The old saying goes, "If you're not angry, you're not paying attention." We believe that our righteous anger is the best motivator for change, whether it's resolving a personal situation or addressing a larger social issue. What if, though, anger is the least effective tool in our toolbox? We'll explore some alternatives to righteous anger.
David Ruef will be our Worship Associate,
Priscilla Shumway will give the Time for All Ages,
with music provided by Ryan Pagels.
9:45 AM - Meditation, Upper Gage Hall Participants gather for an hour to practice insight meditation and discuss various aspects of the meditative path and its interplay with our lives. 10:30 AM - Nursery Opens, Annex - For the summer, children ages 7 and under are welcome in the nursery until 12:15pm or the conclusion of worship.
- If you need childcare to be able to attend meditation this summer, please email office@charlestonuu.org and emily@charlestonuu.org to let us know.
11:00 AM - Worship Service, Gage Hall (see more information below)
12:00 PM - Coffee Hour, Gage Hall Immediately following the service you are invited next door to join us for coffee and light refreshments in our fellowship hall.
Sunday Services in Gage Hall Until Further Notice
Due to ongoing air conditioning issues in the Sanctuary, we have decided to move Sunday worship service to Gage Hall until further notice. Over the next two weeks staff and contractors are taking a comprehensive look at the HVAC and electrical system in the Sanctuary to determine the next steps and path to get the Sanctuary reliably cool enough for Sunday services for the remainder of the summer.
We ask for and appreciate everyone's help putting up chairs immediately following service to allow space for coffee hour.
Visitors who would like to see the Sanctuary after service, can meet Jules, our Membership Coordinator, by the membership bulletin boards. From there, a member will take visitors over to see the Sanctuary.
Sign up to be a Sunday Fellowship Facilitator!GreeterFlowers
THIS WEEK AT CHURCH
Week Day Parking Lot Closure Thursday, July 30; 9:00am - 5:00pm
Jacob's Alley Parking Spaces
The church's designated parking spaces will be unavailable next Thursday July 30 from 9:00am - 5:00pm due to landscaping maintenance. If you need to come to the church during that time, please plan to park elsewhere or contact lily@charlestonuu.org in advance.
Eden Keepers Saturday, August 1; 9:00am Churchyard
The Eden Keepers gather each month to maintain our beautiful and historic churchyard. All are welcome and no gardening experience is required – simply a love of plants and an appreciation of this wonderful green space. Bring gardening tools if you have them, gloves, water to drink while working and bug spray. We will work from 9-12, weather permitting. If you can't get there at 9, come when you can!
SAVE THE DATE
Minister's Book Club 4th Sunday of the Month; 10:00am Lower Gage Hall
August 22nd - "How Western Christianity Got it Wrong: Replacing the God of fear with a spirituality of healing" by Randy Woodley
September 19th - "The AI Mirror: How to reclaim our humanity in an age of machine thinking" by Shannon Vallor (NOTE: the September meeting will be on the third Saturday)
October 24th - "A World Appears: A journey into consciousness" by Michael Pollan
Upcoming Membership Classes September 20, November 8, January 24, April 11 12:30pm in Upper Gage Hall
If you're considering membership, join us for an upcoming membership class after church this fall or next spring. RSVP to jules@charlestonuu.org
Read more about our membership programming updates in this month's Membership Moments blog HERE
SOCIAL JUSTICE SPOTLIGHT
UUSC Denounces Supreme Court Decisions Endangering People in Migration
Violence, climate change, land grabs, war, and persecution force many people to leave their homes. But instead of finding safety, they face harsh immigration laws that make their journey to freedom more difficult and dehumanizing. UUSC advocates for policies that treat people with dignity and compassion by offering spaces of welcome and strengthening access to asylum.
UUSC denounces the June 25th rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado and Mullin v. Doe, which represent a devastating setback for the human rights of people in migration, their families, communities, and everyone who cares about justice and equality. Read UUSC’s full statement here.
In keeping with UUSC’s work in solidarity with grassroots migration justice partners, two UUSC staffers recently participated in the 23rd annual Migrant Trail walk. The Migrant Trail is both a memorial and an act of solidarity with people in migration and the thousands who have died after crossing the border. You can read a blog post about this moving experience here.
🌷Call for RE Volunteers Be part of the fun, wisdom, and connection of our RE program! We are looking for volunteers to teach or support our Elementary and Youth RE programs next year. Previous teaching experience is not required.
Lesson plans and materials are provided. Just show up, facilitate, and be a supportive presence. 🙏
Flexible schedules and different levels of involvement are welcome. Email Emily, emily@charlestonuu.org if you're interested or have any questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preorder Your Church T-Shirt Preorders due August 1!
We are excited to offer two new church T-Shirts! Pre-Orders now open for the Skyline Tees in both Indigo and Rainbow Pride colorways. The shirts are 100% cotton and available in adult and youth sizes. View sizing details and shirt mockups here. For questions email Jules@charlestonuu.org. Click here to order the Indigo Shirt - $25 Click here to order the Rainbow Pride Shirt - $32
Pre-Orders are due by August 1. T-Shirts will come in early September and must be picked up from the church. Please note: PayPal may ask for a shipping address, but these T-Shirts will NOT be shipped to you. If you are unable to come pick up your shirt this fall, please contact office@charlestonuu.org to make other arrangements.
Blessing box donations can be placed directly in the box, if there is room, or in the storage cabinet in the back storage area of Gage Hall (where the folding chairs are stored.) Throughout the week, staff will refill the box outside as space allows.
To share a significant life event (births, deaths, celebrations, transitions and other joys and sorrows) send to Marcia Castano at BookOfLife@CharlestonUU.org by Saturday evenings at 6:00 p.m. or write them in person on Sunday morning.
The physical book is kept at the front of the church near the pulpit.
Interested in joining our wonderful church community?
Click here to learn more about membership.
