Garden News — November 2023

Fall is upon us and the garden committee is working to close down for the season.

We had a very successful season this year with a bountiful harvest of strawberries, garlic, snap peas, kale, arugula, green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a final fall harvest of 18 pounds of peppers.

Many thanks to Mary and Sam who were instrumental in the success of the garden, sharing the work and keeping everything organized.

The last planting of the season is garlic; the cloves were put in the ground in late October. We will soon be collecting seeds from the Hyacinth beans and saving them for planting again next year.

Our next project is to trim down the garden rows, cover them with garden fabric and top it all off with a thick layer of mulch. This will help to keep the rows neat and will not have to weedwhack so often.

If interested in helping in our UUFP gardens, please contact Kay. She will gladly put you to work!

Thank you, the UUFP Garden Committee

Posted in Garden Corner, Garden Group | Leave a comment

Goddess Gatherings:

All women in mind, body, and spirit are welcome to attend our Goddess Gathering meet-up where we share, laugh, and learn together in the sisterhood of the female experience. Please join us!

SEPTEMBER 2023:

8 SEPTEMBER (FRI)- 12-1:00 PM.  
22 SEPTEMBER (FRI)- 12-1:00 PM.  

JULY 2023:

7 JULY (FRI)- 12-1:00 PM.  
13 JULY (TH)- 7:30-8:30 PM.  
21 JULY (FRI)- 12-1:00 PM.  
27 JULY (TH)- 7:30-8:30 PM.  
Join us!

AprilL 2023:

UUFP Goddess Gatherings in April: Thursday, April 6, 7:30-8:30 PM; Frida, April 14, 12:00-1:00 PM; Thursday, April 20, 7:30-8:30 PM; Friday, April 28, 12:00-1:00 PM

Posted in General News, News of the Fellowship, Special Events, UUFP News | Leave a comment

Sunday Services

Services are held in our sanctuary. Masks are optional. All services can be accessed via Zoom and on YouTube through our website. See links on opening page. Nursery care for little ones is available!

Music is a language of the soul. If you love singing, playing an instrument, or experiencing music as part of your spiritual practice, consider joining the choir at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pottstown. With the direction of our new choir director, Anna Swansun, the sky is the limit! We meet every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 AM, before our Sunday service. Nursery care for little ones is available!

Note: At the time of publishing the newsletter, services are in person (with optional masks), broadcast on Zoom and published on YouTube. We will be having coffee hour following the services and a Third Sunday Potluck. This is subject to change. Look for email from us, or check our website, for more info.

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service | Leave a comment

Pottstown Cluster Donations

I am happy to announce that on Christmas Eve the Members and Friends of UUFP donated a total of $308.00 to the Pottstown Area Cluster of Relgious Communities. The cluster offers basic needs assistance, spiritual guidance, and self-sufficiency programs to improve people’s socio-economic stability in the Greater Pottstown Area. On a monthly basis we also donate housekeeping items to promote housing stability for those in need. We also provide fresh organic produce from our garden to their food bank during the growing season.

For the month of February we’ll collect new rubber cleaning gloves to support their housing program. Donations of rubber gloves can be placed in the large basket to the right of the kitchen door in our building’s foyer. Many thanks for your generous donations! They make small and large differences in peoples’ lives.

Posted in Causes, Social Justice | Leave a comment

Intrepid Weeders

The UUFP gardens are getting a much needed  facelift. Kim and Mary are clearing out much of the overgrowth that clings to our garden fence. Now you can actually see into the garden without entering through the gate! Many thanks to these championship weeders for their hard work and positive energy!

You’re invited to join the Wednesday Weeders! During the growing season a hardy group of weeders/gardeners have been meeting Wednesday mornings to weed, water, plant and harvest in our fellowship gardens. So far Allan, Mary and Kim have been showing up and working hard during some of the hottest days of summer to take care of our vegetable gardens, and the Monarch Sanctuary.

If you would like to join our happy band please text/call Kay at 610-659-4802. Or, take a chance and show up between 9:30 and 11:30 any Wednesday morning.

Produce is donated to the Pottstown Cluster.

Posted in Garden Corner, Garden Group | Leave a comment

Monarch Butterfly Garden

After much determination and effort, the Monarch Butterly Garden is now planted and thriving. It may not look very exciting as the plants are still small, but if all goes well we will have Monarchs (and other pollinators) flying and buzzing around the peace pole by late summer. Featured are swamp milkweed, butterfly milkweed, bee balm, aromatic asters, purple coneflower, swamp sunflower and zinnias. The milkweed is crucial for Monarch survival as it serves as the only food source for the Monarch caterpillar. The flowers are needed for their nectar and pollination. All are native plants.

