Happenings – May 2, 2024

Rev. John Morehouse Senior Minister

Join us in person or on our livestream on Sunday, May 5, at 10 a.m.

This Week's Sunday Service

From Then to Now: The Journey of UUism in Space and Time

Board Member: Nancy McDowell

Worship Associate: Paul Costa

Music: Schrödinger's Cats

From the Staff

Minister's Minute

Last Saturday we had a tremendous turnout for our workshop "Disrupting Church" led by Rev. Peggy Clark of the Community Church of NYC. Rev. Peggy was inspiring and challenged us to imagine doing church in a new way.

She recognized what many of us already know: our country is deeply divided politically, religion across most faiths is in decline especially among younger generations, and the outlook is not good if we don't change.

With that said, Rev. Peggy explained that historically up until the 20th century, people saw themselves as subjects of governments and authority; what the monarch, or the dictator, or other authority said people did. With the Industrial Revolution and the spread of democracy, we pivoted to becoming consumers, people with choices who consumed what was offered, be it goods or services or politicians. This identity is very much alive in America, including our congregations; we often come on Sunday to receive inspiration and enjoy community and in exchange we offer our money and time.

The model that she is urging us to move towards is that of the citizen. Citizens participate as actors in the public square. They make change happen with and for other people. In congregational life they are there to live out our mission, not just get something for showing up. Think of this transformation as going from dependent (subject) to independent (consumer) to interdependent (citizen).

This is what is at the heart of our developmental ministry together, to move us towards being citizens and not just consumers in our congregation and the larger communities we are a part of.

What does this mean for us? It means being prepared to participate in this congregation and our wider community more as a citizen than a consumer. Less about "What do I get out of this?" and more about "What can I change?"

We need one or two big audacious projects that move us and our faith out into the world. Ideas are welcome.

Onward citizens of a new world, Onward.

-Rev. John

Music Notes

I may have but a violinist's comprehension of quantum mechanics . . . but Schrödinger's Cat-a representation of "quantum superposition"-is enclosed in a box and is theoretically at once dead and alive, pending observation. (Still, better odds to be Schrödinger's Cat than Kristi Noem's dog.) We are privileged to call Schrödinger's cats the in-house band of MLUC, but I'm still working out the catch. If we don't observe them, do they not exist? Are they at once a great band and a great, competitive water polo team? I guess it's all beside the point, since whatever their state, we are the beneficiaries of their eclectic, high-energy, dance-worthy music. This Sunday, don't miss their exciting lineup of tunes by Bruno Mars, Sting, and more. Since the service will commission the pilgrimage to our partner church in Várfalva, Transylvania this July, S. Cats will also perform an original composition by mandolinist/fiddler Jansen Wendell, the Várfalva Reel. In this vein, our hymns will celebrate our Transylvanian roots, including No. 322: Thanks Be for These (based on a Transylvanian melody), and No. 1043: Székely Áldás, both led by the fabulous Tina Adams on piano. Together, we will learn both the English and Hungarian lines of the latter hymn and sing them in counterpoint.

New Staff Role in Administration

I have the distinct pleasure of announcing that Griselda Lapasia has been promoted from position Executive Administrator to her new role as Congregational Administrator. Griselda brings with her an incredible tapestry of experience that is essential for the vitality and growth of our congregation, with over eight years of dedication to the art of administration. Griselda's educational background is firmly planted with a postgraduate diploma in business administration, specializing in marketing, and a bachelor's in management studies. A hobbyist who enjoys the thrill of the open road and the tranquility of tending to her garden, Griselda pursues interests outside work that speak to her well-rounded and vibrant character.

In this new role, Griselda will take on many of the responsibilities of our former Director of Operations. She will manage our day-to-day operations in facilities (with an expanded role for Facilities Manager Ron D'Annunzio) as well as scheduling; rental, website and data management:and some of our finances. She will continue to work with Rev. John and Joe Lipton, our Interim Finance Director. And as always, she will be there to answer your questions and help with any number of other issues that come with being in a large and busy church.

Please welcome her into this new role warmly. We are lucky to have her with us.

—Rev. John

Nominating Committee

At the 2024 Annual Congregational Meeting, we will elect candidates for the Board of Trustees, the Nominating Committee, and the Moderator. Petitions for these candidates will be posted in the Atrium through May. There are three nominees for the Board of Trustees, two for the Nominating Committee, and one for Moderator. The petition for each position will require signatures from 20 members. Click here to view the candidates’ biographies. Please vote for these candidates at our Annual Congregational Meeting on June 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Standing against Gun Violence

You Had Me at Hello

Can you share a smile and a hello?

