This Sunday, April 21

9:00 a.m. UU Buddhist Fellowship

Group Meditation & Discussion (1st, 3rd, & 5th Sundays): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2544372955?pwd=VVBUNElZcWRMOG94dWhudnZDZyt6Zz09

10:30 a.m. Sunday Service in-person & online: https://uuma.zoom.us/j/99246541303?pwd=VnFBenNFYnB2WEZBUE9kQW81Rk1zUT09 

"Earth Day: To What Do We Owe the Future?" 

- Rev. Carl

with Nancy Dowdy as liturgist

Music: UUCF Choir

12:00 p.m. Opportunities after the Sunday Service

Friendly Forum: "Shaping Frederick's Future" (Room 113)

UU Progressive Christian Fellowship (Room 125)

UUCF Knitting Circle (Room 123)

Atheists/Humanists/Agnostics Group (Room 120)

R.E. ("Religious Education") Committee - all are welcome (Chapel)

Please spread the word

to anyone you know who may be interested in the above opportunities.

Check our homepage for

upcoming classes, events, and Zoom links:

frederickuu.org

General Announcements

Friendly Forum, Sunday April 21, 11:45 to 1:00 Room 113: "Shaping Frederick's Future" presented by Alan Feinberg "Currently Frederick is facing a challenge, and it is critical for more residents to be engaged and fight for the kind of place we want it to be. After all, shaping Frederick is too important for just the community planners and the developers to determine what our future is. If you love a place, you must fight for it." Alan Feinberg. Join us for this timely presentation and discussion to learn how you can help determine the future of Frederick.

Today's Split-plate recipient: Cambodia Reads is a non-profit operating since 2011 in Poum Me'an, a rural village in Cambodia.  Our school offers two classes daily, a library seven days a week, food to supplement the children's diet, games including Legos, puzzles etc. and instruction in English.  All of this is accomplished by two dedicated teachers who also act as social workers checking on children not attending, visiting their homes, educating parents and grandparents to the importance of education and providing a place for the children to enjoy learning. CR has provided a college education for one former student and is currently sponsoring a second. UUCF has been a part of the success. For more on our Split-plate program, visit here.

UUCF's Blanche Ames Art Gallery: The Exhibit runs through April 28. To learn more about our artist, Mary Garwood, go to the UUCF home page, tap “Visit.” Then tap painter’s palette icon. You also may visit the show at UUCF on Tues., Wed., Thurs. mornings 10:00-12:00 or by appointment at BAGallery@gmail.com. Send name, phone #, date/time of desired appointment. Enjoy the show!

Chair Yoga with Renée Wimer: Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. Reservations required (Chapel)

Connecting through Poetry Group: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. on Zoom.

UU Thursday Buddhist Meditation: 7:00 p.m. Dharma talk or reading, meditation, discussion. Beginners welcome. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2544372955?pwd=VVBUNElZcWRMOG94dWhudnZDZyt6Zz09.

The UUCF Book Club will be reading the following:

• May 17 - Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder in person at UUCF
• June 21 - The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride in person, location TBD
• July 19 - Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa in person, location TBD

Meetings begin at 7:00 PM. For more information contact Diana Pitcher - djpitcher4@gmail.com.

"UUCF 101: Pathways to Membership”: Saturday, May 11, 10am-1pm (Zoom). Are you considering becoming a member of UUCF? Join Rev. Carl for an exploration of UU history and principles, sharing of our individual spiritual journeys, and learning more about our congregation. To register, email minister@frederickuu.org with (1) the first & last name of each person signing-up, (2) preferred phone number for receiving a text reminder about the class. Note that with our increasing options for digital accessibility (live-streaming Sunday Services and joining meetings/classes via Zoom, you do not have to live near UUCF geographically to become a UUCF Member. You only need to be committed to participating regularly (either online or in-person) and supporting the congregation.

Split-plate Nominations! It’s time to make your nominations for the UUCF’s Split Plate for 2024-25. Nomination forms can be found on UUCF’s website at frederickuu.org/splitplate. To learn more about Split-plate nominations, visit here. Please complete and return your nomination by April 30, 2024; selection of the recipients for 24-25 will be made at the May Social Action Committee meeting, May 7, 2024.



Our Beloved Gardens ONLINE PLANT SALE CATALOG is Open for Sales! To see it, go to www.frederickuu.org/plantsale. Click on Shop Now or Shop All to peruse 100 different plants at amazingly low prices. Online ordering ends on April 21. Shop Early for the best selection!

UUCF 2024 Frederick PRIDE Booth for June 22 We're looking for help with everything from logistics to setup, staffing the booth, and everything in between. Reach out to Willow (Laurie) if you're interested: egbert.laurie+uu@gmail.com or 3016930680 (WhatsApp friendly/NO group SMS).