What a job it was to prepare the soil for this project! Thank you so much to Matt K for operating his rototiller to till up the wet clay soil, often getting bogged down with clogged tines. Kim dug in to peel away the weed fabric that surrounded the peace pole, finding old, decayed bricks, which are now at the North, South, West and East points of the Peace Pole. Several days later the second crew came in to hoe the soil and amend it with sand and compost. Thank you to Jon, Mary and Judy for working through the rain, heat and humidity to make it happen!
 
 
Posted in Garden Corner | Leave a comment

From the Minister’s Desk — June 2021

Emergence!

It looks like we are finally beginning to emerge from the depths of the pandemic. The White House announced that 50% of adults have been vaccinated. Case numbers  are down. What has your life been like these last fifteen months? Has it felt like 17 years buried in your cave, alone, dependent on others – family, friends, a huge infrastructure of helpers to keep you supplied with necessities? Have you felt isolated, disconnected, needing those same family and friends, a huge infrastructure of technology to keep you connected? And for entertainment, learning, information about the world around us? It’s been odd, disorienting, a struggle for some, and also something of a relief for those of us who are introverts.

What sort of changes are you experiencing now? Are you fully vaccinated and feeling somewhat safer? Are relaxed masking mandates changing your behavior? Here at White Horse Village, over 90% of the residents are vaccinated and we are allowed to gather in small to medium groups, unmasked. Meal delivery is ending as we return to the dining room. But in public situations – which for me means grocery stores and my pottery class – I am still masked, for the sake of the unvaccinated and unknown passers-by. I feel like I am finally emerging.

Meanwhile, another emergence is beginning. Brood X of the 17 year cicadas have spent most of a lifetime as underground  larvae and nymph forms, eating and growing and shedding old forms to begin coming out in their millions, ready to make a lot of noise so as to ensure the next generation the 17 year cycle. I learned recently that they are not only harmless (assuming you don’t panic when one gets into your car while you are driving) but actually beneficial. My old friend Carol Wagner (with whom I connected again via Facebook, after many years) posted these facts from the Love Our Land website:

  • • They prune mature trees.
  • • They aerate the soil.
  • • Bird populations will increase.
  • • They provide a food source to nearly everything with an insect diet.
  • • They leave plants healthier.
  • • They are an awesome natural fertilizer.
  • • They are a symbol of rebirth, spiritual realization and ecstasy, and immortality.

There’s a challenge! The UUFP board points out that we have never been “closed” but we have been connecting virtually all these months, shedding old forms and preparing to emerge again to in-person meeting for worship and celebration, learning and helping. (See our website for more details on the decision process on how and when we hope to meet.)

But, as we look forward to emergence, let’s think about more than “getting back to normal.” For the cicadas, “normal” is 17 years underground followed by a brief but glorious symphony of mating calls and commitment to the next generation. How do we want to celebrate our return to the above ground world? What have we learned from our time apart? What new energy can we bring? How shall we bless the world?

With love and hope, Kerry

Posted in From the Ministers Desk, From the Ministers Desk, Ministers Column | Leave a comment

President’s Message — June 2021

“The world is closed for renovations, Grand Reopening soon.” ~ Anonymous

A lot has changed over the past month as it relates to the pandemic. Case rates of COVID-19 are down, number of people immunized are up and the strict rules on how we can safely interact with each other are easing up. This is great news so I am sure that everyone is wondering  when UUFP will reopen. I will answer this honestly by stating that we never closed.

While the building was closed, we continued to offer Sunday Services and coffee hours via technology. So, the real question becomes when will we be able to conduct these activities in person? I am pleased to share that the current plan is to hold outdoor services (weather permitting) starting in late June and continuing throughout the summer months. And as long as all factors indicate that it is still safe to meet indoors, we will hold our first indoor Sunday Service on September 12, which is the Sunday after Labor Day weekend. It is also important to note that we will still continue  to offer Sunday Services via technology for those who choose not to attend in person. And, thanks to the Membership Committee, there will be numerous social events held at the fellowship throughout  the summer. So, there will be many upcoming opportunities to meet in-person.

On a different note, I want to remind everyone that we will be holding our Annual Congregational Meeting on June 13 after Sunday Services, starting at approximately 11:45 AM. We will conduct  this meeting via Zoom. While everyone is welcome, only members  will be able to vote on the motions set forth. For those without internet capability, you may participate live via teleconference.  If you are unable to participate in this meeting, you may still vote on the motions via written proxy. Please submit your written proxy either directly to a board member or send it in to the fellowship prior to the meeting. Every voting member should have received a copy of the Notice of Meeting which outlined the motions to be voted on as well as a copy of the proposed budget. If you have not received this, please let a Board member know. I would like to encourage everyone to participate in this important meeting.

