me or any member of the board know. All points of view are welcome.

With gratitude,
Linda
“Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine” – Author unknown

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July Upcoming Dates

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

July & August: BYODD: Friday Night Chew: Off for the summer!! See you in September. Look for the September date in the September Sojourner
July 17th Committee Council: 7:30pm
July 21st Board Meeting: 12 noon
July 21st Third Sunday Pot Luck after service

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Sunday Service, July 7, 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay


What’s the Pottstown Cluster all about?
Guest Speaker: Barbara Wilhelmy, Executive Director of the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities Lay Leader: Cyndi Buell-Hall
Today we welcome Barbara Wilhelmy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who will introduce us further to the social service group that our congregation has supported for many years.
The affirmations of the Cluster and of UUA are similar, and the Cluster’s principles concerning compassion are these:
• We treat every person with dignity in all circumstances;
• We encourage positive change.
• We make loving and thoughtful decisions, especially when they impact the lives of others

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Sunday Service, July 14, 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

The Work of Sisyphus Lay Speaker: Emily Quarles-Mowrer
In a Greek myth, Sisyphus was sentenced to roll a heavy stone up a hill
each day, only to have the stone roll back to the bottom just as his task
was almost complete. In his work on the philosophical problem of suicide, the great French philosopher Camus said, “One must imagine
Sisyphus happy.” How can we imagine Sisyphus to be happy? How can
we find happiness when our labors feel like the labors of Sisyphus?

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Sunday Service, July 21, 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

One Small Step Speaker: Reverend Kerry Mueller
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, we will explore the spiritual meaning of that adventure and then turn around and look at the whole earth.

Please, if you have any memories of your experience of the moon landing to share with the Fellowship or with a gifted eight-year-old who is collecting stories for a book, send them to Kerry at UUrevkerry@gmail.com.


Please join us for our Third Sunday Potluck which will follow the service.

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Sunday Service, July 28, 2019

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Linda Pallay

Ethical Treatment of Animals Speaker: Donna Yarri, PhD, Professor of Theology, Alvernia University Lay Leader: Allan Pallay
The ethical treatment of animals has become a serious philosophical and religious concern. This presentation will address a brief historical overview of the place of animals in society, explore some of the different ethical theories to address the ethical treatment of animals, and identify areas where the use of animals is still problematic.

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From the Minister’s Desk, June 2019

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Linda Pallay


“The Sweet June Days Are Come Again” – hymn #65, lovely and cheerful. What does June mean to you? The end of school? No more lessons, no more books? (And teachers have a version of that one, and stay at home parents have their own views). The slower pace of summer, with vacations and picnics and summer reading programs? The end of the church year, and a move to more relaxed services? This is the time of year when full time ministers, exhausted from months of weekly sermons, and board meetings,
and too many memorial services and church conflicts, begin to talk about being “crispy” at the edges. I expect that’s true also of hard working, self-sufficient congregational leaders with only limited ministerial support. Thanks to you all for your wonderful leadership in this congregation!

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. That final sprint through May and June take us to – General Assembly. This gathering is the annual meeting in which Unitarian Universalism makes its major decisions in a huge and raucous democratic process. Each congregation is entitled to representatives based on its membership; representatives ideally chosen locally by a democratic process, well equipped to vote by congregational discussion and member input, and supported financially and logistically by the congregation. Ideally. Alas, it’s usually whoever can make the trip.

However, modern technology means that congregations can be represented by off-site delegates checking in via internet connections. Anyone interested in representing UUFP as an off-site delegate, please contact any member of the board. The plenary sessions and many of the workshops and events are also available live streamed as well. Google UU GA to learn more about the on-line possibilities, and do watch some events.

But there is nothing quite like being there – singing hymns with 3000 other UU’s is overwhelming. Joining in a social justice demonstration is inspiring. The banner parade is time to cheer yourself hoarse. The exhibit hall gives you a sense of the huge spectrum of UU ideas, values, groups, and talents. You can buy flaming chalice jewelry or note cards, T-shirts with your favorite message, mugs, fair trade coffee, and BOOKS from Beacon Press and Inspirit, the UU bookstore.
This year June 19-23, GA is in Spokane, a bit far for Dave and me in this age of unpleasant air travel. But next year we’ll be driving to Providence RI. I hope some of you will start planning, and that the board will develop a process to recruit delegates. It’s an amazing event, to greatly
enhance your UU experience!
Rev Kerry Mueller

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