Our Plant Sale Needs Volunteers! UUCF'S Beloved Gardens Plant Sale is coming up on Sat, April 27. This is a fund-raiser and a great opportunity for the congregation and visitors to obtain Natives, Perennials, Herb, Veggies and Flowers at remarkably low prices! We need VOLUNTEERS to make it happen! Some to help Set-Up on Wed and Thurs, April 24/25. Some to sort and move plants on Thurs and Fri, April 25/26. And MANY to help with multiple tasks on Plant Sale Day, starting by 8:30 am. If you are interested, contact Nancy Roblin: Ph: 301 662 8506 or Cell 703 346 2022. Or nancy.roblin@gmail.com. We guarantee this will be FUN!

UUCF's Beloved Gardens' Plant Sale (April 27) needs many tables for our hundreds of plants. 6-footers are best, but 4-footers are also fine, and even card tables or other, different sizes. We need them no later than 10 am Thursday, April 25, but we can take them starting on Sunday, April 21. Please contact Nancy Roblin if you have one or more to lend. We can pick them up and return them too, if needed. Ensure that your name is marked on each one. EM: nancy.roblin@gmail.com. Call/text: 703 346 2022.

Two UUCF Job Openings: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter: (1) ASL Interpreter for the weekly Sunday Service and reception afterward, 10am-Noon. Each week in advance, we will provide as much as possible of the spoken words and lyrics to music. (2) ASL Interpreter for weekly Sunday Children's Religious Education (R.E.) and reception afterward. Pay: $50/hour with two hour minimum. Requirements: Certification or proof of proficiency. Apply: Email a letter of interest, a recent video of you interpreting (if available), and a resume with three references to minister@frederickuu.org. (We will reply within 24 hours to confirm receipt.) Deadline: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 or until both positions are filled. Start date: ASAP. Details: frederickuu.org/ASL. Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested and qualified for this position.

JOB OPENING: Director of Religious Education (DRE): The ideal candidate will coordinate a high-quality Religious Education program for children and youth (nursery through high school). 25 hours/week; $36,625 - $40,687/year (depending on previous experience). Benefits: Health insurance (UUCF pays 50% of premium), Professional Expenses (10% of salary), Retirement contribution (10% of salary after first year). Resumes will be received through Thursday, May 16 (or until position is filled). If you know of someone who may be interested and qualified, details at frederickuu.org/dre.

Joys & Sorrows

• Rev. Bob Hughes: We are saddened to share that Rev. Bob Hughes died earlier this month. Rev. Bob was the minister of UUCF for two years immediately prior to Rev. Carl's arrival in July 2012. Over the years many of you have shared that he was kind and generous man, who will be deeply missed. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and/or prayers in the coming days. His obituary is available at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-hughes-obituary?id=54865786. Condolences can be sent to his widow Judy Hughes, 4653 Walnut Knoll Dr., Matthews, NC 28105

• Tim Bullis: Tim has been diagnosed with EGPA (Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), a rare autoimmune condition that causes blood vessel inflammation. He was discharged for a few days on Monday (4/15), but has returned to the hospital for further treatment and rehabilitation. Please keep the Bullis Family in your thoughts and/or prayers.

• Tom Moore's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 5, at 2:00 pm (Sanctuary). All are welcome to help celebrate Tom's wonderful life!

It takes a village -- the UUCF Religious Education Program

Dear UUCF Members and Friends,



I am writing to you as the chair of the relatively new Religious Education committee. The committee began meeting in February with the intent of supporting our DRE (Director of Religious Education) and also of supporting growth of a robust, diverse and inter-generational RE program. We grew out of the Paula Cole Jones seminar about a Community of Communities and found ourselves asking, "What would happen if the whole congregation put some attention and priority on RE for 1 year?"

We believe that the goal of creating a stronger community at UUCF requires more meaning-filled relationships among ALL ages and that it is especially important for UUCF adults to support the emotional and spiritual growth of our young people. Adults who help with RE report that they enjoy the opportunity to get to know kids and their parents and to hear the perspectives of young people. They also report that they learn a lot about Unitarian Universalism.  Right now we only have one class for K thru 4th grade and a class for 5th - 8th grade and no high school class. Our goal for fall 2024 is to have enough volunteers for three elementary-age classes, middle school (6-8) and high school so kids can have classes with age / grade peers. We also are going to introduce a new curriculum for Middle Schoolers called Coming of Age in Fall of 2024 and continue offering OWL (Our Whole Lives - Lifespan Sexuality Development) in the Spring of 2025. Obviously, we are eager to get a new DRE onboard to help with all of this planning and work, but we also need humans like you! 

We invite you to attend an after-service gathering on May 19 to learn more and do some training re: volunteering for RE. Use this QR code or link to register for the meeting and see some of the opportunities available to you with RE. Mark your calendar for May 19 from 12 - 1 in the chapel.

