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Something just feels "off" as we approach Labor Day.

September has long been the month when we return to our routines. Maybe we do so reluctantly, not wanting the warm, relaxing days to end, yet we are often ready to make the shift. This year feels different.  

I’m particularly aware of the many families and teachers who are bracing for September. Though school will start soon, most won’t be returning to a physical classroom, or lunchroom, or a ride on the school bus, at least not right away. And for those who are returning to buildings, the list of limitations is long.

We know teachers are being called to reimagine their roles, and to prepare to engage students in fundamentally new ways. What was learned about "virtual school" last spring that will be useful? Where are whole new approaches needed? Where have the technical platforms changed? Beyond the classroom, sports, band, chorus and scouts are all impacted.

Kids, families, and teachers are resilient and will adapt in time. While true, it is a stressful time. To the teachers and families facing these many unknowns, your congregation will be here for you. While you likely don’t yet know what will feel helpful, please know as you figure it out that we’re here.

For the rest of us, we, too, face a September that feels different. We’ll need to launch the church year in a different way (stay tuned!), and virtually everything we traditionally return to in September has been tweaked or modified.

I invite you to take a moment and reflect on how you feel as we move toward Labor Day this year and ask, how might we support one another this September? 

Please be in touch with your hopes, needs, ideas and questions - our virtual door is always open.

Anxious to see our friends? As a visual reminder of all those smiling faces, we are creating a photo directory using pictures submitted by you using smartphone "selfies" or anyway you can capture your own happy face. We will bring them all together in a booklet publication.

In the next week or so you will be contacted with instructions on how to supply us with your "portrait" and to verify your contact information. Please get a jump on this process by starting today to aim that camera at yourself and family. Wild and crazy is acceptable!

The pictures do not need to be professional quality. Let's make this fun! We just want to stay connected and being able to pick up a directory with pics of our close friends seems a way to do this.

We will publish and mail the directory to all members

and friends. 

Smile and say "UU Please"!

Because of the pandemic, Governor Larry Hogan has declared that this fall Marylanders will vote at prescribed Voting Centers – which may or may not be voters’ regular precinct location. A staff member at the Kent County Board of Elections, contacted by phone yesterday, stated that Kent County will have three Voting Centers, but the locations of these centers has not been confirmed. Another change is that the days for Early Voting have been moved forward; Early Voting will take place from October 26 through November 2, the day before Election Day. And, finally, a recent change in the law requires the State Board of Elections and each local board of elections to refer to absentee ballots as "mail-in ballots" and absentee voting as "mail-in voting." Please note that this change in terminology does NOT change the process of mail-in voting. 

 

On August 26, 1920, after 72 years of grassroots organization, clever advocacy, and relentless agitation conducted by three generations of U.S. women, the struggle was finally won and the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified. The amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied or abridged in account of sex. “

Eight days earlier, on August 18, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, making it the law of the land once certified. (In 1920 there were only 48 states, so the magic number for state ratification was 36!)

On this coming August 26 buildings and landmarks all over the country, including the Library of Congress and the National Archives, will light up in purple and gold in honor of the suffrage movement. Purple, gold, and white were the colors used by suffragists for their costumes and campaigns.

The League of Women Voters of Kent County has planned an event to celebrate the 100 years: They have rented the Chester River Packet for an evening sail. They will attach banners to the sides of the packet, touting women's right to vote in this country as they cruise down the Chester, wearing white and waving to onlookers. If you live on the river, keep an eye out on the 26th around 6 pm so you can cheer them on as they come into view!

For all of you hoarders of grocery receipts from Redner's, help has arrived! While the church is closed as a collection point, Upper Shore Aging is still serving seniors and welcomes your receipts.  You can deliver in person by driving up to the Amy Lynn Ferris Center and calling someone to come out and get your collection (410-778-2571); or you can mail them to Upper Shore Aging, 200 Schauber Rd., Chestertown, MD 21620.

Thanks go out to Margo Long from the Social Concerns Social Justice Committee for making this happen!

Rev. Sue Browning, and the Pastoral Care Associates: Kevin Brien, Gayle Folger, Nancy Holland, and Vida Morley

or for more information, contact:

Jan Whitney (Office) p: 410-778-3440 | e: uuofchesterriver@gmail.com