Lastly, I want to put in a plug for purchasing Giant Grocery Cards through the fellowship. The fellowship gets 5% back on the amount that is purchased (if you purchase a $100 grocery card, the fellowship receives $5). Now while 5% may not sound like a lot, I will let you know that through-out the course of the past year, only three individuals have routinely purchased cards. However, since they primarily shop at Giant, the fellowship has earned on average $80/month from their purchases which means the fellowship earned $960 for the entire year from just those three individuals. There have been others who have also purchased cards sporadically though out the year, so the Fellowship earned over $1,000 simply through members shopping at Giant. If you do any shopping at Giant, I would like to encourage you to purchase Grocery Cards through the fellowship. If you would like to purchase cards, you may reach out directly to me through the contact information in the UUFP directory.

I look forward to seeing everyone very soon! ~ Linda K.

Posted in President's Message | Leave a comment

UUFP YouTube Channel

Subscribe to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Pottstown YouTube Channel!
All of our recent Sunday Services are posted to the channel. Check it out!
Let Rick D. know if you have any questions.

Vespers

Please view our previous Vespers services offered weekly April through July 2020. They are available at this link on the Message from our Ministers and Presidents tab, found under the Meet UUFP tab.

Posted in Sunday Service | Leave a comment

Introducing the CYRE Committee

Welcome, families! UUFP is proud to say that we’ve grown enough this past year to warrant a
new committee! The Children and Youth Religious Education Committee (CYRE) will be a voice for our burgeoning youth programs and a liaison between parents, teachers, and
congregational leadership. I am honored to serve as the current chair of the CYRE committee. I have three children ages 6-11 who attend programs here, and I have several years’ experience in education myself. I’m very excited to work with our devoted RE team to provide meaningful,
engaging exploration of UU values to our youth. Please feel free to find me or one of our
teachers during coffee hour on Sundays if you have any questions about RE at UUFP, or if
you’d like to join the committee!

~Valery Murdock, CYRE Committee Chair

Posted in News of the Fellowship | Leave a comment

President’s Message — March 2024

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?‘”

The UUFP is looking for a few good people. First, we are looking for people to serve on the
Board of Directors. The Board serves a critical role in providing governance to ensure the
ongoing success of our fellowship. As outlined in our by-laws, all board members are elected
by the members of our fellowship. What you may not know is that our by-laws outline term
limits for each position. While there are many advantages to having term limits, one of the
biggest benefits are the new ideas and fresh perspectives that new board members bring.
Diversity of ideas is critical to being successful in an ever-changing environment. Periodically
adding new members to our Board of Directors not only keeps us in covenant with our by-laws
but also infuses the Board with new energy and ideas. So, if anyone is interested in serving on the board, please reach out to any member of the board.

Second, many of our committees are looking to add more people. Our committees and their
functions are varied, so regardless of your skills and talents, there is a committee that could benefit from your participation. Please speak to any Committee Chairperson to find out more.

Third, we are looking for two individuals to represent the UUFP at the General Assembly
meeting to be held this June. General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Participants worship, witness, learn, connect,
and make policy for the Association through democratic process. This will be a virtual
meeting, so no travel is required. If you are interested in learning more about GA or want
to participate, please speak with a Board member.

I’ll close with thanking people who have given of their time this past month: Miranda Van
Horn, Kay Price, and the Membership Committee held the UU102 class and Clifford Schulman held another Cooking with Chef Clifford event. Who knew fundraising could be so tasty. I know there are many others who have given of their time to support the UUFP over the past month. While I might not know who you are and what you have done, please know
that all your efforts are appreciated.

With Gratitude, Linda

Posted in News of the Fellowship, President's Message | Leave a comment

Sunday Service — March 3, 2024

Being Human, Together ~ Speaker: Rev. Kim Wilson

A covenant can help build a foundation of trust within a congregation. By creating shared expectations around the ways of being together we want to cultivate, we come closer to creating the beloved community. Of course, we are only human, and covenants are broken and rewoven, like a spider’s web gets torn and repaired. We have a covenant which was created some time ago and after the service today, we will join together in a short workshop to review and perhaps update it.