We are increasing the amount of information and communication about RE so we invite you to get curious! Hear what we are working on or check out the information on the RE webpage and get connected. The QR code (below) and May 19 are great places to hear more and to see all of the great ways you can support youth, support a healthy congregation, and have a great time doing it. If you are unable to attend on the 19th, but would still like to participate, me at the email address below. 

The R.E. Committee has core members who have committed to attend monthly meetings and do some tasks for the cause but the meetings are open to everyone and we really want to hear your input and have you present. You could also represent your committee or group to find out how that entity can support RE. Our next RE Committee meeting is April 21 in the chapel from 12 - 1. Ask not what R.E. can do for you... scratch that... actually DO ask what RE can do for you! AND what you can do in return. Win-win!

Signed, 

Lisa Bromfield  ljbromfield@gmail.com

Frederick Covenant of UU Pagans April Classes & Activities:

Chair and Accessible Yoga: Wednesdays at 11 AM At the UUCF with Renee

Join us Wednesdays at 11am for chair and adaptive yoga that is truly accessible to every body. Open to teens and adults that are looking to grow a yoga and meditation practice but find traditional classes uncomfortable or out of reach. Variations will be offered from a chair to allow you to gain the most from your practice. This is a great class for those recovering from an injury or seeking to improve balance, strength and flexibility. Some blocks, straps and mats will be provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Renee is certified in adaptive and trauma informed yoga and has completed her 500hr CYT certification. Please email Renee if you plan to attend and have not been to class before: healingintheshadows@gmail.com

Sunday D&D Community Campaigns: First and Third Sundays, 1 PM At the UUCF

Grab your dice and join the Frederick CUUPS community for an adventure! Our D&D Campaigns meet the first and third Sunday of the month at 1 PM. These campaigns are designed to run 'til May initially. Recommended for ages 10+. We currently have space for two campaigns of 6 players each.

The Wildling Masquerade Saturday, April 20th, 7 PM At the UUCF

Join Frederick CUUPS for a Masquerade Ball as we dance into the night with the Spring Court of Faerie! This annual fundraiser supports the Frederick Pagan Pride Day and Pagan offerings at the UUCF. Please come in a faerie or fantasy costume as we celebrate the return of spring. Purchase tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/332jjmyn

Attractions include:

• ~Spring Faerie Market
• ~Dancing to Music by The Dapper DJs
• ~Performance by Amandari Dance Company
• ~Costume Contest: Best Group, best Unseelie Court faerie, best Seelie Court faerie, best Spring faerie, best Couple

Faerie and Fantasy Attire, Masks or Elaborate Makeup Encouraged

7 pm – 12 am, 21+, BYOB No entry after 10 pm

Meeting the Heathen Gods: The Vanir Sunday, April 28th, 6 PM At the UUCF and on Zoom Join Ash Glasse, the Gothar (spiritual leader) of Elk Ridge Kindred, for an in-depth exploration of the Heathen Gods! In April, we’ll focus on the Vanir: Freyja, Freyr, and Njordh, the deities associated with the natural world, abundance/prosperity, and the elves. This class will occur both in person at the UUCF and on Zoom. Please email FCUUPS (at) gmail (dot) com for the Zoom link. Donations are appreciated, but never required. Your presence is what truly matters! We suggest a donation of $10 if you would like to contribute financially. Please bring cash or donate online at https://tinyurl.com/FCUUPS. Write in your donation amount, select frequency, and add the note “FC-Heathen” Elk Ridge Kindred practices #inclusiveheathenry and seeks to foster openness and inclusivity both individually and through our religious practices.

"Immerse yourself in a sensory journey at "PAINTING GRATITUDE: A TEA EXPERIENCE," presented by Traveler's Teahouse and Flow Enterprise. Discover how tea, a timeless muse for artists, has infused inspiration into masterpieces throughout history. Engage your senses as you sip exquisite teas, allowing their flavors and aromas to awaken your creativity. Following the tasting, each attendee will be given a Chakra card and an Angel card. Then you'll be guided through a collaborative painting project, which you'll be able to take home with you! No artistic background is necessary to participate and enjoy this communal experience. UU Members get $5 off the $45 tickets! Go to flowenterpriseteas.com or scan the QR code to reserve your spot, and prepare to paint your gratitude like never before!"

Frederick County League of Women Voters has published their pdf version of Vote411 on their website. It contains responses from each candidate to several key questions on current issues. It is especially interesting to review regarding the 17 candidates for the 3 positions on the Board of Education. Another source of information is the Maryland State Board of Elections website. Go to Hot Topics 2024 Primary, local offices, Frederick County Board of Education. You can export to Excel all the candidates, their website and email addresses. Interesting reading, very informative. The FCLWV's website also has dates, times and virtual connection information for their live candidate forums occurring scheduled through this month.

Follow UUCF on Social Media!

Announcements for our weekly e-newsletter are due by each Wednesday noon. Please keep your announcement 50 words or less. If you have a graphic for the group or organization, please include that as well. Email to office@frederickuu.org