You can make all the difference to a family or any guest visiting MLUC in person for the first time. First impressions matter, as we all know. From the entrance to our grounds to the paths to our front door, from the visuals and feelings in the lobby, worship, and Coffee Hour, we shape visitors' first impressions of MLUC. How we care for our MLUC home and for them speaks a lot about our community. Our personal warmth and welcome begins at our front doors and at the Welcome Table. A smile and a friendly hello, good morning, and welcome can go a long way in making someone feel accepted. All of us can give a warm welcome and hello to visitors and each other. Please share your warmth and smile and sign up to greet guests and your friends at the front door and Welcome Table for a few Sundays. We are all part of the welcome team at MLUC!

Memorial Service

A Celebration of the Life of Debby Reeder

Saturday, May 4, 11:00 a.m., Main Meeting Room

The service will be streamed at this link. A reception will follow the service.

Joys & Concerns Reminder

If you want to submit a joy or concern to be read aloud on Sunday during Joys and Concerns, please fill out this form, which is always available on the MLUC website.

Coming Up

May Offering Outreach

T&E CARE: Families Helping Families has asked whether we would like to gather 24-count packs of Crayola crayons. They outfit 255 families with school supplies each year and they start collecting in the spring to be ready for fall. This is a specific item they never have enough of. Please look for the basket in the Atrium to make your contribution!

Pilgrimage Send-Off

Sunday, May 5

During this Sunday’s service, Rev. John Morehouse will lead the congregation in a send-off ceremony for the 26 pilgrims who will travel in Transylvania July 9–18. The ceremony will include a charge to the pilgrims.

The trip is a pilgrimage because the travelers will visit sites from Unitarian history, including the church in Torda where a debate in 1568 ended in the signing of an edict guaranteeing “Religious Tolerance and Freedom of Conscience” and ruins of a prison in Deva, where the Unitarian martyr Francis David, arrested for his insistence that there is no scriptural basis for the Trinity, died. The travelers will spend a weekend with our partners in Várfalva, enjoying day trips and worshipping together on Sunday.

Learn More

MLUC Delegates for GA

Apply by May 5

The annual Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (GA) is virtual this year and the proposed changes to Article 2 of the UUA Bylaws are on the agenda. Join the MLUC staff in the sessions, What Is Article II? on Sundays throughout May to learn more about the proposal.

MLUC is allowed up to 10 delegates who can participate as voting representatives for MLUC at this year’s GA. Any member in good standing can be a delegate. The Board would like to have delegates identified and registered with the UUA by mid-May.

If you would like to be a delegate this year, please contact Yassara Antar (antar.y@gmail.com) to indicate your interest. The Board will confirm delegates who will represent MLUC based on the submissions received.

Lecture Lunch

Wednesday, May 8, refreshments at 11:45 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., Fireside Room

Speaker: MLUC's Music Director David Brown

Title: A Musical Journey

There is no charge for this is a special end-of-year luncheon. Vegetarian fare will be available. Please respond to Tim.conahan@gmail.com with the number in your party.

Starting Point: An Introduction to the Unitarian Universalist Journey

Wednesdays, May 1, and May 8, 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by Rev. John and Dawn Star, this three-part class for newcomers and old-timers alike offers an opportunity to experience Unitarian Universalism as a journey. Session 1 invites you to tell your story and identify your own spiritual roadmaps. Session 2 draws you into the shared journey of our congregation and our faith tradition. Session 3 invites you to choose a path forward into living our mission together as a spiritual community. Register here.

Dave Nachmanoff Concert

Friday, May 3, doors open 6:30 p.m., concert starts 7:00 p.m.

Join renowned singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Dave Nachmanoff in a special performance with Liz Bligan, a member of MLUC and its choir!

General admission is $20 presale, $25 at the door. Get your tickets here.

TAG Updates

Now showing in the Fireside Room, the art of Fiona Morehouse. Look closely and think about how each of these paintings speaks to you. The exhibit will be up until June 9.

Twenty-five percent of sales go to the church. Image: Speaking in Spores by Fiona Morehouse.

Save the Date

What Is Article II? UU Values Explored

Sundays in May, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

May 5: Article II on TikTok and YouTube with Caroline Bright

May 12: Article II Hymn Sing with David Brown

May 19: Article II Discussion Group with Rev. John

May 26: Article II Lectio Divina with Dawn Star & Rev. John

The seven UU Principles currently live in the UUA Bylaws. While we can keep the Principles in our hearts and use them as we always have, over the past several years a commission of wise UUs has created a proposal to change that section of the bylaws to express who we are as UUs through newly written values: Love at the center surrounded by equity, interdependence, justice, generosity, pluralism, and transformation. These changes will be voted on at this year's General Assembly in June. Join our staff in May right after church on Sundays to learn more about the proposal! No registration required, and childcare will be provided.