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service | Leave a comment

Sunday Service, March 10, 2024

Eclipsed: In the Shadow of the Moon ~ Speaker: JD Stillwater

Since the dawn of humanity, eclipses have evoked strong feelings and symbolism, and an
enduring mysticism expressed in legends, theologies, and worldviews. Eclipses remind us
that we are minuscule observers of grand and timeless processes far beyond our control. Rich
with metaphor and meaning, a total eclipse immerses us in awe. In this multimedia service,
JD Stillwater shares the deepest and strongest spiritual experience of his life, and reminds us of the rare opportunity afforded us on April 8, 2024.


Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service | Leave a comment

Sunday Service, March 17, 2024

Life Lessons from My Little Pony: Generosity ~ Speaker: Emily Quarles-Mowrer

This is a continuation of a sermon series inspired by our UU Principles, as viewed through the lens of the cartoon series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. The six main ponies from the popular kids show each embody different qualities and display different talents. With the character Rarity as our guide, we will take a look at our first principle, “The inherent worth and dignity of every person,” through the spirit of generosity.

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Sunday Service, March 24, 2024

So You Say You Want An Evolution… ~ Speaker: Linda Kozitzky

Unlike most mainstream religions that have credos that have stood for thousands of years,
Unitarian Universalism, specifically the UUA, continues to conduct self-evaluation that helps
us stay in alignment with our aspiration to be a living tradition. Come learn how our Principles
and Purposes have evolved over time and what the UUA is proposing for the next
evolutionary step. We will also discuss what it means for the UUFP and our community.

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Sunday Service, March 31, 2024

Easter Sunday Service ~ Speaker: Monica Buckley

“For now, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come… The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance.” (Song of Solomon 2:11) Please join us as we celebrate Spring and all that it has to offer through music and the arts this Easter Sunday!

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Fish Chowder Class ~ With Our Soup-er Chef Clifford! ~ February 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Chef Clifford will prepare two versions of chowder: “It’s bacon and potatoes that define a chowder; anything else can change according to the season and availability.”

Version #1 Shrimp and corn chowder, tomato base, shellfish stock, with a touch of Pernod (anisette).

Version #2 White fish chowder, cream and fish stock base, with a splash of white wine

His chowders are brothy, which he finds more flavorful and nutritious (rather than the traditional thickened versions).

He will also demonstrate the production of both broth (stock) preparations and provide detailed recipes for each dish.

The cost of the class is $25 (all proceeds are donated to UUFP). Please register for the class via email: memberservices@uupottstown.org

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Special Events | Leave a comment

President’s Message — February 2024

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~ Anne Frank

While I can’t speak for improvements to the world, I can speak to individuals and their actions that helped to improve our UUFP community. First, a big thank you goes out to Miranda Van Horn and the membership committee for holding a UU101 class in January. This class was offered to help new friends and long-term members increase their understanding of Unitarian Universalism. For those individuals who are interested in becoming members of our fellowship, it is the first step. UU102 will be held in the next few weeks.

Another thank you goes out to Valery Murdock for volunteering to chair the Children and Youth Religious Education committee. Her background in teaching will serve her well in this role. An outline of the roles and responsibilities of this committee has been posted on the bulletin board just outside the sanctuary doors — think PTO. If you are interested in participating in this very important committee, please let Valery know. Last month I wrote that the children are our future and what better way to impact the world than to help the children along their own spiritual journey.

And speaking of journeys, the UUFP has certainly been on an exciting one over the past few years. Sunday Service attendance is up, which includes new visitors and more children. To ensure that the fellowship continues to meet the needs of its members and friends, the Board of Directors needs input and feedback to ensure that we are making the right decisions and investments to best serve our evolving community. To that end, sometime during the latter part of February, you will be asked to complete a survey. The survey will be anonymous, so the Board asks that you be as candid as possible with your feedback. This is a great opportunity for everyone to help to improve our community.

In closing, I’d like to mention one more item. If you are interested in improving your culinary skills, there will be another “Cooking with Clifford” offered on February 24. The focus of this program will be seafood chowders. The cost will be $20 to attend. Please let Clifford Schulman or I know if you are interested in attending. Or, you may register via email to: memberservices@uupottstown.org

With Gratitude, Linda

Posted in News of the Fellowship, President's Message | Leave a comment

Sunday Service — February 25, 2024

~ Tales from Spirit Wind: Guest Speaker: Darius Puff ~

Mr. Puff, also known as “Silver Fox,” is a retired police chief from Boyertown who has studied history all his life. When he discovered he had an older relative who was a Lenape Native American he began to specialize in Lenape heritage. He has given presentations all around our area. This program will be intergenerational and interactive, so all young people are invited to join us for the service. Mr. Puff has many objects to show and will tell us about them. He will also do the “Story for All Ages.”

Posted in News of the Fellowship, Sunday Service | Leave a comment