Dancing for Flower Communion

Sunday, May 12

On Sunday, May 12 a group of dancers will participate in our Flower Communion service. No prior experience is needed. You don't need any special clothing or gear. All ages, body types, and genders are welcome to participate.

If you can be here and want to dance, you are invited to join in. The dance will be choreographed to meet the abilities of the dancers. We will rehearse at 11:30 a.m. on April 28 and May 5 and a final rehearsal right before the service on the May 12. If you have questions or are just so excited you want to talk about this right away, contact Donna Feltman at 610-283-1282 or donnafeltman@icloud.com.

MLUC @ Pride!

Help us support the queer community and get our name out by marching in the DelCo parade AND tabling at both Phoenixville and Narberth Festivals.

EVERYONE can make Pride Rocks after the services in May, and then there are a variety of other jobs from making signs to sitting at the table or walking in the parade. Sign up here.

DelCo Parade on June 1, 12–2 p.m. in Media

Chester County Pride Fest on June 8, 12–5 p.m. in Phoenixville

Pride at the Park on June 15, 12–5 p.m. in Narberth

Nerf Dart Adventure

Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

As UUs we seek a fair and peaceful world . . . but we know that conflict is a real part of life. Join us to explore conflict through play in a Nerf dart adventure around the church building. For ALL AGES. How do we stay in right relationship with each other through teamwork, despite competition, and by creating covenants around how to treat each other? (And also have a great time running around, firing soft darts, and keeping score!) No registration required. You may bring your own Nerf toys, but we will have a selection to choose from, too, and plenty of darts. Bring a drink or snack to share!

Jazz 'n' Joe

Wednesday, May 22, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., Main Meeting Room

This is a secular and free performance by the Jazz Sanctuary Quintet. All are welcome. Free coffee, soft drinks, and snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring wine to share.

Recurring Events

Meditation I: Meditation I: Simple Guided Meditations

Sundays, 8:30 a.m.–9:45 a.m.

Meeting ID: 813 7503 7090

If you come to Room 208 at the church, please bring a laptop or other device.

This Sunday we will be presented with some simple guided meditations.

All are welcome: new and experienced meditators, church members, and guests. Facilitated by Beth Sellers.

Meditation II

Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Room 208 or Zoom Meeting ID: 871 0669 1309

We meet for a short reading followed by 20 minutes of silent meditation. All are welcome: beginning and experienced meditators, church members, and guests.

Monday Evening Book Group

Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Zoom Meeting

All are welcome to join the Monday Evening Book Group as we continue our reading, Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris. Our format includes a check-in and introduction, a five-minute centering meditation, and discussion.

Monday Morning Meditation and Book Group

Mondays, 7:30–8:45 a.m., in person or via Zoom

The MLUC Monday Morning Meditation and Book Group will discuss a book chosen by the current members. The subject is usually Buddhism and other philosophies that explore the mystery of life and universe through discussion and meditation. After we finish a book and before we select a new one, we ask other MLUC members to join the group. Our goal for each new group is to have between 10 and 12 members, of whom two or three are new.

The group is now reading In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying, by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Helen Tworkov.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Dilip Kumar, dilipkumaro29@gmail.com.

Theology Explorers

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.,

Zoom Meeting ID: 299 356 228

This group discusses spiritual topics and materials in search of truth, meaning, and spiritual growth. On May 8, we will discuss the question What is God to you? You can find more information on Theology Explorers at this link.

Evening Meditation

Thursdays, 7:00–7:45 p.m., Zoom Meeting ID: 924 2484 7584

We will have a brief check-in, a short reading, and meditation.

Candles of Community

We light a candle of joy for . . .

Elisa Lang and Jansen Wendell, whose daughter, Lee, is part of the Workers United union team that is negotiating contract terms with Starbucks in Atlanta.

We light a candle of support for . . .

Megan Capewell, whose father recently spent 26 days at Bryn Mawr Hospital battling through four strokes and two surgeries. He is now at Bryn Mawr Rehab.

Marile Marshall, whose sister, Susan Drewett, has been diagnosed with advanced cancer with little hope of a cure.

The family of Norman Vadner, who died in mid-April.

Jean-Marie Baldwin, who is mourning the recent death of her dear friend Charlotte Monell.

E-mail: joysconcerns@mluc.org to submit joys, sorrows, milestones, or celebrations to this week's Worship Associates.

How to Submit a Joy or Sorrow for Sharing on Sunday:

https://mainlineunitarianchurch.org/joys-and-concerns